Ezekiel 20:22

Authorized King James Version

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Nevertheless I withdrew mine hand, and wrought for my name's sake, that it should not be polluted in the sight of the heathen, in whose sight I brought them forth.

Original Language Analysis

וַהֲשִׁבֹ֙תִי֙ Nevertheless I withdrew H7725
וַהֲשִׁבֹ֙תִי֙ Nevertheless I withdrew
Strong's: H7725
Word #: 1 of 14
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
אֶת H853
אֶת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 2 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
יָדִ֔י mine hand H3027
יָדִ֔י mine hand
Strong's: H3027
Word #: 3 of 14
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
וָאַ֖עַשׂ and wrought H6213
וָאַ֖עַשׂ and wrought
Strong's: H6213
Word #: 4 of 14
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
לְמַ֣עַן H4616
לְמַ֣עַן
Strong's: H4616
Word #: 5 of 14
properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that
שְׁמִ֑י for my name's H8034
שְׁמִ֑י for my name's
Strong's: H8034
Word #: 6 of 14
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
לְבִלְתִּ֤י H1115
לְבִלְתִּ֤י
Strong's: H1115
Word #: 7 of 14
properly, a failure of, i.e., (used only as a negative particle, usually with a prepositional prefix) not, except, without, unless, besides, because n
הֵחֵל֙ sake that it should not be polluted H2490
הֵחֵל֙ sake that it should not be polluted
Strong's: H2490
Word #: 8 of 14
properly, to bore, i.e., (by implication) to wound, to dissolve; figuratively, to profane (a person, place or thing), to break (one's word), to begin
לְעֵינֵיהֶֽם׃ in the sight H5869
לְעֵינֵיהֶֽם׃ in the sight
Strong's: H5869
Word #: 9 of 14
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
הַגּוֹיִ֔ם of the heathen H1471
הַגּוֹיִ֔ם of the heathen
Strong's: H1471
Word #: 10 of 14
a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts
אֲשֶׁר H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's: H834
Word #: 11 of 14
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
הוֹצֵ֥אתִי I brought them forth H3318
הוֹצֵ֥אתִי I brought them forth
Strong's: H3318
Word #: 12 of 14
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
אוֹתָ֖ם H853
אוֹתָ֖ם
Strong's: H853
Word #: 13 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
לְעֵינֵיהֶֽם׃ in the sight H5869
לְעֵינֵיהֶֽם׃ in the sight
Strong's: H5869
Word #: 14 of 14
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

Analysis & Commentary

'Nevertheless I withdrew mine hand, and wrought for my name's sake, that it should not be polluted in the sight of the heathen, in whose sight I brought them forth.' God withdraws from judgment (again!) for His name's sake. The threefold repetition of this principle (verses 9, 14, 22) emphasizes its importance. God's reputation among nations consistently motivates His forbearance. His covenant faithfulness doesn't depend on Israel's worthiness but on His character.

Historical Context

This persistent pattern of rebellion followed by divine forbearance characterizes Israel's entire history. God's long-suffering patience repeatedly delayed deserved judgment. Romans 2:4 asks, 'despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?'

Questions for Reflection

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