Ezekiel 20:23
I lifted up mine hand unto them also in the wilderness, that I would scatter them among the heathen, and disperse them through the countries;
Original Language Analysis
גַּם
H1571
גַּם
Strong's:
H1571
Word #:
1 of 13
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
נָשָׂ֧אתִי
I lifted up
H5375
נָשָׂ֧אתִי
I lifted up
Strong's:
H5375
Word #:
3 of 13
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
4 of 13
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
יָדִ֛י
mine hand
H3027
יָדִ֛י
mine hand
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
5 of 13
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
בַּמִּדְבָּ֑ר
unto them also in the wilderness
H4057
בַּמִּדְבָּ֑ר
unto them also in the wilderness
Strong's:
H4057
Word #:
7 of 13
a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert
לְהָפִ֤יץ
that I would scatter
H6327
לְהָפִ֤יץ
that I would scatter
Strong's:
H6327
Word #:
8 of 13
to dash in pieces, literally or figuratively (especially to disperse)
אֹתָם֙
H853
אֹתָם֙
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
9 of 13
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בַּגּוֹיִ֔ם
them among the heathen
H1471
בַּגּוֹיִ֔ם
them among the heathen
Strong's:
H1471
Word #:
10 of 13
a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts
וּלְזָר֥וֹת
and disperse
H2219
וּלְזָר֥וֹת
and disperse
Strong's:
H2219
Word #:
11 of 13
to toss about; by implication, to diffuse, winnow
Historical Context
Deuteronomy 28:64-68 and Leviticus 26:33 warned of exile for covenant violation. The northern kingdom's fall (722 BC) and Judah's exile (586 BC) fulfilled these warnings. Ezekiel's audience, already experiencing this judgment, needed to understand it was long-decreed consequence of persistent rebellion.
Questions for Reflection
- How do we understand God's delayed judgment without presuming it won't come?
- What does the certainty of God's oaths teach about the reliability of both His promises and warnings?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
'I lifted up mine hand unto them also in the wilderness, that I would scatter them among the heathen, and disperse them through the countries.' Despite forbearance, God oaths that future judgment will come: scattering and dispersion. This prophesies the exile—Assyrian deportation (722 BC) and Babylonian exile (586 BC). The oath in the wilderness anticipates judgment centuries later. God's warnings are certain even when delayed.