Ezekiel 20:27
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Ezekiel 20:27
27 Therefore, son of man, speak unto the house of Israel, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Yet in this your fathers have blasphemed me, in that they have committed a trespass against me.
Chapter Context
Ezekiel 20 is a prophetic vision chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of grace, prayer, creation. Written during the Babylonian exile (c. 593-570 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Ministered to exiles in Babylon with visions of God's glory and future restoration.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-49: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it contributes to the biblical metanarrative of redemption. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Ezekiel and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Ezekiel 20:27
27 Therefore, son of man, speak unto the house of Israel, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Yet in this your fathers have blasphemed me, in that they have committed a trespass against me.
Analysis
'Therefore, son of man, speak unto the house of Israel, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Yet in this your fathers have blasphemed me, in that they have committed a trespass against me.' Moving to the promised land period, God indicts continuing blasphemy despite being brought into the promised land. 'Blasphemed' (gadheph) means reviling or insulting God. 'Committed a trespass' (ma'al) indicates treacherous unfaithfulness. Even God's gift of the land didn't produce gratitude and obedience.
Historical Context
The conquest and settlement period (Joshua-Judges) showed persistent compromise. Israel failed to drive out Canaanites fully, intermarried with them, and adopted their worship practices. The cyclical pattern in Judges demonstrates ongoing unfaithfulness despite experiencing God's deliverance.
Reflection
- How do we blaspheme God through ingratitude for His blessings?
- What does Israel's pattern teach about human nature's tendency to take God's gifts for granted?
Word Studies
- Lord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai) H136 - The LORD / Lord
Cross-References
- References God: Ezekiel 3:11, 3:27, Romans 2:24
- References Israel: Ezekiel 3:4
- Parallel theme: Ezekiel 2:7