Ezekiel 20:38
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Ezekiel 20:38
38 And I will purge out from among you the rebels, and them that transgress against me: I will bring them forth out of the country where they sojourn, and they shall not enter into the land of Israel: and ye shall know that I am the LORD.
Chapter Context
Ezekiel 20 is a prophetic vision chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of righteousness, worship, faith. 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 demonstrates God's faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. 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 20:38
38 And I will purge out from among you the rebels, and them that transgress against me: I will bring them forth out of the country where they sojourn, and they shall not enter into the land of Israel: and ye shall know that I am the LORD.
Analysis
'And I will purge out from among you the rebels, and them that transgress against me: I will bring them forth out of the country where they sojourn, and they shall not enter into the land of Israel: and ye shall know that I am the LORD.' God promises to purge rebels, preventing unrepentant idolaters from entering restored Israel. As the wilderness generation perished before entering the promised land, unrepentant exiles won't experience restoration. This establishes that restoration is for the faithful remnant, not automatic for all ethnic Israel.
Historical Context
Not all exiles returned—some remained in Babylon, some assimilated into pagan culture. The return required faith and commitment. In eschatological fulfillment, not all ethnic Israel is saved, only the remnant according to election (Romans 9:6-8, 11:1-5). Salvation is through faith, not ethnicity.
Reflection
- How does God's purging of rebels demonstrate that covenant blessing requires faith, not mere ethnicity?
- What does the faithful remnant theme teach about God's preservation of His people?
Word Studies
- Lord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai) H3068 - The LORD / Lord
Cross-References
- References Lord: Ezekiel 6:7, 11:21, 13:9, 15:7, 23:49, Psalms 9:16
- Parallel theme: Psalms 95:11, Jeremiah 44:14