Ezekiel 11:16

KJV

Therefore say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Although I have cast them far off among the heathen, and although I have scattered them among the countries, yet will I be to them as a little sanctuary in the countries where they shall come.

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore say {H559}, Thus saith {H559} the Lord {H136} GOD {H3069}; Although I have cast them far off {H7368} among the heathen {H1471}, and although I have scattered {H6327} them among the countries {H776}, yet will I be to them as a little {H4592} sanctuary {H4720} in the countries {H776} where they shall come {H935}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Therefore, say that Adonai ELOHIM says this: 'True, I removed them far away among the nations and scattered them among the countries; nevertheless, I have been a little sanctuary for them in the countries to which they have gone.'

Berean Standard Bible

Therefore declare that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Although I sent them far away among the nations and scattered them among the countries, yet for a little while I have been a sanctuary for them in the countries to which they have gone.’

American Standard Version

Therefore say, Thus saith the Lord Jehovah: Whereas I have removed them far off among the nations, and whereas I have scattered them among the countries, yet will I be to them a sanctuary for a little while in the countries where they are come.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 11:16 delivers a profound message of divine faithfulness and unwavering presence amidst severe judgment and impending exile for the people of Israel. Despite God's pronouncements of their scattering among foreign nations due to their idolatry and disobedience, this verse reveals a surprising promise: that the Lord Himself would become a spiritual "little sanctuary" to them in the lands of their captivity. It underscores that God's presence is not confined to a physical temple but is intimately accessible to His covenant people, offering solace, spiritual refuge, and a means of continued communion even in their darkest hour of displacement and despair.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 11:16 stands as a pivotal moment of grace within a broader prophetic narrative dominated by pronouncements of judgment against Jerusalem and its corrupt leaders. Prior to this verse, the prophet Ezekiel details the spiritual defilement of the city, exposing the abominations committed within the Temple precincts (e.g., [Ezekiel 8](/ezekiel/8 "Ezekiel 8 - Idolatry in the Temple")). Chapters 9-10 vividly describe the execution of judgment upon the city and, most significantly, the symbolic departure of the glory of the Lord from the Temple and the city itself (e.g., [Ezekiel 10:18-19](/ezekiel/10-18 "Ezekiel 10:18-19 - The Departure of God's Glory")), culminating in its final ascent from the Mount of Olives in [Ezekiel 11:23](/ezekiel/11-23 "Ezekiel 11:23 - God's Glory Departs Jerusalem")). This departure signals the end of the old covenant order and the imminent Babylonian conquest. It is against this backdrop of divine abandonment of the physical temple and the impending physical displacement of the people that God's unexpected promise of an enduring spiritual presence emerges, offering a glimmer of hope for the exiled remnant.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical setting for Ezekiel 11:16 is the early stages of the Babylonian exile. Many prominent Judeans, including Ezekiel himself, had already been deported to Babylon in 597 BC (as detailed in [2 Kings 24:10-16](/2_kings/24-10-16 "2 Kings 24:10-16 - Jehoiachin's Captivity")). Jerusalem, though besieged, had not yet been utterly destroyed. The people who remained in Jerusalem, along with many exiles, held onto the false hope that the Temple would protect them and that their exile would be short-lived. Culturally, the Temple was the epicenter of Israelite life, representing God's dwelling place, the locus of atonement, and the very symbol of their national and religious identity. To be cast out of the land and away from the Temple was not merely a physical displacement but a profound spiritual and existential crisis, akin to being cut off from God Himself. The promise of a "little sanctuary" directly addresses this crisis, reorienting their understanding of God's presence away from a fixed geographical location to a dynamic, personal relationship that transcends physical boundaries.
* **Key Themes:** Ezekiel 11:16 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Ezekiel and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment**, demonstrating God's absolute authority to judge His people for their sin, even to the point of scattering them from their homeland as a consequence of their persistent idolatry and rebellion. Secondly, it introduces the profound theme of **God's Enduring Faithfulness and Presence**, revealing that even in judgment, God does not utterly abandon His covenant people. His presence is not contingent on their obedience or a physical structure, but on His unchanging character and covenant promises. Thirdly, the concept of a "little sanctuary" foreshadows the **Transformation of Worship and the Nature of God's Dwelling**. With the Temple destroyed, God indicates that true worship and communion can occur anywhere, laying groundwork for the synagogue system that flourished during the exile and ultimately pointing to a more spiritual, less localized form of worship, a theme further developed by Jesus in passages like [John 4:21-24](/john/4-21-24 "John 4:21-24 - True Worship in Spirit and Truth"). This verse serves as a crucial bridge between the old covenant's emphasis on a physical temple and the new covenant's emphasis on God's indwelling Spirit.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Lord GOD (Hebrew, _ʼĂdônây Yᵉhôvih'_):** This compound title (H136, H3069) emphasizes the absolute sovereignty and covenant faithfulness of God. `ʼĂdônây` (H136) is an emphatic form of "Lord," often used as a proper name for God, denoting His mastery and authority. `Yᵉhôvih` (H3069) is a variation of YHWH, the personal covenant name of God, indicating His self-existence and unchanging nature. Together, they underscore that the message comes from the supreme, covenant-keeping God, lending immense weight and certainty to His promise, even amidst judgment.
* **Scattered (Hebrew, _pûwts'_):** This primitive root (H6327) means "to dash in pieces" or "to disperse." It vividly describes the violent and widespread dispersion of the Israelites among foreign nations, portraying the act as a forceful shattering. This scattering was a direct consequence of their disobedience and God's judgment, fulfilling covenant curses. The use of this strong verb highlights the devastating reality of exile, but the verse immediately counteracts the despair of this scattering with the promise of His enduring presence.
* **Little Sanctuary (Hebrew, _mᵉʻaṭ miqdâsh'_):** This powerful phrase combines `mᵉʻaṭ` (H4592), meaning "a little" or "small," with `miqdâsh` (H4720), referring to a consecrated thing or place, most commonly the Temple or a holy place dedicated to God. When paired, it conveys a sense of a diminished or temporary form, not in the quality or power of God's presence, but in comparison to the grand, physical Temple they had lost. It suggests a portable, accessible, and perhaps less formal manifestation of holiness, suitable for their scattered condition, yet entirely sufficient for their spiritual needs. God Himself becomes the locus of holiness, accessible wherever His people are.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore say, Thus saith the Lord GOD;":** This opening phrase establishes the divine authority and absolute certainty of the message. Ezekiel is presented as a direct mouthpiece for God, ensuring that the words are not human conjecture but divine revelation. The title "Lord GOD" (ʼĂdônây Yᵉhôvih) emphasizes God's supreme sovereignty and His unwavering commitment to His covenant people, even as He delivers a message of both judgment and surprising grace.
* **"Although I have cast them far off among the heathen, and although I have scattered them among the countries,":** This clause acknowledges the harsh reality of the exiles' situation and God's active, sovereign role in it. The verbs "cast them far off" (râchaq - H7368, to remove far away) and "scattered" (pûwts - H6327, to disperse) vividly describe the forced dispersion of the Israelites from their homeland into foreign, pagan lands (`gôwy` - H1471, nations/Gentiles). This was a direct consequence of their sin and a fulfillment of covenant curses, highlighting the severity of divine judgment and the complete disruption of their national life.
* **"yet will I be to them as a little sanctuary in the countries where they shall come.":** This is the pivotal promise of the verse, offering profound hope and a radical redefinition of God's dwelling. Despite their displacement and the loss of the physical Temple, God promises to be their "little sanctuary" (`miqdâsh mᵉʻaṭ`). This means He Himself will serve as their holy dwelling place, a source of spiritual refuge, communion, and atonement, accessible to them wherever they are. It signifies that true worship and God's presence are not bound by geography or physical structures, but by His direct, personal, and faithful relationship with His people.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 11:16 is rich in literary devices that amplify its profound message of divine faithfulness amidst judgment. The most prominent is **Paradox**, as God declares He will be a "little sanctuary" at the very moment the grand, physical Temple, the traditional locus of His presence, is about to be destroyed. This creates a powerful tension, highlighting that God's presence is not confined to human constructs but transcends them. The phrase "a little sanctuary" itself functions as a potent **Metaphor**, where God is directly equated with a sacred space, providing refuge and holiness. This is further emphasized by the stark **Contrast** between the act of scattering and the promise of intimate presence; the vastness of their dispersion is met by the concentrated, personal presence of God. The entire verse is framed as a **Divine Oracle** ("Thus saith the Lord GOD"), lending it absolute authority, certainty, and an undeniable prophetic weight. Finally, the repetition of "although I have cast them far off... and although I have scattered them" employs **Anaphora**, underscoring the severity and certainty of the judgment while powerfully setting the stage for the dramatic and unexpected shift to God's merciful promise.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 11:16 stands as a powerful testament to God's unwavering covenant faithfulness, demonstrating that His presence is not contingent upon human circumstances, physical structures, or even the people's obedience. It reveals a profound theological truth: while God may use judgment to discipline His people, He never utterly abandons them. This verse foreshadows a more spiritual understanding of God's dwelling, moving beyond the confines of a physical temple to an intimate, personal presence with His scattered people. This concept was vital for the development of the synagogue system during the exile, where communities gathered for worship and study without a central temple, and it ultimately points to the New Covenant reality of God dwelling within believers through His Spirit, making every believer a temple of the Holy Spirit. It affirms that God is sovereign over all circumstances, transforming even punishment into an opportunity for deeper reliance on Him.

* [Psalm 46:1](/psalm/46-1 "Psalm 46:1 - God Our Refuge and Strength")
* [Isaiah 43:2](/isaiah/43-2 "Isaiah 43:2 - God's Presence Through Trials")
* [Jeremiah 31:31-33](/jeremiah/31-31-33 "Jeremiah 31:31-33 - The New Covenant")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 11:16 offers enduring comfort and profound spiritual insight for believers today. It assures us that God's presence is not limited by our circumstances, our geographical location, or even our past failures. Whether we experience personal "exile" through hardship, loneliness, professional displacement, or a sense of being far from what we perceive as "holy ground," God promises to be our ever-present sanctuary. This verse challenges us to re-evaluate where we seek our security and spiritual solace, reminding us that true worship and communion with God are not dependent on physical buildings, perfect conditions, or ideal circumstances, but on a personal, spiritual relationship with Him. In a world of constant change, uncertainty, and often-unforeseen trials, knowing that the Lord Himself is our accessible, intimate sanctuary provides an anchor for the soul, transforming moments of vulnerability into opportunities for deeper reliance on His faithful and indwelling presence. It calls us to recognize His holiness in the mundane and His nearness in our most scattered moments.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you currently feel "scattered" or "far off" from a sense of God's presence or security? How might this verse encourage you in those moments?**
* **What does it practically mean for God to be "a little sanctuary" in your everyday life, and how can you cultivate a deeper awareness of His indwelling presence regardless of your physical location or circumstances?**
* **How does this verse challenge any tendency you might have to limit God's presence or activity to specific places, religious rituals, or ideal conditions?**

### FAQ
**What does "a little sanctuary" mean in Ezekiel 11:16?**

Answer: The phrase "a little sanctuary" (Hebrew: *miqdâsh mᵉʻaṭ*) signifies that even though the grand Temple in Jerusalem, the physical dwelling place of God's glory, was destined for destruction and the people were exiled, God Himself would become a spiritual, portable, and accessible holy place for them wherever they were scattered. It implies that God's presence and the means of communion with Him are not confined to a physical building or a specific geographical location. He would serve as their source of holiness, refuge, comfort, and a place for atonement and worship, enabling them to maintain their faith and relationship with Him even in foreign lands. This concept was crucial for the survival of Israelite faith during the Babylonian exile, leading to the development of synagogues as centers of worship and study. It emphasizes God's personal accessibility over a fixed, physical structure.

**How does this verse relate to God's judgment on Israel?**

Answer: Ezekiel 11:16 is deeply intertwined with God's judgment on Israel. Prior to this verse, God pronounces severe judgment on Jerusalem's wicked leaders and promises the city's destruction and the people's dispersion due to their idolatry and disobedience (e.g., [Ezekiel 9](/ezekiel/9 "Ezekiel 9 - The Slaughter of Jerusalem")). The "casting far off" and "scattering among the countries" are direct consequences of this judgment, fulfilling covenant curses for disobedience (cf. [Deuteronomy 28:64](/deuteronomy/28-64 "Deuteronomy 28:64 - Scattering Among the Nations")). However, the verse also reveals God's profound mercy and faithfulness *within* judgment. It shows that even in discipline, God does not utterly abandon His covenant people. The promise of being "a little sanctuary" ensures that while they face the consequences of their sin, they are not utterly cut off from His presence and provision, offering a glimmer of hope and a means of spiritual survival amidst the severity of their punishment.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 11:16 finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The promise of God being a "little sanctuary" for His scattered people foreshadows the profound truth that in Christ, God's dwelling place is no longer a physical temple, but a living, breathing person, and through Him, a spiritual reality within believers. Jesus Himself declared, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up," referring to [the temple of His body](/john/2-19 "John 2:19 - Jesus Predicts His Resurrection"). He is the ultimate "sanctuary," the very embodiment of God's presence among humanity, the Word made flesh who "dwelt among us" ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). Through His atoning sacrifice, Christ gathers those who were "scattered" by sin and brings them near to God ([Ephesians 2:13](/ephesians/2-13 "Ephesians 2:13 - Made Near by the Blood of Christ")). Furthermore, the New Testament reveals that through the Holy Spirit, believers themselves become the temple of God ([1 Corinthians 3:16](/1_corinthians/3-16 "1 Corinthians 3:16 - You Are God's Temple"), [1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Your Body is a Temple of the Holy Spirit")), fulfilling the promise of God's intimate, indwelling presence regardless of physical location or external circumstances. In Christ, the "little sanctuary" becomes a universal, spiritual reality, culminating in the vision of the New Jerusalem where there is no need for a temple, "for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it" ([Revelation 21:22](/revelation/21-22 "Revelation 21:22 - God and the Lamb are the Temple")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Isaiah 8:14

And he shall be for a sanctuary; but for a stone of stumbling and for a rock of offence to both the houses of Israel, for a gin and for a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem.

Psalms 90:1

¶ A Prayer of Moses the man of God. Lord, thou hast been our dwelling place in all generations.

Leviticus 26:44

And yet for all that, when they be in the land of their enemies, I will not cast them away, neither will I abhor them, to destroy them utterly, and to break my covenant with them: for I [am] the LORD their God.

Jeremiah 31:10

¶ Hear the word of the LORD, O ye nations, and declare [it] in the isles afar off, and say, He that scattered Israel will gather him, and keep him, as a shepherd [doth] his flock.

Psalms 31:20

Thou shalt hide them in the secret of thy presence from the pride of man: thou shalt keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues.

Psalms 44:11

Thou hast given us like sheep [appointed] for meat; and hast scattered us among the heathen.

Proverbs 18:10

¶ The name of the LORD [is] a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.