Ezekiel 16:62

Context

Ezekiel chapter 16 presents one of the Bible's most vivid and disturbing allegories, depicting Jerusalem (representing Israel) as an abandoned infant rescued and raised by God, only to become a promiscuous harlot who betrays Him through idolatry and alliances with foreign nations. The chapter details Israel's spiritual adultery and the severe judgment it incurred. However, amidst this graphic indictment, a surprising turn occurs. Verses 60-63 reveal God's unfathomable grace: despite Israel's profound unfaithfulness, God remembers His original covenant and promises to establish a new, everlasting covenant with her. Ezekiel 16:60 marks this shift from judgment to mercy. Verse 62, therefore, is a pivotal declaration of divine initiative and enduring faithfulness.

Key Themes

• God's Unilateral Covenant Faithfulness: The core message is God's unwavering commitment to His promises, even when His people are utterly unfaithful. He declares, "I will establish my covenant with thee," emphasizing His divine initiative and steadfast love, not Israel's merit or performance. This highlights the concept of God remaining faithful even when we are faithless.
• Restoration and Forgiveness: The establishment of a new covenant signifies profound forgiveness and a complete restoration of the relationship. It's a promise of healing after severe judgment, offering hope for renewal despite past transgressions.
• Experiential Knowledge of God: The phrase "and thou shalt know that I am the LORD" points to a deeper, experiential understanding of God's character. This knowledge is not merely intellectual assent but a profound realization of His sovereignty, power, and redemptive nature, brought about through His actions in fulfilling His covenant. It's a knowledge gained through His faithfulness, leading to repentance and humility, as indicated in the following verse.
• Divine Initiative: God is the active agent ("I will establish," "I am the LORD"). The covenant is not something Israel earns but something God graciously bestows.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew verb for "establish" (קוּם, qum) implies to raise up, confirm, or make stand. When applied to a covenant, it suggests permanence and divine fulfillment, making the covenant stand firm and enduring. The phrase "know that I am the LORD" uses the Hebrew verb יָדַע (yada') for "know," which denotes an intimate, experiential knowledge rather than just factual information. "LORD" here is the divine covenant name, YHWH (יהוה, the Tetragrammaton), signifying God's self-existent, eternal, and covenant-keeping nature. This knowledge comes directly from God's actions.

Practical Application

Ezekiel 16:62 offers immense comfort and challenge today:

• Hope for the Unfaithful: It assures us that God's grace and covenant promises are not contingent on our perfect performance. Even when we fail Him greatly, His faithfulness endures, offering a path to restoration and forgiveness. This is a powerful message of God's grace.
• True Knowledge of God: We come to truly "know" God not just by learning about Him, but by experiencing His faithfulness, His redemptive power, and His unwavering love in our lives. This experiential knowledge transforms us.
• Foundation of God's Character: Our relationship with God is ultimately founded on His steadfast character and His promises, not on our fluctuating efforts or merits. This verse anticipates the New Covenant promised in Jeremiah, which is fulfilled in Christ Jesus, where God's law is written on our hearts, leading to a deeper, internal knowledge of Him.