Ezekiel 16:62

KJV

And I will establish my covenant with thee; and thou shalt know that I [am] the LORD:

KJV (with Strong's)

And I will establish {H6965} my covenant {H1285} with thee; and thou shalt know {H3045} that I am the LORD {H3068}:

Complete Jewish Bible

and I will re-establish my covenant with you. Then you will know that I am ADONAI;

Berean Standard Bible

So I will establish My covenant with you, and you will know that I am the LORD,

American Standard Version

And I will establish my covenant with thee; and thou shalt know that I am Jehovah;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 16:62 stands as a profound declaration of Yahweh's unwavering faithfulness and sovereign initiative amidst Israel's profound spiritual infidelity. Following a scathing indictment of Jerusalem's harlotry and idolatry, this verse pivots dramatically to a promise of divine grace, asserting God's unilateral commitment to re-establish His covenant. It signifies not only a restoration of relationship but also a deeper, experiential knowledge of God's true identity and character, brought about by His redemptive actions rather than human merit.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel chapter 16 is a powerful and disturbing allegory, portraying Jerusalem (representing the nation of Israel) as an abandoned infant rescued, nurtured, and adorned by God, only to become a promiscuous harlot who betrays her divine Husband through idolatry and illicit political alliances with foreign nations. The bulk of the chapter (vv. 1-59) meticulously details Israel's spiritual adultery and the severe judgment it incurred, culminating in her utter humiliation and desolation. However, a surprising and pivotal shift occurs in verses 60-63. Despite Israel's profound and persistent unfaithfulness, God declares His intention to remember His original covenant (v. 60) and, astonishingly, to establish a new, everlasting covenant with her. Verse 62, therefore, is a central declaration within this turn, articulating the divine initiative to renew the covenant relationship, not based on Israel's worthiness, but solely on God's steadfast love and sovereign purpose, leading to a transformative knowledge of His identity. This unexpected grace underscores the depth of God's mercy, even in the face of egregious sin, and sets the stage for the ultimate restoration promised in [Ezekiel 36](/ezekiel/36 "Ezekiel 36 - Israel's Restoration").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy of Ezekiel was delivered to the Jewish exiles in Babylon during a period of national catastrophe (c. 593-571 BC). Jerusalem had fallen, the Temple was destroyed, and the people were in exile, grappling with the theological implications of their suffering. They questioned God's faithfulness and their own identity as His chosen people. In this context, the covenant, particularly the Mosaic Covenant established at [Mount Sinai](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - The Covenant at Sinai"), was central to Israel's understanding of its relationship with God. The allegory of marriage was a common biblical metaphor for the covenant relationship between Yahweh and Israel, making Israel's idolatry a form of spiritual adultery. The promise to "establish my covenant" would have resonated deeply with a people who felt their covenant had been broken and their relationship with God severed. The concept of "knowing" God (yada') in the ancient Near East was not merely intellectual assent but an intimate, experiential knowledge gained through relationship and shared experience, often involving loyalty and obedience. This verse promises that Israel's future knowledge of God will be a direct result of His redemptive actions, confirming His identity as the sovereign [LORD of all creation](/psalms/24-1 "Psalm 24:1 - The Earth is the Lord's").
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Ezekiel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **God's Unilateral Covenant Faithfulness**, emphasizing that His commitment to His promises is not contingent upon human performance but flows from His immutable character. Even when Israel has utterly failed, God declares, "I will establish my covenant," underscoring His divine initiative and steadfast love. This echoes the truth found in [2 Timothy 2:13](/2_timothy/2-13 "2 Timothy 2:13 - God Remains Faithful"). Secondly, it speaks to **Restoration and Forgiveness**, signifying a profound act of grace that transcends judgment. The establishment of a new covenant implies a complete renewal of the relationship, offering hope for healing and reconciliation despite past transgressions. Thirdly, the phrase "and thou shalt know that I am the LORD" points to an **Experiential and Transformative Knowledge of God**. This is not merely intellectual understanding but a deep, personal realization of His sovereignty, power, and redemptive nature, brought about by His faithful actions. This knowledge is intended to lead to repentance and humility, as further elaborated in [Ezekiel 16:63](/ezekiel/16-63 "Ezekiel 16:63 - Remembering and Being Ashamed"). Finally, the verse underscores **Divine Sovereignty and Initiative**, affirming that God is the active agent in salvation. The covenant is not something Israel earns but something God graciously bestows and confirms, demonstrating His absolute control and benevolent purpose.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **establish (Hebrew, _qûwm'_):** H6965, a primitive root; to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative); abide, accomplish, [idiom] be clearer, confirm, continue, decree, [idiom] be dim, endure, [idiom] enemy, enjoin, get up, make good, help, hold, (help to) lift up (again), make, [idiom] but newly, ordain, perform, pitch, raise (up), rear (up), remain, (a-) rise (up) (again, against), rouse up, set (up), (e-) stablish, (make to) stand (up), stir up, strengthen, succeed, (as-, make) sure(-ly), (be) up(-hold, -rising). In this context, "establish" signifies God's active power in upholding and bringing to fruition His promises, ensuring the covenant's stability and effectiveness. It implies making the covenant permanent, enduring, and divinely fulfilled.
* **covenant (Hebrew, _bᵉrîyth'_):** H1285, from בָּרָה (in the sense of cutting (like בָּרָא)); a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh); confederacy, (con-) feder(-ate), covenant, league. In this context, it refers to a solemn agreement initiated by God, establishing a binding relationship with His people. Here, it is uniquely re-established unilaterally by God's grace, emphasizing His commitment despite Israel's unfaithfulness.
* **know (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ'_):** H3045, a primitive root; to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including observation, care, recognition; and causatively, instruction, designation, punishment, etc.); acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. This is not merely intellectual assent but a profound, transformative understanding gained through personal encounter and the realization of God's character through His actions.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** H3068, from הָיָה; (the) self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God; Jehovah, the Lord. Compare יָהּ, יְהֹוִה. This is the sacred, covenantal name of God, YHWH (the Tetragrammaton), revealing His eternal, unchanging nature and His commitment to His covenant promises. The phrase "know that I am the LORD" is a recurring motif in Ezekiel, emphasizing God's self-revelation through judgment and salvation, leading to an undeniable recognition of His sovereign authority.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I will establish my covenant with thee;":** This clause highlights God's sovereign and unilateral initiative. Despite Israel's profound unfaithfulness, God, out of His own character and purpose, declares His intention to make His covenant firm and enduring. The future tense "I will establish" emphasizes divine agency and the certainty of this promise. It points to a new phase of the covenant relationship, one not contingent on Israel's performance but on God's steadfast love and power to fulfill. This is a promise of divine grace that transcends past failures and looks toward a future of restoration, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to His redemptive plan.
* **"and thou shalt know that I [am] the LORD:":** This second clause reveals the ultimate purpose and outcome of God's covenant re-establishment. Through God's faithful actions in restoring the covenant, Israel will come to a profound, experiential knowledge of His true identity as YHWH, the self-existent, covenant-keeping God. This "knowing" is not abstract or merely intellectual but a deep, transformative recognition of His sovereignty, power, and redemptive nature, brought about by their undeniable experience of His faithfulness. It signifies the end of their spiritual ignorance and idolatry, as they will undeniably witness and experience His unique deity and authority, leading to humility and a renewed relationship.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 16:62, within its broader context, makes significant use of **Allegory**, where Jerusalem is personified as an unfaithful wife, allowing for a vivid and emotionally charged depiction of Israel's spiritual adultery and God's righteous judgment and subsequent surprising grace. The entire chapter serves as an extended **Metaphor** for the covenant relationship between God and His people, using the intimate imagery of marriage to convey the depth of both betrayal and faithful love. The phrase "know that I am the LORD" is a recurring **Motto** or **Refrain** throughout the book of Ezekiel, serving as a theological anchor that emphasizes God's self-revelation through His mighty acts, whether in judgment or salvation. This repetition underscores the ultimate goal of God's dealings with humanity: that His unique identity and sovereignty be recognized. The verse also employs **Divine Speech**, marked by the first-person pronoun "I," which powerfully conveys God's direct, authoritative, and unchangeable declaration of His intent and character, highlighting His active role in the covenant's establishment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 16:62 serves as a pivotal declaration of God's covenant faithfulness, demonstrating that His commitment to His people is rooted in His own immutable character, not their fluctuating obedience. This verse foreshadows the New Covenant, where God's law is written on the heart, and the knowledge of Him becomes intimate and universal. It underscores the profound truth that salvation is ultimately a work of divine grace, initiated and sustained by God alone. Even in the face of profound human failure, God's redemptive purpose prevails, leading to a deeper, transformative understanding of who He is. This re-establishment of the covenant, born out of divine mercy, promises a future where a true and lasting relationship with God is possible, founded on His unwavering love and power.

* [Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31 "Jeremiah 31:31-34 - The Promise of a New Covenant"): This passage directly prophesies the New Covenant, emphasizing God's initiative to write His law on their hearts and declaring, "they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest."
* [Hebrews 8:8-12](/hebrews/8-8 "Hebrews 8:8-12 - The Superiority of the New Covenant"): Cites Jeremiah 31, explaining how the New Covenant, mediated by Christ, makes the old one obsolete, establishing a superior relationship based on grace and an internalized knowledge of God.
* [Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God's Love While We Were Still Sinners"): Affirms God's love for humanity even while they were still sinners, paralleling Ezekiel's message of God's grace extended to an unfaithful Israel.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 16:62 offers profound comfort and challenge for believers today. It reminds us that God's covenant faithfulness is the bedrock of our hope, not our own merit or performance. In moments of profound failure, when we feel we have utterly betrayed God's trust, this verse assures us that His grace is greater than our sin. He remains committed to His promises, and His desire is for restoration and a deeper relationship. Our "knowing" of God is not merely intellectual assent to theological truths but an experiential encounter with His redemptive power in our lives. As we witness His faithfulness, His forgiveness, and His transforming work, our understanding of His character deepens, leading to genuine humility and a renewed desire to walk in His ways. This verse calls us to trust in God's unwavering character, to embrace His grace, and to allow His actions to shape our understanding of who He truly is, transforming our hearts and lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's unilateral decision to "establish" His covenant, despite Israel's unfaithfulness, challenge your understanding of grace and divine love?**
* **In what ways have you experientially "known" the LORD in your own life, beyond mere intellectual understanding?**
* **What specific areas of your life need to be brought under the transforming knowledge of God's sovereignty and faithfulness, as revealed in this verse?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean for God to "establish" His covenant with an unfaithful people?**

Answer: To "establish" (Hebrew: *qûwm*) the covenant means God will make it stand firm, confirm it, and bring it to full realization. In the context of Ezekiel 16:62, it signifies God's sovereign initiative to renew and secure His covenant relationship with Israel, despite their profound spiritual adultery and rebellion. It highlights that this re-establishment is not earned by Israel's merit or repentance, but flows solely from God's unchanging character and gracious purpose. It points to a new, unbreakable covenant that God Himself will uphold, ensuring its permanence and effectiveness. This divine action demonstrates God's steadfast love and commitment to His promises, even when His people are utterly undeserving, as seen in the later promise of a new heart in [Ezekiel 36:26-27](/ezekiel/36-26 "Ezekiel 36:26-27 - A New Heart and Spirit").

**How does the "knowing" of the LORD in this verse differ from simply having information about Him?**

Answer: The Hebrew word for "know" (*yâdaʻ*) in this verse implies a deep, intimate, and experiential knowledge, far beyond mere intellectual understanding or factual information. It's a knowledge gained through personal encounter, relationship, and the direct experience of God's actions. When God says, "thou shalt know that I am the LORD," He means that through His re-establishment of the covenant and His redemptive work, Israel will come to a profound, undeniable realization of His unique identity, sovereignty, and faithfulness. This knowledge is transformative, leading to humility, repentance, and a true recognition of His deity, as described in [Ezekiel 16:63](/ezekiel/16-63 "Ezekiel 16:63 - Remembering and Being Ashamed"). It's a knowing that changes one's heart and life, acknowledging God's rightful place as the supreme LORD.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 16:62, with its promise of God's re-establishing His covenant and bringing His people to a true knowledge of Himself, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The "new covenant" promised here and elaborated upon in Jeremiah (e.g., [Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31 "Jeremiah 31:31-34 - The New Covenant Prophecy")) is definitively inaugurated through Christ's sacrificial death and resurrection. Jesus Himself declares at the Last Supper that His blood is "the new covenant in my blood" ([Luke 22:20](/luke/22-20 "Luke 22:20 - The New Covenant in His Blood")), establishing a covenant not based on human performance or external law, but on His perfect obedience and atoning work. Through Christ, God's promise to "establish my covenant" is made eternally secure, a covenant of grace that cannot be broken by human unfaithfulness. Furthermore, the experiential "knowing that I am the LORD" is fully realized in Christ. To know Jesus is to know the Father ([John 14:7](/john/14-7 "John 14:7 - Knowing the Father Through Jesus")), and eternal life itself is defined as "that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent" ([John 17:3](/john/17-3 "John 17:3 - Eternal Life is Knowing God")). Through the indwelling Holy Spirit, believers in Christ are given a new heart and a transformed mind, enabling an intimate, personal, and ever-deepening knowledge of God's character and His redemptive power, fulfilling the very essence of Ezekiel's prophecy. This new covenant in Christ is the ultimate expression of God's unilateral faithfulness, bringing reconciliation and true spiritual understanding to all who believe.

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

Jeremiah 24:7

And I will give them an heart to know me, that I [am] the LORD: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God: for they shall return unto me with their whole heart.

Ezekiel 6:7

And the slain shall fall in the midst of you, and ye shall know that I [am] the LORD.

Ezekiel 20:43

And there shall ye remember your ways, and all your doings, wherein ye have been defiled; and ye shall lothe yourselves in your own sight for all your evils that ye have committed.

Ezekiel 20:44

And ye shall know that I [am] the LORD, when I have wrought with you for my name's sake, not according to your wicked ways, nor according to your corrupt doings, O ye house of Israel, saith the Lord GOD.

Ezekiel 39:22

So the house of Israel shall know that I [am] the LORD their God from that day and forward.

Ezekiel 16:60

¶ Nevertheless I will remember my covenant with thee in the days of thy youth, and I will establish unto thee an everlasting covenant.

Hosea 2:18

And in that day will I make a covenant for them with the beasts of the field, and with the fowls of heaven, and [with] the creeping things of the ground: and I will break the bow and the sword and the battle out of the earth, and will make them to lie down safely.