Ezekiel 20:17

KJV

Nevertheless mine eye spared them from destroying them, neither did I make an end of them in the wilderness.

KJV (with Strong's)

Nevertheless mine eye {H5869} spared {H2347} them from destroying {H7843} them, neither did I make {H6213} an end {H3617} of them in the wilderness {H4057}.

Complete Jewish Bible

However, I spared them from complete destruction; I did not completely finish them off in the desert.

Berean Standard Bible

Yet I looked on them with pity and did not destroy them or bring them to an end in the wilderness.

American Standard Version

Nevertheless mine eye spared them, and I destroyed them not, neither did I make a full end of them in the wilderness.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 20:17 stands as a profound declaration of God's enduring mercy and steadfast forbearance towards the rebellious nation of Israel during their forty years of wandering in the wilderness. Despite their persistent idolatry, grumbling, and covenant breaking, the Lord, out of His own compassionate character and for the sake of His holy name, chose not to unleash His full destructive wrath upon them, thereby preserving a remnant and demonstrating His unwavering commitment to His covenant people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 20 is a powerful prophetic discourse delivered by God through the prophet Ezekiel to the elders of Israel who sought a word from the Lord. The chapter opens with God's stern refusal to be inquired of by those who persist in idolatry, setting a somber tone for the historical review that follows. God then launches into a detailed recounting of Israel's pervasive rebellion, tracing it from their time in Egypt, through the wilderness, and into the Promised Land, culminating in their current exile. This particular verse, [Ezekiel 20:17](/ezekiel/20-17 "Ezekiel 20:17 - God's Mercy in the Wilderness"), is strategically placed within the wilderness narrative, immediately following God's commands and Israel's immediate, repeated rebellion against them (e.g., [Ezekiel 20:13](/ezekiel/20-13 "Ezekiel 20:13 - Israel's Rebellion and Sabbath Profanation")). It functions as a striking counterpoint to the repeated threats of divine judgment and the actual consequences of their sin, emphasizing God's "nevertheless" mercy that restrained His hand from complete annihilation. This divine forbearance sets the stage for subsequent warnings about future judgment, yet also holds out the possibility of eventual restoration, rooted in God's faithfulness to His name.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy of Ezekiel was delivered to the Jewish exiles in Babylon, specifically between 593 and 571 BCE, following the initial deportations from Judah. The elders' inquiry to Ezekiel reflects a people grappling with the reasons for their exile, perhaps seeking assurance or understanding of God's justice amidst their suffering. The extensive historical review in [Ezekiel 20](/ezekiel/20 "Ezekiel 20 - Israel's Rebellious History") serves as a divine indictment, reminding them that their current predicament is not arbitrary but the culmination of centuries of covenant unfaithfulness, a pattern that began even before the Exodus from Egypt. The wilderness generation, the direct focus of [Ezekiel 20:17](/ezekiel/20-17 "Ezekiel 20:17 - God's Mercy in the Wilderness"), represents the foundational period of Israel's national identity and their covenant relationship with Yahweh. Their repeated acts of rebellion, despite miraculous divine provision (such as manna and water) and the tangible presence of God (the pillar of cloud and fire), underscored the deep-seated spiritual sickness that plagued the nation. In this context, God's restraint of judgment, preventing their total destruction, becomes an even more remarkable demonstration of His unique character and covenant commitment.
* **Key Themes:** The overarching theme in [Ezekiel 20](/ezekiel/20 "Ezekiel 20 - Israel's Rebellious History") is the profound tension between Israel's persistent and pervasive rebellion and God's unwavering covenant faithfulness, often expressed through His profound mercy. [Ezekiel 20:17](/ezekiel/20-17 "Ezekiel 20:17 - God's Mercy in the Wilderness") powerfully highlights the theme of **Divine Mercy and Forbearance**, demonstrating God's sovereign choice to withhold deserved judgment, not based on Israel's merit but on His own character and commitment to the glory of His name. This divine mercy is sharply contrasted with the pervasive theme of **Israel's Stubborn Disobedience and Idolatry**, which is meticulously cataloged throughout the chapter, from their refusal to abandon Egyptian idols ([Ezekiel 20:7-8](/ezekiel/20-7 "Ezekiel 20:7-8 - Rebellion in Egypt")) to their profaning of the Sabbaths ([Ezekiel 20:13](/ezekiel/20-13 "Ezekiel 20:13 - Profaning the Sabbaths")). The verse also subtly touches upon **God's Sovereignty and Purpose**, as His decision to spare them was part of His larger, unchangeable plan to preserve a people through whom His redemptive purposes for all humanity would eventually be fulfilled, despite their unworthiness.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **eye (Hebrew, _ʻayin'_):** This word, often translated as "eye," here functions as an anthropomorphism for God's watchful care, attention, and compassionate regard. It signifies not merely passive observation, but active consideration and a deliberate choice to intervene or, in this case, to refrain from action. In this context, God's "eye" is one of pity and compassion, actively choosing to look upon them with mercy rather than with the full force of judgment they deserved.
* **spared (Hebrew, _chûwç'_):** A primitive root meaning "to cover," this word conveys the idea of compassion, pity, or the act of withholding judgment or destruction. It implies a deliberate choice not to inflict harm or to protect from harm. Here, it emphasizes God's active decision to restrain His wrath, despite the extreme provocation of Israel's rebellion, demonstrating a core aspect of His merciful character.
* **end (Hebrew, _kâlâh'_):** This term signifies completion, consumption, or utter destruction. When used in the context of divine judgment, it implies total annihilation or eradication. The phrase "make an end of them" therefore means to bring them to a complete and utter finish, to wipe them out entirely. God's explicit declaration that He did *not* make an end of them underscores the profound depth of His mercy in preventing their complete destruction as a people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Nevertheless mine eye spared them from destroying them":** This clause highlights God's compassionate and deliberate intervention. Despite the Israelites' persistent rebellion and idolatry, which justly deserved utter destruction, God's "eye" (His watchful, merciful gaze) actively chose to "spare" them. This implies a deliberate restraint of His righteous judgment, preventing the complete annihilation that their actions warranted. It underscores that His mercy was not passive but an active, sovereign decision rooted in His character and covenant faithfulness.
* **"neither did I make an end of them in the wilderness":** This second clause reinforces the extent and location of God's mercy. The "wilderness" was a place of testing, hardship, and frequent rebellion, where Israel repeatedly provoked God to wrath. Yet, God explicitly states that He did not bring about their total "end" or complete destruction as a nation. This emphasizes His long-suffering patience and His unwavering commitment to preserving His covenant people, even when they were most undeserving and vulnerable, ensuring the continuation of His redemptive plan.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 20:17 employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message of divine forbearance. The phrase "mine eye spared them" is a clear example of **Anthropomorphism**, attributing a human characteristic (an "eye" that "spares") to God. This device makes God's actions relatable and emphasizes His personal, active involvement and compassionate gaze upon His people. There is also a strong element of **Contrast** woven throughout the verse and the broader chapter: Israel's persistent rebellion and deserving of judgment are starkly contrasted with God's unwavering mercy and patience. This juxtaposition heightens the impact of God's grace, showing it as undeserved yet freely given. Furthermore, the implied threat of "destroying them" and "make an end of them" followed by God's restraint, suggests a profound **Divine Pathos**, as God recounts His people's failures with a sense of sorrow over their rebellion, yet ultimately reveals His steadfast love that triumphs over their sin, preserving them for His greater purposes.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 20:17 is a profound declaration of God's character, revealing His sovereign mercy and covenant faithfulness even in the face of profound human unfaithfulness. It illustrates that God's actions are ultimately driven by His own holy name and purposes, not by the merit or obedience of His people. This divine forbearance, repeatedly shown throughout Israel's history, serves as a foundational theological truth: while God is just and will judge sin, His primary disposition towards His chosen people is one of redemptive patience, always holding open the possibility of repentance and restoration. This verse underscores the biblical theme that God's steadfast love (Hebrew: _hesed_) endures forever, providing hope even in the darkest moments of human failure and divine judgment, ensuring that His ultimate redemptive plan will not be thwarted by human sin.

* [Nehemiah 9:19-21](/nehemiah/9-19-21 "God's Sustaining Mercy in the Wilderness")
* [Psalm 78:38-39](/psalms/78-38-39 "God's Compassion and Forgiveness for His People")
* [Lamentations 3:22-23](/lamentations/3-22-23 "The Unfailing Mercies of the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 20:17 offers a powerful and deeply comforting truth for believers today: God's mercy is not contingent on our perfect performance, but flows from His unchanging, compassionate character. Just as He spared rebellious Israel in the wilderness, His grace extends to us in our moments of failure, doubt, and disobedience. This verse calls us to profound humility, recognizing that any preservation, blessing, or continued existence we experience is not due to our righteousness, but solely to His compassionate "eye" and His sovereign decision not to "make an end of us." It encourages us to lean into His unfailing love, to repent genuinely when we stray, and to trust that His desire is always for our restoration and flourishing, not our destruction. This understanding should cultivate a spirit of profound gratitude, leading to renewed commitment to walk in obedience, not out of fear of annihilation, but out of a deep love and awe for the God who so graciously spares.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific ways have I experienced God's "sparing eye" in my own life, where I deserved judgment but received His profound mercy?**
* **How does understanding God's extraordinary forbearance in the wilderness challenge my own expectations of immediate consequences for sin, both for myself and for others?**
* **What specific areas of my life might reflect a "wilderness rebellion" against God's commands or His revealed will, and how can I respond with renewed obedience and trust in His enduring mercy?**
* **How does the unwavering nature of God's mercy, as powerfully seen in Ezekiel 20:17, encourage me to extend grace, patience, and forgiveness to those who have wronged me?**

### FAQ
**Why did God spare Israel despite their repeated rebellion?**

Answer: God spared Israel not because of their merit or obedience, but primarily for the sake of His own holy name and His inviolable covenant promises. As explicitly stated in [Ezekiel 20:9](/ezekiel/20-9 "Ezekiel 20:9 - God Acts for His Name's Sake"), God acted "for my name's sake, that it should not be polluted before the heathen, among whom they were, in whose sight I made myself known unto them, in bringing them forth out of the land of Egypt." His reputation among the nations and His unwavering commitment to the covenant He made with Abraham ([Genesis 12:1-3](/genesis/12-1-3 "The Abrahamic Covenant")) compelled Him to preserve a remnant, even when they deserved complete destruction. This demonstrates His profound mercy, steadfast love, and ultimate sovereignty, which are central to His divine character and redemptive plan.

**Does God's sparing mercy mean there are no consequences for sin?**

Answer: Absolutely not. While God spared the *nation* of Israel from complete annihilation, the wilderness generation still faced severe consequences for their disobedience. As explicitly recounted in [Numbers 14:29-35](/numbers/14-29-35 "Numbers 14:29-35 - The Wilderness Generation Dies"), the entire generation of those who grumbled and rebelled was condemned to die in the wilderness, unable to enter the Promised Land. This demonstrated God's justice, the seriousness of their sin, and the direct consequences of covenant unfaithfulness. God's mercy in [Ezekiel 20:17](/ezekiel/20-17 "Ezekiel 20:17 - God's Mercy in the Wilderness") refers to His decision not to utterly destroy the *lineage* or *people* of Israel, ensuring the continuation of His covenant line, rather than negating the individual or generational consequences of sin. His mercy is not a license for sin, but a demonstration of His patience and commitment to His ultimate purposes.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 20:17, with its profound emphasis on God's sparing mercy despite deep human rebellion, finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The entire Old Testament narrative, including Israel's wilderness wanderings, continually highlights humanity's inherent inability to perfectly keep God's law and the persistent, desperate need for divine grace. God's "eye" of compassion, which graciously spared Israel from complete destruction, ultimately looked upon a world lost in sin and provided the perfect, spotless Lamb of God. Jesus, through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, became the supreme demonstration of God's mercy, taking upon Himself the very "end" and "destruction" that humanity deserved for its rebellion against a holy God ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "God Demonstrates His Love")). In Christ, God's covenant faithfulness is perfectly upheld, not by overlooking sin, but by justly dealing with it through the substitutionary death of His Son ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "Christ Became Sin for Us")). Those who believe in Him are no longer under the threat of eternal "end" or separation from God but are granted eternal life and an unbreakable covenant relationship, secured by the precious blood of Christ ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "God So Loved the World")). Thus, the temporary sparing of Israel in the wilderness powerfully foreshadows the eternal salvation offered to all humanity through the compassionate gaze and complete redemptive work of the Messiah.

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

Ezekiel 11:13

And it came to pass, when I prophesied, that Pelatiah the son of Benaiah died. Then fell I down upon my face, and cried with a loud voice, and said, Ah Lord GOD! wilt thou make a full end of the remnant of Israel?

Jeremiah 5:18

Nevertheless in those days, saith the LORD, I will not make a full end with you.

Jeremiah 4:27

For thus hath the LORD said, The whole land shall be desolate; yet will I not make a full end.

Ezekiel 8:18

Therefore will I also deal in fury: mine eye shall not spare, neither will I have pity: and though they cry in mine ears with a loud voice, [yet] will I not hear them.

Psalms 78:37

For their heart was not right with him, neither were they stedfast in his covenant.

Psalms 78:38

But he, [being] full of compassion, forgave [their] iniquity, and destroyed [them] not: yea, many a time turned he his anger away, and did not stir up all his wrath.

1 Samuel 24:10

Behold, this day thine eyes have seen how that the LORD had delivered thee to day into mine hand in the cave: and [some] bade [me] kill thee: but [mine eye] spared thee; and I said, I will not put forth mine hand against my lord; for he [is] the LORD'S anointed.