Ezekiel 20:23

KJV

I lifted up mine hand unto them also in the wilderness, that I would scatter them among the heathen, and disperse them through the countries;

KJV (with Strong's)

I lifted up {H5375} mine hand {H3027} unto them also in the wilderness {H4057}, that I would scatter {H6327} them among the heathen {H1471}, and disperse {H2219} them through the countries {H776};

Complete Jewish Bible

"'I also raised my hand and swore to them in the desert that I would scatter them among the nations and disperse them through the countries;

Berean Standard Bible

However, with an uplifted hand I swore to them in the wilderness that I would scatter them among the nations and disperse them throughout the lands.

American Standard Version

Moreover I sware unto them in the wilderness, that I would scatter them among the nations, and disperse them through the countries;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 20:23 presents a solemn divine declaration, revealing God's unwavering resolve to scatter the rebellious house of Israel among the nations and disperse them through various countries. This pronouncement, made in the wilderness, underscores the severe and predetermined consequences of Israel's persistent idolatry and covenant unfaithfulness, a judgment that would culminate in their exile and diaspora, serving as both punishment and a means of purification.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 20 opens with the elders of Israel approaching the prophet, seeking a word from the Lord. However, God, knowing their idolatrous hearts, refuses to be inquired of by them directly (see [Ezekiel 20:3](/ezekiel/20-3 "Ezekiel 20:3 - God Refuses to Be Consulted")). Instead, He commands Ezekiel to confront them with a comprehensive historical review of Israel's chronic rebellion against Him, beginning from their time in Egypt (cf. [Ezekiel 20:5-9](/ezekiel/20-5-9 "Ezekiel 20:5-9 - Rebellion in Egypt")), through their wilderness wanderings (cf. [Ezekiel 20:10-26](/ezekiel/20-10-26 "Ezekiel 20:10-26 - Rebellion in the Wilderness")), and into their settlement in the Promised Land (cf. [Ezekiel 20:27-29](/ezekiel/20-27-29 "Ezekiel 20:27-29 - Rebellion in the Land")). This historical recounting serves as a powerful indictment, demonstrating Israel's consistent pattern of rejecting God's statutes, defiling His Sabbaths, and turning to idols, despite His repeated acts of grace and deliverance. Verse 23 specifically harks back to the wilderness period, highlighting that even then, God had sworn to scatter them due to their deep-seated disobedience, a judgment that would eventually find its bitter fulfillment in the Babylonian exile and subsequent diaspora. The verse functions as a pivotal point, emphasizing the long-standing nature of God's righteous judgment against their unfaithfulness, preparing the reader for the full weight of the coming judgment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophet Ezekiel ministered to the Jewish exiles in Babylon during the early 6th century BCE, after the initial deportations of Judah (597 BCE). The exiles, grappling with their national identity and the destruction of Jerusalem, often questioned why such calamities had befallen them. This verse, set against the backdrop of their wilderness journey, reminds them that their present suffering was not arbitrary but a direct consequence of a long history of covenant violations. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the act of "lifting up the hand" was a universally recognized gesture for swearing a solemn oath, often invoking divine witness or power to ensure its fulfillment. For God to "lift up His hand" signified an irreversible, divinely determined decree, underscoring the certainty of the promised judgment. The scattering of a people was one of the most severe forms of judgment, leading to the loss of national identity, cultural assimilation, and often, religious syncretism, a fate that Israel had been warned about extensively in the Mosaic Law (e.g., [Deuteronomy 28:64](/deuteronomy/28-64 "Deuteronomy 28:64 - Curses for Disobedience")). Their dispersion among "the heathen" (foreign nations) meant exposure to pagan influences and a profound sense of alienation from their homeland and temple, which were central to their covenant relationship with Yahweh.
* **Key Themes:** Ezekiel 20:23 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Ezekiel and the broader prophetic tradition. Firstly, it powerfully reinforces the theme of **Divine Judgment and Consequence**, demonstrating that God's justice is not arbitrary but a righteous response to persistent sin and covenant unfaithfulness. The scattering was a direct, promised outcome for Israel's rebellion, a judgment that had been forewarned since the time of Moses (e.g., [Leviticus 26:33](/leviticus/26-33 "Leviticus 26:33 - Consequences of Disobedience")). Secondly, it highlights **Covenant Unfaithfulness**, as Israel consistently failed to uphold their end of the covenant with God, despite His unwavering faithfulness to His promises. This chronic rebellion, particularly their idolatry and profanation of the Sabbath, provoked God's righteous anger. Thirdly, the phrase "I lifted up mine hand unto them" underscores **God's Sovereignty in Judgment**, emphasizing His absolute authority and determination to carry out His word, both in blessing and in judgment. The dispersion was not a random misfortune but a precise act of divine will, serving as a disciplinary measure. Finally, the verse speaks to the **Nature of Exile and Dispersion**, describing a state of vulnerability, loss of national identity, and exposure to foreign influences, serving as both punishment and a severe, yet ultimately redemptive, means for Israel to recognize their sin and turn back to God, a hope often found in prophetic promises of future restoration (e.g., [Ezekiel 36:24-28](/ezekiel/36-24-28 "Ezekiel 36:24-28 - Restoration and New Heart")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **lifted up (Hebrew, _nâsâʼ'_):** (H5375) This primitive root means "to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative." In this context, combined with "hand," it signifies the act of swearing a solemn oath or making a firm declaration. It conveys the weight, certainty, and divine authority behind God's pronouncement, indicating an irreversible decision that God is fully committed to executing.
* **hand (Hebrew, _yâd'_):** (H3027) A primitive word referring to "the open one," indicating power, means, or direction. When God lifts up His hand, it is an anthropomorphic expression signifying His solemn, binding oath. It emphasizes His power and commitment to execute what He has declared, making the judgment of scattering an act of His sovereign will and unchangeable decree.
* **scatter (Hebrew, _pûwts'_):** (H6327) A primitive root meaning "to dash in pieces, literally or figuratively (especially to disperse)." This word conveys the violent and complete fragmentation of the nation, implying a breaking apart of their unity and identity. It suggests a forceful, destructive dispersion, not merely a gentle spreading, but a breaking apart of their national cohesion.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I lifted up mine hand unto them also in the wilderness,"**: This clause establishes the divine origin and solemnity of the pronouncement. "I lifted up mine hand" is an anthropomorphism signifying God swearing an unbreakable oath, emphasizing the certainty and gravity of His decree. The phrase "unto them also in the wilderness" points to the inception of Israel's rebellion and God's corresponding judgment, indicating that their unfaithfulness and the threat of dispersion were not new developments but had roots in their earliest history as a nation, even during the foundational period of their relationship with God.
* **"that I would scatter them among the heathen,"**: This specifies the nature of the judgment: a forced dispersion. "Scatter" implies a breaking apart and spreading out, signifying the loss of national cohesion and territorial integrity. "Among the heathen" (or nations) means they would be exiled from their promised land and forced to live as a minority among foreign, often idolatrous, peoples, thereby losing their distinct covenantal identity and facing spiritual contamination. This part of the judgment directly addresses their idolatry by placing them among the very nations whose gods they had so readily adopted.
* **"and disperse them through the countries;"**: This second phrase functions as a parallel intensification of the first. "Disperse" reiterates the widespread nature of the scattering, emphasizing the thoroughness and geographical breadth of their exile. "Through the countries" underscores that this would not be a localized displacement but a global diaspora, ensuring that the judgment would be comprehensive and inescapable, reaching far beyond their immediate borders and leaving no place for concentrated national identity or security.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 20:23 employs several potent **Literary Devices** to convey its message of divine judgment. The most prominent is **Anthropomorphism**, seen in the phrase "I lifted up mine hand." This human-like action ascribed to God emphasizes the solemnity and binding nature of His oath, making His declaration relatable and impactful, while also underscoring His active involvement in the affairs of His people. The verse also utilizes **Parallelism**, specifically synonymous parallelism, in the pairing of "scatter them among the heathen" and "disperse them through the countries." These two clauses express the same idea—the widespread dispersion of Israel—using different but complementary vocabulary, thereby intensifying the message and emphasizing the thoroughness and inevitability of the judgment. Furthermore, the mention of "the wilderness" serves as a powerful **Symbol** or **Allusion**, evoking a foundational period in Israel's history that was meant to be one of formation and covenant fidelity, but which was tragically marked by persistent rebellion, thus highlighting the deep-seated and long-standing nature of their unfaithfulness and the ancient roots of God's righteous indignation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 20:23 is a stark reminder of God's unwavering justice and the severe consequences of covenant unfaithfulness. It underscores the principle that divine patience has limits, and persistent rebellion, particularly idolatry and the desecration of His holy things, will inevitably lead to judgment. This verse reveals God's sovereignty not only in blessing but also in judgment, demonstrating that He is faithful to His warnings as much as to His promises. The scattering of Israel was a divinely ordained consequence, intended to humble them, expose their sin, and ultimately, lead them to repentance and a renewed relationship with Him. It highlights the sanctity of God's covenant and the seriousness with which He regards His people's devotion, emphasizing that His holiness demands a response of exclusive loyalty.

* [Leviticus 26:33](/leviticus/26-33 "Leviticus 26:33 - Consequences of Disobedience"): "And I will scatter you among the heathen, and will draw out a sword after you: and your land shall be desolate, and your cities waste."
* [Deuteronomy 28:64](/deuteronomy/28-64 "Deuteronomy 28:64 - Curses for Disobedience"): "And the LORD shall scatter thee among all people, from the one end of the earth even unto the other; and there shalt thou serve other gods, which neither thou nor thy fathers have known, even wood and stone."
* [Jeremiah 9:16](/jeremiah/9-16 "Jeremiah 9:16 - Scattering Among Nations"): "I will scatter them also among the heathen, whom neither they nor their fathers have known: and I will send a sword after them, till I have consumed them."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 20:23 serves as a profound warning and a call to introspection for believers today. It powerfully illustrates that God is not to be trifled with; His holiness demands a response of faithfulness, and persistent spiritual rebellion, particularly the idolatry of placing anything or anyone above Him, carries severe consequences. While believers in Christ are under grace, this verse reminds us that God's character is unchanging, and He remains a God who disciplines those He loves (cf. [Hebrews 12:6](/hebrews/12-6 "Hebrews 12:6 - God Disciplines Those He Loves")). We are called to learn from Israel's history, recognizing that spiritual complacency, a divided heart, or the pursuit of worldly idols can lead to a sense of spiritual dispersion, alienation from God's blessings, and a loss of the vibrant presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Our devotion must be singular and unwavering, actively pursuing holiness and obedience, recognizing that God desires our whole heart. This passage should inspire a deep reverence for God's word and a fervent desire to walk in integrity, lest we experience the painful, yet often redemptive, consequences of our own spiritual wanderings.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I be prone to spiritual idolatry or a divided heart, similar to ancient Israel?**
* **How does understanding God's judgment in Ezekiel 20:23 deepen my appreciation for His grace and patience in my own life?**
* **What practical steps can I take to ensure my devotion to God remains singular and unwavering, avoiding spiritual "scattering" in my walk with Him?**
* **How can I apply the lessons of Israel's history of rebellion to my church community or nation, praying for repentance and faithfulness?**

### FAQ
**Why did God "lift up His hand" and swear to scatter Israel?**

Answer: God "lifted up His hand" as a solemn oath, signifying an unchangeable divine decree. He swore to scatter Israel because of their persistent and egregious rebellion against His covenant, which began even in the wilderness and continued through their history. Despite His repeated acts of deliverance, provision, and patient instruction, Israel consistently rejected His statutes, defiled His Sabbaths, and engaged in widespread idolatry, worshipping foreign gods. This persistent unfaithfulness and spiritual harlotry provoked God's righteous judgment, leading Him to execute the curses outlined in the Mosaic Law for disobedience (e.g., [Leviticus 26:33](/leviticus/26-33 "Leviticus 26:33 - Consequences of Disobedience") and [Deuteronomy 28:64](/deuteronomy/28-64 "Deuteronomy 28:64 - Curses for Disobedience")). The scattering was not arbitrary but a just consequence of their profound and unrepentant sin against a holy God, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to His covenant, both in blessing and in judgment.

**What does it mean for Israel to be "scattered among the heathen" and "dispersed through the countries"?**

Answer: This phrase describes the severe judgment of forced exile and diaspora. "Scattered among the heathen" means that the Israelites would be removed from their promised land and forced to live as a minority among foreign, non-covenant nations. This resulted in the loss of their national identity, their unique cultural and religious distinctiveness, and their connection to the land and the Temple, which were central to their covenant relationship with God. "Dispersed through the countries" emphasizes the wide geographical reach of this scattering, indicating that they would be spread far and wide, without a concentrated national presence. This state of dispersion served as a profound punishment, exposing them to foreign influences and humiliation, but also as a means of purification, intended to humble them and lead them back to repentance and a renewed understanding of God's sovereignty and their need for Him.

**Does God still "scatter" people today as a form of judgment?**

Answer: While the specific national judgment of scattering Israel among the nations as described in Ezekiel 20:23 was unique to God's covenant with ancient Israel, the underlying principle of divine justice and the consequences of rebellion remain. God's character is unchanging, and He continues to be holy and just. For believers in the New Covenant, the "scattering" or "exile" may manifest differently. Persistent sin and spiritual idolatry can lead to a sense of spiritual barrenness, a loss of God's manifest presence, a lack of peace, or a weakening of spiritual vitality, akin to a "scattering" of one's spiritual well-being or a sense of alienation from the vibrant life of Christ. God disciplines those He loves (as seen in [Hebrews 12:6](/hebrews/12-6 "God Disciplines Those He Loves")), and while the form of judgment has changed under the New Covenant, the call to repentance and the seriousness of sin have not. The ultimate "scattering" for those who reject Christ is eternal separation from God (as described in [Matthew 25:41](/matthew/25-41 "Matthew 25:41 - Eternal Punishment")), while for believers, God's desire is always to gather and restore (as seen in [John 10:16](/john/10-16 "John 10:16 - The One Flock") and [Matthew 18:12-14](/matthew/18-12-14 "Matthew 18:12-14 - The Parable of the Lost Sheep")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 20:23, with its stark declaration of judgment and scattering due to Israel's unfaithfulness, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment not in the continuation of such a curse, but in its reversal and transformation through the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. While Israel's persistent rebellion led to their dispersion, Christ, the true and faithful Israelite, perfectly fulfilled the covenant where Israel failed. He bore the ultimate scattering and abandonment on the cross, crying out, "[My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?](/matthew/27-46 "Matthew 27:46 - Jesus' Cry of Dereliction")" (Matthew 27:46), experiencing the full weight of divine judgment for the sins of humanity. Through His atoning sacrifice, the curse of scattering is broken for all who believe. Instead of dispersing, Christ gathers. He is the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep, bringing together "[other sheep that are not of this fold](/john/10-16 "John 10:16 - The One Flock")" to form one flock under one Shepherd, transcending ethnic and national boundaries (cf. [Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace")). The New Covenant, inaugurated by His blood, offers a new heart and a new spirit (as promised in [Ezekiel 36:26-27](/ezekiel/36-26-27 "Ezekiel 36:26-27 - New Heart and Spirit")), enabling true obedience and preventing the spiritual idolatry that led to Israel's downfall. Furthermore, the "scattering among the heathen" is transformed into the Great Commission, where believers are sent out to "[make disciples of all nations](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19 - The Great Commission")" (Matthew 28:19), gathering a people for God from every tribe and tongue, culminating in a redeemed multitude from every nation standing before the throne (as seen in [Revelation 7:9](/revelation/7-9 "Revelation 7:9 - Multitude from Every Nation")). Thus, Christ's work reverses the judgment of scattering, bringing about a spiritual gathering and a new, unified people of God, fulfilling God's ultimate redemptive purpose.

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

Leviticus 26:33

And I will scatter you among the heathen, and will draw out a sword after you: and your land shall be desolate, and your cities waste.

Deuteronomy 28:64

And the LORD shall scatter thee among all people, from the one end of the earth even unto the other; and there thou shalt serve other gods, which neither thou nor thy fathers have known, [even] wood and stone.

Deuteronomy 28:68

And the LORD shall bring thee into Egypt again with ships, by the way whereof I spake unto thee, Thou shalt see it no more again: and there ye shall be sold unto your enemies for bondmen and bondwomen, and no man shall buy [you].

Deuteronomy 32:40

For I lift up my hand to heaven, and say, I live for ever.

Revelation 10:5

And the angel which I saw stand upon the sea and upon the earth lifted up his hand to heaven,

Revelation 10:6

And sware by him that liveth for ever and ever, who created heaven, and the things that therein are, and the earth, and the things that therein are, and the sea, and the things which are therein, that there should be time no longer:

Deuteronomy 32:26

¶ I said, I would scatter them into corners, I would make the remembrance of them to cease from among men: