Ezekiel 20:34

KJV

And I will bring you out from the people, and will gather you out of the countries wherein ye are scattered, with a mighty hand, and with a stretched out arm, and with fury poured out.

KJV (with Strong's)

And I will bring you out {H3318} from the people {H5971}, and will gather {H6908} you out of the countries {H776} wherein ye are scattered {H6327}, with a mighty {H2389} hand {H3027}, and with a stretched out {H5186} arm {H2220}, and with fury {H2534} poured out {H8210}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I will bring you out from the peoples and gather you out of the countries where you were scattered, with a mighty hand, with a stretched-out arm and with poured-out fury;

Berean Standard Bible

With a strong hand, an outstretched arm, and outpoured wrath I will bring you out from the peoples and gather you from the lands to which you have been scattered.

American Standard Version

And I will bring you out from the peoples, and will gather you out of the countries wherein ye are scattered, with a mighty hand, and with an outstretched arm, and with wrath poured out;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 20:34 declares God's unwavering resolve to intervene forcefully in the destiny of His scattered people, Israel. This verse, set against a backdrop of historical rebellion and idolatry, portrays a divine act of regathering that is simultaneously an expression of overwhelming power, a demonstration of irresistible sovereignty, and a manifestation of righteous judgment. It underscores that Israel's return to their land will not be a result of their own repentance or initiative, but a sovereign act of God, executed with an intensity reflecting both His commitment to His covenant and His holy indignation against their persistent sin.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 20:34 is situated within a lengthy and somber oracle in which the Lord recounts Israel's long history of rebellion and idolatry, beginning from their time in Egypt through their wilderness wanderings and their settlement in the Promised Land. This chapter serves as a stark reminder that despite God's repeated acts of deliverance and covenant faithfulness, Israel consistently provoked Him. The preceding verses, particularly [Ezekiel 20:33](/ezekiel/20-33 "Ezekiel 20:33 - God's Sovereign Rule"), emphasize God's unyielding determination to rule over His people, asserting that they will not be permitted to continue their idolatrous practices or to claim to be like the surrounding nations. Verse 34 then elaborates on *how* this divine rule will be exercised – through a forceful, sovereign regathering that, while ultimately redemptive, is initiated with a powerful display of both might and judgment. The broader context of [Ezekiel 20](/ezekiel/20 "Ezekiel 20 - Israel's Rebellious History and God's Sovereign Plan") highlights God's steadfast purpose to sanctify His name among the nations, even if it requires severe discipline for His chosen people.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophet Ezekiel ministered to the Jewish exiles in Babylon during the Babylonian captivity (circa 593-571 BC). These exiles, having witnessed the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple, were grappling with their identity and future. Many held onto false hopes of an imminent, easy return, or conversely, were tempted to assimilate into Babylonian culture and abandon their God. The historical reality was that Israel had been scattered across various "countries" (lands) by the conquering empires, a direct consequence of their covenant disobedience. Culturally, the surrounding nations worshipped a pantheon of gods, and Israel had often succumbed to these idolatrous practices, blurring the lines between their unique identity as God's chosen people and the pagan world. Ezekiel's message, including this verse, confronts both their despair and their misplaced hopes, asserting that their future, whether in judgment or restoration, was entirely dependent on the sovereign will and power of Yahweh, not on human schemes or the whims of other nations.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Ezekiel and broader biblical prophecy. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Sovereignty**, emphasizing that God's plans for Israel will be accomplished regardless of their rebellion or the geopolitical landscape. The repeated "I will" statements highlight His irresistible will. Secondly, the theme of **Regathering and Restoration** is prominent. Despite the judgment of exile, God promises to bring His people back, a recurring motif in prophetic literature that points to a future, ultimate restoration of Israel, as seen in passages like [Jeremiah 32:37](/jeremiah/32-37 "Jeremiah 32:37 - God's Promise to Regather Israel"). Thirdly, the imagery of a **"Mighty Hand and Stretched Out Arm"** evokes the Exodus narrative, where this phrase consistently describes God's powerful deliverance from bondage (e.g., [Exodus 6:6](/exodus/6-6 "Exodus 6:6 - God's Mighty Deliverance from Egypt")). Its reapplication here signifies that this future regathering will be an act of comparable, if not greater, divine power, demonstrating God's absolute authority over history. Finally, the inclusion of **"Fury Poured Out"** introduces the theme of **Purifying Judgment**. This is not merely a benevolent return but a process intertwined with God's righteous indignation against their persistent sin, implying a purging of the rebellious elements within the nation, leading to a renewed and purified people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **bring you out (Hebrew, _yâtsâʼ'_):** This primitive root signifies "to go (causatively, bring) out" in a wide variety of applications, both literal and figurative. In this context (H3318), it denotes God's active, forceful removal of His people from their scattered state among the nations. It implies an extraction, not a gentle leading, emphasizing the divine initiative and power in the action.
* **mighty (Hebrew, _châzâq'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to be strong," this word (H2389) describes something as strong, hard, or even violent. When paired with "hand" (H3027), it conveys overwhelming, irresistible power and authority. It is often used in a context of forceful action, here signifying the immense, unyielding strength with which God will execute His will.
* **fury (Hebrew, _chêmâh'_):** This term (H2534) refers to intense heat, and figuratively, to anger or wrath. It denotes a passionate, often fierce, indignation. When combined with "poured out" (H8210), it signifies a full, unreserved, and inescapable expression of divine wrath, indicating the severity and thoroughness of God's righteous judgment accompanying the regathering.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I will bring you out from the people,"**: This clause establishes God as the primary actor ("I will"). It declares His sovereign intention to remove Israel from their current state of dispersion among the Gentile nations. This "bringing out" is not a voluntary departure but a divinely orchestrated extraction, emphasizing God's initiative and power over their circumstances.
* **"and will gather you out of the countries wherein ye are scattered,"**: This reiterates and expands upon the first clause, clarifying the nature of the "bringing out" as a comprehensive "gathering" from all the various lands where they have been dispersed. The imagery of scattering highlights their broken and dislocated state, making the act of gathering a profound demonstration of God's ability to restore unity and purpose.
* **"with a mighty hand, and with a stretched out arm,"**: This powerful, anthropomorphic phrase describes the *manner* of God's action. It is a classic biblical idiom, consistently used to denote God's overwhelming, irresistible power and authority, particularly in acts of deliverance and judgment. It signifies that this regathering will be accomplished through a display of divine strength comparable to, or even exceeding, the Exodus from Egypt, asserting God's absolute control over the process.
* **"and with fury poured out."**: This crucial addition reveals the *nature* and *purpose* of this powerful intervention. The regathering is not solely an act of benevolent restoration but is inextricably linked with God's righteous indignation against Israel's persistent rebellion and idolatry. The "fury poured out" indicates a process of severe judgment and purification, suggesting that the return will involve a sifting or purging, where God's wrath is fully expressed against the unrepentant, even as the nation is brought back into His sphere of influence.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 20:34 is rich in literary devices that amplify its message of divine power and judgment. The most prominent is **Anthropomorphism**, seen in the phrases "mighty hand" and "stretched out arm," which attribute human physical characteristics (hand, arm) and actions (stretching out) to God to convey His active, tangible power and intervention. This imagery is also a powerful **Allusion** or **Echo** of the Exodus narrative (e.g., [Deuteronomy 4:34](/deuteronomy/4-34 "Deuteronomy 4:34 - God's Mighty Hand in the Exodus")), deliberately linking this future regathering to God's foundational act of salvation for Israel, yet with a crucial difference. The phrase "fury poured out" employs **Metaphor** and **Hyperbole**. "Fury" is likened to a liquid that can be "poured out," suggesting a full, unreserved, and overwhelming release of divine wrath. The act of "pouring out" implies a complete and inescapable expression, emphasizing the thoroughness of God's judgment. The repeated "I will" at the beginning of the verse is a form of **Anaphora**, underscoring God's absolute sovereignty and unwavering resolve in orchestrating these events.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 20:34 profoundly articulates the paradox of God's judgment and grace, demonstrating that His sovereign acts of restoration are often intertwined with severe discipline. It reveals that God's commitment to His covenant people is so profound that He will intervene with overwhelming power, not only to deliver but also to purify. This divine "bringing out" and "gathering" is not merely geographical relocation but a spiritual sifting, where His holy wrath is poured out to purge idolatry and rebellion, ultimately leading to a people who will truly know Him and worship Him alone. This passage speaks to God's ultimate control over history and His unwavering purpose to bring about His kingdom, even through means that are painful and challenging for His people.

* [Deuteronomy 30:3](/deuteronomy/30-3 "Deuteronomy 30:3 - God Will Gather Israel from Dispersion")
* [Jeremiah 32:37](/jeremiah/32-37 "Jeremiah 32:37 - God's Promise to Regather Israel")
* [Hebrews 12:6](/hebrews/12-6 "Hebrews 12:6 - God Disciplines Those He Loves")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 20:34 offers profound truths for contemporary believers, reminding us that God remains utterly sovereign over all circumstances, even those that seem chaotic or despairing. Just as He promised to gather a scattered and rebellious Israel, He continues to work in our lives and in the world with a "mighty hand," orchestrating events to fulfill His purposes. This verse challenges us to recognize that God's love is not merely sentimental but is a holy love that includes righteous indignation against sin. Sometimes, His "bringing out" or "gathering" involves a painful, purifying process, where His discipline serves to refine us and draw us closer to Him. We are called to trust in His sovereign hand, even when His methods are severe, knowing that His ultimate goal is our holiness and His glory. This truth should inspire both reverent fear and profound hope: fear of His righteous judgment against sin, and hope in His unwavering commitment to His covenant and His people.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of God's "fury poured out" challenge or deepen your understanding of God's character?**
* **In what ways might God be "bringing you out" or "gathering you" through difficult or uncomfortable circumstances in your own life today?**
* **How does the assurance of God's "mighty hand" impact your sense of security and trust in His plan, even amidst global or personal turmoil?**

### FAQ

**Does this verse imply that God's regathering of Israel will always be a violent or wrathful event?**

Answer: While Ezekiel 20:34 specifically highlights the "fury poured out" as an aspect of this particular regathering, it's crucial to understand this within the broader prophetic context. This "fury" often signifies God's righteous judgment against Israel's persistent idolatry and rebellion, serving a purifying purpose. Other prophecies speak of a more benevolent, grace-filled return, such as in [Isaiah 11:11-12](/isaiah/11-11 "Isaiah 11:11-12 - God's Second Gathering of Israel"). The combination suggests that God's regathering can involve both judgment for the unrepentant and restoration for the faithful remnant, ensuring His holiness is upheld.

**How does this verse relate to modern-day events concerning the nation of Israel?**

Answer: Interpreting prophetic passages like Ezekiel 20:34 in relation to modern events requires careful theological discernment. Many evangelical scholars see the establishment of the modern state of Israel and the return of Jewish people to their homeland as a partial fulfillment of these prophecies of regathering, though not necessarily the complete spiritual restoration envisioned. The "fury poured out" element suggests a future, ultimate regathering that will also involve a profound spiritual purification and judgment, which many believe is yet to come, perhaps associated with the end times and the second coming of Christ (e.g., [Zechariah 12:10](/zechariah/12-10 "Zechariah 12:10 - The Spirit of Grace and Supplication")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 20:34, with its powerful imagery of God's sovereign regathering through a "mighty hand" and "fury poured out," finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus. While the immediate context speaks to Israel's physical return and purification, the New Testament reveals a deeper, spiritual reality. Christ is the true Shepherd who gathers His scattered sheep, not just from physical lands but from the spiritual bondage of sin (e.g., [John 10:16](/john/10-16 "John 10:16 - Jesus Gathers His Sheep")). His crucifixion, the ultimate act of God's "mighty hand" in salvation, absorbed the "fury poured out" of divine wrath against sin, making a way for reconciliation and purification for all who believe (e.g., [Romans 5:9](/romans/5-9 "Romans 5:9 - Justified by His Blood, Saved from Wrath")). Furthermore, the final, comprehensive gathering of God's elect from "the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other," will occur at Christ's glorious return, executed with divine power and accompanied by a final, decisive judgment upon all unrighteousness (e.g., [Matthew 24:31](/matthew/24-31 "Matthew 24:31 - The Gathering of the Elect"); [Revelation 19:15](/revelation/19-15 "Revelation 19:15 - Christ's Wrath and Judgment")). Thus, Ezekiel's prophecy foreshadows the Lord Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodies God's sovereign power to gather His people and His righteous judgment against sin, ultimately bringing about a new covenant people purified by His blood and gathered into His eternal kingdom.

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 20:38

And I will purge out from among you the rebels, and them that transgress against me: I will bring them forth out of the country where they sojourn, and they shall not enter into the land of Israel: and ye shall know that I [am] the LORD.

Amos 9:9

For, lo, I will command, and I will sift the house of Israel among all nations, like as [corn] is sifted in a sieve, yet shall not the least grain fall upon the earth.

Amos 9:10

All the sinners of my people shall die by the sword, which say, The evil shall not overtake nor prevent us.

Ezekiel 34:16

I will seek that which was lost, and bring again that which was driven away, and will bind up [that which was] broken, and will strengthen that which was sick: but I will destroy the fat and the strong; I will feed them with judgment.

Isaiah 27:9

By this therefore shall the iniquity of Jacob be purged; and this [is] all the fruit to take away his sin; when he maketh all the stones of the altar as chalkstones that are beaten in sunder, the groves and images shall not stand up.

Isaiah 27:13

And it shall come to pass in that day, [that] the great trumpet shall be blown, and they shall come which were ready to perish in the land of Assyria, and the outcasts in the land of Egypt, and shall worship the LORD in the holy mount at Jerusalem.

Jeremiah 44:6

Wherefore my fury and mine anger was poured forth, and was kindled in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem; and they are wasted [and] desolate, as at this day.