Ezekiel 20:36

KJV

Like as I pleaded with your fathers in the wilderness of the land of Egypt, so will I plead with you, saith the Lord GOD.

KJV (with Strong's)

Like as I pleaded {H8199} with your fathers {H1} in the wilderness {H4057} of the land {H776} of Egypt {H4714}, so will I plead {H8199} with you, saith {H5002} the Lord {H136} GOD {H3069}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Just as I judged your ancestors in the desert of the land of Egypt, so will I judge you,' says Adonai ELOHIM.

Berean Standard Bible

Just as I entered into judgment with your fathers in the wilderness of the land of Egypt, so I will enter into judgment with you, declares the Lord GOD.

American Standard Version

Like as I entered into judgment with your fathers in the wilderness of the land of Egypt, so will I enter into judgment with you, saith the Lord Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 20:36 powerfully declares the Lord GOD's consistent and unwavering judicial process, drawing a direct parallel between His past dealings with the rebellious Israelite generation in the wilderness after the Exodus and His future actions towards the exiles in Ezekiel's time. This verse underscores God's unchanging character, His commitment to justice, and His intent to purify His people through a process of divine contention and judgment, mirroring historical patterns of discipline and restoration.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 20 is a lengthy and somber historical recounting of Israel's persistent rebellion and idolatry, spanning from their time in Egypt, through the wilderness wanderings, and into the Promised Land. The chapter begins with elders of Israel coming to inquire of the Lord, but instead of an answer, they receive a detailed indictment of their national apostasy. The Lord recounts His faithfulness despite their repeated provocations, culminating in a declaration of future judgment and purification. Verse 36 follows the pronouncement in [Ezekiel 20:35](/ezekiel/20-35 "Ezekiel 20:35 - God bringing Israel into the wilderness of the peoples") that God will bring the exiles into "the wilderness of the peoples" (likely referring to the nations where they were scattered) to deal with them there, "face to face." This sets the stage for the direct analogy presented in verse 36, emphasizing that the future judgment will be as thorough and decisive as the past one. The entire passage serves as a precursor to the promise of a future restoration and new covenant found later in the book.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophet Ezekiel ministered during the Babylonian exile (c. 593-571 BC), speaking to a people who had been forcibly removed from their homeland due to their unfaithfulness to God's covenant. The historical context of the "fathers in the wilderness of the land of Egypt" refers specifically to the generation of Israelites who were delivered from slavery in Egypt but rebelled against God during their forty years of wandering in the Sinai wilderness, ultimately perishing there and being denied entry into the Promised Land (cf. [Numbers 14](/numbers/14 "Numbers 14 - Rebellion and Judgment in the Wilderness")). This historical event served as a foundational narrative for Israel, illustrating the consequences of disobedience and God's sovereign judgment. The cultural understanding of a "pleading" or "contention" (`shaphat`) would have resonated with the legal and judicial practices of the ancient Near East, where a judge would hear a case, pronounce a verdict, and execute judgment. God is portrayed here as the divine Judge, bringing a lawsuit against His people for their covenant violations.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Ezekiel and the broader prophetic tradition. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Consistency and Immutability**, demonstrating that God's character and His principles for dealing with sin and rebellion remain unchanged across generations. The judgment meted out to the wilderness generation serves as a precedent for the judgment awaiting the exiles. Secondly, the theme of **Judgment as Purification** is central; the "pleading" is not merely punitive but aims to purge the rebellious and unfaithful from among God's people, preparing a remnant for future restoration. This mirrors the wilderness experience, which purified the nation before entry into Canaan. Thirdly, the verse underscores the **Recurrence of History and Patterns of Rebellion**, emphasizing that Israel's history is marked by a cyclical pattern of divine deliverance, human apostasy, and subsequent divine discipline. This pattern serves as a sober warning and a call to repentance, indicating that God will continue to hold His people accountable for their actions, just as He did in the past, as seen in passages like [Jeremiah 7:25-26](/jeremiah/7-25 "Jeremiah 7:25-26 - Persistent Disobedience").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **pleaded (Hebrew, _shâphaṭ'_):** From H8199, this primitive root means "to judge," "to pronounce sentence (for or against)," "to vindicate or punish," and by extension, "to govern" or "to litigate." In this context, it carries a strong connotation of a divine lawsuit or judicial contention. It's not a gentle persuasion but rather God entering into a legal dispute with His people, bringing charges against them for their unfaithfulness, and subsequently executing a verdict. This implies a process of accountability, discernment, and consequential action.
* **wilderness (Hebrew, _midbâr'_):** From H4057, this word refers to a "pasture" or "open field," and by implication, a "desert." It is often a place of testing, isolation, and divine encounter in biblical narratives. Here, it functions both literally (the Sinai wilderness) and symbolically (the "wilderness of the peoples" in [Ezekiel 20:35](/ezekiel/20-35 "Ezekiel 20:35 - The Wilderness of the Peoples")), representing a place where God brings His people to confront their rebellion, purify them, and separate the faithful from the unfaithful through a period of severe trial.
* **Lord GOD (Hebrew, _ʼĂdônây Yᵉhôvih'_):** Comprising H136 and H3069, this composite title emphasizes the absolute sovereignty and covenant faithfulness of God. _ʼĂdônây_ signifies "my Lord" or "the Lord," denoting absolute mastery and authority. _Yᵉhôvih_ (a variation of YHWH, pronounced _Elohim_ by Jews to avoid speaking the sacred name) is the personal, covenantal name of God, revealing His self-existent, unchanging nature and His commitment to His promises. The pairing underscores that the one who "pleads" is not merely a judge, but the sovereign, covenant-keeping God who has both the right and the power to execute judgment and fulfill His word.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Like as I pleaded with your fathers":** This clause establishes a direct analogy and historical precedent. God reminds the current generation of His past judicial actions. The "pleading" refers to the divine lawsuit and subsequent judgment that God executed against the generation of Israelites who rebelled against Him during the Exodus and wilderness wanderings. It highlights God's active engagement in holding His people accountable for their covenant breaches.
* **"in the wilderness of the land of Egypt":** This phrase specifies the historical setting of the past judgment. The "wilderness of the land of Egypt" refers to the Sinai desert, where the Exodus generation spent forty years. This was a period of intense testing, rebellion, and divine judgment, culminating in the death of the disobedient generation before the new generation entered the Promised Land. It signifies a place of divine confrontation and purification.
* **"so will I plead with you":** This is the core of the analogy, declaring God's future intent. Just as He judged the previous rebellious generation, He will now judge the current generation of exiles. The judgment will be equally thorough and decisive, reflecting God's consistent character. This "pleading" will occur in the "wilderness of the peoples" (as stated in the preceding verse), implying a period of intense trial and purification among the nations where they are exiled.
* **"saith the Lord GOD":** This concluding phrase serves as a divine oracle, lending absolute authority and certainty to the declaration. It emphasizes that this is not a human prediction or wish, but a direct, unchangeable pronouncement from the sovereign and covenant-keeping God. It underscores the inevitability and divine origin of the impending judgment.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 20:36 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. The most prominent is **Simile** and **Analogy**, evident in the "Like as... so will I" structure. This directly compares God's past judicial actions with His future intentions, establishing a pattern of divine behavior and underscoring His consistency. This analogy serves as a powerful warning, indicating that the consequences of rebellion are predictable and severe. **Repetition** of the word "pleaded" (from `shâphaṭ`) emphasizes the judicial nature of God's interaction with His people, highlighting that His dealings are not arbitrary but based on a divine legal framework. Furthermore, the **Symbolism** of the "wilderness" is crucial. While literally referring to the Sinai desert, it also symbolizes a place of testing, purification, and divine confrontation, where God separates the faithful from the unfaithful. The "wilderness of the peoples" extends this symbolism to the exile, portraying it as a new crucible for Israel's refinement. Finally, the concluding phrase "saith the Lord GOD" functions as a **Divine Oracle Formula**, lending absolute authority and certainty to the prophetic utterance, reinforcing that this is a direct word from the sovereign Creator and Covenant Lord.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 20:36 is a profound statement on God's unchanging character, particularly His justice and faithfulness to His covenant. It reveals that God's discipline is not arbitrary but consistent, rooted in His holy nature and His commitment to His people's ultimate good. The "pleading" signifies a divine lawsuit, where God, as the righteous Judge, brings His people to account for their persistent rebellion and idolatry. This process, though severe, is ultimately purificatory, designed to separate the disobedient from the obedient, ensuring a holy remnant. It underscores that God's covenant relationship with Israel, while marked by grace, also demands obedience and carries consequences for unfaithfulness. The historical parallel serves as a stark reminder that God does not tolerate sin indefinitely, but His judgment is always purposeful, aiming to restore His people to a right relationship with Him.

* [Amos 3:2](/amos/3-2 "Amos 3:2 - God's Special Relationship and Judgment")
* [Hebrews 12:5-6](/hebrews/12-5 "Hebrews 12:5-6 - The Lord Disciplines Those He Loves")
* [Isaiah 1:25](/isaiah/1-25 "Isaiah 1:25 - God's Purging of Dross")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 20:36 serves as a timeless reminder that God is just and consistent in His dealings with humanity across generations. For believers today, this verse calls us to a sober reflection on our own spiritual walk and accountability before God. Just as He held ancient Israel accountable for their covenant unfaithfulness, so too does He expect faithfulness from those who claim His name. God's "pleading" with us may manifest as various forms of discipline, trials, or difficult circumstances, all designed not for our destruction but for our purification and growth in holiness. These experiences, though painful, are evidence of His loving fatherhood, aiming to refine our faith, expose our idols, and draw us into deeper obedience and dependence on Him. We are called to learn from the historical patterns of God's people, recognizing that true spiritual maturity involves embracing God's discipline as a pathway to greater conformity to Christ. This verse encourages us to examine our hearts for any areas of rebellion or compromise, trusting that God's ultimate desire is our sanctification and restoration to a vibrant relationship with Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might God be "pleading" with me today, calling me to account for areas of unfaithfulness or compromise in my life?**
* **How do I typically respond to God's discipline or trials? Do I see them as punitive or as purificatory?**
* **What lessons can I draw from Israel's history of rebellion and God's consistent response that are applicable to my own walk with God?**
* **How does understanding God's unchanging character, as revealed in this verse, impact my trust in Him during difficult times?**

### FAQ
**What does "pleaded" mean in this context, and why is it significant?**

Answer: The Hebrew word translated "pleaded" (H8199, _shâphaṭ_) is a strong judicial term meaning "to judge," "to contend with," or "to enter into controversy." It signifies a divine lawsuit or a legal process where God acts as the Judge, bringing charges against His people for their covenant violations. Its significance lies in revealing God's righteous character; His actions are not arbitrary but are based on a just assessment of His people's unfaithfulness. This "pleading" leads to a verdict and consequential action, which, in Ezekiel's context, is the judgment of exile and purification, mirroring the judgment on the wilderness generation (cf. [Ezekiel 20:35](/ezekiel/20-35 "Ezekiel 20:35 - God's Judgment in the Wilderness of the Peoples")).

**Why does God choose the "wilderness" as the setting for His "pleading" or judgment?**

Answer: The "wilderness" (H4057, _midbâr_) serves as a powerful symbol. Historically, the Sinai wilderness was where God delivered Israel from Egypt but also where He tested, disciplined, and judged the rebellious generation, separating them from the faithful remnant before entering the Promised Land. Symbolically, the wilderness represents a place of isolation, testing, and purification. By bringing the exiles into the "wilderness of the peoples" (as stated in [Ezekiel 20:35](/ezekiel/20-35 "Ezekiel 20:35 - The Wilderness of the Peoples")), God signifies that the exile itself is a period of intense trial and judgment designed to purge the unfaithful and refine a holy people for Himself. It's a crucible where true allegiance is revealed and impurities are removed.

**Is God's judgment always punitive, or is there a redemptive purpose behind it?**

Answer: While God's judgment certainly involves punitive consequences for sin, its ultimate purpose, especially concerning His covenant people, is redemptive and purificatory. As seen in [Ezekiel 20:37-38](/ezekiel/20-37 "Ezekiel 20:37-38 - Passing Under the Rod"), God's "pleading" is likened to passing His people "under the rod" to bring them "into the bond of the covenant," separating the rebels from those who genuinely seek Him. His discipline is an expression of His love, aiming to correct, refine, and restore His people to a right relationship with Him, leading to holiness and true worship. This divine discipline is a hallmark of His fatherly care, as echoed in [Hebrews 12:6](/hebrews/12-6 "Hebrews 12:6 - Whom the Lord Loves He Disciplines").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 20:36, with its emphasis on God's consistent judicial "pleading" and purification in the wilderness, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment. The ultimate "wilderness" experience and divine "pleading" for humanity occurred not in a literal desert but on the cross, where Jesus Christ, the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), bore the full weight of God's righteous judgment against sin. He became the object of God's judicial contention, taking upon Himself the curse and punishment due to humanity's rebellion (cf. [Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse")). Through His atoning sacrifice, Christ satisfied the demands of divine justice, bringing an end to the "pleading" against all who believe in Him. Believers are now "in Christ," no longer under the condemnation of the law but under grace (cf. [Romans 8:1](/romans/8-1 "Romans 8:1 - No Condemnation in Christ Jesus")). However, the theme of purification through testing remains relevant for the New Testament believer, as God, our heavenly Father, continues to discipline those He loves (cf. [Hebrews 12:7-11](/hebrews/12-7 "Hebrews 12:7-11 - God's Discipline for Our Good")), refining our faith and conforming us to the image of His Son. Thus, Christ's work transforms the wilderness of judgment into a pathway of sanctification and a new exodus into eternal life, where God's ultimate purpose is not merely to judge, but to redeem and restore.

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

1 Corinthians 10:5

But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness.

1 Corinthians 10:10

Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer.

Numbers 11:1

¶ And [when] the people complained, it displeased the LORD: and the LORD heard [it]; and his anger was kindled; and the fire of the LORD burnt among them, and consumed [them that were] in the uttermost parts of the camp.

Numbers 11:35

[And] the people journeyed from Kibrothhattaavah unto Hazeroth; and abode at Hazeroth.

Ezekiel 20:21

Notwithstanding the children rebelled against me: they walked not in my statutes, neither kept my judgments to do them, which [if] a man do, he shall even live in them; they polluted my sabbaths: then I said, I would pour out my fury upon them, to accomplish my anger against them in the wilderness.

Ezekiel 20:13

But the house of Israel rebelled against me in the wilderness: they walked not in my statutes, and they despised my judgments, which [if] a man do, he shall even live in them; and my sabbaths they greatly polluted: then I said, I would pour out my fury upon them in the wilderness, to consume them.

Numbers 16:1

¶ Now Korah, the son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi, and Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab, and On, the son of Peleth, sons of Reuben, took [men]: