Ezekiel 20:38

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And I will purge out {H1305} from among you the rebels {H4775}, and them that transgress {H6586} against me: I will bring them forth {H3318} out of the country {H776} where they sojourn {H4033}, and they shall not enter {H935} into the land {H127} of Israel {H3478}: and ye shall know {H3045} that I am the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I will rid you of the rebels who are in revolt against me - I will bring them out from the land where they are living, but they will not enter the land of Isra'el; then you will know that I am ADONAI.'

Berean Standard Bible

And I will purge you of those who rebel and transgress against Me. I will bring them out of the land in which they dwell, but they will not enter the land of Israel. Then you will know that I am the LORD.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 20:38 declares God's resolute intention to purify the nation of Israel by separating the persistently rebellious and disobedient from those who are truly faithful. This divine act of sifting would occur outside the promised land, serving as a judgment that would prevent the unrepentant from entering the land of Israel, thereby revealing God's absolute sovereignty and ensuring that His people, and indeed all who witness His actions, would definitively "know that I am the LORD."

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Ezekiel chapter 20, a pivotal passage where God, through the prophet, addresses the elders of Israel who have come seeking a word from Him. Instead of a direct answer to their inquiry, God launches into a comprehensive historical recounting of Israel's chronic rebellion and idolatry, spanning from their time in Egypt, through the wilderness wanderings, and into the land of Canaan. Despite their persistent unfaithfulness, God repeatedly acted for the sake of His holy name, preserving a remnant. However, the immediate context of verses 33-37 describes a future, decisive act of judgment and purification, where God promises to bring His people "into the wilderness of the peoples" (`/ezekiel/20-35 "Ezekiel 20:35 - The Wilderness of the Peoples"`) and there, "with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm and with wrath poured out," He will enter into judgment with them. Verse 38 specifically details the outcome of this judgment: the purging of rebels and their exclusion from the land, contrasting with the eventual gathering and restoration of the faithful remnant described in subsequent verses like `[Ezekiel 36:24](/ezekiel/36-24 "Ezekiel 36:24 - God Gathers Israel")`.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ezekiel prophesied during the Babylonian exile (c. 593-571 BC), a period of profound national crisis for Israel. Many exiles, including the elders, harbored false hopes of an imminent and unconditional return to Jerusalem. They struggled to reconcile their current subjugation with God's covenant promises. The concept of "the land of Israel" (`/ezekiel/20-42 "Ezekiel 20:42 - Return to the Land of Israel"`) was central to their identity, covenant blessings, and spiritual well-being. Exclusion from the land was the ultimate symbol of divine displeasure and covenant forfeiture, echoing the wilderness generation that perished before entering Canaan (`/numbers/14-29 "Numbers 14:29 - The Wilderness Generation"`). The cultural context includes the pervasive influence of idolatry and the syncretistic practices that had plagued Israel for centuries, which God was now decisively addressing through judgment and purification. The "wilderness of the peoples" could refer to the lands of their exile, or a symbolic place of testing and sifting, akin to the original wilderness journey.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several major themes within Ezekiel and the broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Purification and Judgment**, revealing God's unwavering commitment to His holiness and His resolve to cleanse His people from sin. This is not arbitrary punishment but a necessary act for the integrity of His covenant and the vindication of His holy name. Secondly, the **Exclusion from the Land** for the rebellious highlights the severe consequences of persistent disobedience and unbelief, symbolizing a forfeiture of covenant blessings and true fellowship with God, a theme echoed in the New Testament regarding entry into God's rest (`/hebrews/3-19 "Hebrews 3:19 - Unbelief and Rest"`). Thirdly, the recurring refrain "ye shall know that I am the LORD" (`/ezekiel/20-42 "Ezekiel 20:42 - Knowing the LORD"`) is a foundational theme in Ezekiel, emphasizing God's absolute **Sovereignty and Identity**. Through both judgment and restoration, God ensures that His unique identity as Yahweh, the covenant-keeping God, is unmistakably revealed and acknowledged by His people and the nations.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Purge out (Hebrew, _bârar'_):** (H1305) This verb signifies a process of clarifying, examining, selecting, or making pure. It implies a deliberate and thorough sifting or cleaning, often with the intent of refining or separating valuable from worthless material. In this context, God's action is not merely punitive but a refining process, removing impurities (the rebels) from His people to achieve a state of purity and holiness.
* **Rebels (Hebrew, _mârad'_):** (H4775) Derived from a primitive root meaning "to rebel," this term describes those who actively and intentionally defy authority. It denotes a deliberate act of insubordination and resistance against God's rule and covenant commands. The use of this term emphasizes the willful nature of their sin, distinguishing them from those who might stumble unknowingly.
* **Know (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ'_):** (H3045) This is a rich Hebrew verb encompassing far more than intellectual apprehension. It means to ascertain by seeing, to experience, to acknowledge, to be intimately acquainted with, and even to cause to know or designate. Here, "ye shall know that I am the LORD" implies a profound, experiential recognition of God's true character, power, and faithfulness, brought about through His acts of judgment and salvation. It is a declaration of His self-revelation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I will purge out from among you the rebels, and them that transgress against me:"** This opening clause declares God's active and intentional purification of His people. The terms "rebels" (`_mârad_`) and "them that transgress" (`_pâshaʻ_`, H6586, meaning to break away from authority, trespass, apostatize) describe those who have willfully and persistently defied God's covenant and His commands. God Himself will undertake this sifting, indicating a divine judgment that separates the truly disobedient from the rest of the community.
* **"I will bring them forth out of the country where they sojourn,"** This specifies the location of the purging. The "country where they sojourn" (`_ʼerets mâgûwr_`, H776, H4033) refers to the lands of their exile, particularly Babylon. God will actively "bring them forth" (`_yâtsâʼ_`, H3318, to go or bring out), implying a divine initiative to gather them for this specific judgment, likely in the "wilderness of the peoples" mentioned in `[Ezekiel 20:35](/ezekiel/20-35 "Ezekiel 20:35 - The Wilderness of the Peoples")`. This suggests a parallel to the Exodus, where God brought Israel out of Egypt into the wilderness for testing and judgment.
* **"and they shall not enter into the land of Israel:"** This is the severe consequence for the purged rebels. Despite being brought out of exile, they will be denied entry into the promised land (`_ʼădâmâh Yisrâʼêl_`, H127, H3478). This exclusion signifies a complete forfeiture of covenant blessings and a definitive separation from the restored community of God's people. It underscores the gravity of their rebellion and the holiness required for dwelling in God's presence and His land.
* **"and ye shall know that I [am] the LORD."** This concluding declaration reveals the ultimate purpose behind God's actions. Through this act of judgment and separation, both the faithful remnant and potentially the surrounding nations will come to a profound, experiential "knowledge" (`_yâdaʻ_`) of God's true identity as Yahweh (`_Yᵉhôvâh_`, H3068), the self-existent, covenant-keeping God. His actions demonstrate His sovereignty, justice, and faithfulness to His word, ensuring that His character is undeniably revealed.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 20:38 powerfully employs several literary devices. The most prominent is **Divine Speech**, as the entire verse is a direct declaration from God ("I will purge out," "I will bring them forth," "I am the LORD"), emphasizing His absolute authority and unwavering resolve. There is clear **Contrast** between the "rebels" and the implied faithful remnant, and between being "brought forth" from exile but then "not enter[ing] into the land of Israel," highlighting the dual outcomes of God's judgment. The concept of "purging out" functions as a **Metaphor** of sifting or refining, akin to separating dross from precious metal, or chaff from grain, signifying a process of purification. Finally, the concluding phrase, "ye shall know that I am the LORD," is a recurring **Formulaic Phrase** throughout Ezekiel, serving as a powerful theological refrain that underscores the ultimate purpose of all God's actions: the revelation and vindication of His holy name and sovereign identity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 20:38 is a profound statement on God's character as both just judge and faithful covenant-keeper. It reveals that God's commitment to His holy name necessitates the purification of His people, even if it means the exclusion of those who stubbornly persist in rebellion. This divine sifting ensures the integrity of the covenant community and points to a future where only those genuinely devoted to God will inherit His promises. The verse underscores the seriousness of willful sin and the ultimate accountability of individuals before a sovereign God who acts decisively to reveal His true identity. It is a reminder that while God's mercy is vast, His holiness demands a response of genuine repentance and obedience.

* `[Malachi 3:2-3](/malachi/3-2 "Malachi 3:2-3 - The Refiner's Fire")` - Describes God as a refiner's fire and fuller's soap, purifying the sons of Levi.
* `[Matthew 3:12](/matthew/3-12 "Matthew 3:12 - The Winnowing Fork")` - John the Baptist speaks of Jesus' winnowing fork, separating the wheat from the chaff.
* `[Hebrews 3:19](/hebrews/3-19 "Hebrews 3:19 - Unbelief and the Promised Rest")` - States that the Israelites could not enter God's rest because of their unbelief, paralleling the exclusion from the land.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 20:38 serves as a timeless and sobering reminder of God's holy character and His intolerance for persistent, willful rebellion within His covenant people. While its immediate context is ancient Israel, the spiritual principles resonate deeply for believers today. God's desire for a pure people remains, and His call to genuine obedience is unwavering. This verse challenges us to introspectively examine our own hearts and lives: are we living in true submission to God's will, or are there areas where we are "rebels" who "transgress against" Him? It highlights that mere association with God's people is insufficient; what truly matters is a transformed heart that yields to His authority. The ultimate consequence of unrepentant rebellion is separation from the full blessings of God's presence and kingdom. This passage encourages us to pursue genuine repentance, to walk in obedience, and to cultivate an intimate, experiential "knowledge" of the LORD, recognizing His sovereignty in all things, knowing that true belonging comes through sincere alignment with His divine purposes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be unknowingly or knowingly acting as a "rebel" or "transgressor" against God's clear commands?**
* **How does the concept of God "purging out" His people challenge my understanding of His love and justice?**
* **What does it truly mean for me to "know that I am the LORD" in my daily walk with Him?**

### FAQ
**Who are "the rebels" in this context, and how does God "purge" them?**

Answer: In Ezekiel 20:38, "the rebels" refer to those within the nation of Israel who persistently and willfully defied God's covenant and commands, engaging in idolatry and disobedience despite His repeated warnings and acts of mercy. This includes those who, even in exile, continued in their rebellious ways, clinging to false hopes or foreign gods. God "purges" them through a divine act of judgment and separation. This "purging" is described as occurring in "the wilderness of the peoples" (`/ezekiel/20-35 "Ezekiel 20:35 - The Wilderness of the Peoples"`), a symbolic place of sifting, where God would bring them forth from the land of their sojourning (Babylonian exile) and decisively separate the unfaithful from the faithful. The ultimate consequence of this purging for the rebels is their exclusion from the land of Israel, signifying a forfeiture of covenant blessings and a separation from the restored community. This act demonstrates God's commitment to holiness and justice within His people.

**What does it mean that they "shall not enter into the land of Israel"?**

Answer: For ancient Israel, the "land of Israel" (`/ezekiel/20-42 "Ezekiel 20:42 - Return to the Land of Israel"`) was not merely a geographical location but the physical manifestation of God's covenant promises and the place of His special presence. To "not enter into the land of Israel" signifies a complete forfeiture of covenant blessings, spiritual inheritance, and full participation in the restored community of God's people. It is the ultimate consequence of their rebellion, paralleling the fate of the wilderness generation who, due to their unbelief and disobedience, perished outside the promised land (`/numbers/14-29 "Numbers 14:29 - The Wilderness Generation"`). This exclusion underscores the gravity of their sin and God's unwavering holiness, emphasizing that only those who genuinely repent and obey will inherit His promises.

**How does this verse, which speaks of judgment and exclusion, relate to God's mercy and grace?**

Answer: While Ezekiel 20:38 focuses on judgment and exclusion, it must be understood within the broader context of God's character and His dealings with Israel. Throughout Ezekiel 20, God recounts Israel's persistent rebellion, yet repeatedly states that He acted "for my name's sake" (`/ezekiel/20-9 "Ezekiel 20:9 - For My Name's Sake"`), demonstrating immense patience and mercy. The judgment described in verse 38 is not arbitrary but a necessary act of purification that, paradoxically, serves God's ultimate redemptive purpose. By removing the unrepentant rebels, God ensures the integrity and holiness of the remnant, preparing them for true restoration and renewed fellowship. This act of judgment, therefore, is an expression of God's holy love, which purifies His people so that His covenant promises can be fully realized for those who remain faithful. It is a severe mercy, clearing the way for genuine spiritual renewal and the ultimate revelation of His glory.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 20:38, with its stern declaration of divine purging and exclusion for the rebellious, finds its ultimate fulfillment and profound reinterpretation in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "purging out" of rebels, enacted by God in the wilderness, foreshadows the spiritual sifting that occurs through Christ. Jesus Himself is the ultimate "purger" who separates the wheat from the chaff (`/matthew/3-11 "Matthew 3:11 - Baptism with Fire"`), not through physical exile, but through the call to repentance and faith in His atoning sacrifice. Those who reject Him remain in rebellion and are ultimately excluded from the true "land of Israel," which is the spiritual kingdom of God. Entry into this kingdom is not by physical descent or mere association, but by new birth through the Spirit (`/john/3-3 "John 3:3 - Born Again"`). The "land of Israel" becomes the eschatological rest that remains for the people of God, entered into by faith in Christ, not by works (`/hebrews/4-9 "Hebrews 4:9 - The Sabbath Rest"`). The promise "ye shall know that I am the LORD" is fully realized in Christ, who is the perfect revelation of God (`/john/14-9 "John 14:9 - Jesus Reveals the Father"`). The final separation of the sheep and the goats at the end of the age (`/matthew/25-31 "Matthew 25:31 - The Judgment of the Nations"`) is the ultimate manifestation of this divine purging, where those who have truly submitted to Christ's Lordship will enter into eternal life, while the unrepentant will face eternal exclusion. Thus, Ezekiel 20:38 points forward to Christ as the one who perfectly embodies God's holiness, executes His righteous judgment, and ultimately provides the only means by which humanity can truly "know the LORD" and enter into His eternal rest.

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

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 13:9

And mine hand shall be upon the prophets that see vanity, and that divine lies: they shall not be in the assembly of my people, neither shall they be written in the writing of the house of Israel, neither shall they enter into the land of Israel; and ye shall know that I [am] the Lord GOD.

Psalms 95:11

Unto whom I sware in my wrath that they should not enter into my rest.

Zechariah 13:8

And it shall come to pass, [that] in all the land, saith the LORD, two parts therein shall be cut off [and] die; but the third shall be left therein.

Zechariah 13:9

And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It [is] my people: and they shall say, The LORD [is] my God.

Ezekiel 6:7

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