Ezekiel 20:40

Commentary on Ezekiel 20:40 (KJV)

Ezekiel 20:40 presents a profound promise of future restoration and renewed worship for the nation of Israel, standing in stark contrast to the preceding verses which detail their historical rebellion and God's judgment. This verse shifts the tone from condemnation to a hopeful declaration of divine grace and a coming era of sincere devotion.

Context

Chapter 20 of Ezekiel largely recounts Israel's long history of idolatry and disobedience, from their time in Egypt through the wilderness and into the promised land. God repeatedly shows His faithfulness despite their persistent rebellion, but also brings judgment. However, starting around verse 33, the prophecy shifts to a future time when God Himself will gather His people from among the nations, bringing them into the "wilderness of the people" for judgment, but ultimately leading to a renewed covenant. Verse 40 is part of this climactic promise of God's eventual regathering and spiritual cleansing of Israel, where their service will finally be acceptable.

Key Themes

• Divine Restoration and Gathering: The phrase "all the house of Israel, all of them in the land, serve me" speaks to a complete and comprehensive restoration of the nation, returning to their homeland to serve God. This is a promise of national spiritual revival.
• The Holy Mountain: "In mine holy mountain, in the mountain of the height of Israel" refers to Mount Zion or Jerusalem, the symbolic center of God's presence and future kingdom. This signifies a focal point for true worship and God's dwelling place among His people, as prophesied in Isaiah 2:2-3.
• Acceptable Worship: "There will I accept them, and there will I require your offerings, and the firstfruits of your oblations, with all your holy things." This highlights a future where Israel's worship, including their sacrifices and gifts, will be pure and pleasing to God, unlike their past corrupted practices. This speaks to a time of genuine repentance and devotion, where offerings are not merely ritualistic but come from a sanctified heart.
• God's Sovereignty and Initiative: The repeated "saith the Lord GOD" emphasizes that this restoration is not due to Israel's merit but is a sovereign act of God's grace and faithfulness to His covenant promises.

Linguistic Insights

The term "holy mountain" (Hebrew: har kodshi) is consistently used in prophetic literature to denote God's chosen dwelling place, often associated with Jerusalem and the Temple, and points to a future time of spiritual prominence for that location. "Oblations" (Hebrew: terumah) refers to heave offerings, which were contributions lifted up to God, typically a portion of produce or livestock, signifying a gift freely given in worship.

Practical Application

For believers today, Ezekiel 20:40 offers several profound insights:

• God's Faithfulness: It demonstrates God's unwavering commitment to His covenant promises, even when His people are unfaithful. His plan for redemption and restoration will ultimately prevail.
• The Call to True Worship: The verse reminds us that God desires genuine, heartfelt worship and service. Our "offerings"—whether our time, talents, resources, or bodies—should be presented as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God.
• Hope for the Future: It points to a glorious future where God's presence will be fully established, and His people will serve Him in purity and truth. This provides hope for the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom and the eradication of sin and rebellion.

This verse encapsulates a pivotal moment in Ezekiel's prophecy, moving from a recounting of past failures to a vibrant vision of future divine acceptance and perfect worship.