Ezekiel 20:42

KJV

And ye shall know that I [am] the LORD, when I shall bring you into the land of Israel, into the country [for] the which I lifted up mine hand to give it to your fathers.

KJV (with Strong's)

And ye shall know {H3045} that I am the LORD {H3068}, when I shall bring {H935} you into the land {H127} of Israel {H3478}, into the country {H776} for the which I lifted up {H5375} mine hand {H3027} to give {H5414} it to your fathers {H1}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"'You will know that I am ADONAI when I bring you into the land of Isra'el, into the country which I pledged, by raising my hand, to give to your ancestors.

Berean Standard Bible

Then you will know that I am the LORD, when I bring you into the land of Israel, the land that I swore to give your fathers.

American Standard Version

And ye shall know that I am Jehovah, when I shall bring you into the land of Israel, into the country which I sware to give unto your fathers.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 20:42 declares God's unwavering commitment to His covenant promises, assuring the exiled Israelites that their return to the promised land would serve as an undeniable, experiential revelation of His divine identity and power. Despite their persistent rebellion and the judgments they faced, this verse underscores the Lord's faithfulness to His oath sworn to their ancestors, demonstrating that His ultimate redemptive purposes for His people will prevail, bringing about a profound recognition of His sovereignty.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel chapter 20 is a powerful and sweeping historical review of Israel's idolatry and disobedience, presented as a prophetic oracle to the elders of Israel who sought a word from the Lord. Beginning from their time in Egypt, through the wilderness wanderings, and into the land of Canaan, God recounts how His people consistently rebelled against Him, provoking His wrath. Yet, in each instance, He repeatedly withheld full judgment "for His name's sake," lest His holy name be profaned among the nations. This narrative of persistent rebellion juxtaposed with God's patient forbearance sets the stage for the climactic promise of restoration. The declaration in [Ezekiel 20:42](/ezekiel/20-42 "Ezekiel 20:42 - God's Promise of Return") serves as a beacon of hope, assuring the exiles that their eventual return to the land is not earned by their merit but is a divine act designed to reveal God's true nature and absolute control, fulfilling His ancient oath.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophet Ezekiel ministered to the Jewish exiles in Babylon during the 6th century BCE, following the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple. The exiles were living in a foreign land, grappling with despair, questioning God's faithfulness, and perhaps even wondering if their God had been defeated by the gods of Babylon. In this context of national humiliation and spiritual confusion, the promise of return to the "land of Israel" was not merely a geographical relocation but a profound restoration of their identity, covenant relationship, and hope. The act of "lifting up one's hand" was a common ancient Near Eastern custom for swearing a solemn oath, often invoking divine witness, emphasizing the unbreakable nature of God's commitment to His covenant people, even when they were in exile due to their unfaithfulness.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several major themes found throughout Ezekiel and the broader prophetic literature. Foremost is **God's Unquestionable Sovereignty**, as the phrase "ye shall know that I am the LORD" signifies that their return would be an undeniable, experiential revelation of God's true nature and absolute control over history and nations. It is a profound recognition born out of divine action, not intellectual understanding alone. Secondly, it highlights **Covenant Faithfulness**, as the "land of Israel" is explicitly identified as "the country for the which I lifted up mine hand to give it to your fathers." This directly references the [Abrahamic covenant](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - The Abrahamic Covenant Promise"), an oath sworn generations prior, underscoring God's steadfastness despite Israel's unfaithfulness, echoing the truth that [God is not a man, that He should lie](/numbers/23-19 "Numbers 23:19 - God's Unchanging Word"). Finally, the verse speaks to **Divine Restoration**, promising a physical return from exile that simultaneously signifies a spiritual renewal. It is a testament to God's redemptive plan, showing that His ultimate purpose for His people will prevail, even through periods of severe judgment, a theme consistently echoed in prophecies of return, such as in [Jeremiah 29:14](/jeremiah/29-14 "Jeremiah 29:14 - Prophecy of Return from Exile").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **know (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ'_):** (H3045) This word signifies more than mere intellectual apprehension; it denotes an experiential, relational knowledge. It implies a deep understanding and recognition of God's character and power, ascertained through His actions. In Ezekiel, this "knowing" is often the result of God's judgments and, as here, His redemptive acts, forcing both Israel and the nations to acknowledge His unique identity as the sovereign Lord.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** (H3068) This is the covenant name of God, often rendered as "Yahweh" or "Jehovah," emphasizing His self-existence, eternal nature, and covenant-keeping fidelity. When God declares, "I am the LORD," He asserts His unique deity, His absolute authority, and His faithfulness to His promises and purposes, distinguishing Himself from all other gods.
* **lifted up (Hebrew, _nâsâʼ'_); hand (Hebrew, _yâd'_):** (H5375, H3027) The idiom "lifted up mine hand" signifies the swearing of a solemn, unbreakable oath or vow. Just as a person would raise their hand to swear an oath in a court of law, God's "lifting up His hand" underscores the unchangeable and certain nature of His promise. It is an act of divine commitment, binding Himself to His word, particularly regarding the giving of the land to the patriarchs.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And ye shall know that I [am] the LORD,"**: This opening clause establishes the primary purpose of God's future action: the experiential revelation of His divine identity and sovereignty. The exiles, who had questioned God's power and presence during their exile, would come to a profound, undeniable understanding of who He is through His mighty acts of restoration. This knowledge is not theoretical but forged in the crucible of their lived experience.
* **"when I shall bring you into the land of Israel,"**: This specifies the precise action through which God's identity will be revealed. The "bringing" (Hebrew, _bôwʼ_) signifies a divine initiative, a powerful act of gathering and leading His dispersed people back to their ancestral homeland. This return is not a natural migration but a miraculous, God-ordained event, demonstrating His control over history and nations.
* **"into the country [for] the which I lifted up mine hand to give it to your fathers."**: This clause grounds the promise of return firmly in God's ancient covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The "country" or "land" (Hebrew, _ʼerets_ / _ʼădâmâh_) is explicitly identified as the object of God's solemn oath (Hebrew, _nâsâʼ yâd_) to their "fathers" (Hebrew, _ʼâb_). This highlights God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises across generations, even when His people have been unfaithful. The restoration is thus an act of divine fidelity, not human merit.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 20:42 employs several potent literary devices. The most prominent is **Covenant Language**, explicitly referencing God's oath to "give it to your fathers," invoking the foundational promises made to Abraham. This anchors the contemporary promise of return in the unchangeable, ancient divine commitment, providing immense assurance. The phrase "ye shall know that I am the LORD" is a powerful instance of **Repetition** (or a recurring motif) throughout the book of Ezekiel, appearing over 70 times. This insistent reiteration underscores the core theological purpose of all God's actions—whether judgment or restoration—to reveal His unique, sovereign identity to His people and the nations. Finally, the phrase "lifted up mine hand" is a vivid **Idiom**, signifying a solemn, binding oath, akin to swearing an oath with an uplifted hand. This idiomatic expression emphasizes the absolute certainty and unchangeable nature of God's promise, reinforcing His faithfulness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 20:42 serves as a profound theological statement about the character of God, particularly His unwavering faithfulness and sovereign power. It teaches that God's actions, even those involving severe judgment, are ultimately oriented toward the revelation of His glory and the fulfillment of His covenant promises. The return from exile is not merely a political or geographical event but a theological one, designed to bring Israel to a deeper, experiential knowledge of the Lord. This divine fidelity provides enduring hope, assuring believers that God's ultimate purposes for His people will never be thwarted, regardless of human sin or historical circumstances. His commitment is rooted in His own nature, not in our performance.

* [Deuteronomy 7:9](/deuteronomy/7-9 "Deuteronomy 7:9 - God's Faithfulness to His Covenant")
* [Isaiah 43:5-7](/isaiah/43-5-7 "Isaiah 43:5-7 - God Gathers His People")
* [Psalm 89:34](/psalms/89-34 "Psalm 89:34 - God Will Not Violate His Covenant")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 20:42 offers profound comfort and a robust foundation for faith for believers today. In a world marked by uncertainty, broken promises, and personal failures, this verse reminds us that God's character is steadfast and His promises are unbreakable. Just as He remained faithful to Israel despite their persistent rebellion, He remains faithful to His covenant with us through Christ. When we face the consequences of our own sin, or when circumstances seem to contradict God's goodness, we can lean into the truth that His ultimate plan for our good and His glory will prevail. His faithfulness is not contingent on our perfection but on His own perfect nature. This encourages us to look beyond immediate difficulties to God's enduring power and His commitment to His covenant people, providing an unshakeable hope that He will always fulfill His word and reveal His glory in our lives and in the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's faithfulness to ancient promises, as seen in Ezekiel 20:42, strengthen your trust in His promises for your life today?**
* **In what ways have you experientially "known that I am the LORD" through His actions in your life, whether in times of discipline or restoration?**
* **How does understanding that God acts "for His name's sake" (as seen in the broader context of Ezekiel 20) shape your perspective on His purposes for the church and the world?**
* **What specific "land" or promise is God "lifting up His hand" to give you or your community in Christ, and how does this verse encourage you in that hope?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of God "lifting up His hand" in this verse?**

Answer: The phrase "lifting up mine hand" is a powerful biblical idiom (Hebrew: *nasa' yad*) that signifies the swearing of a solemn, binding oath or vow. It's akin to taking an oath with an uplifted hand in a legal setting, emphasizing the absolute certainty and unchangeable nature of the promise being made. In [Ezekiel 20:42](/ezekiel/20-42 "Ezekiel 20:42 - God's Unbreakable Oath"), it underscores God's unwavering commitment to the covenant He made with the patriarchs (like Abraham in [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - The Promise of Land to Abraham")) to give them the land of Israel. This means the promise of return from exile is not a conditional offer but a guaranteed fulfillment based on God's own integrity and faithfulness, regardless of Israel's past unfaithfulness.

**How does "ye shall know that I am the LORD" relate to God's actions?**

Answer: This recurring motif in Ezekiel (appearing over 70 times) emphasizes that God's actions, whether in judgment or restoration, are ultimately designed to reveal His unique identity and sovereign power. The "knowing" (Hebrew: *yâdaʻ*) is not merely intellectual understanding but a deep, experiential, and undeniable recognition of who God is. When God brings Israel back to the land, it will be such a miraculous and undeniable act of divine intervention that both the Israelites and the surrounding nations will be forced to acknowledge that He alone is the true God, the [LORD (Yahweh)](/exodus/3-14 "Exodus 3:14 - I AM WHO I AM"), who keeps His word and controls all history. This experiential knowledge leads to a profound transformation of perspective and worship.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Ezekiel 20:42 speaks directly to the physical return of Israel to their promised land, its deeper theological currents find their ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ and the New Covenant. The "land" in the Old Testament often symbolized God's presence, blessing, and the place of His covenant relationship with His people. In Christ, believers are brought into a new and living "land" – the spiritual reality of God's kingdom and the promised inheritance of eternal life. Just as God "lifted up His hand" to give the physical land to the fathers, He has sworn an even greater oath in Christ, guaranteeing a spiritual inheritance that is "imperishable, undefiled, and unfading" ([1 Peter 1:4](/1_peter/1-4 "1 Peter 1:4 - An Inheritance Kept in Heaven")). The promise that "ye shall know that I am the LORD" is supremely fulfilled in the person and work of Jesus. Through His life, death, and resurrection, God's true nature as merciful, just, and sovereign is fully revealed ([John 14:9](/john/14-9 "John 14:9 - Seeing Jesus is Seeing the Father")). The "bringing you into the land" foreshadows Christ's work of gathering His scattered people from every tribe and nation into His spiritual body, the Church ([Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19-22 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Fellow Citizens with the Saints")), and ultimately, His promise to bring us into the new heavens and new earth, where God's presence will be fully realized ([Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1-4 "Revelation 21:1-4 - The New Heaven and New Earth")). Thus, Ezekiel 20:42 points beyond a physical restoration to the ultimate spiritual restoration and revelation of God's glory accomplished in and through Christ.

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 38:23

Thus will I magnify myself, and sanctify myself; and I will be known in the eyes of many nations, and they shall know that I [am] the LORD.

Ezekiel 34:13

And I will bring them out from the people, and gather them from the countries, and will bring them to their own land, and feed them upon the mountains of Israel by the rivers, and in all the inhabited places of the country.

Ezekiel 36:23

And I will sanctify my great name, which was profaned among the heathen, which ye have profaned in the midst of them; and the heathen shall know that I [am] the LORD, saith the Lord GOD, when I shall be sanctified in you before their eyes.

Ezekiel 36:24

For I will take you from among the heathen, and gather you out of all countries, and will bring you into your own land.

Jeremiah 31:34

And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.

Ezekiel 20:44

And ye shall know that I [am] the LORD, when I have wrought with you for my name's sake, not according to your wicked ways, nor according to your corrupt doings, O ye house of Israel, saith the Lord GOD.

Ezekiel 37:25

And they shall dwell in the land that I have given unto Jacob my servant, wherein your fathers have dwelt; and they shall dwell therein, [even] they, and their children, and their children's children for ever: and my servant David [shall be] their prince for ever.