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.

And ye shall know {H3045} that I am the LORD {H3068}, when I have wrought {H6213} with you for my name's {H8034} sake, not according to your wicked {H7451} ways {H1870}, nor according to your corrupt {H7843} doings {H5949}, O ye house {H1004} of Israel {H3478}, saith {H5002} the Lord {H136} GOD {H3069}.

You will know that I am ADONAI when I have dealt with you in a manner that preserves my reputation, and not according to your evil ways and corrupt actions, house of Isra'el' says Adonai ELOHIM." The Hebrew word bamah means "high place"; the etymology suggested here relates it to Hebrew ba ("go") and mah ("what").

Then you will know, O house of Israel, that I am the LORD, when I have dealt with you for the sake of My name and not according to your wicked ways and corrupt acts, declares the Lord GOD.”

And ye shall know that I am Jehovah, when I have dealt with you for my name’s sake, not according to your evil ways, nor according to your corrupt doings, O ye house of Israel, saith the Lord Jehovah.

Commentary

Ezekiel 20:44 is a powerful declaration of God's unwavering character and His ultimate motivation for interacting with His people. Despite Israel's persistent rebellion and idolatry, God promises to act not based on their merit, but for the sake of His own holy name, so that they might truly come to know Him as the sovereign LORD.

Context

This verse concludes a lengthy historical recounting in Ezekiel chapter 20, where the prophet details Israel's continuous pattern of disobedience and idolatry from their time in Egypt through the wilderness and into the Promised Land. Despite God's repeated acts of deliverance and covenant establishment, Israel consistently turned away to other gods. God, however, repeatedly withheld full judgment "for my name's sake" (as seen earlier in Ezekiel 20:9 and Ezekiel 20:14). Verse 44 looks forward to a future restoration, where God will bring them back from exile, not because they deserve it, but to vindicate His own reputation among the nations. It emphasizes that the ultimate revelation of His identity will come through His sovereign, gracious intervention.

Key Themes

  • God's Sovereignty and Glory: The primary motivation for God's actions is His own glory and the sanctity of His name. He acts to reveal Himself as the one true God, independent of human worthiness. This theme is central to understanding God's redemptive plan.
  • Divine Revelation: The phrase "ye shall know that I am the LORD" signifies that God's powerful acts are designed to bring His people (and the nations) to a deeper understanding of His omnipotence, faithfulness, and unique identity as Yahweh, the covenant-keeping God. This knowledge is not merely intellectual but experiential.
  • Unmerited Grace: This verse starkly contrasts God's righteous character with Israel's "wicked ways" and "corrupt doings." It underscores that God's grace is not earned but freely given, demonstrating His unconditional love and commitment to His covenant promises, even when His people fail.
  • Covenant Faithfulness: Despite Israel's infidelity, God remains faithful to His covenant. His promise to work "for my name's sake" ensures that His ultimate purposes for Israel and humanity will be accomplished, regardless of human sin.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "I am the LORD" translates the Hebrew Ani Adonai or Ani Yahweh, emphasizing God's self-existent nature and His identity as the sovereign, covenant-making God of Israel. The expression "for my name's sake" (Hebrew: lema'an shmi) is crucial. It means for the sake of His reputation, character, and glory. God's actions are not arbitrary; they are consistent with who He is. This concept is echoed throughout scripture, such as when David prays for deliverance "for his name's sake" in Psalm 23:3, or when God promises to act "for mine own sake" in Isaiah 48:11.

Practical Application

Ezekiel 20:44 offers profound comfort and challenges for believers today:

  • Hope in God's Faithfulness: Our salvation and continued walk with God are not dependent on our perfect performance but on His unchanging character and commitment to His own glory. This provides immense hope when we fail, reminding us that God's promises are secure.
  • Humility and Gratitude: Recognizing that God works in our lives "not according to your wicked ways" should cultivate deep humility and gratitude for His unmerited favor. We are beneficiaries of His grace, not our own merit or good deeds.
  • Motivation for Worship: Understanding that God acts for His name's sake should inspire awe and worship. Our response to His sovereign grace should be a life dedicated to His glory, living in a way that reflects His holiness and love.
  • Assurance of Future Hope: Just as God promised to restore Israel for His name's sake, believers can trust that God will complete the work He began in them and ultimately bring about His kingdom, all for His glory. This echoes the New Testament understanding of God's faithfulness to complete His work in believers, as seen in Philippians 1:6.
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Cross-References

  • Ezekiel 24:24

    Thus Ezekiel is unto you a sign: according to all that he hath done shall ye do: and when this cometh, ye shall know that I [am] the Lord GOD.

  • Psalms 115:1

    ¶ Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory, for thy mercy, [and] for thy truth's sake.

  • Ezekiel 20:14

    But I wrought for my name's sake, that it should not be polluted before the heathen, in whose sight I brought them out.

  • Ezekiel 20:22

    Nevertheless I withdrew mine hand, and wrought for my name's sake, that it should not be polluted in the sight of the heathen, in whose sight I brought them forth.

  • Ezekiel 20:9

    But I wrought for my name's sake, that it should not be polluted before the heathen, among whom they [were], in whose sight I made myself known unto them, in bringing them forth out of the land of Egypt.

  • Ezekiel 36:21

    But I had pity for mine holy name, which the house of Israel had profaned among the heathen, whither they went.

  • Ezekiel 36:22

    Therefore say unto the house of Israel, Thus saith the Lord GOD; I do not [this] for your sakes, O house of Israel, but for mine holy name's sake, which ye have profaned among the heathen, whither ye went.