Ezekiel 20:5

KJV

¶ And say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; In the day when I chose Israel, and lifted up mine hand unto the seed of the house of Jacob, and made myself known unto them in the land of Egypt, when I lifted up mine hand unto them, saying, I [am] the LORD your God;

KJV (with Strong's)

And say {H559} unto them, Thus saith {H559} the Lord {H136} GOD {H3069}; In the day {H3117} when I chose {H977} Israel {H3478}, and lifted up {H5375} mine hand {H3027} unto the seed {H2233} of the house {H1004} of Jacob {H3290}, and made myself known {H3045} unto them in the land {H776} of Egypt {H4714}, when I lifted {H5375} up mine hand {H3027} unto them, saying {H559}, I am the LORD {H3068} your God {H430};

Complete Jewish Bible

Tell them that Adonai ELOHIM says this: 'Back on the day when I chose Isra'el, I raised my hand to the descendants of the house of Ya'akov. I revealed myself to them in the land of Egypt when I raised my hand to them and said, "I am ADONAI your God."

Berean Standard Bible

and tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says: On the day I chose Israel, I swore an oath to the descendants of the house of Jacob and made Myself known to them in the land of Egypt. With an uplifted hand I said to them, ‘I am the LORD your God.’

American Standard Version

and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord Jehovah: In the day when I chose Israel, and sware unto the seed of the house of Jacob, and made myself known unto them in the land of Egypt, when I sware unto them, saying, I am Jehovah your God;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 20:5 initiates a profound divine monologue, setting the stage for a comprehensive historical review of Israel's relationship with God. This verse powerfully articulates God's sovereign initiative in choosing Israel, solidifying His commitment through a solemn oath, and revealing His covenantal identity to them in the land of Egypt. It serves as a foundational statement of God's unmerited grace and unwavering faithfulness, providing a stark contrast to the subsequent narrative of Israel's persistent rebellion, yet simultaneously anchoring the hope for their ultimate restoration in God's immutable character.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 20 opens with a delegation of Israelite elders seeking a word from the Lord, but God emphatically refuses to be consulted due to their idolatry and spiritual impurity ([Ezekiel 20:1-3](/ezekiel/20-1-3 "Ezekiel 20:1-3 - God Refuses to Be Consulted")). Instead of an oracle, God commands Ezekiel to deliver a scathing historical sermon, beginning with the foundational acts of divine grace recounted in Ezekiel 20:5. This historical survey is not merely a recounting of past events but a theological indictment, demonstrating Israel's consistent pattern of rebellion against God's covenant faithfulness from their very inception in Egypt through the wilderness and into the Promised Land. The purpose is multifaceted: to justify God's impending judgment upon His people ([Ezekiel 20:4](/ezekiel/20-4 "Ezekiel 20:4 - God's Judgment Declared")), to expose the depth of their sin, and paradoxically, to lay the groundwork for a future, ultimate restoration rooted in God's own honor and covenant promises ([Ezekiel 20:40-44](/ezekiel/20-40-44 "Ezekiel 20:40-44 - God's Promise of Future Restoration")). Verse 5, therefore, establishes the divine precedent of election and covenant, highlighting God's unmerited grace *before* any of Israel's subsequent failures.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophetic message of Ezekiel is delivered to the Jewish exiles in Babylon, specifically by the Chebar Canal, around 591 BC, following the first deportation from Jerusalem. The historical backdrop of Ezekiel 20:5 harks back to the formative period of Israel's national identity: their bondage in the "land of Egypt" ([Exodus 1:11-14](/exodus/1-11-14 "Exodus 1:11-14 - Israel's Bondage in Egypt")) and the subsequent Exodus. This was a time when Israel was not yet a nation, but a collection of tribes enslaved in a foreign land. The act of "lifting up mine hand" was a universally recognized gesture in the ancient Near East, signifying the swearing of a solemn, binding oath or vow, often invoking a deity as witness. For the Lord God, the supreme deity, to use this gesture underscored the absolute, unbreakable nature and reliability of His promises. This cultural understanding would have profoundly resonated with Ezekiel's audience, reminding them of the foundational, unchangeable commitment God made to their ancestors, a commitment that preceded any merit or action on Israel's part. This historical recall served to remind the exiles of their heritage and the foundational acts of God that established them as a nation, acts that preceded any merit on their part.

* **Key Themes:** This foundational verse introduces several pivotal themes that permeate not only the book of Ezekiel but also the entire Old Testament narrative. **Divine Election** is paramount, as God's choice of Israel is presented as an unmerited act of sovereign grace, not based on their numerical strength or righteousness, but solely on His divine will and love ([Deuteronomy 7:7-8](/deuteronomy/7-7-8 "Deuteronomy 7:7-8 - God's Unconditional Love and Election")). This election immediately establishes a **Covenant Relationship**, where God binds Himself to Israel, promising to be "the LORD your God" and claiming them as His treasured possession ([Exodus 19:5-6](/exodus/19-5-6 "Exodus 19:5-6 - Israel, God's Treasured Possession")). The theme of **Divine Self-Revelation** is also central, as God "made myself known" through mighty acts of deliverance, particularly the miraculous events leading up to and including the Exodus ([Exodus 6:7](/exodus/6-7 "Exodus 6:7 - God's Promise to Be Their God")). This revelation was not merely informational but transformational, demonstrating His power, unique identity, and exclusive claim over them. These themes collectively underscore God's initiative, faithfulness, and sovereign authority over His chosen people, despite their repeated failures, which form the core narrative of [Ezekiel 20](/ezekiel/20 "Ezekiel 20 - Israel's Rebellious History").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **chose (Hebrew, _bâchar'_):** H977. This verb signifies to "try" or "select," implying a deliberate, discerning, and preferential act. In Ezekiel 20:5, it emphasizes God's sovereign and unconditional election of Israel, setting them apart from all other nations. This choice was not contingent upon Israel's merit, worthiness, or actions, but stemmed solely from God's divine will and purpose, thereby initiating a unique and exclusive covenant relationship. It underscores the unmerited favor at the foundation of their identity.
* **hand (Hebrew, _yâd'_):** H3027. While literally referring to the physical limb, "yâd" is used here idiomatically as part of the phrase "lifted up mine hand" (Hebrew: _nasa yadi_). This idiom denotes the swearing of a solemn, binding oath, a firm declaration, or an unchangeable promise. It conveys the absolute certainty, unshakeable commitment, and divine authority behind God's word, signifying His omnipotence and faithfulness in upholding His covenant. It implies a pledge that cannot be revoked.
* **made myself known (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ'_):** H3045. This verb means "to know," but in this context, it implies a profound, active, and experiential self-revelation. It is not merely intellectual acquaintance but a relational and transformative knowledge. God actively demonstrated His character, power, and redemptive nature through His mighty acts in Egypt, particularly the plagues and the Exodus, thereby revealing His unique identity as the covenant God to Israel. This was a demonstration designed to elicit recognition, worship, and obedience.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD;":** This opening serves as a powerful divine authentication of the message. Ezekiel is merely the conduit; the words originate directly from "the Lord GOD" (Adonai Yahweh), signifying God's absolute sovereignty, His personal involvement, and His covenantal relationship with His people. This underscores the gravity, truthfulness, and authoritative nature of the historical review that follows, demanding the audience's full attention and submission.
* **"In the day when I chose Israel,":** This clause points to the seminal moment of divine election, a foundational act of pure grace. It highlights that Israel's very identity as God's chosen people originated not from their own initiative, strength, or merit, but entirely from God's sovereign and uncoerced choice. This election occurred before their deliverance from Egypt, emphasizing its unconditional and pre-emptive nature, setting them apart for a unique purpose.
* **"and lifted up mine hand unto the seed of the house of Jacob,":** This phrase signifies God swearing a solemn, binding oath to the descendants of Jacob (i.e., the Israelite nation). The "lifting up of the hand" is an ancient gesture for making an unbreakable vow, indicating the unshakeable commitment, reliability, and divine authority of God's promise. It points back to the Abrahamic covenant and its reiteration to Isaac and Jacob, now being extended to their collective "seed" or posterity, guaranteeing His faithfulness to His word.
* **"and made myself known unto them in the land of Egypt,":** Here, God recounts His powerful and unmistakable self-revelation. In the crucible of Egyptian bondage, God did not remain hidden or passive but actively intervened, demonstrating His supreme power over all other gods and His unique identity as the sovereign deliverer. This "making known" was through miraculous signs, wonders, and judgments, culminating in the Exodus, which served as a dramatic unveiling of His character and purposes.
* **"when I lifted up mine hand unto them, saying,":** This reiteration of the solemn oath emphasizes its profound importance and the specific context of its declaration—in Egypt, at the very dawn of Israel's national identity. The repetition underscores the unchangeable nature of God's commitment and the binding force of His covenant promises, solidifying the foundation of His relationship with them before they even entered the wilderness.
* **"I [am] the LORD your God;":** This is the climactic declaration of the verse, the very essence of God's self-revelation and covenant promise. "The LORD" (YHWH) is God's personal, covenant name, signifying His self-existence, eternal faithfulness, and redemptive power. By declaring "your God," He establishes an exclusive, intimate, and redemptive relationship, claiming them as His own people and committing to be their protector, provider, guide, and sovereign Lord, demanding their exclusive allegiance.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 20:5 is rich with several potent literary devices that amplify its theological weight. The most prominent is **Repetition**, specifically the phrase "lifted up mine hand," which appears twice. This deliberate repetition serves to underscore the absolute solemnity, immutability, and binding nature of God's oath, emphasizing His unchangeable commitment to His covenant with Israel. The verse also employs **Anthropomorphism**, attributing the human action of "lifting up a hand" to God. This device makes God's actions relatable and comprehensible to human understanding, conveying the profound and personal nature of His divine vow and His engagement with humanity. Furthermore, the verse functions as a powerful **Historical Allusion**, referencing the pivotal and formative events of Israel's election and miraculous deliverance from Egypt. This allusion grounds the prophetic message in the foundational narrative of Israel's identity, reminding the audience of God's past faithfulness as a prelude to His present judgment and future restoration. Finally, the declaration "I [am] the LORD your God" is a classic **Covenant Formula**, a concise yet comprehensive statement that encapsulates the essence of the divine-human relationship established through the covenant, signifying God's exclusive claim over His people and His commitment to them.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 20:5 lays the theological groundwork for understanding God's relationship with Israel as one rooted entirely in His unmerited grace and sovereign initiative. It highlights that God's election of Israel was not a response to their righteousness or any inherent merit, but a demonstration of His free choice and unwavering commitment, sealed by an unbreakable oath. This foundational act of divine grace stands in stark contrast to Israel's subsequent history of persistent rebellion, which is meticulously detailed in the remainder of Ezekiel 20. The verse profoundly underscores God's steadfast character—He is faithful even when His people are not, and His promises are immutable. This divine faithfulness provides the ultimate hope for Israel's future restoration, despite their current exile and repeated failures, because God's covenant identity as "the LORD your God" remains unchanged and His oaths are eternal. It is a testament to God's enduring love and His determination to fulfill His redemptive purposes.

* [Deuteronomy 7:7-8](/deuteronomy/7-7-8 "Deuteronomy 7:7-8 - God's Unconditional Love for Israel")
* [Exodus 6:6-7](/exodus/6-6-7 "Exodus 6:6-7 - God's Promise of Deliverance and Covenant")
* [Psalm 105:8-10](/psalms/105-8-10 "Psalm 105:8-10 - God's Everlasting Covenant")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 20:5 offers a profound anchor for faith, reminding us that our relationship with God, both individually and corporately, is fundamentally initiated and sustained by His sovereign grace, not by our merit or performance. Just as God "chose Israel" and "lifted up His hand" in an unbreakable oath to them, so too does He initiate salvation and seal His promises to us through the finished work of Christ. This verse calls us to remember God's past faithfulness, not only in the grand narrative of salvation history but also in the specific instances of His intervention and provision in our own lives, thereby building an unshakeable confidence in His unchanging character. It challenges us to respond to His sovereign grace with humble obedience, recognizing that our identity as His people flows from His gracious choice and covenant commitment, not from our own efforts or worthiness. In times of doubt, spiritual struggle, or when facing the consequences of our own failures, recalling God's foundational self-revelation and unwavering commitment in this verse can strengthen our trust in His enduring love, His immutable promises, and His ultimate plan for redemption.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's sovereign choice of Israel, independent of their merit, impact your view of His grace and election in your own life?**
* **What specific instances of God "lifting up His hand" (i.e., making solemn, binding promises) can you identify in your personal journey of faith, and how do they encourage you in times of uncertainty?**
* **In what ways has God "made Himself known" to you experientially, and how has that revelation deepened your understanding of who He is as "the LORD your God"?**
* **How might remembering God's foundational faithfulness, as powerfully displayed in Ezekiel 20:5, help you navigate periods of spiritual struggle, doubt, or perceived unworthiness?**

### FAQ

**What does it mean that God "lifted up mine hand" in this verse?**

Answer: The phrase "lifted up mine hand" (Hebrew: _nasa yadi_) is a powerful anthropomorphic idiom frequently used in the Old Testament to signify the swearing of a solemn, binding oath or vow. It is a gesture that conveys the absolute certainty, unchangeable commitment, and divine authority behind God's promises. In Ezekiel 20:5, it underscores the unbreakable nature of the covenant God made with Israel in the land of Egypt, affirming His faithfulness to deliver them from bondage and to establish Himself as "the LORD your God." This gesture is found in various contexts, such as God swearing to give the land to Abraham's descendants ([Numbers 14:30](/numbers/14-30 "Numbers 14:30 - God's Oath Regarding the Promised Land")) or to execute judgment upon His rebellious people ([Ezekiel 20:15](/ezekiel/20-15 "Ezekiel 20:15 - God's Oath of Judgment")). It signifies an immutable declaration of divine intent.

**Why does God recount Israel's history in Ezekiel 20, starting from Egypt?**

Answer: God recounts Israel's history from their time in Egypt to demonstrate a consistent and tragic pattern: His unwavering faithfulness and boundless grace contrasted sharply with Israel's persistent rebellion and idolatry. By beginning with the foundational act of choosing them and making Himself known in Egypt ([Ezekiel 20:5-6](/ezekiel/20-5-6 "Ezekiel 20:5-6 - God's Choice and Revelation in Egypt")), God highlights that their covenant relationship began with His sovereign initiative and unconditional love, not with any merit or righteousness on their part. This comprehensive historical review serves multiple crucial purposes: it justifies God's impending judgment on the exiles, showing the depth and continuity of their sin; it underscores the gravity of breaking covenant with a faithful God; and yet, paradoxically, it also provides a basis for future hope, as God's unchanging character of faithfulness means He will ultimately fulfill His covenant promises despite their failures, ultimately restoring them for His own name's sake ([Ezekiel 20:40-44](/ezekiel/20-40-44 "Ezekiel 20:40-44 - God's Promise of Restoration")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 20:5, with its profound emphasis on God's sovereign election, solemn oath, and active self-revelation, finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Just as God "chose Israel" in the crucible of Egypt, so too does He sovereignly choose His people in Christ "before the foundation of the world," not based on their works but on His gracious purpose and divine love ([Ephesians 1:4-5](/ephesians/1-4-5 "Ephesians 1:4-5 - Chosen in Christ Before the Foundation of the World")). The "lifting up of His hand" in an unbreakable oath, signifying God's unchangeable commitment to His covenant, foreshadows the superior new covenant, which is sealed not with a human gesture or the blood of animals, but with the very precious blood of God's Son, Jesus Christ. His sacrifice is the ultimate divine oath of salvation, guaranteeing the promises to all who believe, for God's oath and promise are made certain in Christ ([Hebrews 6:13-18](/hebrews/6-13-18 "Hebrews 6:13-18 - God's Unchangeable Promise and Oath")). Furthermore, while God "made myself known unto them in the land of Egypt" through mighty acts of deliverance, in Christ, He has fully and finally revealed the entirety of His being and character, for Jesus is the "radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being" ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - Christ, the Radiance of God's Glory")). In Jesus, the climactic declaration "I [am] the LORD your God" takes on new depth and intimacy, as He is Emmanuel, "God with us" ([Matthew 1:23](/matthew/1-23 "Matthew 1:23 - Emmanuel, God With Us")), the one who perfectly embodies the covenant faithfulness of God and brings His people into a definitive, eternal relationship. He is the true Israel, the faithful Son, and in Him, all the promises made to the "seed of the house of Jacob" find their resounding "Yes" and "Amen" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises are Yes in 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 47:14

And ye shall inherit it, one as well as another: [concerning] the which I lifted up mine hand to give it unto your fathers: and this land shall fall unto you for inheritance.

Exodus 4:31

And the people believed: and when they heard that the LORD had visited the children of Israel, and that he had looked upon their affliction, then they bowed their heads and worshipped.

Ezekiel 20:15

Yet also I lifted up my hand unto them in the wilderness, that I would not bring them into the land which I had given [them], flowing with milk and honey, which [is] the glory of all lands;

Genesis 14:22

And Abram said to the king of Sodom, I have lift up mine hand unto the LORD, the most high God, the possessor of heaven and earth,

Exodus 6:6

Wherefore say unto the children of Israel, I [am] the LORD, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will rid you out of their bondage, and I will redeem you with a stretched out arm, and with great judgments:

Exodus 6:7

And I will take you to me for a people, and I will be to you a God: and ye shall know that I [am] the LORD your God, which bringeth you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians.

Deuteronomy 7:6

For thou [art] an holy people unto the LORD thy God: the LORD thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that [are] upon the face of the earth.