What does "lifted up mine hand" mean in this context?

The phrase "lifted up mine hand" is a Hebrew idiom (from the words *nâsâʼ* and *yâd*) that signifies a solemn, binding oath or vow. It implies that God made an unbreakable promise, often accompanied by a physical gesture of raising one's hand to heaven, invoking Himself as the witness to the truth and certainty of His declaration. In Ezekiel 20:6, it underscores the absolute certainty and divine authority behind God's commitment to deliver Israel from Egypt and bring them into the Promised Land. This concept of God swearing an oath is seen throughout the Old Testament, for example, in Genesis 22:16.

What is the significance of the land "flowing with milk and honey"?

This phrase is a classic biblical metaphor used to describe the extraordinary fertility, abundance, and prosperity of the Promised Land. "Milk" represents the richness of livestock and dairy products, while "honey" (often date syrup or wild honey) symbolizes the sweetness and bounty of agricultural produce. Together, they paint a picture of a land so naturally productive that it provides sustenance and delight in abundance, a stark contrast to the barren wilderness or the oppressive conditions of Egypt. It signifies a place of divine blessing and provision, as first promised in Exodus 3:8.

Why is the Promised Land called "the glory of all lands"?

The designation "the glory of all lands" (Hebrew *tsᵉbîy mikol-ha'aratzot*) indicates the supreme excellence, beauty, and desirability of the Promised Land. This "glory" is not merely about its natural resources, but primarily about its unique status as the land chosen and consecrated by God for His covenant people. It was the place where God would dwell among them, establish His kingdom, and from which His light would shine to the nations. Its glory derived from its divine selection and purpose, making it a uniquely blessed and set-apart territory in God's plan for humanity, a theme echoed in Psalm 48:2.

20:5 20:5

Ezekiel 20:6

20:7 20:7

Bible Versions

In the day [that] I lifted up mine hand unto them, to bring them forth of the land of Egypt into a land that I had espied for them, flowing with milk and honey, which [is] the glory of all lands:

In the day {H3117} that I lifted up {H5375} mine hand {H3027} unto them, to bring them forth {H3318} of the land {H776} of Egypt {H4714} into a land {H776} that I had espied {H8446} for them, flowing {H2100} with milk {H2461} and honey {H1706}, which is the glory {H6643} of all lands {H776}:

On the day I raised my hand to them, pledging to bring them out of the land of Egypt into a land I had reconnoitered for them, a land flowing with milk and honey, the most beautiful of all lands,

On that day I swore to bring them out of the land of Egypt into a land that I had searched out for them, a land flowing with milk and honey, the glory of all lands.

in that day I sware unto them, to bring them forth out of the land of Egypt into a land that I had searched out for them, flowing with milk and honey, which is the glory of all lands.

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.

Verse Lookup

Cross-References

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;
Jeremiah 32:22

And hast given them this land, which thou didst swear to their fathers to give them, a land flowing with milk and honey;
Psalms 48:2

Beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth, [is] mount Zion, [on] the sides of the north, the city of the great King.
Exodus 3:8

And I am come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians, and to bring them up out of that land unto a good land and a large, unto a land flowing with milk and honey; unto the place of the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites.
Daniel 8:9

And out of one of them came forth a little horn, which waxed exceeding great, toward the south, and toward the east, and toward the pleasant [land].
Exodus 33:3

Unto a land flowing with milk and honey: for I will not go up in the midst of thee; for thou [art] a stiffnecked people: lest I consume thee in the way.
Zechariah 7:14

But I scattered them with a whirlwind among all the nations whom they knew not. Thus the land was desolate after them, that no man passed through nor returned: for they laid the pleasant land desolate.

Bible Versions

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