Ezekiel 20:9

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

But I wrought {H6213} for my name's {H8034} sake, that it should not be polluted {H2490} before {H5869} the heathen {H1471}, among {H8432} whom they were, in whose sight {H5869} I made myself known {H3045} unto them, in bringing them forth {H3318} out of the land {H776} of Egypt {H4714}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But concern for my own reputation kept me from letting it be profaned in the sight of the nations among whom they were living, in the sight of whom I had made myself known to them, in order to bring them out of the land of Egypt.

Berean Standard Bible

But I acted for the sake of My name, that it should not be profaned in the eyes of the nations among whom they were living, in whose sight I had revealed Myself to Israel by bringing them out of the land of Egypt.

American Standard Version

But I wrought for my name’s sake, that it should not be profaned in the sight of the nations, among which they were, in whose sight I made myself known unto them, in bringing them forth out of the land of Egypt.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 20:9 powerfully articulates God's profound commitment to His own divine name and unblemished reputation, serving as the ultimate, self-motivated purpose behind His redemptive acts, particularly the Exodus. Despite Israel's deep-seated idolatry and inherent unworthiness even while enslaved in Egypt, God intervened not due to their merit, but to prevent His holy character and authority from being profaned or diminished in the sight of the surrounding Gentile nations. This foundational truth underscores that God's glory is the supreme end toward which His covenant faithfulness and sovereign deliverance are consistently directed throughout salvation history.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 20:9 is strategically placed within a lengthy prophetic discourse in [Ezekiel chapter 20](/ezekiel/20 "Ezekiel 20 - Israel's Rebellious History and God's Faithfulness"), where the prophet Ezekiel confronts the elders of Israel who have come seeking a word from the Lord. Rather than providing the direct, comforting answer they might have desired, God launches into a severe historical indictment of Israel's persistent rebellion and idolatry, tracing this pattern from their time in Egypt, through their wilderness wanderings, and into the Promised Land. This particular verse serves as a pivotal theological statement within God's recounting of the Exodus, revealing His primary motivation for delivering an undeserving people. It establishes a recurring theological principle that God's covenant faithfulness and redemptive actions are ultimately rooted in His commitment to His own glory and the sanctity of His name, a theme reiterated in subsequent instances of His mercy despite Israel's continued unfaithfulness, such as in [Ezekiel 20:14](/ezekiel/20-14 "Ezekiel 20:14 - God's Name Preserved in the Wilderness") and [Ezekiel 20:22](/ezekiel/20-22 "Ezekiel 20:22 - God's Name Preserved in the Wilderness"). The verse sets the stage for understanding God's consistent, self-glorifying purpose throughout Israel's tumultuous history.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical setting for Ezekiel 20:9 is the period of Israel's exile in Babylon, specifically around 591 BC. The elders approaching Ezekiel were likely seeking assurance or a sign of restoration, yet God reminds them of the deep-seated pattern of idolatry that led to their current predicament. The reference to "Egypt" and "the heathen" (Gentile nations) is crucial for understanding the cultural backdrop. In the ancient Near East, the power, reputation, and even existence of a god were often judged by the prosperity, success, and fate of their people. If Yahweh had allowed Israel to perish in Egyptian bondage or in the wilderness due to their sin, the surrounding nations would have concluded that He was either weak, unfaithful, or inferior to their own deities. The Exodus, therefore, was not merely an act of liberation for Israel but a grand, public demonstration of Yahweh's unparalleled power, sovereignty, and unique identity to the entire ancient world, as explicitly stated in passages like [Exodus 12:12](/exodus/12-12 "Exodus 12:12 - Judgment on Egyptian Gods") and [Exodus 14:18](/exodus/14-18 "Exodus 14:18 - God's Glory in the Red Sea"). God's concern for His "name" (which encompasses His character, authority, and reputation) was paramount in a polytheistic world where deities were constantly being compared and tested.

* **Key Themes:** Several profound theological themes converge in Ezekiel 20:9. Foremost is the **Supremacy of God's Name and Glory**. This verse unequivocally declares that God's actions are ultimately self-motivated; His primary concern is the honor and vindication of His own character and reputation. To "pollute" His name would imply a diminished view of His power, faithfulness, or holiness among the nations, which He would not permit. This theme resonates throughout Scripture, finding echoes in texts like [Isaiah 48:11](/isaiah/48-11 "Isaiah 48:11 - God's Glory Undiminished") and [Psalm 115:1](/psalms/115-1 "Psalm 115:1 - Not to Us, But to Your Name"). Another crucial theme is **Divine Sovereignty and Unmerited Grace**. God's deliverance of Israel from Egypt was not earned by their righteousness or obedience; it was an act of pure, unmerited favor, demonstrating His sovereign choice and steadfast love despite their rebellion. This highlights that salvation and deliverance are always initiated by God's free will and not by human merit. Finally, the verse underscores **God's Witness to the Nations**. The Exodus was a public spectacle, intended not only for Israel's benefit but also to reveal Yahweh's unique power and identity to the "heathen." His mighty acts served as an undeniable testimony to His supremacy, ensuring His name would be known and revered globally, as described in [Exodus 9:16](/exodus/9-16 "Exodus 9:16 - God's Power Displayed to Pharaoh").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Wrought (Hebrew, _ʻâsâh'_ H6213):** This primitive root signifies "to do or make" in its broadest sense and widest application, encompassing accomplishment, execution, and performance. In this context, it emphasizes God's active, intentional, and powerful intervention in history, specifically His bringing Israel forth out of Egypt. It highlights His divine agency and purposeful action, underscoring that His deliverance was a deliberate and sovereign work.
* **Polluted (Hebrew, _châlal'_ H2490):** Derived from a root meaning "to bore" or "to wound," this word figuratively means "to profane, defile, or dishonor." When applied to God's name, it conveys the idea of diminishing His glory, misrepresenting His character, or causing Him to be held in contempt or disrepute, particularly in the eyes of those who do not know Him. God's action in the Exodus was thus a preventative measure against the desecration of His holy reputation.
* **Heathen (Hebrew, _gôwy'_ H1471):** This term refers to "a foreign nation" or "Gentile." In the Old Testament, it often denotes nations outside of Israel who did not worship Yahweh. God's concern for His name "before the heathen" underscores the universal scope of His redemptive plan and His desire for His glory to be recognized by all peoples, not just Israel. It highlights the public, demonstrative nature of His acts.
* **Made myself known (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ'_ H3045):** This primitive root means "to know," but in the Hifil stem (causative), it means "to make known," "to cause to know," or "to declare." God actively revealed His character, power, and identity through His mighty acts, specifically the Exodus, ensuring that both Israel and the surrounding nations would understand who He is. This was not a passive revelation but an assertive, demonstrative unveiling of His divine nature and supremacy.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But I wrought for my name's sake":** This opening clause immediately establishes God's ultimate and primary motivation. His actions, particularly the deliverance of Israel, were not fundamentally for Israel's merit or immediate benefit, but for the preservation, vindication, and exaltation of His own divine "name." The "name" of God encompasses His entire being, character, reputation, authority, and glory. This highlights God's self-sufficiency and His supreme commitment to His own holiness and honor.
* **"that it should not be polluted before the heathen, among whom they [were]":** This clause articulates the specific *purpose* of God's action. He acted to prevent His name from being profaned, defiled, or dishonored in the sight of the surrounding Gentile nations, within whose midst Israel was enslaved. If God had allowed Israel to be utterly destroyed or permanently enslaved in Egypt, the "heathen" would have concluded that Yahweh was either powerless to save His people, unfaithful to His covenant, or inferior to their own deities, thereby diminishing His glory and misrepresenting His true nature.
* **"in whose sight I made myself known unto them":** This clause clarifies *how* God prevented His name from being polluted. Through His mighty acts of judgment against Egypt (the plagues) and miraculous deliverance for Israel (the Exodus), God actively revealed His power, sovereignty, and faithfulness not only to Israel but also to the Egyptians and other nations. The Exodus was a public, undeniable demonstration of His unique deity and supremacy over all other gods.
* **"in bringing them forth out of the land of Egypt":** This specifies the particular redemptive act that served as the primary means by which God achieved His purpose. The Exodus, with its accompanying plagues, the parting of the Red Sea, and the subsequent provision in the wilderness, was the quintessential event that showcased God's power, commitment to His name, and covenant faithfulness before the entire ancient world.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 20:9 employs several potent **Literary Devices** to convey its profound theological message. The most prominent is **Anthropomorphism**, where God is described as acting "for my name's sake," attributing to Him a concern for reputation similar to human beings. This is not to suggest human limitations on God, but rather to make His divine motivation comprehensible and relatable to a human audience. The "name" of God functions as a powerful **Metonymy**, representing His entire being, character, power, and authority. To act for His name's sake is to act for His glory, integrity, and the manifestation of His inherent holiness. The phrase "before the heathen" creates a sense of **Theological Irony** or **Dramatic Irony**, as the very nations who might have mocked or questioned God's power would witness His undeniable might through the Exodus. Furthermore, the entire verse serves as a **Recapitulation** or **Summary Statement** within Ezekiel's longer historical review, succinctly encapsulating God's consistent, self-glorifying motivation throughout Israel's rebellious history. The repeated emphasis on God's active "wrought" and "made myself known" highlights His **Divine Agency** and sovereign initiative, reinforcing His absolute control and purpose.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 20:9 profoundly reveals that God's ultimate motivation in all His redemptive acts, past, present, and future, is the vindication and glorification of His own holy name. This principle transcends the specific historical context of the Exodus, serving as a foundational theological truth throughout Scripture. God's steadfast love and covenant faithfulness, even in the face of human rebellion and unworthiness, are not predicated on human merit or performance but on His unchanging character and His immutable commitment to His own glory. This provides immense comfort and security for believers, as it grounds salvation and divine intervention in God's perfect, self-sufficient nature rather than in fluctuating human obedience. It also underscores the seriousness of sin, particularly idolatry and unfaithfulness, which directly "pollute" God's name by misrepresenting His unique sovereignty, holiness, and supreme worth. The verse calls believers to live lives that reflect God's holiness, recognizing that their conduct can either honor or dishonor the God they claim to serve, impacting His witness to a watching world.

* [Deuteronomy 9:5](/deuteronomy/9-5 "Deuteronomy 9:5 - Not for Your Righteousness")
* [Psalm 106:8](/psalms/106-8 "Psalm 106:8 - God Saved for His Name's Sake")
* [Isaiah 48:9-11](/isaiah/48-9-11 "Isaiah 48:9-11 - God's Name and Glory")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 20:9 offers a profound lens through which to view God's character and our own lives. Understanding that God acts primarily "for His name's sake" reshapes our perspective on His grace, sovereignty, and the ultimate purpose of all things. It assures us that His faithfulness is unwavering, rooted in His perfect being, not in our performance or fluctuating obedience. This truth should inspire deep trust, profound humility, and fervent worship, freeing us from the burden of earning His favor or proving our worth. Practically, this verse challenges us to consider how our lives, individually and corporately as the church, either honor or diminish God's name in the eyes of a watching world. Are our actions, words, and choices consistent with the holy character of the God we proclaim? Do we live in a way that makes His name known and glorified, or do we, through compromise, apathy, or unfaithfulness, risk "polluting" His reputation among the "heathen" around us? Our lives are a testimony, and we are called to be faithful stewards of the divine name we bear as His people, reflecting His glory in every sphere.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's primary motivation ("for my name's sake") deepen your appreciation for His grace and sovereignty in your own salvation and daily life?**
* **In what specific ways might our actions, as individuals or as a community of faith, inadvertently "pollute" God's name in the eyes of non-believers or those unfamiliar with Christ today?**
* **What practical steps can you commit to taking to more intentionally live in a way that brings glory and honor to God's name in your daily interactions, decisions, and pursuit of holiness?**

### FAQ
**Why is God's "name" so important in this verse and throughout the Bible?**

Answer: In biblical thought, a "name" (Hebrew: *shem*) is far more than a mere label; it encapsulates the very essence, character, authority, and reputation of a person. When God acts "for His name's sake," it means He is acting to uphold His own holy character, to demonstrate His unique power, and to preserve His unblemished reputation in the sight of all creation. His actions are ultimately self-motivated by His inherent holiness and glory, ensuring that He is rightly known, revered, and acknowledged as the one true God. This is crucial because if His people's failures led to His perceived weakness or unfaithfulness, it would diminish His glory among the nations, as seen in [Numbers 14:15-16](/numbers/14-15-16 "Numbers 14:15-16 - God's Name Among the Nations") and [Psalm 79:9](/psalms/79-9 "Psalm 79:9 - For the Glory of Your Name").

**How does God "make himself known" to the heathen?**

Answer: God "makes himself known" to the heathen primarily through His mighty acts of judgment and deliverance, which serve as undeniable demonstrations of His power and sovereignty. In the context of [Ezekiel 20:9](/ezekiel/20-9 "Ezekiel 20:9 - God's Name and the Exodus"), this refers specifically to the devastating plagues upon Egypt and the miraculous Exodus, including the awe-inspiring [parting of the Red Sea](/exodus/14-21 "Exodus 14:21 - The Red Sea Parted"). These events were not hidden but were public spectacles that revealed Yahweh's supremacy over all other gods and powers. Later, throughout Israel's history, God continued to make Himself known through their victories, defeats, and ultimately, through their exile and restoration, all intended to display His justice, faithfulness, and unique identity to the surrounding nations, as powerfully prophesied in [Ezekiel 36:23](/ezekiel/36-23 "Ezekiel 36:23 - God's Name Sanctified Among the Nations"). This public revelation ensures that His glory is acknowledged.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 20:9 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. While God acted "for His name's sake" in the Exodus to prevent His reputation from being polluted by Israel's unfaithfulness and the scorn of the nations, the New Testament reveals that the greatest act of divine self-vindication and glory came through the incarnation, crucifixion, and resurrection of Jesus. In Christ, God not only preserved His name but perfectly revealed it, demonstrating His holiness, justice, and love in a way that the Old Testament acts could only foreshadow. The cross, far from being a sign of weakness or defeat, was the ultimate display of God's power and wisdom, where He simultaneously punished sin and provided salvation, all "for the praise of His glorious grace" ([Ephesians 1:6](/ephesians/1-6 "Ephesians 1:6 - Praise of His Glorious Grace")). Jesus, as the [radiance of God's glory and the exact imprint of His nature](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - The Radiance of God's Glory"), perfectly embodied and magnified the divine name. His life, atoning death, and victorious resurrection were the definitive means by which God made Himself known to all humanity, ensuring that His name would be exalted "far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named" ([Ephesians 1:21](/ephesians/1-21 "Ephesians 1:21 - Jesus' Exalted Name")). Thus, the Exodus was a shadow of God's commitment to His name, but Christ is the substance, the full and final revelation of God's unwavering commitment to His own glory through redemptive love, inviting all nations to worship the Father through the Son ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow")).

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 39:7

So will I make my holy name known in the midst of my people Israel; and I will not [let them] pollute my holy name any more: and the heathen shall know that I [am] the LORD, the Holy One in Israel.

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 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.

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.

Exodus 32:12

Wherefore should the Egyptians speak, and say, For mischief did he bring them out, to slay them in the mountains, and to consume them from the face of the earth? Turn from thy fierce wrath, and repent of this evil against thy people.

Joshua 9:9

And they said unto him, From a very far country thy servants are come because of the name of the LORD thy God: for we have heard the fame of him, and all that he did in Egypt,