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.

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}.

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.

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.

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.

Ezekiel 20:9 (KJV) is a powerful declaration of God's unwavering commitment to His own holy name and reputation, even in the face of Israel's persistent rebellion. This verse is part of a longer historical discourse where God recounts Israel's idolatry and unfaithfulness from their time in Egypt, through the wilderness, and into the Promised Land.

Context

In Ezekiel chapter 20, the prophet Ezekiel is confronted by the elders of Israel seeking a word from the Lord. Instead of answering their inquiries directly, God uses Ezekiel to deliver a scathing indictment of Israel's history of rebellion, beginning with their time in Egypt. God recounts how, even before the Exodus, they were prone to idolatry. Despite their unworthiness, God chose to act, not based on their merit, but for the sake of His own glory. Verse 9 specifically highlights the Exodus from the land of Egypt as a prime example of God's actions being motivated by His name, rather than Israel's righteousness. This sets a recurring theme throughout the chapter: God's mercy and deliverance are always rooted in His character and covenant, not in human deserving.

Key Themes

  • God's Name and Reputation: The central theme is God's fierce protection of His own name (often synonymous with His character, authority, and power). To "pollute" God's name means to dishonor or profane it, suggesting that if God had abandoned Israel due to their sin, the surrounding nations would have concluded that He was either powerless or unfaithful. God's actions were a demonstration that He is indeed the one true God, mighty and able to save. This concept is vital in understanding God's actions throughout salvation history.
  • Divine Sovereignty and Grace: God's decision to bring Israel out of Egypt was an act of sovereign grace. It was not earned. He acted for "His name's sake," emphasizing that His glory is the ultimate purpose behind His redemptive work. This mirrors themes seen elsewhere, such as in Psalm 106:8, where it states, "Nevertheless he saved them for his name's sake, that he might make his mighty power to be known."
  • Witness to the Nations: The Exodus was not just for Israel's benefit but also served as a powerful revelation of God's character and power to the "heathen" or surrounding nations. God "made myself known unto them" through His mighty acts, such as the parting of the Red Sea, ensuring His reputation would not be tarnished.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "wrought for my name's sake" (from the Hebrew עָשִׂיתִי לְמַעַן שְׁמִי - asithi lema'an sh'mi) powerfully conveys God's self-motivation and commitment to His divine character. The word "polluted" comes from the Hebrew verb חָלַל (chalal), meaning "to profane, defile, or dishonor." It emphasizes the seriousness with which God views any act that would diminish His glory or misrepresent His nature before the world.

Practical Application

Ezekiel 20:9 reminds us that God's ultimate motivation in all His dealings, including salvation, is His own glory. This provides comfort and stability, as God's faithfulness is rooted in His unchanging character, not in our fluctuating obedience. It also challenges believers to live in a way that honors God's name, recognizing that our actions can either bring glory to Him or, conversely, cause His name to be "polluted" among those who do not know Him. As followers of Christ, we are called to proclaim the excellencies of Him who called us out of darkness into His marvelous light, ensuring His name is glorified in our lives.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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,

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