Ezekiel 39:7

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

So will I make my holy {H6944} name {H8034} known {H3045} in the midst {H8432} of my people {H5971} Israel {H3478}; and I will not let them pollute {H2490} my holy {H6944} name {H8034} any more: and the heathen {H1471} shall know {H3045} that I am the LORD {H3068}, the Holy One {H6918} in Israel {H3478}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I will make my holy name known among my people Isra'el; I will not allow my holy name to be profaned any longer. Then the Goyim will know that I am ADONAI, the Holy One in Isra'el.

Berean Standard Bible

So I will make My holy name known among My people Israel and will no longer allow it to be profaned. Then the nations will know that I am the LORD, the Holy One in Israel.

American Standard Version

And my holy name will I make known in the midst of my people Israel; neither will I suffer my holy name to be profaned any more: and the nations shall know that I am Jehovah, the Holy One in Israel.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 39:7 serves as a climactic declaration within the prophecy against Gog, articulating God's unwavering purpose to reveal and vindicate His holy character and authority. Through the decisive defeat of Israel's enemies, the Lord pledges to re-establish His sacred reputation among His people, ensuring they no longer profane His name, and simultaneously compel the Gentile nations to acknowledge Him as the singular, sovereign God, the Holy One uniquely present in Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically positioned at the culmination of the detailed prophecy against Gog of Magog in [Ezekiel chapters 38-39](/ezekiel/38 "Ezekiel 38-39 - The Prophecy Against Gog and Magog"). Following the vivid description of Gog's massive invasion and God's spectacular, supernatural intervention to utterly annihilate the invading forces on the mountains of Israel, verse 7 articulates the profound theological purpose behind this cataclysmic event. It shifts the focus from the *how* of the judgment to the *why*, revealing that the entire episode is orchestrated by God not merely for Israel's deliverance, but primarily for the vindication and glorification of His own name. This declaration sets the stage for the subsequent chapters, which detail the restoration and spiritual renewal of Israel, emphasizing that their future purity is intrinsically linked to God's commitment to His own holiness.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ezekiel prophesied during the Babylonian exile, a period of profound national humiliation for Israel. The exile itself was seen as a consequence of Israel's persistent sin and idolatry, which had, in the eyes of surrounding nations, brought disrepute upon the God of Israel. The concept of God's "name" in the ancient Near East was not merely a label but encompassed His entire character, reputation, authority, and presence. When Israel sinned, particularly by engaging in idolatry or injustice, it was perceived as "profaning" or "polluting" God's name among the Gentiles, who would mockingly question the power of a God whose people were in exile (as seen in [Ezekiel 36:20-23](/ezekiel/36-20 "Ezekiel 36:20-23 - Israel's Profanation of God's Name")). Thus, God's declaration in Ezekiel 39:7 is a powerful counter-narrative, promising a future act of divine power that would definitively restore His honor and demonstrate His unique sovereignty, not only to Israel but to a watching world that had doubted His might.
* **Key Themes:** Ezekiel 39:7 encapsulates several pivotal themes central to the book of Ezekiel and broader biblical theology. The primary theme is **Divine Vindication and Self-Revelation**, where God's actions are driven by His desire to make His "holy name known," demonstrating His true character and power to both His people and the nations. This directly addresses the historical profanation of His name by Israel's disobedience (cf. [Ezekiel 20:9](/ezekiel/20-9 "Ezekiel 20:9 - God Acts for His Name's Sake")). Closely related is the theme of **God's Absolute Holiness and Sovereignty**, emphasized by the repeated mention of "my holy name" and the title "the Holy One in Israel." This underscores His moral purity, transcendence, and His ultimate control over all historical events, orchestrating them for His divine purposes. Furthermore, the verse highlights the **Cleansing and Restoration of Israel**, promising an end to the spiritual pollution that marred their past relationship with God, leading to a renewed and pure covenant relationship. Finally, it powerfully conveys the theme of **Universal Knowledge of God**, asserting that the "heathen shall know that I am the LORD," indicating that God's redemptive and judgmental acts will compel even those outside the covenant to acknowledge His supreme identity as Yahweh, the one true God, fulfilling a broader prophetic vision of His global recognition (cf. [Isaiah 45:23](/isaiah/45-23 "Isaiah 45:23 - Every Knee Shall Bow")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **know (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ'_):** This primitive root signifies more than mere intellectual apprehension; it denotes a deep, experiential, and often relational knowledge. It implies recognition, understanding, and even intimate acquaintance. When God declares He will "make my holy name known," it means He will actively demonstrate His character and power in such a way that both Israel and the nations will come to truly perceive and acknowledge who He is, not just intellectually, but through undeniable experience.
* **pollute (Hebrew, _châlal'_):** This root carries the primary sense of "to bore" or "to wound," but figuratively it means "to profane," "to defile," or "to violate." It implies stripping something of its sacredness, making it common or unholy. In this context, Israel's past disobedience and idolatry had caused God's holy name to be treated as common or dishonored among the nations. God's promise "I will not let them pollute my holy name any more" signifies an end to this desecration through a future act of purification and renewed covenant faithfulness.
* **name (Hebrew, _shêm'_):** More than a mere label, "name" in Hebrew thought encapsulates the entire character, reputation, authority, and essence of a person. God's "holy name" therefore refers to His entire being as distinct, pure, set apart, and utterly transcendent. When God acts for His name's sake, He acts to uphold His own reputation, manifest His inherent holiness, and demonstrate His unique identity as the sovereign LORD.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So will I make my holy name known in the midst of my people Israel;":** This opening clause declares God's primary motivation and immediate audience. The divine actions, particularly the defeat of Gog, are designed to reveal God's true character and power to His own covenant people. After periods of spiritual wandering and national humiliation, Israel will come to a renewed and profound experiential knowledge of God's holiness and faithfulness.
* **"and I will not [let them] pollute my holy name any more:":** This is a direct consequence of God's self-revelation and a promise of future spiritual purity for Israel. In the past, Israel's sin and unfaithfulness had caused God's name to be dishonored among the nations. God declares an end to this cycle of profanation, implying a future state where His people will live in such a way that His name is honored and hallowed, reflecting His own holiness.
* **"and the heathen shall know that I [am] the LORD, the Holy One in Israel.":** The scope of God's redemptive and judgmental acts extends beyond Israel to the Gentile nations. The "heathen," who previously did not acknowledge Yahweh, will be compelled by God's manifest power and justice to recognize His supreme authority. The title "the LORD" (YHWH) emphasizes His covenant faithfulness and self-existent nature, while "the Holy One in Israel" underscores His unique relationship with His chosen people, even as His glory is revealed universally.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 39:7 employs several powerful literary devices. **Repetition** is evident in the repeated phrase "my holy name," emphasizing the centrality of God's character and reputation as the driving force behind His actions. This repetition functions as a form of **Emphasis**, drawing the reader's attention to the divine motivation. The verse is a direct **Divine Oracle** or **Prophetic Declaration**, spoken by God Himself, lending it absolute authority and certainty. The phrase "the heathen shall know that I am the LORD" is a classic example of a **Recognition Formula**, a recurring motif in Ezekiel where God's acts of judgment or salvation lead to the acknowledgment of His identity as Yahweh by both Israel and the nations. This formula serves as a powerful statement of **Theophany**, where God reveals Himself through His mighty deeds. Furthermore, the contrast between Israel's past "pollution" of God's name and God's future prevention of it highlights a strong **Antithesis**, underscoring the radical transformation God intends for His people and His own vindication.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 39:7 stands as a cornerstone for understanding God's ultimate purpose in all of history: the glorification and vindication of His own holy name. This verse reveals that God's actions, whether in judgment or salvation, are not primarily for humanity's sake, but for His own honor. It underscores His absolute sovereignty, demonstrating that no human sin or national rebellion can ultimately thwart His plan to reveal His unique identity as the one true God. The promise that Israel will no longer pollute His name points to a future spiritual transformation, aligning their lives with His holiness. This divine commitment to His name ensures that His character will be fully displayed to all creation, compelling both His people and the nations to acknowledge Him.

* [Leviticus 22:32](/leviticus/22-32 "Leviticus 22:32 - God's Name to be Sanctified")
* [Isaiah 49:26](/isaiah/49-26 "Isaiah 49:26 - All Flesh Shall Know the Lord")
* [Romans 2:24](/romans/2-24 "Romans 2:24 - God's Name Blasphemed by Israel")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 39:7 offers profound and enduring lessons for believers today. It calls us to recognize that God's glory and the honor of His name are paramount in all things. As those who bear the name of Christ, we are entrusted with the weighty responsibility of living lives that consistently reflect His holiness and bring Him honor. This means striving for purity in thought, word, and deed, ensuring that our conduct does not cause His name to be maligned or misrepresented in the world. In a world often marked by chaos and uncertainty, this verse instills confidence in God's unwavering sovereignty; He is actively working out His purposes, and ultimately, every knee will bow and every tongue confess His supreme identity. Our lives, transformed by His grace, become a living testimony to His power and character, enabling the "heathen" around us to encounter and acknowledge the one true LORD.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of my life might I be inadvertently "polluting" or dishonoring God's name through my actions or attitudes?**
* **How does understanding God's ultimate purpose to glorify His own name change my perspective on personal challenges or global events?**
* **What practical steps can I take this week to more intentionally "make God's holy name known" to those around me?**
* **How does the promise of God's self-revelation to the "heathen" motivate my involvement in missions or evangelism?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean for God to "make His holy name known"?**

Answer: For God to "make His holy name known" means He will reveal His true character, power, and authority in an undeniable way. It's not just about intellectual understanding, but about experiential recognition. Through His mighty acts, such as the defeat of Gog in Ezekiel, God demonstrates His unique identity as the sovereign LORD, distinct from all false gods. This revelation forces both His people and the nations to acknowledge His holiness and supreme power, fulfilling His ultimate purpose to be glorified (see [Ezekiel 36:23](/ezekiel/36-23 "Ezekiel 36:23 - God's Name Sanctified Among the Nations")).

**How did Israel "pollute" God's name in the past, and how will this stop?**

Answer: Israel "polluted" God's name primarily through their disobedience, idolatry, and unfaithfulness to His covenant. When they engaged in sinful practices, especially in the sight of the Gentile nations, it caused God's name to be blasphemed and His power questioned (as referenced in [Romans 2:24](/romans/2-24 "Romans 2:24 - God's Name Blasphemed by Israel")). God declares in Ezekiel 39:7 that He will "not let them pollute my holy name any more," signifying a future spiritual transformation and purification of His people. This transformation, often linked to the outpouring of His Spirit and the establishment of a new covenant, will enable Israel to live in holiness, thereby honoring God's name rather than defiling it (see [Ezekiel 36:26-27](/ezekiel/36-26 "Ezekiel 36:26-27 - New Heart and Spirit")).

**How do the "heathen" come to know the LORD according to this verse?**

Answer: According to Ezekiel 39:7, the "heathen" (Gentile nations) will come to know the LORD through His decisive and public acts of judgment and salvation. The spectacular defeat of Gog and his vast army serves as an undeniable demonstration of God's power and sovereignty. This divine intervention is so overwhelming and clear that it compels even those who previously did not acknowledge Him to recognize Him as the one true God, "the Holy One in Israel." This recognition is not necessarily salvific for all, but it is an undeniable acknowledgment of His supreme authority and unique identity (compare with [Isaiah 49:26](/isaiah/49-26 "Isaiah 49:26 - All Flesh Shall Know the Lord")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 39:7, with its profound declaration of God's commitment to making His holy name known and preventing its pollution, finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Jesus is the supreme revelation of God's name and character; as He Himself declared, "He that hath seen me hath seen the Father" ([John 14:9](/john/14-9 "John 14:9 - Seeing Jesus is Seeing the Father")). Through His perfect life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection, Christ perfectly upheld and glorified God's name, demonstrating His holiness and power in a way that no act of judgment or deliverance ever could. Furthermore, Christ's sacrifice provides the definitive solution to humanity's pollution of God's name. By His blood, believers are cleansed from sin, receiving a new heart and spirit that enables them to live in a manner that honors God, thereby fulfilling the promise that God's people will no longer profane His name ([Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Christ's Blood Cleanses Conscience")). Finally, the universal scope of God's desire for the "heathen" to know Him is realized through the Great Commission, where the gospel of Jesus Christ is proclaimed to all nations, inviting them to acknowledge Him as Lord ([Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission")). Ultimately, the day will come when "every knee should bow... and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" ([Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow")), perfectly fulfilling the divine purpose for all to know the LORD.

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 38:16

And thou shalt come up against my people of Israel, as a cloud to cover the land; it shall be in the latter days, and I will bring thee against my land, that the heathen may know me, when I shall be sanctified in thee, O Gog, before their eyes.

Ezekiel 38:23

Thus will I magnify myself, and sanctify myself; and I will be known in the eyes of many nations, and they shall know that I [am] the LORD.

Ezekiel 20:39

As for you, O house of Israel, thus saith the Lord GOD; Go ye, serve ye every one his idols, and hereafter [also], if ye will not hearken unto me: but pollute ye my holy name no more with your gifts, and with your idols.

Isaiah 12:6

Cry out and shout, thou inhabitant of Zion: for great [is] the Holy One of Israel in the midst of thee.

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 20:7

Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.

Isaiah 60:9

¶ Surely the isles shall wait for me, and the ships of Tarshish first, to bring thy sons from far, their silver and their gold with them, unto the name of the LORD thy God, and to the Holy One of Israel, because he hath glorified thee.