Bible Chapter Summary
Ezekiel 20 Summary
God's Judgment and Promise Throughout History
Elders of Israel come to inquire of the Lord, but God says He will not be inquired of by them. God instructs Ezekiel to judge the elders by making known the abominations of their fathers. God recounts Israel's history: He chose Israel and brought them from Egypt to a land flowing with milk and honey, but they rebelled and would not forsake the idols of Egypt. In the wilderness He gave them statutes and the Sabbath covenant, but they again rebelled and despised His judgments. Through all their rebellion, God worked for His name's sake to not be polluted before the nations. God declares He will bring Israel out from the nations into the wilderness, there to judge them, purge out rebels, and ultimately bring them into the land of Israel where they shall know He is the Lord. In conclusion, God addresses the forest of the south, declaring He will kindle a fire that shall consume every green and dry tree.
Key themes
Key verses
Ezekiel 20:5
“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;”
Ezekiel 20:8
“But they rebelled against me, and would not hearken unto me: they did not every man cast away the abominations of their eyes, neither did they forsake the idols of Egypt: then I said, I will pour out my fury upon them, to accomplish my anger against them in the midst of the land of Egypt.”
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.”
Ezekiel 20:37
“And I will cause you to pass under the rod, and I will bring you into the bond of the covenant:”
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