What is the meaning of Ezekiel 20:38? I will purge you of those who rebel and transgress against Me “And I will purge you of those who rebel and transgress against Me” • God promises an intentional separation, much like metal is refined of dross (Ezekiel 22:19-22; Malachi 3:2-3). • Rebellion is never overlooked; judgment begins “with the household of God” (1 Peter 4:17; Jeremiah 6:30). • This echoes earlier warnings that persistent sin would lead to cutting off (Numbers 15:30-31; John 15:2). • The goal is a purified remnant, prepared to live in covenant faithfulness (Zechariah 13:9; Matthew 3:12). I will bring them out of the land in which they dwell “I will bring them out of the land in which they dwell” • God Himself orchestrates the regathering of His people from every nation (Deuteronomy 30:3-4; Isaiah 11:11-12). • This mirrors earlier exiles and returns—Assyria, Babylon, and still-future dispersions (Jeremiah 23:3; Ezekiel 34:13; 36:24). • The movement is physical, not merely symbolic: the same God who carried Israel out of Egypt will again intervene in history (Exodus 6:6-8). • Yet the regathering serves a testing purpose; it is not automatically a ticket to blessing. They will not enter the land of Israel “but they will not enter the land of Israel” • As with the wilderness generation that died short of Canaan (Numbers 14:22-23; Psalm 95:10-11; Hebrews 3:16-19), unbelief bars the door. • Proximity to promise is not possession of promise; covenant breakers are excluded (Ezekiel 13:9; 20:15). • This underscores personal accountability—heritage cannot substitute for obedience (Matthew 7:21-23). Then you will know that I am the LORD “Then you will know that I am the LORD” • Repeated throughout Ezekiel (6:7; 36:23; 37:13-14; 39:28), the phrase marks the divine motive: revelation of His character. • Judgment and mercy alike unveil His holiness, faithfulness, and sovereignty (Exodus 14:18; Isaiah 45:22-23). • The final recognition is not optional; every knee will bow, either in willing worship or compelled acknowledgment (Philippians 2:10-11). summary Ezekiel 20:38 depicts a future moment when God will gather His dispersed people, sift out the rebellious, deny them entry to the promised land, and in doing so display His lordship. The verse assures that holiness matters, obedience is required, and God’s plans move inexorably toward a purified people who fully recognize that He alone is the LORD. |
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