What is the meaning of Ezekiel 20:9? But I acted God stepped in decisively. Israel’s rebellion in Egypt deserved judgment, yet the Lord intervened anyway. His action was not passive or reluctant; it was purposeful and deliberate, just as He later “saved them for His name’s sake, to make His mighty power known” (Psalm 106:8). The same divine initiative appears when He restrains wrath in Exodus 32:10–14 after the golden calf incident. for the sake of My name The motive behind God’s intervention was His own reputation. “For My name’s sake I will defer My anger” (Isaiah 48:9–11) echoes this theme. God’s name embodies His character—holy, faithful, powerful. By acting, He safeguarded that character from slander and ensured that future generations would know Him as the covenant-keeping Lord (Ezekiel 36:22–23). that it should not be profaned To profane God’s name is to treat it as common or worthless. If Israel had been destroyed in Egypt, the surrounding peoples would have concluded that Yahweh was either weak or fickle. Leviticus 22:32 instructs, “You must not profane My holy name.” Romans 2:24 later warns, “The name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.” God’s rescue preserved His holiness from such dishonor. in the eyes of the nations among whom they were living Egypt and the wider ancient world were watching. Israel’s deliverance served as a public display of divine power, prompting even pagan observers to acknowledge Him (Exodus 9:16; Joshua 2:9–11). Deuteronomy 4:6-8 reminds Israel that obedience would cause other nations to marvel at their wise and near-to-them God. in whose sight I had revealed Myself to Israel The plagues, the Passover, the parting of the Red Sea—these were visible revelations of God’s nature. Through them He introduced Himself not only to Israel but also to Egyptians who witnessed the signs (Exodus 7:5). Each miracle built a testimony that would echo through history (Exodus 10:1-2). by bringing them out of the land of Egypt The Exodus is the cornerstone of Israel’s identity. It is repeatedly cited as proof of God’s faithfulness (Exodus 6:6-7; Deuteronomy 4:34; Psalm 136:10-12). By literally leading His people out with a mighty hand, the Lord demonstrated that He alone is sovereign over nations, kings, and nature itself. summary Ezekiel 20:9 declares that God’s sovereign, gracious action in the Exodus was motivated chiefly by the preservation of His holy name before a watching world. He defended His reputation, displayed His power, and kept covenant promises, ensuring that neither Israel’s sin nor Egypt’s pride could diminish His glory. In every era, the Lord’s dealings with His people serve the same purpose: to magnify His name so that all nations may know He is the LORD. |
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