and tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says: On the day I chose Israel, I swore an oath to the descendants of the house of Jacob and made Myself known to them in the land of Egypt. With an uplifted hand I said to them, 'I am the LORD your God.' and tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says:This phrase emphasizes the authority and divine origin of the message. The use of "Lord GOD" underscores the sovereignty and covenantal relationship God has with Israel. This introduction is common in prophetic literature, indicating that the message is not from the prophet himself but from God. Ezk 11:5 And the Spirit of the LORD fell upon me… On the day I chose Israel, This refers to God's sovereign election of Israel as His chosen people. The concept of divine election is central to the identity of Israel, as seen in Deuteronomy 7:6-8. This choice is rooted in God's love and faithfulness, not in any merit of Israel. Psa 135:4 For the LORD has chosen Jacob as His own,… I swore an oath to the descendants of the house of Jacob The oath signifies a binding promise, reflecting the covenantal nature of God's relationship with Israel. The "house of Jacob" refers to the patriarch Jacob, whose descendants became the twelve tribes of Israel. This oath is reminiscent of the promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, as seen in Genesis 12:1-3 and Genesis 28:13-15. Psa 105:9-11 the covenant He made with Abraham, and the oath… and made Myself known to them in the land of Egypt. God's self-revelation in Egypt is a pivotal moment in Israel's history, marking the beginning of their deliverance from slavery. This revelation is associated with the plagues and the Exodus, demonstrating God's power and faithfulness. It also foreshadows the greater deliverance through Christ, as seen in the New Testament. Exo 6:2-7 God also told Moses, “I am the LORD.… With an uplifted hand I said to them, The "uplifted hand" is a symbol of God's power and authority, often associated with making a solemn oath or promise. This imagery is used throughout Scripture to convey God's active involvement and commitment to His people, as seen in Exodus 6:8. Deu 32:40 For I lift up My hand to heaven and declare:… ‘I am the LORD your God.’ This declaration establishes the covenant relationship between God and Israel. It is a reaffirmation of the first commandment (Exodus 20:2-3), emphasizing exclusive worship and allegiance to God. This phrase also points to the identity of God as the covenant-keeping deity, which is fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who establishes a new covenant with His people. Exo 20:2 I am the LORD your God, who brought you out… Persons / Places / Events 1. The Lord GOD (Yahweh)The sovereign God who chose Israel and made a covenant with them. 2. Israel The chosen people of God, descendants of the house of Jacob, whom God delivered from Egypt. 3. House of Jacob Refers to the descendants of Jacob, also known as Israel, emphasizing their patriarchal lineage. 4. Egypt The land where the Israelites were enslaved and from which God delivered them. 5. The Day of Choosing The specific time when God chose Israel as His people and revealed Himself to them. Teaching Points God's Sovereign ChoiceGod chose Israel not because of their merit but because of His sovereign will and purpose. This reminds us of the grace inherent in God's calling. Covenant Faithfulness God's covenant with Israel is a testament to His faithfulness. As believers, we are called to trust in God's promises, knowing He is faithful to fulfill them. Identity in God The declaration "I am the LORD your God" establishes Israel's identity in relation to God. Similarly, our identity as Christians is rooted in our relationship with Christ. Deliverance and Redemption Just as God delivered Israel from Egypt, He delivers us from sin through Jesus Christ. This calls us to live in the freedom and new life He provides. Revelation of God God made Himself known to Israel, and He continues to reveal Himself to us through His Word and Spirit. We are encouraged to seek a deeper understanding of His nature and will. Bible Study Questions 1. How does understanding God's choice of Israel enhance our appreciation of His grace in choosing us as believers?2. In what ways can we see God's faithfulness in our own lives, similar to His covenant faithfulness to Israel? 3. How does our identity in Christ influence the way we live and interact with the world around us? 4. What are some "Egypts" in our lives from which God has delivered us, and how can we live in the freedom He provides? 5. How can we actively seek to know God more deeply, and what practices can help us grow in our relationship with Him? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 6This chapter details God's promise to deliver Israel from Egypt, highlighting His covenant and the revelation of His name, Yahweh, to Moses. Deuteronomy 7 This passage emphasizes God's choice of Israel as His treasured possession, not because of their size or strength, but because of His love and faithfulness to His covenant. Psalm 105 This psalm recounts God's faithfulness to His covenant with Abraham and His deliverance of Israel from Egypt, celebrating His mighty works and promises.
People Ezekiel, Israelites, Jacob, TemanPlaces Babylon, Bamah, Egypt, NegebTopics Chose, Descendants, Egypt, Family, Fixing, Hast, Jacob, Lift, Lifted, Making, Myself, Oath, Revealed, Saying, Says, Seed, Sware, Swore, Thus, UpliftedDictionary of Bible Themes Ezekiel 20:5 1403 God, revelation 6640 election, privileges Library Ten Reasons Demonstrating the Commandment of the Sabbath to be Moral. 1. Because all the reasons of this commandment are moral and perpetual; and God has bound us to the obedience of this commandment with more forcible reasons than to any of the rest--First, because he foresaw that irreligious men would either more carelessly neglect, or more boldly break this commandment than any other; secondly, because that in the practice of this commandment the keeping of all the other consists; which makes God so often complain that all his worship is neglected or overthrown, … Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety Manner of Covenanting. Tithing Questions About the Nature and Perpetuity of the Seventh-Day Sabbath. Covenanting Sanctioned by the Divine Example. The Old Testament Canon from Its Beginning to Its Close. A Sermon on Isaiah xxvi. By John Knox. The Covenant of Works Ezekiel Links Ezekiel 20:5 NIVEzekiel 20:5 NLT Ezekiel 20:5 ESV Ezekiel 20:5 NASB Ezekiel 20:5 KJV Ezekiel 20:5 Commentaries Bible Hub |
    |