Ezekiel 20:23 — Meaning and Application

King James Version

“I lifted up mine hand unto them also in the wilderness, that I would scatter them among the heathen, and disperse them through the countries;”

Ezekiel 20:23

bookmark_border Save Verse

menu_book Verse in Context

Understanding the surrounding verses prevents misinterpretation:

Notwithstanding the children rebelled against me: they walked not in my statutes, neither kept my judgments to do them, which {if} a man do, he shall even live in them; they polluted my sabbaths: then I said, I would pour out my fury upon them, to accomplish my anger against them in the wilderness.

Nevertheless I withdrew mine hand, and wrought for my name's sake, that it should not be polluted in the sight of the heathen, in whose sight I brought them forth.

I lifted up mine hand unto them also in the wilderness, that I would scatter them among the heathen, and disperse them through the countries;

Because they had not executed my judgments, but had despised my statutes, and had polluted my sabbaths, and their eyes were after their fathers' idols.

Wherefore I gave them also statutes {that were} not good, and judgments whereby they should not live;

Get Personalized Biblical Guidance

Save your favorite verses, get AI-powered insights tailored to your life, and discover related scripture for your spiritual journey.

person_add Create Free Account library_books Explore Topics

From This Chapter

Ezekiel 20:1

"And it came to pass in the seventh year, in the fifth {month}, the tenth {day} of the month, {that} certain of the elders of Israel came to enquire of the LORD, and sat before me."

Ezekiel 20:2

"Then came the word of the LORD unto me, saying,"

Ezekiel 20:3

"Son of man, speak unto the elders of Israel, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Are ye come to enquire of me? {As} I live, saith the Lord GOD, I will not be enquired of by you."

Ezekiel 20:4

"Wilt thou judge them, son of man, wilt thou judge {them}? cause them to know the abominations of their fathers: {Wilt...: or, Wilt thou plead for them}"

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; {lifted...: or, sware}"

Ezekiel 20:6

"In the day {that} I lifted up mine hand unto them, to bring them forth of the land of Egypt into a land that I had espied for them, flowing with milk and honey, which {is} the glory of all lands:"

Important Disclaimer: This biblical guidance is not a substitute for professional mental health care. If you're experiencing crisis symptoms, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or seek immediate professional help.

Bible Guided provides faith-based guidance and should complement, not replace, professional therapeutic support.

shareShare Your Journey

menu_book Verse in Context

Get Personalized Biblical Guidance

From This Chapter