Ezekiel 20:22

But I withheld My hand and acted for the sake of My name, so that it would not be profaned in the eyes of the nations in whose sight I had brought them out.

Study Bible

But I withheld My hand
This phrase indicates God's restraint in executing judgment. Throughout the Bible, God's hand often symbolizes His power and action (Exodus 7:5, Isaiah 41:10). Here, it signifies His decision to withhold punishment despite Israel's rebellion. This restraint is a recurring theme, highlighting God's patience and mercy (Psalm 78:38).

and acted for the sake of My name
God's actions are motivated by the desire to uphold His holy name. In biblical times, a name represented one's character and reputation. God's name is synonymous with His holiness and faithfulness (Exodus 34:5-7). By acting for His name's sake, God ensures His reputation remains untarnished, demonstrating His commitment to His covenant promises (Ezekiel 36:22-23).

so that it would not be profaned in the eyes of the nations
The concern here is the perception of God's holiness by other nations. In the ancient Near East, the reputation of a deity was often linked to the success of its people. If Israel were destroyed, it could imply that their God was powerless. Thus, God acts to prevent His name from being dishonored among the nations, maintaining His glory and sovereignty (Isaiah 48:9-11).

in whose sight I had brought them out
This refers to the Exodus, a foundational event in Israel's history where God delivered them from Egyptian bondage (Exodus 12:31-42). The surrounding nations witnessed this miraculous deliverance, which served as a testament to God's power and faithfulness. By recalling this event, God emphasizes His past actions and the importance of His reputation among the nations (Joshua 2:9-11).

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ezekiel
A prophet during the Babylonian exile, tasked with delivering God's messages to the Israelites.

2. God (Yahweh)
The central figure, expressing His actions and intentions regarding Israel.

3. Israelites
The people of God, who are being addressed due to their rebellion and idolatry.

4. Nations
The surrounding peoples who observe Israel and God's actions, influencing their perception of God.

5. Exodus
The historical event of God delivering the Israelites from Egypt, referenced as a demonstration of His power and faithfulness.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty and Mercy
Despite Israel's rebellion, God chooses to withhold His hand, demonstrating His sovereign control and mercy.

The Importance of God's Name
God's actions are often motivated by the desire to uphold the sanctity of His name, reminding us of the importance of living in a way that honors Him.

Witness to the Nations
Our lives as believers are a testimony to the world. Just as God was concerned about His reputation among the nations, we should be mindful of how our actions reflect on Him.

God's Faithfulness to His Covenant
Even when His people are unfaithful, God remains committed to His promises, encouraging us to trust in His steadfastness.

Repentance and Restoration
The passage calls for self-examination and repentance, urging us to turn back to God and seek His forgiveness and restoration.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does God's decision to withhold His hand in Ezekiel 20:22 demonstrate His character and priorities?

2. In what ways can we ensure that our actions honor God's name in the eyes of those around us?

3. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's mercy despite your shortcomings. How did this impact your relationship with Him?

4. How can the concept of being a witness to the nations influence our daily interactions and decisions?

5. Compare Ezekiel 20:22 with Isaiah 48:9-11. What do these passages teach us about God's motivations and His relationship with His people?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 32
This passage recounts the golden calf incident, where God considers destroying Israel but relents for the sake of His name, similar to His reasoning in Ezekiel 20:22.

Isaiah 48:9-11
God speaks of deferring His anger for His name's sake, emphasizing His reputation among the nations.

Psalm 106:8
Highlights God's deliverance of Israel for His name's sake, reinforcing His commitment to His covenant and reputation.

Romans 2:24
Paul warns that God's name is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of Israel's disobedience, echoing the concern in Ezekiel 20:22.