Ezekiel 20:17 - Nevertheless my eye spared them, and I didn’t destroy them. I didn’t make a full end of them in the wilderness.

Generated Verse: Ezekiel 20:17

What does "Ezekiel 20:17" mean?


Ezekiel 20:17 states: "Nevertheless my eye spared them, and I didn’t destroy them. I didn’t make a full end of them in the wilderness." This verse is part of a larger passage where God is recounting Israel's rebellious history, particularly during their time in the wilderness after the Exodus from Egypt.

Here's a breakdown of the verse's meaning:

"Nevertheless my eye spared them...": Despite Israel's consistent disobedience, idolatry, and rejection of God's laws in the wilderness, God showed them mercy. "My eye spared them" indicates that God had just cause to punish them severely, even to the point of complete annihilation, but He chose not to.

"...and I didn’t destroy them.": This reinforces the previous point. God had the power and the right to utterly wipe them out for their sins, but He restrained Himself.

"I didn’t make a full end of them in the wilderness.": This emphasizes the completeness of the destruction that God could have brought upon them. He didn't just punish them partially; He had the capacity to exterminate them entirely while they were wandering in the wilderness. God chose not to fully exterminate them.

In summary, Ezekiel 20:17 highlights God's mercy and restraint in the face of Israel's persistent rebellion. It emphasizes that God had every right to destroy them completely, but He chose to spare them. This verse sets the stage for the continuation of God's covenant with Israel, despite their unfaithfulness.

Context within Ezekiel 20 is important:

The chapter emphasizes God's holiness and His repeated attempts to sanctify Israel. God gave them His laws and showed them His power, yet they continued to defile His name through idolatry and rejecting His statutes. The fact that God spared them despite this rebellion demonstrates His grace and patience. However, the chapter also warns that God's patience has limits, and judgment will eventually come if they continue to reject Him.

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