Book of Ezekiel - Chapter 20 - Verse 9

This verse emphasizes God's actions on behalf of the Israelites for the sake of His own name. By delivering the Israelites from Egypt and revealing Himself to them, He demonstrated His power and faithfulness to all nations. The Israelites had been living among the heathen, and God wanted to ensure that His name was not profaned in their sight. This highlights God's commitment to maintaining His reputation and demonstrating His glory to all people. The verse also emphasizes God's faithfulness to His covenant with the Israelites, showing that His actions were not based on their merit but on His own character. Through this verse, readers can see God's desire to be known and revered by all people, not just the Israelites. It serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and His purposes in fulfilling His promises to His people.

When we look at the theological interpretation of this verse, we see a clear emphasis on God's motivation for acting on behalf of the Israelites. The phrase "for my name's sake" highlights God's concern for the reputation of his name among the nations. By delivering the Israelites from Egypt and demonstrating his power before the heathen, God ensured that his name would not be tarnished or polluted. This underscores God's commitment to upholding his own glory and displaying his sovereignty before all people, not just the Israelites. The word "polluted" conveys the idea of defilement or desecration, stressing the importance of God's purity and holiness. Through this act of deliverance, God revealed himself to the Israelites and the surrounding nations as the one true God who is worthy of worship and reverence. This verse serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness to his people and his commitment to upholding his own honor in the eyes of the world.