ESV Global Study Bible :: Footnotes for Ezekiel 20

Ezek. 20:1–44 This lengthy oracle has two main parts: a review of Israel’s history of offending the Lord (vv. 1–31), and a preview of her future restoration (vv. 33–44). (Verse 32 is a turning point between the two parts.)

Ezek. 20:1–31 This recital of Israel’s history is unique in the Bible, involving a very different interpretation of both the nature of the exodus experience and God’s dealings with his people. The narration focuses entirely on life outside the Promised Land—an important consideration for an audience of exiles.

Ezek. 20:1–4 This is the third occasion on which elders seek an oracle (see also 8:1; 14:1). It is not given. Justification for this “silence” comes in the form of a recital of Israel’s history. The narrative begun in 20:1–4 concludes in vv. 27–31. The oracle was given in August 591 b.c. About a year has passed since the temple vision (see 8:1). The command to speak is renewed in 20:27.

Ezek. 20:5–26 Israel’s story is told in five broad movements. The author describes the exodus generation first while they were in Egypt (vv. 5–8), then in the exodus itself (vv. 9–13), and then in the wilderness (vv. 14–17). The story of the wilderness generation follows in two phases (vv. 18–21, 22–26).

Ezek. 20:9–13 But I acted for the sake of my name (v. 9; see vv. 14, 22) is one of the repeated themes in Ezekiel. God’s reputation, not Israel’s merit, is the basis for God’s patience and grace.

Ezek. 20:22–26 The statutes that were not good and rules by which they could not have life are a mixture of Israelite and pagan customs that the people followed. The fact that they were offering up all their firstborn in fire (see v. 31) is an example of this mixing of beliefs.

Ezek. 20:27–31 As Ezekiel turns from history to application, life in the land itself is in view for the first time. On worship on the high places (vv. 28–29), see note on 6:3.

Ezek. 20:32 This verse acts as a turning point between the history in the preceding passage and the future orientation that follows. It encourages readers to obey the warning of Deut. 28:64.

Ezek. 20:33–38 As in the exodus, God will bring the people to the desert (v. 34). There he will judge between the faithful and the wicked (vv. 35–38). Only the faithful will return home (v. 38).

Ezek. 20:39–44 The people must choose between idols and God (v. 39). The faithful will turn from their former evil idolatry and will serve God (vv. 40, 43). Both Israel (v. 44) and the nations (v. 41) will then recognize God’s glory.

Ezek. 20:40 The holy mountain is the place of God’s renewed presence with his people. This is especially prominent in the latter chapters of Isaiah (e.g., Isa. 56:7; 66:20). Its height is celebrated in the psalms about Zion (compare Ps. 48:1–3).

Ezek. 20:45–21:32 An oracle using the symbolism of fire (20:45–49) leads to a series of oracles using the sword as a symbol (ch. 21).

Ezek. 20:45–49 The command to set your face and its orientation to the southland are both reminiscent of 6:2. Here, however, all-consuming fire is the destroying agent, which clearly indicates the thoroughness of God’s coming judgment (destroying both green tree and dry tree).