The big picture
Ezekiel 20 opens in verse 1 with “And it came to pass in the seventh year, in the fifth month, the tenth day of the month…”, reaches its middle movement near verse 25 with “Wherefore I gave them also statutes that were not good, and judgments whereby they…”, and closes in verse 49 with “Then said I, Ah Lord GOD ! they say of me, Doth he not speak parables?” Repeated or prominent terms include LORD, Israel, land, hand, wilderness. Together, those details trace this chapter’s own movement from its opening to its conclusion.
Scripture beside the summary
Ezekiel · King James Version · 49Ezekiel 20:1-7
1–7: It came to pass in the seventh year, in the fifth month, the tenth day…
Ezekiel 20:1–7 opens with “And it came to pass in the seventh year, in the fifth month, the tenth day of the month, that…” and reaches “Then said I unto them, Cast ye away every man the abominations of his eyes, and defile not…” by its final verse. That movement develops the focus on Ezekiel 20 develops its own movement around LORD, Israel, land, hand, wilderness, with particular weight carried by LORD, Egypt, hand.
Context that brings the passage to life
This block contains 2 explicit questions. They are more than punctuation: they reveal where a voice is searching, challenging, afraid, or trying to understand.
“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…” This familiar narrative signal moves the clock forward. What follows is a new scene, consequence, or answer to an earlier tension.
“Then came the word of the LORD unto me, saying,” The line’s distinctive content terms include LORD, word. Its relationship to verses 1 and 3 shows what work it does in this passage.
“Son of man, speak unto the elders of Israel, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD ; Are ye come to enquire of…” The question slows the passage down. Notice who is being pressed to answer, what the question assumes, and whether the next lines provide a response.
Ezekiel 20:1-7
King James Version1And 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.
2Then came the word of the LORD unto me, saying,
3Son 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.
4Wilt thou judge them, son of man, wilt thou judge them? cause them to know the abominations of their fathers:
5And 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;
6In 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:
7Then said I unto them, Cast ye away every man the abominations of his eyes, and defile not yourselves with the idols of Egypt: I am the LORD your God.
Ezekiel 20:8-14
8–14: They rebelled against me, and would not hearken unto me: they did not…
Ezekiel 20:8–14 opens with “But they rebelled against me, and would not hearken unto me: they did not every man cast away…” and reaches “But I wrought for my name’s sake, that it should not be polluted before the heathen, in whose…” by its final verse. That movement develops the focus on Ezekiel 20 develops its own movement around LORD, Israel, land, hand, wilderness, with particular weight carried by Egypt, land, polluted.
Context that brings the passage to life
“But they rebelled against me, and would not hearken unto me: they did not every man cast away the abominations of…” Naming Egypt keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.
“But I wrought for my name’s sake, that it should not be polluted before the heathen, among whom they were, in whose…” Naming Egypt keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.
“Wherefore I caused them to go forth out of the land of Egypt, and brought them into the wilderness.” This line supplies a reason, result, or conclusion. It should stay attached to the claim or action that gives it meaning.
Ezekiel 20:8-14
King James Version8But they rebelled against me, and would not hearken unto me: they did not every man cast away the abominations of their eyes, neither did they forsake the idols of Egypt: then I said, I will pour out my fury upon them, to accomplish my anger against them in the midst of the land of Egypt.
9But I wrought for my name’s sake, that it should not be polluted before the heathen, among whom they were, in whose sight I made myself known unto them, in bringing them forth out of the land of Egypt.
10Wherefore I caused them to go forth out of the land of Egypt, and brought them into the wilderness.
11And I gave them my statutes, and shewed them my judgments, which if a man do, he shall even live in them.
12Moreover also I gave them my sabbaths, to be a sign between me and them, that they might know that I am the LORD that sanctify them.
13But the house of Israel rebelled against me in the wilderness: they walked not in my statutes, and they despised my judgments, which if a man do, he shall even live in them; and my sabbaths they greatly polluted: then I said, I would pour out my fury upon them in the wilderness, to consume them.
14But I wrought for my name’s sake, that it should not be polluted before the heathen, in whose sight I brought them out.
Ezekiel 20:15-21
15–21: Yet also I lifted up my hand unto them in the wilderness, that I would…
Ezekiel 20:15–21 opens with “Yet also I lifted up my hand unto them in the wilderness, that I would not bring them into the…” and reaches “Notwithstanding the children rebelled against me: they walked not in my statutes, neither kept…” by its final verse. That movement develops the focus on Ezekiel 20 develops its own movement around LORD, Israel, land, hand, wilderness, with particular weight carried by judgments, statutes, wilderness.
Context that brings the passage to life
“Yet also I lifted up my hand unto them in the wilderness, that I would not bring them into the land which I had given…” Naming Yet keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.
“Because they despised my judgments, and walked not in my statutes, but polluted my sabbaths: for their heart went…” This line supplies a reason, result, or conclusion. It should stay attached to the claim or action that gives it meaning.
“Nevertheless mine eye spared them from destroying them, neither did I make an end of them in the wilderness.” Naming Nevertheless keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.
Ezekiel 20:15-21
King James Version15Yet also I lifted up my hand unto them in the wilderness, that I would not bring them into the land which I had given them, flowing with milk and honey, which is the glory of all lands;
16Because they despised my judgments, and walked not in my statutes, but polluted my sabbaths: for their heart went after their idols.
17Nevertheless mine eye spared them from destroying them, neither did I make an end of them in the wilderness.
18But I said unto their children in the wilderness, Walk ye not in the statutes of your fathers, neither observe their judgments, nor defile yourselves with their idols:
19I am the LORD your God; walk in my statutes, and keep my judgments, and do them;
20And hallow my sabbaths; and they shall be a sign between me and you, that ye may know that I am the LORD your God.
21Notwithstanding 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.
Ezekiel 20:22-28
22–28: Nevertheless I withdrew mine hand, and wrought for my name’s sake, that…
Ezekiel 20:22–28 opens with “Nevertheless I withdrew mine hand, and wrought for my name’s sake, that it should not be…” and reaches “For when I had brought them into the land, for the which I lifted up mine hand to give it to…” by its final verse. That movement develops the focus on Ezekiel 20 develops its own movement around LORD, Israel, land, hand, wilderness, with particular weight carried by hand, polluted, fathers.
Context that brings the passage to life
“Nevertheless I withdrew mine hand, and wrought for my name’s sake, that it should not be polluted in the sight of the…” Naming Nevertheless keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.
“I lifted up mine hand unto them also in the wilderness, that I would scatter them among the heathen, and disperse them…” The line’s distinctive content terms include countries, disperse, hand. Its relationship to verses 22 and 24 shows what work it does in this passage.
“Because they had not executed my judgments, but had despised my statutes, and had polluted my sabbaths, and their eyes…” This line supplies a reason, result, or conclusion. It should stay attached to the claim or action that gives it meaning.
Ezekiel 20:22-28
King James Version22Nevertheless 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.
23I lifted up mine hand unto them also in the wilderness, that I would scatter them among the heathen, and disperse them through the countries;
24Because they had not executed my judgments, but had despised my statutes, and had polluted my sabbaths, and their eyes were after their fathers’ idols.
25Wherefore I gave them also statutes that were not good, and judgments whereby they should not live;
26And I polluted them in their own gifts, in that they caused to pass through the fire all that openeth the womb, that I might make them desolate, to the end that they might know that I am the LORD .
27Therefore, son of man, speak unto the house of Israel, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD ; Yet in this your fathers have blasphemed me, in that they have committed a trespass against me.
28For when I had brought them into the land, for the which I lifted up mine hand to give it to them, then they saw every high hill, and all the thick trees, and they offered there their sacrifices, and there they presented the provocation of their offering: there also they made their sweet savour, and poured out there their drink offerings.
Ezekiel 20:29-35
29–35: I said unto them, What is the high place whereunto ye go? And the name…
Ezekiel 20:29–35 opens with “Then I said unto them, What is the high place whereunto ye go? And the name thereof is called…” and reaches “And I will bring you into the wilderness of the people, and there will I plead with you face to…” by its final verse. That movement develops the focus on Ezekiel 20 develops its own movement around LORD, Israel, land, hand, wilderness, with particular weight carried by Lord, countries, enquired.
Context that brings the passage to life
This block contains 3 explicit questions. They are more than punctuation: they reveal where a voice is searching, challenging, afraid, or trying to understand.
“Then I said unto them, What is the high place whereunto ye go? And the name thereof is called Bamah unto this day.” The question slows the passage down. Notice who is being pressed to answer, what the question assumes, and whether the next lines provide a response.
“Wherefore say unto the house of Israel, Thus saith the Lord GOD ; Are ye polluted after the manner of your fathers…” The question slows the passage down. Notice who is being pressed to answer, what the question assumes, and whether the next lines provide a response.
Ezekiel 20:29-35
King James Version29Then I said unto them, What is the high place whereunto ye go? And the name thereof is called Bamah unto this day.
30Wherefore say unto the house of Israel, Thus saith the Lord GOD ; Are ye polluted after the manner of your fathers? and commit ye whoredom after their abominations?
31For when ye offer your gifts, when ye make your sons to pass through the fire, ye pollute yourselves with all your idols, even unto this day: and shall I be enquired of by you, O house of Israel? As I live, saith the Lord GOD , I will not be enquired of by you.
32And that which cometh into your mind shall not be at all, that ye say, We will be as the heathen, as the families of the countries, to serve wood and stone.
33As I live, saith the Lord GOD , surely with a mighty hand, and with a stretched out arm, and with fury poured out, will I rule over you:
34And I will bring you out from the people, and will gather you out of the countries wherein ye are scattered, with a mighty hand, and with a stretched out arm, and with fury poured out.
35And I will bring you into the wilderness of the people, and there will I plead with you face to face.
Ezekiel 20:36-42
36–42: Like as I pleaded with your fathers in the wilderness of the land of…
Ezekiel 20:36–42 opens with “Like as I pleaded with your fathers in the wilderness of the land of Egypt, so will I plead with…” and reaches “And ye shall know that I am the LORD , when I shall bring you into the land of Israel, into the…” by its final verse. That movement develops the focus on Ezekiel 20 develops its own movement around LORD, Israel, land, hand, wilderness, with particular weight carried by Israel, LORD, land.
Context that brings the passage to life
“Like as I pleaded with your fathers in the wilderness of the land of Egypt, so will I plead with you, saith the Lord…” Naming Egypt and Like keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.
“And I will cause you to pass under the rod, and I will bring you into the bond of the covenant:” The promise, blessing, or covenant language needs its named recipient and scope. Those details prevent a personal word in the story from becoming a promise detached from context.
“And I will purge out from among you the rebels, and them that transgress against me: I will bring them forth out of…” The command cannot be understood from the verb alone. Its recipient, purpose, and place in the larger covenant or argument define the responsibility.
Ezekiel 20:36-42
King James Version36Like as I pleaded with your fathers in the wilderness of the land of Egypt, so will I plead with you, saith the Lord GOD .
37And I will cause you to pass under the rod, and I will bring you into the bond of the covenant:
38And I will purge out from among you the rebels, and them that transgress against me: I will bring them forth out of the country where they sojourn, and they shall not enter into the land of Israel: and ye shall know that I am the LORD .
39As for you, O house of Israel, thus saith the Lord GOD ; Go ye, serve ye every one his idols, and hereafter also, if ye will not hearken unto me: but pollute ye my holy name no more with your gifts, and with your idols.
40For in mine holy mountain, in the mountain of the height of Israel, saith the Lord GOD , there shall all the house of Israel, all of them in the land, serve me: there will I accept them, and there will I require your offerings, and the firstfruits of your oblations, with all your holy things.
41I will accept you with your sweet savour, when I bring you out from the people, and gather you out of the countries wherein ye have been scattered; and I will be sanctified in you before the heathen.
42And ye shall know that I am the LORD , when I shall bring you into the land of Israel, into the country for the which I lifted up mine hand to give it to your fathers.
Ezekiel 20:43-49
43–49: There shall ye remember your ways, and all your doings, wherein ye have…
Ezekiel 20:43–49 opens with “And there shall ye remember your ways, and all your doings, wherein ye have been defiled; and ye…” and reaches “Then said I, Ah Lord GOD ! they say of me, Doth he not speak parables?” by its final verse. That movement develops the focus on Ezekiel 20 develops its own movement around LORD, Israel, land, hand, wilderness, with particular weight carried by LORD, south, word.
Context that brings the passage to life
This block contains 1 explicit questions. They are more than punctuation: they reveal where a voice is searching, challenging, afraid, or trying to understand.
“And there shall ye remember your ways, and all your doings, wherein ye have been defiled; and ye shall lothe…” The command cannot be understood from the verb alone. Its recipient, purpose, and place in the larger covenant or argument define the responsibility.
“And ye shall know that I am the LORD , when I have wrought with you for my name’s sake, not according to your wicked…” The command cannot be understood from the verb alone. Its recipient, purpose, and place in the larger covenant or argument define the responsibility.
Ezekiel 20:43-49
King James Version43And there shall ye remember your ways, and all your doings, wherein ye have been defiled; and ye shall lothe yourselves in your own sight for all your evils that ye have committed.
44And ye shall know that I am the LORD , when I have wrought with you for my name’s sake, not according to your wicked ways, nor according to your corrupt doings, O ye house of Israel, saith the Lord GOD .
45Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,
46Son of man, set thy face toward the south, and drop thy word toward the south, and prophesy against the forest of the south field;
47And say to the forest of the south, Hear the word of the LORD ; Thus saith the Lord GOD ; Behold, I will kindle a fire in thee, and it shall devour every green tree in thee, and every dry tree: the flaming flame shall not be quenched, and all faces from the south to the north shall be burned therein.
48And all flesh shall see that I the LORD have kindled it: it shall not be quenched.
49Then said I, Ah Lord GOD ! they say of me, Doth he not speak parables?
Details worth noticing
The opening image
Ezekiel 20:1 begins with “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 …”
Where the chapter turns
Ezekiel 20:27 forms a natural hinge: “Therefore, son of man, speak unto the house of Israel, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD ; Yet in this your fathers have blasphemed me, in that…”
The final note
Ezekiel 20:49 leaves the reader with “Then said I, Ah Lord GOD ! they say of me, Doth he not speak parables?”
A word trail through the chapter
The words LORD, Israel, land, hand, wilderness, polluted help reveal the chapter’s repeated concerns.
What assumption drives Abraham's deception?
He assumes there is no fear of God in the place and that he will be killed.
How does the chapter expose that assumption?
Abimelech responds seriously to God's warning and confronts Abraham about wrongdoing.
KJV words made clear
- behold
- look, or pay close attention
- unto
- to
- thee
- you
- thou
- you
- thy
- your
Text first
Where readers differ
The chapter summary begins with what the passage says and how its parts fit together. It does not assume one denomination has already settled every question. Where a conclusion depends on a tradition, literary theory, or historical reconstruction, that dependence is named openly.
The KJV text is presented first. Interpretive conclusions are labeled, and differences are introduced only when they help a reader understand why serious communities do not always reach the same answer.
Comparative interpretive notes for this chapter are in preparation. Until reviewed notes are ready, this page separates the KJV text from summary and application without claiming that serious readers agree on every question.