Ezekiel 20:35

And I will bring you into the wilderness of the people, and there will I plead with you face to face.

Ezekiel 20:35 (KJV)

Context

Ezekiel was a prophet called by God during the Babylonian captivity of the Israelites. In this chapter, Ezekiel delivers God’s message to the exiles, recounting Israel’s history of disobedience and idolatry and declaring God’s judgment upon them.

Meaning

The “wilderness of the people” refers to the place of exile among the nations—a desolate and unfamiliar territory where the Israelites would face trials and challenges. It is not a literal wilderness but a figurative representation of their dispersion. God’s action of bringing them there is an act of judgment, yet it is also where He will “plead” with them. The term “plead” here means to enter into judgment or contend with them, a legal term indicating a formal dispute. The phrase “face to face” emphasizes the directness and personal nature of this encounter.

God’s intention in pleading with the Israelites face to face was to bring them to repentance and restoration. Despite their persistent rebellion, God desired to show them their wrongdoings, confront their sins, and lead them back to Him. This judgment is not arbitrary; it continues the pattern seen in the Exodus, as verse 36 explicitly connects this judgment to how God pleaded with their fathers in the wilderness of Egypt. The purpose is to purge out the rebels and transgressors, as verse 38 states, so that the faithful may be brought into the bond of the covenant.

Application

The wilderness can also be seen as a metaphorical representation of the trials and challenges we face in life. It is often in wilderness experiences that we come face to face with our own weaknesses and sinful tendencies. God’s purpose in pleading with us is to bring about repentance, transformation, and restoration.

Ezekiel 20:35 reminds us of God’s relentless pursuit of His people. Even when we go astray or find ourselves in challenging circumstances, God seeks to bring us back to Him. He desires to confront us with our sins, calling us to repentance and offering the opportunity for restoration.

When God pleads with us, it is essential to respond with humility, sincerity, and a willingness to turn away from our sinful ways. We should seek His forgiveness, surrender to His will, and allow Him to lead us on the path of righteousness.

Reflection

Ezekiel 20:35 portrays God’s intention to bring the Israelites into the wilderness of the people, where He would plead with them face to face. This verse highlights God’s desire for repentance, restoration, and a renewed relationship with His people. It also serves as a reminder of God’s persistent love and pursuit of us, even in our own wilderness experiences.