Ezekiel 20:5

And 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;

Ezekiel 20:5 (KJV)

Context

The book of Ezekiel is set during the Babylonian exile, when the Israelites were taken captive and removed from their homeland. Ezekiel, a prophet, received visions and messages from God, which he shared with the exiled Israelites. In this chapter, the elders of Israel come to inquire of the Lord, and God responds through Ezekiel by rehearsing their history.

Meaning

In this verse, God addresses the Israelites and reminds them of their special relationship. He refers to the time when He chose Israel, lifting up His hand as a symbol of an oath or a solemn promise, and when He brought them out of Egypt and made Himself known to them. The phrase “made myself known unto them in the land of Egypt” points to the events of the Exodus, when God revealed Himself through miraculous acts such as the ten plagues and the parting of the Red Sea.

By declaring, “I am the LORD your God,” God established His authority over Israel, signifying His role as their divine ruler and protector. This declaration affirms the covenant relationship between God and His chosen people. God chose Israel not because of their merit but by His own unmerited goodness, and His oath with uplifted hand underscores the solemnity and certainty of His promise.

Biblical connections

The phrase “lifted up mine hand” signifies making a solemn oath, as seen in other translations (e.g., “I swore with uplifted hand”). This gesture recalls God’s covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and it establishes the foundation of His relationship with the seed of Jacob. The verse also anticipates the new covenant in Christ, through whom God makes Himself known and fulfills His promises to His people.

Application

During the exile, the Israelites faced a crisis of faith, wondering if God had abandoned them and whether their covenant with Him still stood. This verse serves as a reminder of God’s faithfulness throughout their history, urging them to remember their unique calling and to trust in His promises. For believers today, it highlights God’s sovereignty in choosing His people and His commitment to reveal Himself to those who seek Him. It calls us to respond in obedience, avoiding the pattern of Israel’s rebellion, and to find hope in God’s unchanging character.

Reflection

Ezekiel 20:5 reminds us of God’s choice of Israel, His revelation in Egypt, and His identity as the LORD their God. It calls attention to the covenant relationship and offers hope in God’s faithfulness. For believers today, it underscores God’s sovereignty and His steadfast commitment to His people, encouraging us to remember His past faithfulness and to trust in His promises for the future.