Ezekiel 20:38 – “I will purge you of those who revolt and rebel against me. Although I will bring them out of the land where they are living, yet they will not enter the land of Israel. Then you will know that I am the Lord.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
In this verse, God declares His intention to purify His people by removing those who are rebellious and unfaithful. While God promises to bring His people out of their places of exile, not all will be allowed to enter the Promised Land. This judgment serves a dual purpose: to uphold God’s holiness and to make it clear that He is the Lord, deserving of loyalty and worship. It’s a sobering reminder that not all outwardly part of the community of God’s people are truly aligned with Him in heart and obedience.
Historical Context
The Israelites were in exile because of their ongoing rebellion and idolatry. Even in exile, some continued in their unfaithfulness, refusing to repent. In this context, God speaks through Ezekiel to promise restoration for the faithful while warning that the unrepentant will be excluded from the blessings of returning to the land. This reflects the events of the wilderness journey, where the rebellious generation was not permitted to enter Canaan (Numbers 14:26-30).
Theological Implications
This verse highlights God’s holiness and His commitment to having a people who are fully devoted to Him. It shows that participation in God’s blessings requires more than outward association—it demands genuine faith and obedience. The purging of rebels underscores God’s justice, while His promise to restore the faithful demonstrates His mercy and grace. This separation of the faithful from the rebellious also points to the ultimate accountability every person has before God.
Literary Analysis
The strong verbs in this verse, such as “purge” and “revolt,” emphasize the seriousness of rebellion and the active role God takes in maintaining the purity of His people. The structure of the verse builds toward the ultimate purpose: “Then you will know that I am the Lord.” This refrain, repeated throughout Ezekiel, highlights God’s desire to reveal His character and authority through His actions.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Numbers 14:26-30: The judgment that the rebellious generation would not enter the Promised Land.
- Psalm 1:5-6: A contrast between the fate of the wicked and the righteous in God’s judgment.
- Matthew 7:21-23: Jesus’ warning that not everyone who claims to follow Him will enter the kingdom of heaven.
- Hebrews 3:12-15: A call to avoid the hard-hearted rebellion of the wilderness generation.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians, this verse serves as a call to examine our hearts and lives for areas of rebellion or resistance to God’s will. It reminds us that outward association with God’s people is not enough—true faith and obedience are required. This verse also challenges us to trust in God’s refining work in our lives, knowing that He desires to shape us into a holy and faithful people.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s action to purge rebellion is rooted in His love for His people. By removing those who persist in sin, He protects the integrity of His covenant community and upholds His holiness. His discipline and judgment are acts of love, designed to lead His people to repentance and renewal. God’s ultimate goal is always restoration, as He desires a people who truly know and worship Him.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus fulfills God’s desire for a holy and faithful people. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus offers forgiveness and cleansing for sin, enabling believers to live in obedience to God. He also warns about the need for genuine faith, emphasizing that not all who claim to follow Him are truly His (Matthew 7:21-23). In Christ, we find the grace to turn from rebellion and the strength to live faithfully as part of God’s people.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Are there areas in your life where you need to turn from rebellion and submit to God’s will?
- How does this verse challenge you to examine the sincerity of your faith and obedience to God?
- What does it mean to you that God desires a holy and faithful people?
- How does Jesus’ sacrifice give you confidence in God’s ability to cleanse and restore you?
- How can you encourage others to embrace God’s refining work in their lives with faith and humility?