What does Ezekiel 36:21 mean?
"¶ But I had pity for mine holy name, which the house of Israel had profaned among the heathen, whither they went." - Ezekiel 36:21
Ezekiel 36:21 in the King James Version reads: "But I had pity for mine holy name, which the house of Israel had profaned among the heathen, whither they went."
This verse is part of a larger passage in which the prophet Ezekiel delivers a message from the Lord to the people of Israel. The book of Ezekiel is set during a time when the Israelites are in exile in Babylon, and the prophet is tasked with conveying God's judgment against their disobedience and idolatry, as well as the promise of restoration and redemption.
In this verse, the Lord expresses his pity for his holy name, which has been profaned by the people of Israel among the nations where they have been scattered. The term "holy name" refers to God's reputation and character, which the Israelites have tarnished through their sinful actions and unfaithfulness.
The theme of the holiness of God's name can be seen throughout the entire Bible. The name of God is regarded as sacred and is to be honored and revered. The Israelites were chosen by God to be a holy nation, set apart for His purposes, and their actions reflected on the reputation of their God. When they profaned God's name, they not only damaged their own relationship with Him but also caused the nations around them to question the faithfulness and power of God.
The context of this verse is the exile of the Israelites in Babylon. They had been taken captive as a result of their disobedience and worship of false gods. However, even in this time of judgment, God's ultimate purpose is to demonstrate His holiness and redeem His people. The passage surrounding Ezekiel 36:21 speaks of the restoration of Israel, where God promises to bring them back to their land, cleanse them from their impurities, and give them new hearts and spirits.
The symbolism in this verse lies in the significance of God's name and its reflection on the identity and reputation of the Israelites. The name of God represents His character, power, and authority. It is a name to be revered and honored. When the Israelites profaned God's name among the nations, they not only dishonored Him but also misrepresented His nature to the world.
Furthermore, the verse highlights the sovereignty and unique position of God among the nations. Despite the Israelites' unfaithfulness, God's compassion and concern for His holy name are evident. This demonstrates His unwavering commitment to His people and His desire to uphold His own reputation for the sake of His glory.
In conclusion, Ezekiel 36:21 is a reminder of the importance of honoring and revering the name of God. It also showcases the mercy and grace of God, who, despite the unfaithfulness of His people, remains committed to preserving His own holiness and redeeming His chosen ones. The verse serves as a call to repentance and faithfulness, as well as a testimony to the unfailing love and faithfulness of God towards His people.
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Ezekiel 36:21 - "¶ But I had pity for mine holy name, which the house of Israel had profaned among the heathen, whither they went."
"¶ But I had pity for mine holy name, which the house of Israel had profaned among the heathen, whither they went." - Ezekiel 36:21
Ezekiel 36:16 - "¶ Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,"
Ezekiel 36:36 - "Then the heathen that are left round about you shall know that I the LORD build the ruined places, and plant that that was desolate: I the LORD have spoken it, and I will do it."
"A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh." - Ezekiel 36:26
Acts 21:36 - "For the multitude of the people followed after, crying, Away with him."
Ezekiel 36:34 - "And the desolate land shall be tilled, whereas it lay desolate in the sight of all that passed by."
Genesis 36:21 - "And Dishon, and Ezer, and Dishan: these are the dukes of the Horites, the children of Seir in the land of Edom."
Joshua 21:36 - "And out of the tribe of Reuben, Bezer with her suburbs, and Jahazah with her suburbs,"
Exodus 36:21 - "The length of a board was ten cubits, and the breadth of a board one cubit and a half."
Ezekiel 36:9 - "For, behold, I am for you, and I will turn unto you, and ye shall be tilled and sown:"
Isaiah 36:21 - "But they held their peace, and answered him not a word: for the king's commandment was, saying, Answer him not."
Job 36:21 - "Take heed, regard not iniquity: for this hast thou chosen rather than affliction."
Ezekiel 27:36 - "The merchants among the people shall hiss at thee; thou shalt be a terror, and never shalt be any more."
Ezekiel 21:7
Ezekiel 36:30 - "And I will multiply the fruit of the tree, and the increase of the field, that ye shall receive no more reproach of famine among the heathen."
Matthew 21:36 - "Again, he sent other servants more than the first: and they did unto them likewise."
Ezekiel 36:28 - "And ye shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers; and ye shall be my people, and I will be your God."
Ezekiel 20:36 - "Like as I pleaded with your fathers in the wilderness of the land of Egypt, so will I plead with you, saith the Lord GOD."
Ezekiel 36:14 - "Therefore thou shalt devour men no more, neither bereave thy nations any more, saith the Lord GOD."
Ezekiel 36:1 - "Also, thou son of man, prophesy unto the mountains of Israel, and say, Ye mountains of Israel, hear the word of the LORD:"
Ezekiel 36:35 - "And they shall say, This land that was desolate is become like the garden of Eden; and the waste and desolate and ruined cities are become fenced, and are inhabited."
Ezekiel 36:24 - "For I will take you from among the heathen, and gather you out of all countries, and will bring you into your own land."
Ezekiel 36:19 - "And I scattered them among the heathen, and they were dispersed through the countries: according to their way and according to their doings I judged them."
Ezekiel 36:29 - "I will also save you from all your uncleannesses: and I will call for the corn, and will increase it, and lay no famine upon you."
"¶ Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying," - Ezekiel 36:16
Ezekiel 36:18 - "Wherefore I poured my fury upon them for the blood that they had shed upon the land, and for their idols wherewith they had polluted it:"
Ezekiel 36:10 - "And I will multiply men upon you, all the house of Israel, even all of it: and the cities shall be inhabited, and the wastes shall be builded:"
Ezekiel 40:36 - "The little chambers thereof, the posts thereof, and the arches thereof, and the windows to it round about: the length was fifty cubits, and the breadth five and twenty cubits."
Ezekiel 36:13 - "Thus saith the Lord GOD; Because they say unto you, Thou land devourest up men, and hast bereaved thy nations;"