Ezekiel 20:6 (KJV)

What does Ezekiel 20:6 mean?

Ezekiel 20:6 describes God’s promise to bring the Israelites out of Egypt into a land He had chosen for them, a land described as rich and fruitful—“flowing with milk and honey”—and called “the glory of all lands.” This verse highlights God’s intention to give His people a special, abundant homeland.

In this passage, God is speaking through the prophet Ezekiel to the elders of Israel, reminding them of His past actions and promises. The context is a recounting of Israel’s history, where God swore to rescue them from slavery in Egypt and lead them to a land He had carefully selected. The phrase “flowing with milk and honey” paints a picture of plenty, while calling it “the glory of all lands” emphasizes its exceptional value among nations.

The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 20:6

• “Hand” (יָד, yad): In Hebrew, raising the hand often signified making a solemn oath or promise. Here, it underscores the seriousness and certainty of God’s commitment to Israel.
• “Espied” (תָּרָה, tarah): This word means to look out or select carefully. It shows that God did not choose the land at random, but specifically picked it out for the Israelites.
• “Glory” (צְבִי, tsevi): This word can mean beauty, splendor, or desirability. Calling the land “the glory of all lands” stresses its attractiveness and special status among all territories.

Why Ezekiel 20:6 matters

• This verse clarifies that God’s promise to Israel was intentional and deliberate, not accidental or generic—He chose the land specifically for them.
• The verse highlights the abundance and desirability of the promised land, showing God’s generosity and care for His people.
• By recalling this promise, Ezekiel sets the stage for confronting Israel’s failures, contrasting God’s faithfulness with the people’s repeated disobedience throughout the chapter.