Ezekiel 20:22

22 But I didn't use my power so that my name would not be dishonored among the nations who had watched me bring the Israelites out [of Egypt].

Ezekiel 20:22 Meaning and Commentary

Ezekiel 20:22

Nevertheless I withdrew mine hand
When it was stretched out against them, as in the above instance, and did not utterly consume them. The Targum is,

``and I turned away the stroke of my might:''

and wrought for my name's sake, that it should not be polluted in the
sight of the heathen, in whose sight I brought them forth.
(See Gill on Ezekiel 20:9) and (See Gill on Ezekiel 20:14).

Ezekiel 20:22 In-Context

20 Set apart certain holy days to worship me. This will be a sign between me and you so that you will know that I am the LORD your God."

21 "'But they rebelled against me. They didn't live by my laws, and they didn't obey my rules and follow them. If people obey them, they will live. They dishonored the days to worship me. So I was going to pour out my fury on them and unleash my anger on them in the desert.

22 But I didn't use my power so that my name would not be dishonored among the nations who had watched me bring the Israelites out [of Egypt].

23 I raised my hand and swore an oath to them in the desert. I promised to scatter them among the nations and force them into other countries.

24 They didn't follow my rules, and they rejected my laws. They dishonored the days to worship me, and they looked to their ancestors' disgusting idols for help.