Ezekiel 20:8

8 “But they rebelled against me and would not listen. They did not get rid of the vile images they were obsessed with, or forsake the idols of Egypt. Then I threatened to pour out my fury on them to satisfy my anger while they were still in Egypt.

Ezekiel 20:8 Meaning and Commentary

Ezekiel 20:8

But they rebelled against me
All sin is rebellion against God, an act of hostility, especially idolatry; it is refusing homage and casting off allegiance to him: and would not hearken unto me;
to his word by his prophets; so the Targum,

``they rebelled against my word, and would not receive my prophets:''

they did not every man cast away the abominations of his eyes, neither
did they forsake the idols of the Gentiles;
whence it appears that there were some among them that did give in to the idolatry of the Egyptians; and could not be prevailed upon to relinquish it, notwithstanding the favours shown them, and the promises made unto them. The Jewish writers, Jarchi and Kimchi, say that there were many of these wicked men among the Israelites when Moses was sent to them; and that they died in the time of the three days' darkness, so that the Egyptians did not see their fall, and rejoice at it; then I said, I will pour out my fury upon them;
he threatened them, by his prophets, that he would bring down deserved wrath upon them, like a mighty shower of rain: to accomplish mine anger against them;
to bring it upon them to the utmost, and consume them with it: in the midst of the land of Egypt;
and so not bring them forth from thence, is he had promised; but cut them off in it, for their sins and rebellions.

Ezekiel 20:8 In-Context

6 I took a solemn oath that day that I would bring them out of Egypt to a land I had discovered and explored for them—a good land, a land flowing with milk and honey, the best of all lands anywhere.

7 Then I said to them, ‘Each of you, get rid of the vile images you are so obsessed with. Do not defile yourselves with the idols of Egypt, for I am the LORD your God.’

8 “But they rebelled against me and would not listen. They did not get rid of the vile images they were obsessed with, or forsake the idols of Egypt. Then I threatened to pour out my fury on them to satisfy my anger while they were still in Egypt.

9 But I didn’t do it, for I acted to protect the honor of my name. I would not allow shame to be brought on my name among the surrounding nations who saw me reveal myself by bringing the Israelites out of Egypt.

10 So I brought them out of Egypt and led them into the wilderness.