Ezekiel 20:41

When I bring you from the peoples and gather you from the lands to which you have been scattered, I will accept you as a pleasing aroma. And I will show My holiness through you in the sight of the nations.

Study Bible

When I bring you from the nations
This phrase highlights God's sovereign action in regathering His people. The Hebrew root for "bring" is "בּוֹא" (bo), which conveys the idea of coming or going, often with a sense of purpose or fulfillment of a promise. Historically, this reflects the Babylonian exile and the subsequent return of the Israelites to their homeland. It underscores God's faithfulness to His covenant, promising restoration despite the people's disobedience.

and gather you out of the countries
The word "gather" comes from the Hebrew "קָבַץ" (qavats), meaning to collect or assemble. This gathering is not just a physical relocation but a spiritual reassembly of God's chosen people. It signifies a divine act of unification, bringing together those who were dispersed. This reflects the broader biblical theme of God as a shepherd gathering His flock, emphasizing His care and commitment to His people.

where you have been scattered
The scattering, or "פּוּץ" (puts) in Hebrew, refers to the dispersion of the Israelites due to their disobedience and idolatry. This scattering was both a punishment and a means of purification. The historical context is the exile, a period of refining and repentance. Theologically, it serves as a reminder of the consequences of turning away from God, yet also His mercy in promising eventual restoration.

I will accept you as a pleasing aroma
The phrase "pleasing aroma" is deeply rooted in the sacrificial system of the Old Testament, where offerings were described as a "רֵיחַ נִיחוֹחַ" (reyach nichoach) to the Lord. This imagery conveys acceptance and favor. It signifies that the people's return and repentance will be as pleasing to God as a fragrant offering, symbolizing reconciliation and restored relationship.

and I will show My holiness through you
God's holiness, or "קֹדֶשׁ" (qodesh), is His set-apartness and purity. By showing His holiness through His people, God demonstrates His power to transform and sanctify. This phrase indicates that Israel's restoration will serve as a testament to God's holy nature and His ability to redeem and purify. It reflects the broader biblical narrative of God's people being a light to the nations.

in the sight of the nations
This phrase emphasizes the public and demonstrative nature of God's actions. The restoration of Israel is not just for their benefit but serves as a witness to the surrounding nations. It highlights the missional aspect of Israel's identity, called to reflect God's glory and holiness to the world. Historically, it points to the role of Israel as a testimony to God's faithfulness and power, inviting the nations to recognize and worship the one true God.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ezekiel
A prophet during the Babylonian exile, tasked with delivering God's messages to the Israelites.

2. Israelites
The people of God who were scattered among the nations due to their disobedience and idolatry.

3. Nations
Refers to the various countries where the Israelites were exiled, symbolizing both physical and spiritual separation from God.

4. God's Holiness
The divine attribute of God being set apart, pure, and worthy of reverence, which He intends to demonstrate through His people.

5. Pleasing Aroma
A metaphor for the Israelites' restored relationship with God, reminiscent of the sacrificial offerings that were acceptable to Him.

Teaching Points

God's Faithfulness in Restoration
Despite Israel's disobedience, God promises to gather and restore them, demonstrating His unwavering faithfulness.

Holiness as Witness
God's holiness is revealed through His people, emphasizing the importance of living a life that reflects His character to the world.

The Aroma of Obedience
Just as sacrifices were a pleasing aroma to God, our lives should be lived in obedience, becoming a pleasing aroma to Him.

The Global Impact of God's People
The restoration and holiness of God's people serve as a testimony to the nations, highlighting the global mission of the Church.

Repentance and Acceptance
True repentance leads to acceptance by God, reminding us of the importance of turning back to Him wholeheartedly.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the concept of being a "pleasing aroma" to God challenge your current lifestyle and spiritual practices?

2. In what ways can you demonstrate God's holiness in your daily life, serving as a witness to those around you?

3. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's faithfulness in restoring a broken area of your life. How did this impact your relationship with Him?

4. How can the Church today embody the role of being a testimony to the nations, as described in Ezekiel 20:41?

5. What steps can you take to ensure that your life is a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God, as encouraged in Romans 12?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 26
Discusses the blessings of obedience and the consequences of disobedience, including exile, which parallels the context of Ezekiel 20.

Isaiah 66
Speaks of God's ultimate gathering of His people and the display of His glory among the nations.

Romans 12
Encourages believers to present themselves as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, echoing the idea of being a "pleasing aroma."

2 Corinthians 2
Paul describes believers as the aroma of Christ, spreading the knowledge of Him everywhere, connecting to the theme of being a witness to the nations.

Revelation 5
Depicts the prayers of the saints as incense, symbolizing a pleasing aroma to God, similar to the acceptance of the Israelites in Ezekiel.