Ezekiel 20:6

On that day I swore to bring them out of the land of Egypt into a land that I had searched out for them, a land flowing with milk and honey, the glory of all lands.

Study Bible

On that day
This phrase refers to a specific time in history when God made a significant promise to the Israelites. In the Hebrew context, "that day" often signifies a moment of divine intervention or revelation. It is a reminder of God's active role in the history of His people, emphasizing His sovereignty and the unfolding of His divine plan.

I swore to them
The act of swearing an oath in ancient times was a solemn and binding commitment. In Hebrew, the word for "swore" is "שָׁבַע" (shaba), which conveys the seriousness of God's promise. This underscores God's faithfulness and His unchanging nature, as He binds Himself to His word, offering assurance to His people.

that I would bring them out
This phrase highlights God's intention to deliver the Israelites from their bondage in Egypt. The Hebrew root "יָצָא" (yatsa) means to go out or to bring out, signifying liberation and redemption. It reflects God's power to rescue and His desire to lead His people to freedom, both physically and spiritually.

of the land of Egypt
Egypt, in biblical history, represents a place of slavery and oppression. The Israelites' experience in Egypt is symbolic of humanity's bondage to sin. God's promise to bring them out of Egypt is a foreshadowing of the ultimate deliverance through Christ, who frees believers from the bondage of sin and death.

into a land
This phrase refers to the Promised Land, a central theme in the Old Testament. The land is not just a physical territory but a symbol of God's covenant and blessing. It represents a place of rest, abundance, and divine favor, contrasting with the hardship and oppression of Egypt.

I had searched out for them
The Hebrew root "בָּקַר" (baqar) means to seek or search diligently. This indicates that God had carefully chosen the land for His people, reflecting His providence and care. It reassures believers that God is actively involved in their lives, preparing a place of blessing and purpose for them.

a land flowing with milk and honey
This phrase paints a picture of abundance and prosperity. In the ancient Near East, milk and honey were symbols of fertility and richness. The description of the land as "flowing" suggests an overflowing abundance, highlighting God's generous provision for His people.

the glory of all lands
This expression elevates the Promised Land above all others, signifying its unique status as the land chosen by God. The Hebrew word for "glory" is "כָּבוֹד" (kavod), which denotes weightiness or splendor. It emphasizes the land's divine significance and the honor bestowed upon it by God. This serves as a reminder of the ultimate glory and inheritance believers have in Christ, which surpasses all earthly treasures.

Persons / Places / Events

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

2. Israelites
The chosen people of God, who were enslaved in Egypt and later led to the Promised Land.

3. Egypt
The land of bondage from which God delivered the Israelites.

4. Promised Land
The land of Canaan, described as "a land flowing with milk and honey," representing abundance and God's provision.

5. God's Oath
The divine promise made by God to deliver the Israelites and bring them into a prosperous land.

Teaching Points

God's Faithfulness
God is faithful to His promises. Just as He delivered the Israelites from Egypt, He is faithful to deliver us from our own "Egypts" or places of bondage.

The Abundance of God's Provision
The description of the land as "flowing with milk and honey" symbolizes God's abundant provision. We can trust that God desires to provide for us abundantly, both spiritually and materially.

The Importance of Obedience
While God promised the land, the Israelites' enjoyment of it was contingent upon their obedience. Similarly, our experience of God's blessings often depends on our willingness to follow His commands.

Spiritual Promised Land
The physical Promised Land is a foreshadowing of the spiritual inheritance we have in Christ. We are called to live in the reality of God's kingdom here and now, anticipating the fullness of it in eternity.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the promise of a "land flowing with milk and honey" reflect God's character and His intentions for His people?

2. In what ways can we identify our own "Egypts" today, and how can we trust God for deliverance?

3. How does the concept of the Promised Land in Ezekiel 20:6 connect to the spiritual promises we have in the New Testament?

4. What are some practical steps we can take to ensure we are living in obedience to God, thereby experiencing His blessings?

5. How can we apply the lessons from God's faithfulness to the Israelites to our own lives and current circumstances?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 3:8
This verse describes God's promise to deliver the Israelites from Egypt to a land flowing with milk and honey, directly connecting to the promise reiterated in Ezekiel 20:6.

Deuteronomy 8:7-9
These verses provide a detailed description of the abundance and blessings of the Promised Land, reinforcing the idea of God's provision.

Hebrews 11:9-10
This passage speaks of the faith of Abraham, who looked forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God, connecting the physical Promised Land to the spiritual promise of eternal life.