Ezekiel 20:6
New International Version
On that day I swore to them that I would bring them out of Egypt into a land I had searched out for them, a land flowing with milk and honey, the most beautiful of all lands.

New Living Translation
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.

English Standard Version
On that day I swore to them that I would 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 most glorious of all lands.

Berean Standard Bible
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.

Berean Literal Bible
On that day I lifted My hand to them to bring them out from the land of Egypt into a land that I had searched out for them, flowing with milk and honey—the glory it is of all the lands!

King James Bible
In the day that I lifted up mine hand unto them, to bring them forth of the land of Egypt into a land that I had espied for them, flowing with milk and honey, which is the glory of all lands:

New King James Version
On that day I raised My hand in an oath to them, to bring them out of the land of Egypt into a land that I had searched out for them, ‘flowing with milk and honey,’ the glory of all lands.

New American Standard Bible
on that day I swore to them, to bring them out from the land of Egypt into a land that I had selected for them, flowing with milk and honey, which is the glory of all the lands.

NASB 1995
on that day I swore to them, to bring them out from the land of Egypt into a land that I had selected for them, flowing with milk and honey, which is the glory of all lands.

NASB 1977
on that day I swore to them, to bring them out from the land of Egypt into a land that I had selected for them, flowing with milk and honey, which is the glory of all lands.

Legacy Standard Bible
on that day I swore to them, to bring them out from the land of Egypt into a land that I had selected for them, flowing with milk and honey, which is the glory of all lands.

Amplified Bible
on that day I swore to them to bring them out of the land of Egypt into a land that I had selected for them, [plentiful and] flowing with milk and honey, [a land] which is an ornament and a glory to all lands.

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

Christian Standard Bible
On that day I swore to them that I would bring them out of the land of Egypt into a land I had searched out for them, a land flowing with milk and honey, the most beautiful of all lands.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
On that day I swore to them that I would bring them out of the land of Egypt into a land I had searched out for them, a land flowing with milk and honey, the most beautiful of all lands.

American Standard Version
in that day I sware unto them, to bring them forth out of the land of Egypt into a land that I had searched out for them, flowing with milk and honey, which is the glory of all lands.

Contemporary English Version
I swore that I would rescue them from Egypt and lead them to a land I had already chosen. This land was rich with milk and honey and was the most splendid land of all.

English Revised Version
in that day I lifted up mine hand unto them, to bring them forth out of the land of Egypt into a land that I had espied for them, flowing with milk and honey, which is the glory of all lands:

GOD'S WORD® Translation
At that time I promised to bring them out of Egypt to a land that I had chosen for them. This land is the most beautiful land, a land flowing with milk and honey.

Good News Translation
It was then that I promised to take them out of Egypt and lead them to a land I had chosen for them, a rich and fertile land, the finest land of all.

International Standard Version
That day I promised to bring them out of the land of Egypt to the land that I had explored for them—a land flowing with milk and honey. It's the most beautiful of all lands.

NET Bible
On that day I swore to bring them out of the land of Egypt to a land which I had picked out for them, a land flowing with milk and honey, the most beautiful of all lands.

New Heart English Bible
in that day I swore to them, to bring them forth out of the land of Egypt into a land that I had searched out for them, flowing with milk and honey, which is the glory of all lands.

Webster's Bible Translation
In the day that I lifted up my hand to them, to bring them forth from the land of Egypt into a land that I had espied for them, flowing with milk and honey, which is the glory of all lands:
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
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.

World English Bible
in that day I swore to them to bring them out of the land of Egypt into a land that I had searched out for them, flowing with milk and honey, which is the glory of all lands.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
In that day I lifted up My hand to them, "" To bring them forth from the land of Egypt, "" To a land that I spied out for them, "" Flowing with milk and honey, "" It [is] a beauty to all the lands,

Berean Literal Bible
On that day I lifted My hand to them to bring them out from the land of Egypt into a land that I had searched out for them, flowing with milk and honey—the glory it is of all the lands!

Young's Literal Translation
In that day I did lift up My hand to them, To bring them forth from the land of Egypt, Unto a land that I spied out for them, Flowing with milk and honey, A beauty it is to all the lands,

Smith's Literal Translation
In that day I lifted up my hand to them to bring them forth out of the land of Egypt to the land which I spied out for them flowing milk and honey; this the glory to all lands:
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
In that day I lifted up my hand for them, to bring them out of the land of Egypt, into a land which I had provided for them, flowing with milk and honey, which excelleth amongst all lands.

Catholic Public Domain Version
in that day, I lifted up my hand for their sake, so that I would lead them away from the land of Egypt, into a land which I had provided for them, flowing with milk and honey, which was singular among all lands.

New American Bible
That day I swore to bring them out of the land of Egypt to the land I had searched out for them, a land flowing with milk and honey, a jewel among all lands.

New Revised Standard Version
On that day I swore to them that I would 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 most glorious of all lands.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
On that day I swore to them to bring them forth out of the land of Egypt into a land that I had given to them, a land flowing with milk and honey, which is the glory of all lands;

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
In the day that I lifted my hands to them, that I would bring them out from the land of Egypt, to the land that I have given to them, that flows milk and honey. It is the glory of all cities
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
in that day I lifted up My hand unto them, to bring them forth out of the land of Egypt into a land that I had sought out for them, flowing with milk and honey, which is the beauty of all lands;

Brenton Septuagint Translation
in that day I helped them with my hand, to bring them out of the land of Egypt into the land which I prepared for them, a land flowing with milk and honey, it is abundant beyond every land.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Israel's Rebellion in Egypt
5and tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says: On the day I chose Israel, I swore an oath to the descendants of the house of Jacob and made Myself known to them in the land of Egypt. With an uplifted hand I said to them, ‘I am the LORD your God.’ 6On 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. 7And I said to them: ‘Each of you must throw away the abominations before his eyes, and you must not defile yourselves with the idols of Egypt. I am the LORD your God.’…

Cross References
On that day

Exodus 12:17
So you are to keep the Feast of Unleavened Bread, for on this very day I brought your divisions out of the land of Egypt. You must keep this day as a permanent statute for the generations to come.

Exodus 12:41
At the end of the 430 years, to the very day, all the LORD’s divisions went out of the land of Egypt.

Exodus 12:51
And on that very day the LORD brought the Israelites out of the land of Egypt by their divisions.
I swore to bring them out of the land of Egypt

Deuteronomy 7:8
But because the LORD loved you and kept the oath He swore to your fathers, He brought you out with a mighty hand and redeemed you from the house of slavery, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt.

Deuteronomy 26:8
Then the LORD brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm, with great terror, signs, and wonders.

Exodus 6:6
Therefore tell the Israelites: ‘I am the LORD, and I will bring you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians and deliver you from their bondage. I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with mighty acts of judgment.
into a land that I had searched out for them

Numbers 13:2
“Send out for yourself men to spy out the land of Canaan, which I am giving to the Israelites. From each of their fathers’ tribes send one man who is a leader among them.”

Deuteronomy 1:33
who went before you on the journey, in the fire by night and in the cloud by day, to seek out a place for you to camp and to show you the road to travel.

Exodus 3:8
I have come down to rescue them from the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land to a good and spacious land, a land flowing with milk and honey—the home of the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites.
a land flowing with milk and honey

Numbers 14:8
If the LORD delights in us, He will bring us into this land, a land flowing with milk and honey, and He will give it to us.

Deuteronomy 11:9
and so that you may live long in the land that the LORD swore to your fathers to give them and their descendants, a land flowing with milk and honey.

Deuteronomy 6:3
Hear, O Israel, and be careful to observe them, so that you may prosper and multiply greatly in a land flowing with milk and honey, just as the LORD, the God of your fathers, has promised you.
the glory of all lands.

Daniel 11:16
The invader will do as he pleases, and no one will stand against him. He will establish himself in the Beautiful Land, with destruction in his hand.

Daniel 8:9
From one of these horns a little horn emerged and grew extensively toward the south and the east and toward the Beautiful Land.

Jeremiah 3:19
Then I said, ‘How I long to make you My sons and give you a desirable land, the most beautiful inheritance of all the nations!’ I thought you would call Me ‘Father’ and never turn away from following Me.
Deuteronomy 8:7-9
For the LORD your God is bringing you into a good land, a land of brooks and fountains and springs that flow through the valleys and hills; / a land of wheat, barley, vines, fig trees, and pomegranates; a land of olive oil and honey; / a land where you will eat food without scarcity, where you will lack nothing; a land whose rocks are iron and whose hills are ready to be mined for copper.


Treasury of Scripture

In the day that I lifted up my hand to them, to bring them forth of the land of Egypt into a land that I had espied for them, flowing with milk and honey, which is the glory of all lands:

lifted

Ezekiel 20:5,15,23,42
And say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; In the day when I chose Israel, and lifted up mine hand unto the seed of the house of Jacob, and made myself known unto them in the land of Egypt, when I lifted up mine hand unto them, saying, I am the LORD your God; …

to bring

Genesis 15:13,14
And he said unto Abram, Know of a surety that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land that is not theirs, and shall serve them; and they shall afflict them four hundred years; …

Exodus 2:8,17
And Pharaoh's daughter said to her, Go. And the maid went and called the child's mother…

Exodus 14:1-15:27
And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, …

into

Deuteronomy 8:7-9
For the LORD thy God bringeth thee into a good land, a land of brooks of water, of fountains and depths that spring out of valleys and hills; …

Deuteronomy 11:11,12
But the land, whither ye go to possess it, is a land of hills and valleys, and drinketh water of the rain of heaven: …

Deuteronomy 32:8
When the most High divided to the nations their inheritance, when he separated the sons of Adam, he set the bounds of the people according to the number of the children of Israel.

flowing

Exodus 13:5
And it shall be when the LORD shall bring thee into the land of the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites, which he sware unto thy fathers to give thee, a land flowing with milk and honey, that thou shalt keep this service in this month.

Exodus 33:3
Unto a land flowing with milk and honey: for I will not go up in the midst of thee; for thou art a stiffnecked people: lest I consume thee in the way.

Leviticus 20:24
But I have said unto you, Ye shall inherit their land, and I will give it unto you to possess it, a land that floweth with milk and honey: I am the LORD your God, which have separated you from other people.

which is

Ezekiel 20:15
Yet also I lifted up my hand unto them in the wilderness, that I would not bring them into the land which I had given them, flowing with milk and honey, which is the glory of all lands;

Psalm 48:2
Beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth, is mount Zion, on the sides of the north, the city of the great King.

Daniel 8:9
And out of one of them came forth a little horn, which waxed exceeding great, toward the south, and toward the east, and toward the pleasant land.

Jump to Previous
Beautiful Beauty Egypt Espied Flowing Forth Glorious Glory Hand Honey Lands Milk Oath Searched Selected Sought Sware Swore
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Beautiful Beauty Egypt Espied Flowing Forth Glorious Glory Hand Honey Lands Milk Oath Searched Selected Sought Sware Swore
Ezekiel 20
1. God refuses to be consulted by the elders of Israel
4. He shows the story of their rebellions in Egypt
19. in the desert
27. and in the land
33. He promises to gather them by the Gospel
45. Under the name of a forest he shows the destruction of Jerusalem












On that day
This phrase refers to a specific time in Israel's history when God made a covenant with the Israelites. It points to the momentous occasion of the Exodus, a foundational event in Jewish history, symbolizing God's deliverance and faithfulness.

I swore to bring them out of the land of Egypt
God's oath underscores His commitment and faithfulness. The land of Egypt represents bondage and oppression, from which God promised to deliver His people. This deliverance is a type of salvation, prefiguring Christ's redemptive work freeing humanity from the bondage of sin.

into a land that I had searched out for them
This indicates God's personal involvement and care in choosing the Promised Land. It suggests divine providence and preparation, emphasizing that God had a specific plan and purpose for His people. The land was not chosen randomly but was selected by God Himself.

a land flowing with milk and honey
This phrase describes the fertility and abundance of the Promised Land. It symbolizes prosperity and divine blessing. The imagery of milk and honey suggests a place of sustenance and sweetness, contrasting with the harsh conditions of Egypt. This abundance is often seen as a foretaste of the spiritual blessings found in Christ.

the glory of all lands
This phrase elevates the Promised Land above all others, highlighting its unique status in God's plan. It reflects the land's central role in biblical history and prophecy. The land's glory is not just in its physical attributes but in its spiritual significance as the setting for God's covenant with His people and the eventual coming of the Messiah.

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 and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Ezekiel 20:6?

2. How does Ezekiel 20:6 reflect God's promise to the Israelites?

3. What does "a land flowing with milk and honey" symbolize in Ezekiel 20:6?

4. How can we trust God's promises today, as seen in Ezekiel 20:6?

5. How does Ezekiel 20:6 connect with God's covenant in Genesis 12:1-3?

6. How can we apply God's faithfulness in Ezekiel 20:6 to our lives?

7. What does Ezekiel 20:6 reveal about God's promise to the Israelites?

8. How does Ezekiel 20:6 reflect God's faithfulness despite Israel's rebellion?

9. Why is the "land flowing with milk and honey" significant in Ezekiel 20:6?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Ezekiel 20?

11. What foods are mentioned in the Bible?

12. What are the key themes in Ezekiel's life story?

13. Joshua 5:6: Why is there no clear historical record or archaeological proof of the Israelites wandering for forty years with little to no mention of such a large movement outside the biblical text?

14. In Ezekiel 20:5-8, how credible is the claim that the Israelites rebelled immediately after God's promise to deliver them from Egypt, given the differing details in Exodus?
What Does Ezekiel 20:6 Mean
On that day

- The phrase fixes our minds on a specific, historic moment when God intervened, just as Exodus 12:41 recounts that “on that very day” Israel departed Egypt.

- It reminds us that God’s redemptive acts occur in real time and space—Deuteronomy 4:34 celebrates the same day of deliverance.

- This grounding in history underlines that our faith rests on verifiable events, not myths (cf. 1 Corinthians 15:3-4).


I swore

- God’s oath highlights His unbreakable commitment. Genesis 15:18 shows Him swearing to Abraham; Exodus 6:8 repeats the promise with “uplifted hand.”

- Hebrews 6:17-18 underscores that because God cannot lie, His oath gives “strong encouragement” to trust His promises today.

- The oath is not mere sentiment; it is covenantal, binding the Lord to act for His people’s salvation.


to bring them out of the land of Egypt

- Redemption from slavery is the central Old Testament picture of salvation (Exodus 3:8; 14:30).

- God’s power, not Israel’s effort, effected the rescue—mirrored in our rescue from sin through Christ (Colossians 1:13-14).

- Remembering past deliverance fuels present obedience; Moses warns in Deuteronomy 6:12 not to forget the God who saved them.


into a land that I had searched out for them

- The wording stresses personal care: the Lord Himself “searched out” the best place, echoing Deuteronomy 11:11-12 where the land is “cared for by the Lord your God.”

- Numbers 14:7-8 recalls Joshua’s testimony that the land the Lord shows is “exceedingly good.”

- Knowing God handpicked their destination reassures believers that He also prepares good works and a future inheritance for us (Ephesians 2:10; 1 Peter 1:4).


a land flowing with milk and honey

- Repeated first in Exodus 3:17, the phrase paints abundance—milk from livestock, honey from fields and forests.

- It testifies that God does more than rescue; He brings into fullness (John 10:10).

- Jeremiah 32:22 praises God for giving this very land, proving He keeps lavish promises.


the glory of all lands

- God calls Canaan “the most beautiful of all lands” (Ezekiel 20:15), indicating its unique role in His redemptive story.

- Psalm 48:2 describes Mount Zion as “the joy of all the earth,” showing the land’s theological significance rather than mere geography.

- Isaiah 60 envisions nations streaming to Zion’s glory, hinting that the promised land ultimately points to the coming kingdom where Christ reigns.


summary

Ezekiel 20:6 recalls God’s historic oath, mighty deliverance, and generous provision. He swore on a specific day, rescued Israel from Egypt, personally selected a rich land, and deemed it the crown of all territories. The verse assures us that the Lord who acted decisively in the past remains faithful to lead His people—from bondage into abundant life—today and forever.

(6) The glory of all lands.--So Palestine is constantly spoken of, both in the promise and in its fulfilment. (Comp. Daniel 11:16.) However strange this may seem to us now in regard to parts of the land, after centuries of desolation, misrule, and oppression, it is plain from Joshua 23:14, and many other passages, that at the time the Israelites entered upon its possession it fulfilled their utmost expectation.



Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
On that
הַה֗וּא (ha·hū)
Article | Pronoun - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are

day
בַּיּ֣וֹם (bay·yō·wm)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3117: A day

I swore
נָשָׂ֤אתִי (nā·śā·ṯî)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 5375: To lift, carry, take

to them
לָהֶ֔ם (lā·hem)
Preposition | third person masculine plural
Strong's Hebrew

to bring them out
לְהֽוֹצִיאָ֖ם (lə·hō·w·ṣî·’ām)
Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 3318: To go, bring, out, direct and proxim

of Egypt
מִצְרָ֑יִם (miṣ·rā·yim)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 4714: Egypt -- a son of Ham, also his descendants and their country in Northwest Africa

into
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

a land
אֶ֜רֶץ (’e·reṣ)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 776: Earth, land

that
אֲשֶׁר־ (’ă·šer-)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

I had searched out
תַּ֣רְתִּי (tar·tî)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 8446: To meander, about, for, trade, reconnoitring

for them,
לָהֶ֗ם (lā·hem)
Preposition | third person masculine plural
Strong's Hebrew

a land flowing
זָבַ֤ת (zā·ḇaṯ)
Verb - Qal - Participle - feminine singular construct
Strong's 2100: To flow freely, to have a, flux, to waste away, to overflow

with milk
חָלָב֙ (ḥā·lāḇ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2461: Milk

and honey,
וּדְבַ֔שׁ (ū·ḏə·ḇaš)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1706: Honey, syrup

the glory
צְבִ֥י (ṣə·ḇî)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6643: Splendor, a gazelle

of all
לְכָל־ (lə·ḵāl)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

lands.
הָאֲרָצֽוֹת׃ (hā·’ă·rā·ṣō·wṯ)
Article | Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 776: Earth, land


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OT Prophets: Ezekiel 20:6 In that day I swore to them (Ezek. Eze Ezk)
Ezekiel 20:5
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