But I had pity for my holy name ,.... Had pity on the Jews for his name's sake, and not theirs; or he had a tender concern for his own honour and glory: which the house of Israel had profaned among the Heathen, whither they went ; and therefore was resolved to take a method for the glorifying of it, and that in a way of special grace and mercy to his people; See Gill on Ezekiel 36:20 . read more
The present chapter is entirely devoted to the consolation of Israel, though its parts are derived from two separate "words" of Jehovah. Ezekiel 36:1-15 belong to the "word" which opened with the first verse of the preceding chapter; Ezekiel 36:16 begins another "word," which only closes at Ezekiel 37:14 . The subject of the first part is the comfort offered to Israel in the destruction threatened against the heathen, and in the blessings promised to her land and people. read more
God's Name and ours. The most striking thought contained in these words is God's regard for the honor of his own Name. But there are two truths which claim attention. I. TWO THINGS WHICH INCUR HIS HIGH DISPLEASURE . The pouring out of his "fury" is, of course, language which is accommodated to our human feelings; but it speaks of the Divine displeasure existing in a very high degree; and the two evils which excite it are: 1. Perverted piety; the giving to another... read more
A vision of the true golden age. Up to this point God had been revealing more clearly his active righteousness to Israel; and this with a view to arouse their drugged and drowsy consciences. The equity and justice of his scepter had been vividly portrayed. The keen edge of his judicial sword had been felt. Some movements of better feeling in the exiles were apparent. And now God hastens to foster penitential sentiments with a promise of generous kindness. Further revelations of his great... read more
Profanation and pity. The conjunction is somewhat singular. Israel has profaned God's Name. Upon this suggestion the Lord, pitying his own Name, resolves to sanctify it, and to this end, and not for Israel's deserts, succors and restores his people. The several steps in this progress of thought should be attentively traced. I. THE ISRAELITES HAVE PROFANED GOD 'S NAME AMONG THE HEATHEN . They are universally known as the people of Jehovah. When exiled from their land,... read more
I had pity for mille holy Name . Havernick, after the LXX ; wrongly renders, "I spared (them, i.e. Israel) for my holy Name s sake; but the preposition for or "upon" following the verb usually marks the object upon which the action of the verb terminates (see Ezekiel 16:5 ). Gesenius translates, "I will be sparing of my holy Name;" i.e. I will care for its honor. read more
God saving for his own Name's sake. I. A PRINCIPLE OF DIVINE ACTION . We are here admitted to the secret council-chamber of heaven. The inner motive of God's activity is revealed to us. He shows on what grounds he proceeds in redeeming man. Man is redeemed for the sake of God's Name, and not on account of any human deserts and claims. 1. God ' s faithfulness . A person's good name is associated with his keeping his word. If a man has put his name to a document, he must... read more
I had pity for mine holy name - Render it: I “had” a pitiful regard to “Mine Holy Name.” read more
Ezekiel 36:21-23. But I had pity for my holy name That is, as it is expressed Ezekiel 20:9, I wrought for my name’s sake, that it should not be polluted, or brought into disgrace, among the heathen: I preserved, reformed, brought back my people from captivity, and re-established them in their own land, for the honour of my mercy, truth, and power. Say, I do not do this for your sakes, &c. The promises I make in your favour are not owing to any desert of yours, but purely to... read more
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Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Ezekiel 36:16-24
When God promised the poor captives a glorious return, in due time, to their own land, it was a great discouragement to their hopes that they were unworthy, utterly unworthy, of such a favour; therefore, to remove that discouragement, God here shows them that he would do it for them purely for his own name's sake, that he might be glorified in them and by them, that he might manifest and magnify his mercy and goodness, that attribute which of all others is most his glory. And, the restoration... read more