Ezekiel 11:16

Ezekiel 11:16 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Therefore declare that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Although I sent them far away among the nations and scattered them among the countries, yet for a little while I have been a sanctuary for them in the countries to which they have gone.’

King James Version KJV

Therefore say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Although I have cast them far off among the heathen, and although I have scattered them among the countries, yet will I be to them as a little sanctuary in the countries where they shall come.

American Standard Version ASV

Therefore say, Thus saith the Lord Jehovah: Whereas I have removed them far off among the nations, and whereas I have scattered them among the countries, yet will I be to them a sanctuary for a little while in the countries where they are come.

Bible in Basic English BBE

For this reason say, This is what the Lord has said: Though I have had them moved far off among the nations, and though I have sent them wandering among the countries, still I have been a safe place for them for a little time in the countries where they have come.

Free Bible Version FBV

So tell them that this is what the Lord God says: Even though I sent them far away to live among the foreign nations, scattering them among the different countries, I have been taking care of them for a while in the countries where they went.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Therefore say, Thus saith the Lord God, Although I haue cast them farre off among the heathen, and although I haue scattered them among the countreis, yet wil I be to them as a litle Sanctuarie in ye countreis where they shall come.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

it [is] ours, the land hath been given for an inheritance; therefore say: Thus said the Lord Jehovah: Because I put them afar off among nations, And because I scattered them through lands, I also am to them for a little sanctuary, In lands whither they have gone in.

World English Bible WEB

“Therefore say, ‘The Lord GOD says: “Whereas I have removed them far off among the nations, and whereas I have scattered them among the countries, yet I will be to them a sanctuary for a little while in the countries where they have come.”’

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Therefore thus saith the Lord God: Because I have removed them far off among the Gentiles, and because I have scattered them among the countries: I will be to them a little sanctuary in the countries whither they are come.

Translation for Translators T4T

So tell them, “This is what Yahweh the Lord says: Although I caused them to be taken far awayfrom Israel and scattered them among other nations, for a short time I will ◄be like a refuge for/protect► them in the countries to which they have been taken.”

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Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 11:16

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Ezekiel 11:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB לָ/כֵ֣ן אֱמֹ֗ר כֹּֽה אָמַר֮ אֲדֹנָ֣/י יְהוִה֒ כִּ֤י הִרְחַקְתִּי/ם֙ בַּ/גּוֹיִ֔ם וְ/כִ֥י הֲפִֽיצוֹתִ֖י/ם בָּ/אֲרָצ֑וֹת וָ/אֱהִ֤י לָ/הֶם֙ לְ/מִקְדָּ֣שׁ מְעַ֔ט בָּ/אֲרָצ֖וֹת אֲשֶׁר בָּ֥אוּ שָֽׁם

לָ/כֵ֣ן kên H3651 right Prep | Adv

אֱמֹ֗ר ʼâmar H559 to say V-Qal-Impv-2ms

כֹּֽה kôh H3541 thus Adv

אָמַר֮ ʼâmar H559 to say V-Qal-Perf-3ms

אֲדֹנָ֣/י ʼĂdônây H136 Lord N-mp | Suff

יְהוִה֒ Yᵉhôvih H3069 YHWH/God N-proper

כִּ֤י kîy H3588 for Conj

הִרְחַקְתִּי/ם֙ râchaq H7368 to remove V-Hiphil-Perf-1cs | Suff

בַּ/גּוֹיִ֔ם gôwy H1471 Gentile Prep | N-mp

וְ/כִ֥י kîy H3588 for Conj | Conj

הֲפִֽיצוֹתִ֖י/ם pûwts H6327 to scatter V-Hiphil-Perf-1cs | Suff

בָּ/אֲרָצ֑וֹת ʼerets H776 land Prep | N-cp

וָ/אֱהִ֤י hâyâh H1961 to be Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs

לָ/הֶם֙ Prep | Suff

לְ/מִקְדָּ֣שׁ miqdâsh H4720 sanctuary Prep | N-ms

מְעַ֔ט mᵉʻaṭ H4592 little N-ms

בָּ/אֲרָצ֖וֹת ʼerets H776 land Prep | N-cp

אֲשֶׁר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

בָּ֥אוּ bôwʼ H935 Lebo V-Qal-Perf-3cp

שָֽׁם shâm H8033 there Adv

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 11:16

לָ/כֵ֣ן kên H3651 "right" Prep | Adv

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means 'so' or 'thus', often used to show agreement or confirmation, like in the book of Genesis. It can also mean 'rightly' or 'justly', as in doing something the correct way. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: adv adj 1) right, just, honest, true, veritable 1a) right, just, honest 1b) correct 1c) true, veritable

Usage: Occurs in 737 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after that (this, -ward, -wards), as... as, [phrase] (for-) asmuch as yet, [phrase] be (for which) cause, [phrase] following, howbeit, in (the) like (manner, -wise), [idiom] the more, right, (even) so, state, straightway, such (thing), surely, [phrase] there (where) -fore, this, thus, true, well, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:7; Exodus 37:19; Judges 7:17.

אֱמֹ֗ר ʼâmar H559 "to say" V-Qal-Impv-2ms

This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.

Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)

Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.

כֹּֽה kôh H3541 "thus" Adv

This Hebrew word means thus or in this manner. It can also indicate a location or time, such as here or now. The KJV translates it in various ways, including also, here, and so.

Definition: 1) thus, here, in this manner 1a) thus, so 1b) here, here and there 1c) until now, until now...until then, meanwhile Aramaic equivalent: kah (כָּה "thus" H3542)

Usage: Occurs in 541 OT verses. KJV: also, here, + hitherto, like, on the other side, so (and much), such, on that manner, (on) this (manner, side, way, way and that way), + mean while, yonder. See also: Genesis 15:5; 1 Kings 22:20; Isaiah 7:7.

אָמַר֮ ʼâmar H559 "to say" V-Qal-Perf-3ms

אֲדֹנָ֣/י ʼĂdônây H136 "Lord" N-mp | Suff

Adonay is a title used to refer to God, spoken in place of Yahweh as a sign of reverence and respect. It is used throughout the Bible to address God or refer to Him in a formal way. Adonay is a term of worship and devotion.

Definition: Lord - a title, spoken in place of Yahweh in Jewish display of reverence Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)

Usage: Occurs in 430 OT verses. KJV: (my) Lord. See also: Genesis 15:2; Isaiah 3:17; Psalms 2:4.

יְהוִה֒ Yᵉhôvih H3069 "YHWH/God" N-proper

YHWH is a name for God, often used in combination with 'Lord'. It is similar to Yehovah, but with different vowels. This name emphasizes God's power and authority.

Definition: 1) Jehovah-used primarily in the combination 'Lord Jehovah' 1a) equal to ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068) but pointed with the vowels of e.lo.him (אֱלֹהִים "God" H0430)

Usage: Occurs in 296 OT verses. KJV: God. See also: Genesis 15:2; Ezekiel 14:21; Psalms 68:21.

כִּ֤י kîy H3588 "for" Conj

A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.

Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore

Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.

הִרְחַקְתִּי/ם֙ râchaq H7368 "to remove" V-Hiphil-Perf-1cs | Suff

To remove or go far away, as in Genesis 21:16 where Hagar is sent away by Abraham. It means to create distance or separate oneself from something or someone.

Definition: v 1) to be or become far, be or become distant, be removed, go far away 1a) (Qal) to be far, be distant 1b) (Piel) to send far away, extend 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to make or exhibit distance, be gone far 1c2) to remove, put far away 2) (Niphal) loose v inf (as adv) 3) at a distance

Usage: Occurs in 56 OT verses. KJV: (a-, be, cast, drive, get, go, keep (self), put, remove, be too, (wander), withdraw) far (away, off), loose, [idiom] refrain, very, (be) a good way (off). See also: Genesis 21:16; Psalms 119:150; Psalms 22:12.

בַּ/גּוֹיִ֔ם gôwy H1471 "Gentile" Prep | N-mp

This word refers to a Gentile, someone who is not Hebrew or Israeli. It can also describe a large group of animals or a nation of people, emphasizing their unity and shared identity.

Definition: 1) nation, people 1a) nation, people 1a1) usually of non-Hebrew people 1a2) of descendants of Abraham 1a3) of Israel 1b) of swarm of locusts, other animals (fig.) 1c) Goyim? = "nations" Also named: ethnos (ἔθνος "Gentiles" G1484)

Usage: Occurs in 511 OT verses. KJV: Gentile, heathen, nation, people. See also: Genesis 10:5; Judges 4:16; Psalms 2:1.

וְ/כִ֥י kîy H3588 "for" Conj | Conj

הֲפִֽיצוֹתִ֖י/ם pûwts H6327 "to scatter" V-Hiphil-Perf-1cs | Suff

To shatter means to break something into pieces, either physically or figuratively. It can also mean to disperse or scatter people or things, as seen in various Bible translations.

Definition: 1) to scatter, be dispersed, be scattered 1a) (Qal) to be dispersed, be scattered 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be scattered 1b2) to be spread abroad 1c) (Hiphil) to scatter 1d) Hithpael) scatter

Usage: Occurs in 66 OT verses. KJV: break (dash, shake) in (to) pieces, cast (abroad), disperse (selves), drive, retire, scatter (abroad), spread abroad. See also: Genesis 10:18; Jeremiah 10:21; Psalms 18:15.

בָּ/אֲרָצ֑וֹת ʼerets H776 "land" Prep | N-cp

The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.

Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan

Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.

וָ/אֱהִ֤י hâyâh H1961 "to be" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs

The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.

Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone

Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.

לָ/הֶם֙ "" Prep | Suff

לְ/מִקְדָּ֣שׁ miqdâsh H4720 "sanctuary" Prep | N-ms

A sanctuary or holy place, like a temple or palace, set apart for God or idols, a sacred space.

Definition: 1) sacred place, sanctuary, holy place 1a) sanctuary 1a1) of the temple 1a2) of the tabernacle 1a3) of Ezekiel's temple 1a4) of Jehovah

Usage: Occurs in 71 OT verses. KJV: chapel, hallowed part, holy place, sanctuary. See also: Exodus 15:17; Lamentations 1:10; Psalms 68:36.

מְעַ֔ט mᵉʻaṭ H4592 "little" N-ms

This Hebrew word means something is small or little in amount, like a few people or a short time. It appears in various Bible translations as almost, few, or small. In the Bible, it often describes something that is limited or lacking.

Definition: 1) littleness, few, a little, fewness 1a) little, small, littleness, fewness, too little, yet a little 1b) like a little, within a little, almost, just, hardly, shortly, little worth

Usage: Occurs in 92 OT verses. KJV: almost (some, very) few(-er, -est), lightly, little (while), (very) small (matter, thing), some, soon, [idiom] very. See also: Genesis 18:4; Job 15:11; Psalms 2:12.

בָּ/אֲרָצ֖וֹת ʼerets H776 "land" Prep | N-cp

Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.

אֲשֶׁר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel

This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.

Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when

Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.

בָּ֥אוּ bôwʼ H935 "Lebo" V-Qal-Perf-3cp

This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.

Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter

Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.

שָֽׁם shâm H8033 "there" Adv

The Hebrew word sham means there or then, often used to describe a location or point in time. It can also mean thither or thence, indicating movement or direction. This word is used frequently in the Bible to provide context and clarify the setting of a story.

Definition: 1) there, thither 1a) there 1b) thither (after verbs of motion) 1c) from there, thence 1d) then (as an adverb of time) Aramaic equivalent: tam.mah (תַּמָּה "there" H8536)

Usage: Occurs in 732 OT verses. KJV: in it, [phrase] thence, there (-in, [phrase] of, [phrase] out), [phrase] thither, [phrase] whither. See also: Genesis 2:8; Exodus 21:33; Deuteronomy 19:4.

Study Notes — Ezekiel 11:16

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Ezekiel 11:16 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 11:16
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 11:16
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 11:16
Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 11:16
Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 11:16
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 11:16
Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 11:16
Barnes' Notes on Ezekiel 11:16
Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 11:16
Sermons on Ezekiel 11:16

Context — A Promise of Restoration

14Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying, 15“Son of man, your brothers—your relatives, your fellow exiles, and the whole house of Israel—are those of whom the people of Jerusalem have said, ‘They are far away from the LORD; this land has been given to us as a possession.’

16Therefore declare that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Although I sent them far away among the nations and scattered them among the countries, yet for a little while I have been a sanctuary for them in the countries to which they have gone.’

17Therefore declare that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘I will gather you from the peoples and assemble you from the countries to which you have been scattered, and I will give back to you the land of Israel.’ 18When they return to it, they will remove all its detestable things and all its abominations.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Isaiah 8:14	And He will be a sanctuary— but to both houses of Israel a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense, to the dwellers of Jerusalem a trap and a snare.
2	Deuteronomy 30:3–4	then He will restore you from captivity and have compassion on you and gather you from all the nations to which the LORD your God has scattered you. Even if you have been banished to the farthest horizon, He will gather you and return you from there.
3	Psalms 90:1	Lord, You have been our dwelling place through all generations.
4	Jeremiah 31:10	Hear, O nations, the word of the LORD, and proclaim it in distant coastlands: “The One who scattered Israel will gather them and keep them as a shepherd keeps his flock.
5	Jeremiah 30:11	For I am with you to save you, declares the LORD. Though I will completely destroy all the nations to which I have scattered you, I will not completely destroy you. Yet I will discipline you justly, and will by no means leave you unpunished.”
6	Proverbs 18:10	The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.
7	Psalms 91:1	He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.
8	Psalms 31:20	You hide them in the secret place of Your presence from the schemes of men. You conceal them in Your shelter from accusing tongues.
9	Leviticus 26:44	Yet in spite of this, when they are in the land of their enemies, I will not reject or despise them so as to destroy them and break My covenant with them; for I am the LORD their God.
10	Psalms 44:11	You have given us up as sheep to be devoured; You have scattered us among the nations.

Ezekiel 11:16 Summary

[Ezekiel 11:16 tells us that even when God's people are far away from their homeland, He is still with them and cares for them, providing a sense of safety and protection, like a sanctuary. This is a promise that God is always with us, no matter where we are, as seen in Psalm 139:7-10. God's presence is what makes Him a sanctuary for His people, and this gives us hope and comfort, even in difficult times, as seen in Romans 8:28. By trusting in God's presence, we can experience His peace and joy, even when we feel scattered or alone.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean for God to be a sanctuary for His people?

According to Ezekiel 11:16, God is a sanctuary for His people even when they are scattered among the nations, providing a sense of safety and protection, as seen in Psalm 91:2 where it says 'I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.'

Why did God scatter His people among the nations?

God scattered His people among the nations as a form of judgment, as seen in Deuteronomy 28:64, but even in judgment, He remains a sanctuary for them, as stated in Ezekiel 11:16.

How long will God be a sanctuary for His people in exile?

According to Ezekiel 11:16, God will be a sanctuary for His people 'for a little while', implying a temporary period of time before He gathers them back to their homeland, as promised in Ezekiel 11:17.

What is the significance of God gathering His people from exile?

The gathering of God's people from exile, as promised in Ezekiel 11:17, is a fulfillment of God's covenant promises, as seen in Genesis 12:7 and Jeremiah 31:10, demonstrating His faithfulness and love for His people.

Reflection Questions

How have you experienced God as a sanctuary in your life, especially during difficult times?
What does it mean for you to trust in God's presence and protection, even when you feel scattered or alone?
In what ways can you be a sanctuary for others, reflecting God's love and care to those around you?
How does the promise of God gathering His people from exile give you hope for your own future and the future of God's people?

Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 11:16

Therefore say, thus saith the Lord God,.... Since they were so insulted and ill treated by their brethren the Jews: although I have cast them afar off among the Heathen; both the ten tribes, even all

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 11:16

Therefore say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Although I have cast them far off among the heathen, and although I have scattered them among the countries, yet will I be to them as a little sanctuary in the

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 11:16

Therefore; in apology and vindication of them, backed with excellent promises in the following verses. Say; say to them, and of them in Babylon. Although I have cast them far off: the obstinate Jews at Jerusalem will call them apostates and renegades; but let such false accusers know that they were sent thither, and that I the Lord sent them thither, and will own them there too. Far off; not from myself, but from you, your polluted land, and dreadful approaching judgments. Among the heathen; the Chaldeans, or such as the Chaldeans placed them among. Scattered them; dispersed and separated them from one another in many countries which were under the king of Babylon. Yet they are dear to me, and my purposes are for them more gracious than yours are for them, or than mine are for you. As a little sanctuary; for a little while, i.e. during the seventy years’ captivity; or for a few of them, the remnant was ever little: or, as it refers to the sanctuary, a little one in opposition to that great, rich, splendid, and admired temple at Jerusalem, which when they need most, shall help least; but I, saith God, will be really to my captives what the proud self-deceiving Jews promise their temple shall be to them, both for glory, defence, and for worship, which shall with heart and love be given by these I have sent away; and wherever they are, their prayers, synagogue worship, and obedience shall be to me as well-pleasing as they shall desire. They at a distance weep on Chebar banks; you, O rebellious! pollute the temple by your idolatries. I will comfort the mourners; I will punish you polluters of my temple and worship.

Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 11:16

Ezekiel 11:16 Therefore say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Although I have cast them far off among the heathen, and although I have scattered them among the countries, yet will I be to them as a little sanctuary in the countries where they shall come.Ver. 16. Although I have cast them.] What a cornucopia of comfort may this promise be to poor prisoners, forlorn exiles, and such as by sickness or otherwise are necessitated to keep from public ordinances, that they shall have God’ s presence and protection, the comfort and conduct of his Spirit, &c. Yet I will be to them as a little sanctuary.] Sanctuarium modicum. By heating their prayers, sanctifying their natures, bringing to their remembrance what things they have heard and learned touching me and my will, themselves and their duties. They should in Babylon worship God in spirit and in truth; and in the life to come the Lord God Almighty and his Lamb should be their temple.

Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 11:16

(16) Therefore say.—These words, again repeated in Ezekiel 11:17, refer to what the people of Jerusalem had said in Ezekiel 11:15. Their saying these things was a reason, not for what God would do, but for His declaring His merciful purpose beforehand. As a little sanctuary.—Rather, as a sanctuary for a little. The original word is to be taken as an adverb rather than an adjective, and in itself may refer either to time or to amount: either a sanctuary for a little time, or a sanctuary in some degree. The connection points to the former as the true sense; for a little while, during the term of their captivity, God’s presence with them spiritually would be instead of the outward symbolical presence in His Temple. The contrast is striking. God has already said that he would abandon the Temple, and give up Jerusalem to destruction, and cast out its people; but now to the exiles, scattered among the heathen, He would Himself be for a sanctuary.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 11:16

Verse 16. Yet will I be to them as a little sanctuary] Though thus exiled from their own land, yet not forgotten by their God. While in their captivity, I will dispense many blessings to them; and I will restore them to their own land, Ezekiel 11:17, from which they shall put away all idolatry, Ezekiel 11:18.

Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 11:16

16. yet will I be to them] Rather: and have been to them for a sanctuary but little in the countries where they are come. The expression “for a sanctuary but little” refers to the taunt of the dwellers in Jerusalem that the exiles were far from the sanctuary and had no part in Jehovah. It is true that he had not been to the exiles in great measure that which a “sanctuary” is, viz. a presence of Jehovah, a sanctification, and a religious joy. It is doubtful if “sanctuary” has anywhere (even Isaiah 8:14) the meaning of asylum, protection; the sanctuary is the abode of Jehovah, and his presence there sanctifies those in the midst of whom he dwells. The exiles longed to be near the sanctuary and mourned their distance from it (Psalms 84, 137); while those left in the land boasted of the possession of it and looked on the exiles as outcasts.

Barnes' Notes on Ezekiel 11:16

As a little sanctuary - Rather, I will be to them for a little while a sanctuary. The blessing was provisional, they were to look forward to a blessing more complete.

Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 11:16

16. Yet will I be to them as a little sanctuary — R.V., “and have been to them a sanctuary for a little while.” For a time Ezekiel and the exiles were to find the presence of Jehovah manifested as in

Sermons on Ezekiel 11:16

	Sermon	Description
	The Glory of God and the Image of Jealousy by Carter Conlon	In this sermon, the preacher warns the congregation about the dangers of turning away from God and indulging in sinful behavior. He emphasizes that those who take pleasure in wicke
	Then… the Nations Shall Know That He Is Lord. by Andrew Murray	Andrew Murray emphasizes that God's judgment is essential for His people to experience salvation and for the nations to recognize Him as Lord. The book of Ezekiel illustrates that
	God Is a Sanctuary by C.H. Spurgeon	C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes that even when God's people feel exiled and far from their place of worship, He remains their sanctuary, providing refuge and grace wherever they are. He r
	Letter 75 by James Bourne	James Bourne addresses the spiritual struggles and need for humility, urging the congregation to embrace a contrite and humble spirit before God. He emphasizes the importance of co
	One Strange Stone by Jim Cymbala	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept that some good things can have a negative impact on people. He gives examples of how ambulances, which save lives, can also bring
	1 Peter 2:8 by John Gill	John Gill expounds on 1 Peter 2:8, illustrating how Christ serves as a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense to those who disbelieve, particularly the Jews who could not accept
	A Ministry of the Significance of Christ by T. Austin-Sparks	T. Austin-Sparks preaches about the profound meaning of Christ's presence in our lives, emphasizing that encountering Christ will lead to a deeper understanding of His significance