Definition: And ye shall know that I [am] the LORD, when I have wrought with you for my name’s sake, not according to your wicked ways, nor according to your corrupt doings, O ye house of Israel, saith the Lord GOD.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Ezekiel 20:44. It’s a pretty significant and somewhat surprising part of the book. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that God isn’t punishing Israel for their wrongdoings – specifically for their bad behavior. Instead, He's using His power to demonstrate something important. It’s like a test or an example of how God sees things. Let’s unpack it: “And ye shall know that I [am] the LORD…” – This establishes that this is not just any old person; it's God Himself. It’s a declaration of authority and identity. “…when I have wrought with you for my name’s sake, not according to your wicked ways, nor according to your corrupt doings, O ye house of Israel…” – This is the core of the message. Let's break that down: “for my name’s sake” : This means God’s actions are motivated by His own goodness and purpose . He doesn’t do things out of anger or punishment, but because He wants to show something important. “not according to your wicked ways…” : This is a direct accusation – Israel has been acting in ways that are morally wrong and harmful. “…nor according to your corrupt doings…” : This builds on the previous point, emphasizing the specific bad behavior being pointed out. It’s not just general wrongdoing; it's particular actions that are damaging. “O ye house of Israel…” : This is a formal address – a way for God to speak directly to them. It’s a reminder of their identity as God’s people. So, the whole verse means: God isn't punishing them because they're doing wrong. He’s using His power and showing His character in a demonstrative way – to show that He is powerful and righteous. It’s like a spotlight shining on their behavior so he can demonstrate His goodness. Important Note: This verse is often interpreted as a warning about Israel's sin and a call for repentance. It suggests that God is working through this demonstration to ultimately lead them back to Him. --- In short, it’s a statement of God’s sovereignty – He’s actively working for His own purposes, even when we seem to be causing trouble. Do you want me to: Explain another part of the verse? Connect this verse to a specific biblical story or theme?