Definition: But I wrought for my name’s sake, that it should not be polluted before the heathen, among whom they [were], in whose sight I made myself known unto them, in bringing them forth out of the land of Egypt.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezekiel 20:9. It's a really interesting and somewhat mysterious passage! Here’s an explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is about God revealing Himself to people in ancient Egypt. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “But I wrought for my name’s sake…” – This means that God intentionally set things in motion, planned something important, and created a situation where He would be revealed. It's like He was consciously preparing for this moment. “…that it should not be polluted before the heathen…” - "Heathen" refers to people who weren’t part of the Jewish tradition at that time. So, God was deliberately showing Himself to someone outside of his established community. "...among whom they [were], in whose sight I made myself known unto them..." – This is the core of the verse. The "they" refers to the Egyptians. They were a powerful and ancient civilization at the time, and their culture and beliefs were significant. The key part is: God showed Himself to them. He didn't just appear; He actively revealed His presence and power. "...in bringing them forth out of the land of Egypt." – This tells us where this revelation happened. God was leading people from their land, specifically the land of Egypt, which was a significant and powerful area at the time. It’s like God was actively moving people away from that region. So, what's the big takeaway? Ezekiel 20:9 describes God deliberately revealing Himself to the Egyptians. It's a story about His intention to be noticed and known to a group of people who were significantly influential at the time – a powerful civilization. It’s a significant moment in biblical history, suggesting a deliberate act of God to establish Himself as a central figure. Important Note: This verse is often interpreted symbolically. It's not necessarily about a direct, personal meeting between God and an Egyptian king. It speaks more broadly to God's desire for recognition and influence in the world. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the passage? Discuss the symbolism behind this verse? Connect it to other biblical stories or themes?