But I acted for the sake of my name, so that it would not be profaned in the eyes of the nations they were living among, in whose sight I had made myself known to Israel by bringing them out of Egypt.
But I withheld my hand and acted for the sake of my name, so that it would not be profaned in the eyes of the nations in whose sight I brought them out.
You will know that I am the Lord, house of Israel, when I have dealt with you for the sake of my name rather than according to your evil ways and corrupt acts. This is the declaration of the Lord God.” ’
‘ “As for you, house of Israel, this is what the Lord God says: Go and serve your idols, each of you. But afterwards you will surely listen to me, and you will no longer defile my holy name with your gifts and idols.
So now what have I here’ – this is the Lord’s declaration – ‘that my people are taken away for nothing? Its rulers wail’ – this is the Lord’s declaration – ‘and my name is continually blasphemed all day long.
therefore I declared to you long ago. I announced it to you before it occurred, so you could not claim, “My idol caused them; my carved image and cast idol control them.”
‘Therefore, say to the house of Israel, “This is what the Lord God says: It is not for your sake that I will act, house of Israel, but for my holy name, which you profaned among the nations where you went.