Charles Ellicott Commentary Ezekiel 11:16

"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." — Ezekiel 11:16 (ASV)

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, give up Jerusalem to destruction, and cast out its people; but now to the exiles, scattered among the heathen, He Himself would be a sanctuary.