1 “And you, son of man, prophesy to the mountains of Israel, and say, O mountains of Israel, hear the word of the Lord.”
2 Thus says the Lord God: Because the enemy said of you, ‘Aha!’ and, ‘The ancient heights have become our possession,’
3 therefore prophesy, and say, Thus says the Lord God: Because, yea, because they made you desolate and crushed you from all sides, so that you became the possession of the rest of the nations, and you became the talk and evil gossip of the people,
4 Therefore, O mountains of Israel, hear the word of the Lord God: Thus says the Lord God to the mountains and the hills, the ravines and the valleys, the desolate wastes and the deserted cities, which have become a prey and derision to the rest of the nations all around,
5 therefore thus says the Lord God: Surely I have spoken in my hot jealousy against the rest of the nations and against all Edom, who gave my land to themselves as a possession with wholehearted joy and utter contempt, that they might make its pasturelands a prey.
6 Therefore prophesy concerning the land of Israel, and say to the mountains and hills, to the ravines and valleys, Thus says the Lord God: Behold, I have spoken in my jealous wrath, because you have suffered the reproach of the nations.
7 Therefore thus says the Lord God: I swear that the nations that are all around you shall themselves suffer reproach.
8 But you, O mountains of Israel, shall shoot forth your branches and yield your fruit to my people Israel, for they will soon come.
9 For behold, I am for you, and I will turn to you, and you shall be tilled and sown.
10 And I will multiply people on you, the whole house of Israel, all of it. The cities shall be inhabited and the waste places rebuilt.
11 And I will multiply on you man and beast, and they shall multiply and be fruitful. And I will cause you to be inhabited as in your former times, and will do more good to you than ever before. Then you will know that I am the Lord.
12 I will let people walk on you, even my people Israel. And they shall possess you, and you shall be their inheritance, and you shall no longer bereave them of children.
13 Thus says the Lord God: Because they say to you, ‘You devour people, and you bereave your nation of children,’
14 therefore you shall no longer devour people and no longer bereave your nation of children, declares the Lord God.
15 And I will not let you hear anymore the reproach of the nations, and you shall no longer bear the disgrace of the peoples and no longer cause your nation to stumble, declares the Lord God.”
16 The word of the Lord came to me:
17 “Son of man, when the house of Israel lived in their own land, they defiled it by their ways and their deeds.
18 So I poured out my wrath upon them for the blood that they had shed in the land, for the idols with which they had defiled it.
19 And I scattered them among the nations, and they were dispersed through the countries. In accordance with their ways and their deeds I judged them.
20 But when they came to the nations, wherever they came, they profaned my holy name, in that people said of them, ‘These are the people of the Lord, and yet they had to go out of his land.’
21 But I had concern for my holy name, which the house of Israel had profaned among the nations to which they came.
22 “Therefore say to the house of Israel, Thus says the Lord God: It is not for your sake, O house of Israel, that I am about to act, but for the sake of my holy name, which you have profaned among the nations to which you came.”
23 And I will vindicate the holiness of my great name, which has been profaned among the nations, and which you have profaned among them. And the nations will know that I am the Lord, declares the Lord God, when through you I vindicate my holiness before their eyes.
24 I will take you from the nations and gather you from all the countries and bring you into your own land.
25 I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean from all your uncleannesses, and from all your idols I will cleanse you.
26 And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.
27 And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules.
28 You shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers, and you shall be my people, and I will be your God.
29 I will deliver you from all your uncleannesses.
30 I will multiply the fruit of the tree and the increase of the field, that you may never again suffer the disgrace of famine among the nations.
31 Then you will remember your evil ways, and your deeds that were not good, and you will loathe yourselves for your iniquities and your abominations.
32 It is not for your sake that I will act, declares the Lord God; let that be known to you. Be ashamed and confounded for your ways, O house of Israel.
33 “Thus says the Lord God: On the day that I cleanse you from all your iniquities, I will cause the cities to be inhabited, and the waste places shall be rebuilt.”
34 And the land that was desolate shall be tilled, instead of being the desolation that it was in the sight of all who passed by.
35 And they will say, ‘This land that was desolate has become like the garden of Eden, and the waste and desolate and ruined cities are now fortified and inhabited.’
36 Then the nations that are left all around you shall know that I am the Lord; I have rebuilt the ruined places and replanted that which was desolate. I am the Lord; I have spoken, and I will do it.
37 “Thus says the Lord God: This also I will let the house of Israel ask me to do for them: to increase their people like a flock.”
38 Like the flock for sacrifices, like the flock at Jerusalem during her appointed feasts, so shall the waste cities be filled with flocks of people. Then they will know that I am the Lord.
The True Meaning of Ezekiel 36
The book of Ezekiel was written by the prophet Ezekiel, who was a priest and a prophet during the Babylonian exile. He was among the Israelites who were taken captive to Babylon after the fall of Jerusalem in 586 BC. Ezekiel delivers a message of hope and restoration for the people of Israel, who had been scattered and oppressed in this chapter.
The chapter begins with God addressing the land of Israel, promising to restore its fertility and abundance. This foreshadows the eventual return of the Israelites to their homeland and the rebuilding of their nation. Ezekiel also speaks of the people’s need for spiritual renewal, as they had turned away from God and followed their own sinful ways. The chapter culminates in a powerful vision of the people’s transformation, as God promises to cleanse them from their impurities and give them a new heart and a new spirit.
This message of hope and restoration is echoed throughout the book of Ezekiel, as the prophet seeks to encourage the exiled Israelites and prepare them for their eventual return to the Promised Land. The chapter also connects to other biblical passages, such as Jeremiah’s prophecy of the new covenant (Jeremiah 31:31-34) and the promise of a future restoration of Israel (Isaiah 11:11-12).
Ezekiel 36:1-7
The Lord sends a message through the prophet Ezekiel directed towards the mountains of Israel in Ezekiel 36:1-7. This passage starts off by describing these mountains as hearing the word of the Lord and thus symbolizing that the land itself is part of God’s divine plan. The mountains, being part of the physical landscape of Israel, represent the larger context of Israel’s restoration and redemption. The message is not just for the people but for the very land they inhabit. God’s concern for His people and His land is witnessed in these verses. Despite the desolation and mockery the Israelites faced from their enemies, God reassures them that He is with them and will act on their behalf. The desolation spoken of here likely refers to the destruction of Jerusalem and the exile of the Israelites, which were consequences of their disobedience and sin. This period of exile was a dark time for Israel, where they were separated from their land, their temple, and faced humiliation at the hands of foreign powers.
God’s promise of restoration to the land of Israel in Ezekiel 36 is a significant theme throughout the Bible. The restoration of Israel is not just physical but spiritual as well. It signifies the renewal of the covenant relationship between God and His people. This promise of restoration is a central theme in the prophetic books, where God repeatedly assures His people that He will bring them back to their land, forgive their sins, and dwell among them once again.
The message in Ezekiel 36 is not just about the physical land of Israel but also about the spiritual renewal of the people. God promises to cleanse them from their impurities and idols. This cleansing is not just superficial but deep and transformative, symbolizing a renewed heart and a new spirit within them. This theme of cleansing and renewal is echoed throughout the Bible, such as in Psalm 51:10, where David prays for a clean heart and a steadfast spirit. Ezekiel 36:1-7 serves as a reminder of God’s faithfulness, mercy, and restoration. It highlights God’s sovereignty over the land and His people, emphasizing that His plans for restoration will come to pass despite the challenges and adversities they may face. It also conveys a message of hope, showing that even in the midst of desolation and exile, God is still at work, bringing about redemption and renewal.
Ezekiel 36:8-12
Important sections in Ezekiel 36:8-12 convey a message of restoration and blessing from God to His people. Let’s break it down into more detailed insights:
Verse 8 speaks of the mountains of Israel producing branches and bearing fruit for God’s people. This imagery symbolizes the fertility and prosperity that the land will experience under God’s favor. The mention of the people of Israel coming home also signifies a return to their land after being scattered due to their disobedience and exile. This prophecy is not just about a physical return but also about a spiritual restoration, highlighting God’s faithfulness in bringing His people back to Himself.
Moving on to verse 9, Ezekiel mentions that God will care for His people and provide them with abundance. This promise mirrors God’s continuous provision throughout history for those who stay faithful to Him. It serves as a reminder that when we are aligned with God’s will, He ensures that our needs are met, and blessings overflow. This aspect of divine care and provision can be seen in numerous accounts in the Bible, such as God’s provision for the Israelites in the desert with manna (Exodus 16) and His faithfulness to King David throughout his reign (Psalm 23). Ezekiel describes in verse 10 how the desolate cities will be resettled and the ruins rebuilt. This prophecy of restoration points to the renewal and revival that God brings to broken and desolate areas. It illustrates God’s power to transform despair into hope and showcases His ability to rebuild what was once destroyed. This theme of restoration is consistent throughout the Bible, like the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls under Nehemiah’s leadership (Nehemiah 2).
Verse 11 emphasizes God’s promise to increase the number of His people, making them as numerous as sheep. This multiplication symbolizes God’s intention to bless and prosper his chosen ones abundantly. It is a reminder of His covenant with Abraham, promising him descendants as numerous as the stars (Genesis 15:5). This verse underscores God’s faithfulness to His promises and His desire to see His people flourish and multiply under His gracious hand.
Lastly, in verse 12, Ezekiel mentions that the fields will yield abundant produce for His people. This promise of agricultural prosperity signifies God’s provision and blessing on the work of their hands. It reflects the principle of sowing and reaping, where obedience to God’s commands results in a bountiful harvest. This message echoes the biblical wisdom found in passages like Proverbs 11:25, “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed. God conveys a powerful message of restoration, provision, and multiplication in Ezekiel 36:8-12. It highlights His faithfulness, care, and desire to bless His people abundantly when they turn back to Him. This passage serves as a timeless reminder of God’s sovereignty and grace, showing that even in times of exile and destruction, God has the power to bring about renewal and flourishing for those who trust in Him.
Ezekiel 36:13-15
Several important sections can be discerned in Ezekiel 36:13-15, each carrying rich significance. Firstly, it mentions the people of Israel who had been scattered among the nations in Ezekiel’s time due to their disobedience to God’s laws. This scattering was a consequence of their persistent idolatry and rebellion against God throughout their history. The Israelites had repeatedly turned away from the Lord, worshipping false gods and committing various sins, which ultimately led to their exile from their homeland.
The mention of “profaned” name of God in verse 20 is crucial. The people of Israel had tarnished God’s name among the nations through their disobedience and punishment. This profaning of God’s name also reflects the responsibility of believers to uphold the reputation of God through their actions and behavior. It underscores the importance of living in a way that brings honor and glory to God’s name, rather than causing it to be dishonored. God gathering His scattered people back to their land in verse 24 is a powerful symbol of restoration and redemption. This gathering represents God’s faithfulness to His promises, as He had foretold through various prophets, including Ezekiel, that He would bring His people back to their land and restore them. This theme of restoration and redemption is a recurring motif throughout the Bible, emphasizing God’s grace and mercy towards His people despite their failures.
Furthermore, the promise of a new heart and spirit in verse 26 signifies a spiritual transformation that God will bring about in His people. This transformation involves a renewed commitment to follow God wholeheartedly, forsaking their sinful ways and living in obedience to His commands. It echoes the concept of repentance and regeneration found in other parts of the Bible, such as in Jeremiah 31:33 where God promises to write His law on the hearts of His people. Ezekiel 36:13-15 encapsulates a narrative of exile, restoration, and spiritual renewal that is pertinent not only to the people of Israel in Ezekiel’s time but also to believers today. It serves as a reminder of God’s sovereignty, faithfulness, and grace towards His people, as well as the importance of repentance, obedience, and living in a way that honors His name. The timeless message of this passage speaks to the enduring nature of God’s covenant with His people and His desire for reconciliation and transformation in their lives.
Ezekiel 36:16-21
The passage in Ezekiel 36:16-21 begins with the Lord proclaiming to the prophet Ezekiel about the people of Israel and their history of disobedience and idolatry. The Lord acknowledges that the Israelites defiled the land through their actions and behavior, leading to its desolation and becoming a byword among the nations. This section sets the stage for understanding the context of the restoration that the Lord is about to promise to His people.
The disobedience of the Israelites and their consequent exile were a recurring theme throughout the Old Testament. Time and time again, the Israelites turned away from God, worshiped false gods, and broke the covenant they had with Him. This pattern of sin and punishment underscores the importance of obedience, faithfulness, and loyalty to God in the Bible. It serves as a cautionary tale for believers to stay true to God and His commandments, or risk facing consequences for their actions.
The mention of the desolation of the land and the ridicule that the Israelites faced among the nations highlights the notion that God’s chosen people are meant to be a beacon of His glory and righteousness. When they falter in their beliefs and actions, not only do they suffer the consequences, but they also tarnish the reputation of God in the eyes of others. This ties back to the concept of being God’s representatives on earth and the responsibility that comes with that role.
The passage also touches on the concept of restoration and redemption. Despite the Israelites’ unfaithfulness, God’s love for His people shines through as He promises to bring them back to their land, cleanse them from their sins, and give them new hearts and spirits. This theme of restoration is prevalent throughout the Bible, culminating in the ultimate act of redemption through Jesus Christ. It serves as a powerful reminder that no matter how far we may stray, God’s grace and mercy are always available to lead us back to Him. Ezekiel 36:16-21 showcases the cyclical nature of sin, punishment, and redemption in the relationship between God and His people. It emphasizes the importance of obedience, faithfulness, and the enduring love of God, while also highlighting the consequences of straying from His path. We, as believers, can draw valuable lessons from this passage about the nature of God’s love, the power of repentance, and the hope of restoration in Him.
Ezekiel 36:22-28
Several crucial sections in Ezekiel 36:22-28 delineate a more profound understanding. The verse begins with God declaring that His primary motivation in acting upon Israel is not due to their worthiness but for the sake of His holy name. This underscores the notion that God’s actions are often motivated by His divine character and the fulfillment of His promises rather than the merit of individuals. This fundamental truth reverberates throughout the entire Bible, showcasing God’s faithfulness and unwavering love for His people despite their shortcomings.
Moving forward, the verse mentions the dispersion of the Israelites among the nations, indicating a period of exile and separation from their land due to their disobedience. This exile can be regarded as a consequence of Israel’s rebellion against God, a recurring theme in the Old Testament. However, despite the punishment inflicted upon the Israelites, God assures them of His imminent restoration and regathering. This promise of restoration after exile is a prevalent theme in the Bible, emphasizing God’s redemptive nature and His willingness to forgive and restore those who repent and turn back to Him. The verse talks about the spiritual transformation that the Israelites will undergo upon their return to their land. God mentions His plan to cleanse them from their impurities and give them new hearts and spirits. This transformation signifies a spiritual renewal and a fresh start for the Israelites. This notion of a new heart and spirit is echoed in other parts of the Bible, such as in Ezekiel 11:19 where God promises to remove the heart of stone and give a heart of flesh instead. This transformation highlights God’s ability to transform and renew individuals, emphasizing the spiritual regeneration made possible through His grace.
Furthermore, the verse mentions God’s promise to put His Spirit within the Israelites, enabling them to walk in His statutes and keep His commandments. This infusion of God’s Spirit signifies His presence and guidance in the lives of His people, empowering them to live in obedience and alignment with His will. This promise foreshadows the coming of the Holy Spirit in the New Testament, where believers are filled with the Spirit to empower them for righteous living and ministry. Ezekiel 36:22-28 encapsulates the themes of God’s faithfulness, restoration, spiritual transformation, and empowerment through His Spirit. It speaks to God’s redemptive plan for His people, showcasing His unwavering love and mercy despite their failings. This verse serves as a reminder of God’s continuous work in transforming and renewing His people, both in the Old Testament with the Israelites and in the New Testament with believers in Christ.
Ezekiel 36:29-32
The verse in Ezekiel 36:29-32 conveys a powerful message of renewal, restoration, and redemption in the context of the Israelites, divided into several sections.
Verse 29 speaks of God’s promise to provide the people with a new heart and a new spirit. This promise of transformation is significant as it signifies a spiritual renewal among the Israelites. This idea of receiving a new heart and spirit is not a physical change, but a metaphorical one, pointing towards a change in attitude, beliefs, and actions. This transformation is essential for the Israelites to break away from their sinful past and start anew.
Furthermore, in verse 30, the people are reminded of their past sins and how they will loathe themselves for the evil they have done. This self-reflection is crucial for the Israelites to recognize their transgressions and repent sincerely. It shows that true repentance involves not only seeking forgiveness from God but also acknowledging and feeling remorse for one’s sins. This serves as a reminder that repentance must come from a genuine place of humility and contrition. Verse 31 emphasizes the consequences of their past actions and the impact it had on both the Israelites and the nations around them. The Israelites’ disobedience and sin not only affected their relationship with God but also tarnished their reputation among other nations. This serves as a lesson for the Israelites, showing them that their actions have far-reaching consequences, not only on themselves but also on the world around them.
Finally, in verse 32, God reiterates His promise to restore the land of Israel, which had been desolate and a source of ridicule among the nations. This promise of restoration is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, highlighting God’s faithfulness to His people even in the face of their disobedience. It is a reminder that God’s mercy and grace are limitless, and He is always ready to forgive and restore those who turn back to Him. God’s plan to restore and renew His people is the overarching theme of Ezekiel 36. It portrays God as a faithful and merciful God who does not abandon His people, despite their failures. The chapter also highlights the importance of repentance, obedience, and faithfulness in maintaining a relationship with God. This message of hope and restoration is echoed in other parts of the Bible, such as in Isaiah 43:18-19, where God promises to do a new thing and make a way in the wilderness for His people. Ezekiel 36:29-32 serves as a reminder of God’s faithfulness, mercy, and the importance of repentance in the journey of faith.
Ezekiel 36:33-36
Four key sections can be identified in Ezekiel 36:33-36, each carrying a significant message and providing insight into the restoration and renewal promised by God to His people.
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“‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: On the day I cleanse you from all your sins, I will resettle your towns, and the ruins will be rebuilt. The desolate land will be cultivated instead of lying desolate in the sight of all who pass through it.’” Here, God speaks of cleansing His people from their sins, highlighting His intention to restore what was once desolate. This cleansing represents not just a forgiveness of sins but a complete transformation and renewal. The imagery of towns being resettled and ruins rebuilt symbolizes the restoration of the physical land of Israel, but also the spiritual renewal of the people of Israel. This theme of restoration and renewal is a recurring one throughout the Bible, emphasizing God’s faithfulness and His ability to bring about transformation in even the most desolate of circumstances.
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“Then the nations around you that remain will know that I the Lord have rebuilt what was destroyed and have replanted what was desolate. I the Lord have spoken, and I will do it.” This section underscores the notion that God’s actions are not just for the benefit of the Israelites, but also for the surrounding nations to witness and acknowledge His power and faithfulness. Through the restoration of Israel, God demonstrates His sovereignty and His commitment to fulfilling His promises. The inclusion of the nations in this divine plan serves as a reminder of God’s desire for all peoples to come to know Him and His redemptive work. This echoes the broader biblical theme of God’s plan for the salvation of all nations, as seen in passages such as Isaiah 49:6 and Matthew 28:19-20.
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“This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Once again I will yield to Israel’s plea and do this for them: I will make their people as numerous as sheep, as numerous as the flocks for offerings at Jerusalem during her appointed festivals. So will the ruined cities be filled with flocks of people. Then they will know that I am the Lord. God promises to increase the population of Israel in this part, drawing a parallel between the multiplication of the people and the abundance of sacrificial offerings during festivals. This imagery not only symbolizes the physical restoration of the Israelite community but also hints at a spiritual renewal and a deepening of their relationship with God. The reference to the knowledge of the Lord points to the ultimate purpose of God’s actions – that His people would come to recognize His power and faithfulness in bringing about their restoration. This theme of God’s people recognizing and acknowledging Him runs through the entire Bible, emphasizing the importance of knowing and worshipping the one true God.
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“‘I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you a heart of flesh. I will put my Spirit within you and cause you to walk in my statutes, and you will keep my judgments and do them.’” This final section speaks to the transformation of the hearts of God’s people. The imagery of replacing a heart of stone with a heart of flesh signifies a profound change at the core of their being – a change from hardness and disobedience to sensitivity and receptivity to God’s will. The promise to put God’s Spirit within them points to the empowerment and guidance that God provides for His people to live in alignment with His ways. This promise of internal transformation and divine assistance echoes the concept of spiritual rebirth seen in the New Testament, particularly in passages like John 3:3-8 and 2 Corinthians 5:17. It highlights God’s desire not only to restore outwardly but to renew inwardly, bringing about a true and lasting change in His people.
Ezekiel 36:37-38
The verses in Ezekiel 36:37-38 emphasize God’s promise to bless the land of Israel and its people. Let’s break down these important sections for deeper insight and understanding. God declares in verse 37, “This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Once again I will yield to Israel’s plea and do this for them: I will make their people increase like a flock.”” This statement signifies God’s willingness to listen to the prayers and pleas of His people. Throughout the Bible, we see numerous instances where God responds to the cries of His chosen ones. Israel, as a nation and a people, had a turbulent history filled with disobedience and exile. However, God’s promise here reflects His unfailing love and mercy towards His people, despite their shortcomings. This reaffirms the theme of repentance and restoration prevalent in Ezekiel’s prophecy. It serves as a reminder that no matter how far we may stray, God is always ready to welcome us back with open arms when we turn to Him in sincere repentance.
Moving on to verse 38, it states, “as a flock of offerings, as Jerusalem’s holy festivals; so will the ruined cities be filled with flocks of people. Then they will know that I am the Lord.” This verse symbolizes the restoration and prosperity that God promises to bring to the land of Israel. The imagery of flocks and festivals conveys a sense of abundance, joy, and worship. The reference to “ruined cities” being filled with people highlights God’s power to transform desolation into flourishing communities. Throughout the Bible, we witness God’s ability to bring life and growth from what seems barren and hopeless. This verse conveys a message of hope and renewal, emphasizing the divine intervention and sovereignty of God over all circumstances. God promises to cleanse His people, restore the land of Israel, and pour out His Spirit upon them in the broader context of Ezekiel 36. This restoration is not solely for the benefit of the Israelites but also for the glory of God among the nations. The fulfillment of these promises can be seen as a foreshadowing of the ultimate restoration and renewal that will be brought about through Jesus Christ. Peter speaks of times of refreshing and restoration coming from the Lord in passages such as Acts 3:19-21 in the New Testament. Ezekiel 36:37-38 encapsulates the themes of repentance, restoration, and divine intervention found throughout the Bible. It serves as a reminder of God’s faithfulness to His people, His power to transform the broken into the beautiful, and His desire for all to know Him as Lord. We reflect on these verses, encouraging us to turn to God in repentance, trust in His promises of restoration, and proclaim His glory among the nations.
After Ezekiel 36
The Lord had spoken to Ezekiel, promising to restore the land and the people of Israel. He would cleanse them from their impurities and give them a new heart and spirit. The people would once again be His people, and He would be their God. Ezekiel felt a sense of hope and anticipation as he listened to the Lord’s words. The future that had seemed so bleak was now filled with the promise of renewal and redemption. Ezekiel knew that the road ahead would not be easy, but with God’s guidance and the strength of his people, they would overcome the challenges that lay before them.
With a renewed sense of purpose, Ezekiel prepared to share the Lord’s message with the people. He knew that the journey ahead would be long and difficult, but he was determined to lead his flock towards the promised land, where they would find peace, prosperity, and the fulfillment of God’s covenant.
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.