Connect Ezekiel 36:1 with other scriptures about God's sovereignty over creation. Setting the Scene In Ezekiel 36:1, the Lord addresses the very geography of Israel—its mountains—as though they can hear and respond. This personal, commanding approach reveals God’s absolute authority over every part of creation. Key Passage: Ezekiel 36:1 “‘And you, son of man, prophesy to the mountains of Israel and say, “O mountains of Israel, hear the word of the LORD.”’” Observations on Sovereignty in Ezekiel 36:1 • God speaks directly to inanimate creation, assuming perfect obedience. • The mountains are not random landforms; they are under a divine mandate. • God’s word is the ultimate governing force in nature, setting the stage for renewal and blessing (cf. Ezekiel 36:8–12). Echoes in the Creation Narrative • Genesis 1:1 – “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” – God’s authorship of everything establishes His right to address any part of it. • Genesis 1:9–10 – Seas are gathered, dry land appears by command; creation moves when God speaks. The Psalms: Mountains Hear Their Maker • Psalm 24:1–2 – “The earth is the LORD’s and the fullness thereof… For He has founded it upon the seas and established it upon the waters.” – Ownership language mirrors Ezekiel; the Creator claims every inch. • Psalm 104:5 – “He set the earth on its foundations; it can never be moved.” – God not only forms creation but sustains its stability, linking back to the surety in His address to the mountains. Prophetic Confirmation • Isaiah 45:18 – “For thus says the LORD… He who fashioned and formed the earth… ‘I am the LORD, and there is no other.’” – Exclusivity of divine sovereignty underscores why creation must listen. • Jeremiah 10:12 – “He made the earth by His power; He established the world by His wisdom.” – Power and wisdom combine, assuring that every prophetic word—including Ezekiel’s—will stand. New Testament Fulfillment: Christ the Creator • John 1:3 – “All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that has been made.” • Colossians 1:16–17 – “All things were created through Him and for Him… in Him all things hold together.” • Hebrews 1:3 – He is “sustaining all things by His powerful word.” – The same divine Word that spoke in Ezekiel is revealed in Christ, holding creation’s fabric together. Worshipful Response • Revelation 4:11 – “You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory… for You created all things, and by Your will they existed and were created.” • Psalm 148:7–10 – Mountains, hills, and all creation are summoned to praise, echoing Ezekiel’s call to the hills of Israel. Implications for Daily Living • Confidence: If God commands mountains, He can handle every detail of our lives. • Stewardship: The Creator’s ownership urges responsible care for His world. • Worship: Seeing creation obey reminds us to respond swiftly to God’s voice. |