What is the meaning of Ezekiel 36:6? Therefore • The opening word links this verse to the judgment just pronounced on Edom (Ezekiel 35) and the taunts against Israel’s land (Ezekiel 36:1–5). • God’s “therefore” always signals a sure progression of His plan, just as in Isaiah 48:3 and Acts 17:30. • Because Scripture is fully reliable (2 Timothy 3:16), the transition marks an unbreakable divine response: punishment for enemies, restoration for Israel. Prophesy concerning the land of Israel • The command targets the physical territory promised to Abraham (Genesis 12:7; Deuteronomy 30:3-5). • God’s covenant love embraces soil as well as souls; Leviticus 25:23 calls the land “Mine.” • Speaking directly to the land underscores that the restoration will be literal, not merely symbolic, echoing Jeremiah 32:41 where God promises to “plant them… in this land in faithfulness.” Tell the mountains and hills, the ravines and valleys • The landscape is personified, just as in Ezekiel 6:3 and Isaiah 55:12, showing creation’s involvement in redemption (Romans 8:19-22). • Mentioning every contour—high peaks to deep gullies—declares that no inch will remain under reproach. • This comprehensive address hints at a reversal of the desolation described in Ezekiel 6:6. This is what the Lord GOD says • “Lord GOD” (Adonai YHWH) stresses absolute sovereignty, paralleling Ezekiel 34:11 and Malachi 3:6. • The prophet’s authority rests solely on God’s unchanging word, reflecting Numbers 23:19: “God is not a man, that He should lie.” • Every promise to Israel is as certain as the One who utters it (Hebrews 6:17-18). Behold, I have spoken in My burning zeal • “Behold” calls for attention, just as in Isaiah 7:14 and Luke 2:10. • God’s “burning zeal” reveals passionate, covenantal jealousy (Exodus 34:14; Zechariah 1:14). • Divine zeal assures both judgment on oppressors and blessing on His people (Isaiah 42:13). Because you have endured the reproach of the nations • The land has borne centuries of scorn, fulfilling Psalm 79:4 and Lamentations 2:15-16. • Gentile domination (“times of the Gentiles,” Luke 21:24) will not have the final word; God’s faithfulness will (Romans 11:25-26). • The verse comforts Israel with the promise that reproach will be exchanged for honor, prefiguring the future kingdom glory in Isaiah 62:4. Summary Ezekiel 36:6 assures the literal land of Israel that God, moved by fervent covenant zeal, will answer the nations’ insults with restoration. Every mountain and valley will experience His faithful reversal, proving once again that when the sovereign Lord speaks, His word stands. |
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