What is the meaning of Ezekiel 39:27? When I bring them back from the peoples “‘When I bring them back from the peoples…’ ” (Ezekiel 39:27a) • God Himself is the active One; the return is neither accidental nor merely political (cf. Ezekiel 36:24; Jeremiah 31:8). • “The peoples” points to every nation where Israel was scattered (Deuteronomy 30:3–4). • Historically, exiles returned from Babylon, yet the wording anticipates a larger, final regathering (Isaiah 11:11–12; Romans 11:25–27). • The promise underscores covenant faithfulness—God keeps His word to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Genesis 17:7–8). and gather them out of the lands of their enemies “…and gather them out of the lands of their enemies…” (Ezekiel 39:27b) • “Gather” pictures a shepherd collecting every last sheep (Isaiah 40:11). • “Enemies” reminds us Israel’s dispersion involved hostility; the regathering therefore includes deliverance (Psalm 106:47). • This rescue is physical and geographical—real people returning to a real land (Amos 9:14–15). • It also foreshadows spiritual liberation from sin’s bondage (Ezekiel 36:26–27; John 8:36). I will show My holiness in them “…I will show My holiness in them…” (Ezekiel 39:27c) • God’s holiness is His absolute moral purity and separateness (Leviticus 19:2). • By restoring a once-rebellious nation, He reveals His character—both justice (punishment of sin) and mercy (restoration) (Ezekiel 36:22–23). • “In them” means Israel becomes the living display of who God is (Isaiah 60:21; 1 Peter 2:9). • The transformation includes cleansing, new hearts, and obedience (Ezekiel 36:25–27). in the sight of many nations “…in the sight of many nations.” (Ezekiel 39:27d) • The restoration is public; God’s work with Israel is meant to be noticed (Ezekiel 38:23). • Gentile nations will witness and acknowledge the LORD’s supremacy (Zechariah 14:9; Revelation 15:4). • This global testimony anticipates the millennial kingdom—peace, justice, and the knowledge of the LORD filling the earth (Isaiah 2:2–4; Habakkuk 2:14). • Ultimately, it sets the stage for the gathering of all believers under Messiah’s reign (Matthew 24:31). summary Ezekiel 39:27 promises a literal, God-initiated return of Israel from worldwide exile. In doing so, the LORD rescues His people from hostile lands, displays His unmistakable holiness through their transformation, and provides a public witness that draws the attention of every nation. The verse assures us that God’s covenant purposes stand firm and that His glory will be unmistakably revealed on the world stage. |
    |