God's Sovereignty and Promise of Restoration
Therefore prophesy concerning the land of Israel and say to the mountains and hills, to the ravines and valleys: ‘This is what the Lord GOD says: Behold, I have spoken in My jealousy and in My wrath, because you have endured the reproach of the nations.’ (Ezekiel 36:6)
God promises to restore the land of Israel, demonstrating His sovereignty and faithfulness to His covenant.

The Cleansing and Renewal of Israel
I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your impurities and from all your idols. (Ezekiel 36:25)
God promises spiritual renewal, cleansing His people from their sins and idolatry.

A New Heart and Spirit
I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will remove your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. (Ezekiel 36:26)
The transformation of the heart is central to God's plan, emphasizing the internal change that accompanies external restoration.

The Purpose of Restoration
Then the nations will know that I am the LORD, declares the Lord GOD, when I show My holiness in you before their eyes. (Ezekiel 36:23)
God's restoration serves a greater purpose: to reveal His holiness and power to the nations.Trust in God's Promises
Just as God promised to restore Israel, we can trust His promises for our lives, knowing He is faithful to fulfill them.

Seek Spiritual Renewal
Reflect on areas in your life that need cleansing and renewal, and invite God to transform your heart and spirit.

Live as a Testimony
Consider how your life can be a testimony to God's holiness and power, influencing those around you.

Embrace God's Sovereignty
Acknowledge God's control over all circumstances, trusting His plan even when the path seems uncertain.1. The House of Israel
This term refers to the collective people of Israel, whom God promises to restore and bless. In the Hebrew text, "house" (בֵּית, "beit") signifies a family or lineage, emphasizing the covenant relationship between God and the descendants of Jacob.

2. The Nations
These are the surrounding peoples and countries that have scorned and oppressed Israel. The Hebrew word for nations is "גּוֹיִם" (goyim), often used to denote non-Israelite peoples.

3. The Lord GOD
This refers to Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel, who speaks through the prophet Ezekiel. The Hebrew name "YHWH" is often rendered as "LORD" in English translations, emphasizing His sovereignty and eternal nature.

4. The Mountains of Israel
While not "persons" in the traditional sense, the mountains are personified in the prophecy as recipients of God's promise of restoration and fruitfulness. The Hebrew word "הָרִים" (harim) is used for mountains, symbolizing the land of Israel itself.1. Mountains of Israel
The chapter begins with a prophecy directed to the "mountains of Israel" (Ezekiel 36:1). In the Hebrew text, the term used is "הרי ישראל" (haré Yisra'el), referring to the elevated regions of the land of Israel. These mountains symbolize the entire land and its people, who have suffered desolation and are promised restoration.

2. Desolate Places
In Ezekiel 36:4, God speaks to the "desolate places" and "ruined cities" of Israel. The Hebrew word for desolate is "שְׁמָמוֹת" (shemamot), indicating areas that have been laid waste and abandoned due to the judgment and exile of the Israelites.

3. Ruined Cities
Also in Ezekiel 36:4, the "ruined cities" are mentioned. The Hebrew term "עָרִים חֲרֵבוֹת" (arim charevot) refers to cities that have been destroyed and left in ruins, awaiting the promise of rebuilding and repopulation.

4. Nations
Throughout the chapter, there are references to the "nations" surrounding Israel (e.g., Ezekiel 36:3, 36:7). The Hebrew word "גּוֹיִם" (goyim) is used, which typically refers to the non-Israelite peoples or Gentiles. These nations have mocked and plundered Israel, but God promises to vindicate His people.

5. Land of Israel
In Ezekiel 36:6, the "land of Israel" is addressed directly. The Hebrew phrase "אַדְמַת יִשְׂרָאֵל" (admat Yisra'el) signifies the entire territory promised to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, which will be restored and made fruitful once again.1. Prophecy to the Mountains of Israel
God commands Ezekiel to prophesy to the mountains of Israel, addressing the desolation and scorn they have suffered. The mountains are personified, symbolizing the land of Israel itself. The Hebrew word for "mountains" is "הָרִים" (harim).

2. Promise of Restoration
The Lord promises that the mountains will once again be fruitful and inhabited. This restoration is a reversal of the desolation caused by Israel's enemies. The Hebrew root "שׁוּב" (shuv), meaning "to return" or "restore," is significant here.

3. Judgment on Israel's Enemies
God declares judgment on the nations that have plundered and mocked Israel, particularly Edom. This reflects divine justice and the protection of God's covenant people.

4. Blessing of Abundance
The prophecy includes promises of agricultural abundance and prosperity for the land. The land will yield fruit and crops, symbolizing God's blessing and favor.

5. Repopulation of the Land
God promises that the people of Israel will return and repopulate the land. This repopulation is a sign of God's faithfulness to His covenant with Israel.

6. Cleansing from Idolatry
The Lord promises to cleanse Israel from all impurities and idolatry. This spiritual renewal is essential for the restoration of the covenant relationship.

7. Gift of a New Heart and Spirit
God promises to give the people a new heart and a new spirit, removing their heart of stone and replacing it with a heart of flesh. This transformation is central to the new covenant, emphasizing internal change.

8. Indwelling of the Holy Spirit
The Lord declares that He will put His Spirit within the people, enabling them to follow His statutes and keep His judgments. This indwelling is a key aspect of the new covenant relationship.

9. Restoration of the Land's Reputation
The land, once desolate and mocked, will be restored to its former glory, and the nations will recognize God's hand in this transformation.

10. Multiplication of the People
God promises to multiply the people of Israel, likening them to a flock. This multiplication signifies growth and blessing.

11. Acknowledgment of God's Sovereignty
The chapter concludes with the affirmation that these events will lead to the acknowledgment of God's sovereignty and holiness among the nations.Jeremiah 31:33
But this is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the LORD. I will put My law in their minds and inscribe it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they will be My people.
This verse parallels the promise of a new heart and spirit in Ezekiel 36.

2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come!
This New Testament passage echoes the theme of transformation and renewal.

Psalm 51:10
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.
David's prayer for a clean heart aligns with the cleansing and renewal promised in Ezekiel 36. Pray for Personal Renewal
Ask God to cleanse your heart and renew your spirit, removing any impurities or idols.

Pray for Trust in God's Promises
Seek God's help in trusting His promises, especially in areas of your life that feel desolate or uncertain.

Pray for a Testimony of Holiness
Request that your life would reflect God's holiness and serve as a testimony to those around you.

Pray for Global Recognition of God's Power
Intercede for the nations to recognize God's power and holiness through His work in the world.

1. How does the theme of restoration in Ezekiel 36 resonate with your personal life?

2. In what ways have you seen God's promise of giving a "new heart" and a "new spirit" manifest in your life or someone else's life?

3. How do the messages of hope and restoration in this chapter relate to the concept of repentance and forgiveness in our current society?

4. What does it mean to profane God's name, as Israel did, and how can we avoid doing so in our lives?

5. In what ways can you uphold the sanctity of God's name in your daily life?

6. How do the promises of God in Ezekiel 36 remind you of His love and commitment to you?

7. Discuss the relevance of God's restoration of Israel in the current state of your community or nation. How can these messages be applied?

8. What practical steps can you take to ensure that your actions don't lead to spiritual desolation, as happened with Israel?

9. Discuss the power of God's transformative renewal in your life or the lives of people around you.

10. How does the promise of God answering the prayers of the people in verses 33-38 inspire you in your personal prayer life?

11. How does Ezekiel 36 reassure you of God's unchanging love, even in the face of disobedience?

12. Reflect on a time you've experienced forgiveness, either from God or someone else. How does this reflect the themes presented in Ezekiel 36?

13. In what ways can you contribute to the spiritual revival of your community, as God promised to Israel?

14. Discuss the significance of God restoring Israel not for their sake, but for His holy name. How does this apply to our understanding of God's grace?

15. How can you apply the prophecy of Ezekiel to modern day living?

16. What steps can you take to ensure that you are not spiritually scattered, as the Israelites were?

17. How can the cleansing from impurities and idolatry, promised by God to Israel, be translated into our lives today?

18. How can we cultivate a heart and spirit that aligns with God's intentions, as promised in Ezekiel 36?

19. Discuss a time in your life when you felt God's transformative power as seen in the physical and spiritual revival promised to Israel.

20. How can the promises God made to the land of Israel in Ezekiel 36 give you hope for the environment and world we live in today?