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Ezekiel 36

Ezekiel 36:37

A New Heart and a New Spirit · Ezekiel 36:16–38
Read Ezekiel 36

Translations

Modern
This is what the Lord GOD says: Once again I will hear the plea of the house of Israel and do for them this: I will multiply their people like a flock.
Traditional
Thus saith the Lord God; I will yet for this be enquired of by the house of Israel, to do it for them; I will increase them with men like a flock.
Literal
Thus says the Lord YHWH: Again in this I will be sought out by the house of Israel, to do this for them; I will increase them like a flock of people.
Latin
Hæc dicit Dominus Deus: Adhuc in hoc invenient me domus Israël, ut faciam eis: multiplicabo eos sicut gregem hominum,

Original

Hebrew
English
This is what the Lord GOD says: Once again I will hear the plea of the house of Israel and do for them this: I will multiply their people like a flock.

Notes

Ezekiel 36:35–38

The restored land would become like the garden of Eden, a symbol of fertility and fruitfulness. The original garden would be enhanced by restored cities, filled with people like Jerusalem's streets during festivals. The greatest blessing would be God's willingness to hear Israel's prayers again.

He had once refused to listen to his rebellious people (Ezekiel 14:3; 20:3), but now the Lord would turn his face toward them and hear their cries. The proof of this would be the number of people in the rebuilt cities who would acknowledge that the Lord is God.

Ezekiel 36:16–38

  • Ezekiel reminded the people of their guilt and their need for God to change their hearts. In the future, God would cleanse his people.

  • In the Old Testament, objects and people are divided into "clean" and "unclean," "sacred" and "profane" categories (see “Clean, Unclean, and Holy” Theme Note).

    God made Israel clean, but the Gentile nations remained unclean. Israel became unclean due to bloodshed and idolatry, which defiled the land. Because they acted like unclean nations, it was fitting for Israel to be scattered among them as punishment. In the future, God would make them clean so he could dwell among them again. Other nations, seeing his holiness in his people, would know he is the Holy One.

    In the New Testament, God’s redemption through Christ redefines the lines between clean and unclean (see Acts 10:15). The Gentiles are no longer outside of God’s grace. They, too, can receive the Holy Spirit and become clean. Jews and Gentiles together now form the one people of God in Christ.

    Those in Christ Jesus are not only clean but also holy because of his priesthood. Therefore, they can come boldly into God’s presence and experience his grace (Hebrews 12:18–29).

Events

Parallels

Romans 8:9–11 Galatians 5:16–26

People

Israel: Patriarch, son of Isaac, father of twelve tribes LORD: Names or title used to refer to God

Glossary

Ezekiel (Person) Ezekiel, Book of

Topics

Blessing: Temporal, from God Prayer: Answer To, Promise Prophecies Concerning Israel: Prophecies Concerning of Blessing and Restoration Sheep: Remarkably Prolific