1 Also, thou son of man, prophesy unto the mountains of Israel, and say, Ye mountains of Israel, hear the word of the Lord:

2 Thus saith the Lord God; Because the enemy hath said against you, Aha, even the ancient high places are ours in possession:

3 Therefore prophesy and say, Thus saith the Lord God; Because they have made you desolate, and swallowed you up on every side, that ye might be a possession unto the residue of the heathen, and ye are taken up in the lips of talkers, and are an infamy of the people:

4 Therefore, ye mountains of Israel, hear the word of the Lord God; Thus saith the Lord God to the mountains, and to the hills, to the rivers, and to the valleys, to the desolate wastes, and to the cities that are forsaken, which became a prey and derision to the residue of the heathen that are round about;

5 Therefore thus saith the Lord God; Surely in the fire of my jealousy have I spoken against the residue of the heathen, and against all Idumea, which have appointed my land into their possession with the joy of all their heart, with despiteful minds, to cast it out for a prey.

6 Prophesy therefore concerning the land of Israel, and say unto the mountains, and to the hills, to the rivers, and to the valleys, Thus saith the Lord God; Behold, I have spoken in my jealousy and in my fury, because ye have borne the shame of the heathen:

7 Therefore thus saith the Lord God; I have lifted up mine hand, Surely the heathen that are about you, they shall bear their shame.

8 But ye, O mountains of Israel, ye shall shoot forth your branches, and yield your fruit to my people of Israel; for they are at hand to come.

9 For, behold, I am for you, and I will turn unto you, and ye shall be tilled and sown:

10 And I will multiply men upon you, all the house of Israel, even all of it: and the cities shall be inhabited, and the wastes shall be builded:

11 And I will multiply upon you man and beast; and they shall increase and bring fruit: and I will settle you after your old estates, and will do better unto you than at your beginnings: and ye shall know that I am the Lord.

12 Yea, I will cause men to walk upon you, even my people Israel; and they shall possess thee, and thou shalt be their inheritance, and thou shalt no more henceforth bereave them of men.

13 Thus saith the Lord God; Because they say unto you, Thou land devourest up men, and hast bereaved thy nations:

14 Therefore thou shalt devour men no more, neither bereave thy nations any more, saith the Lord God.

15 Neither will I cause men to hear in thee the shame of the heathen any more, neither shalt thou bear the reproach of the people any more, neither shalt thou cause thy nations to fall any more, saith the Lord God.

16 Moreover the word of the Lord came unto me, saying,

17 Son of man, when the house of Israel dwelt in their own land, they defiled it by their own way and by their doings: their way was before me as the uncleanness of a removed woman.

18 Wherefore I poured my fury upon them for the blood that they had shed upon the land, and for their idols wherewith they had polluted it:

19 And I scattered them among the heathen, and they were dispersed through the countries: according to their way and according to their doings I judged them.

20 And when they entered unto the heathen, whither they went, they profaned my holy name, when they said to them, These are the people of the Lord, and are gone forth out of his land.

21 But I had pity for mine holy name, which the house of Israel had profaned among the heathen, whither they went.

22 Therefore say unto the house of Israel, thus saith the Lord God; I do not this for your sakes, O house of Israel, but for mine holy name's sake, which ye have profaned among the heathen, whither ye went.

23 And I will sanctify my great name, which was profaned among the heathen, which ye have profaned in the midst of them; and the heathen shall know that I am the Lord, saith the Lord God, when I shall be sanctified in you before their eyes.

24 For I will take you from among the heathen, and gather you out of all countries, and will bring you into your own land.

25 Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you.

26 A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.

27 And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.

28 And ye shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers; and ye shall be my people, and I will be your God.

29 I will also save you from all your uncleannesses: and I will call for the corn, and will increase it, and lay no famine upon you.

30 And I will multiply the fruit of the tree, and the increase of the field, that ye shall receive no more reproach of famine among the heathen.

31 Then shall ye remember your own evil ways, and your doings that were not good, and shall lothe yourselves in your own sight for your iniquities and for your abominations.

32 Not for your sakes do I this, saith the Lord God, be it known unto you: be ashamed and confounded for your own ways, O house of Israel.

33 Thus saith the Lord God; In the day that I shall have cleansed you from all your iniquities I will also cause you to dwell in the cities, and the wastes shall be builded.

34 And the desolate land shall be tilled, whereas it lay desolate in the sight of all that passed by.

35 And they shall say, This land that was desolate is become like the garden of Eden; and the waste and desolate and ruined cities are become fenced, and are inhabited.

36 Then the heathen that are left round about you shall know that I the Lord build the ruined places, and plant that that was desolate: I the Lord have spoken it, and I will do it.

37 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.

38 As the holy flock, as the flock of Jerusalem in her solemn feasts; so shall the waste cities be filled with flocks of men: and they shall know that I am the Lord.

Commentary

Verse 1

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The land shall be delivered from heathen oppressors.
Those who put contempt and reproach on God's people, will have them turned on themselves. God promises favour to his Israel. We have no reason to complain, if the more unkind men are, the more kind God is. They shall come again to their own border. It was a type of the heavenly Canaan, of which all God's children are heirs, and into which they all shall be brought together. And when God returns in mercy to a people who return to him in duty, all their grievances will be set right. The full completion of this prophecy must be in some future event.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
The mountains - The inhabitants being in captivity, speak to the mountains, that is, the land of Judah, and Israel, which was a country full of mountains.
McArther Bible Commentary
This chapter presents the prerequisite regeneration which Israel must experience before they can enter into the promised blessings. This chapter must be understood to speak of a literal Israel, a literal land, and a literal regeneration, leading to a literal kingdom under Messiah. prophesy to the mountains. Cf. verses Eze 36:1, Eze 36:4, Eze 36:6, Eze 36:8. Ezekiel addresses Israel's mountains, as symbolic of the whole nation. He promises: (1) to give these mountains again to dispersed Israel (Eze 36:12); (2) to cause fruit to grow on them (Eze 36:8); (3) to rebuild cities and to multiply people there (Eze 36:10); and (4) to bless in a greater way than in the past (Eze 36:11). These promises that she has not yet experienced can only be fulfilled in future millennial blessings for Israel because they include the salvation of the new covenant (Eze 36:25-27, Eze 36:29, Eze 36:31, Eze 36:33).
Bible Cross References
Ezekiel 6:2 Ezekiel 35:15 Ezekiel 36:2 Ezekiel 36:4 Ezekiel 37:4 Ezekiel 38:8 Joel 3:2

Verse 2

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The land shall be delivered from heathen oppressors.
Those who put contempt and reproach on God's people, will have them turned on themselves. God promises favour to his Israel. We have no reason to complain, if the more unkind men are, the more kind God is. They shall come again to their own border. It was a type of the heavenly Canaan, of which all God's children are heirs, and into which they all shall be brought together. And when God returns in mercy to a people who return to him in duty, all their grievances will be set right. The full completion of this prophecy must be in some future event.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Because the enemy - Many were the enemies of God's people; but they so conspired in one design, that the prophet speaks of them as one, and particularly of Edom.
McArther Bible Commentary
This section continues the prophecy against Edom from chapter 35.
Bible Cross References
Deuteronomy 32:13 Psalm 78:69 Isaiah 58:14 Ezekiel 25:3 Ezekiel 35:10 Ezekiel 35:12 Ezekiel 36:1 Obadiah 1:13 Habakkuk 3:19

Verse 3

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The land shall be delivered from heathen oppressors.
Those who put contempt and reproach on God's people, will have them turned on themselves. God promises favour to his Israel. We have no reason to complain, if the more unkind men are, the more kind God is. They shall come again to their own border. It was a type of the heavenly Canaan, of which all God's children are heirs, and into which they all shall be brought together. And when God returns in mercy to a people who return to him in duty, all their grievances will be set right. The full completion of this prophecy must be in some future event.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Swallowed - Devoured you, as hungry beasts devour their prey. Ye are taken up - You are the subject of all their discourse. An infamy - Ever branding you as infamous.
Bible Cross References
Psalm 44:13 Psalm 44:14 Jeremiah 2:15 Jeremiah 18:16 Lamentations 3:62 Ezekiel 12:20 Ezekiel 35:13 Ezekiel 36:5 Obadiah 1:13

Verse 4

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The land shall be delivered from heathen oppressors.
Those who put contempt and reproach on God's people, will have them turned on themselves. God promises favour to his Israel. We have no reason to complain, if the more unkind men are, the more kind God is. They shall come again to their own border. It was a type of the heavenly Canaan, of which all God's children are heirs, and into which they all shall be brought together. And when God returns in mercy to a people who return to him in duty, all their grievances will be set right. The full completion of this prophecy must be in some future event.
Bible Cross References
Deuteronomy 11:11 Ezekiel 34:8 Ezekiel 34:28 Ezekiel 36:1 Ezekiel 36:6

Verse 5

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The land shall be delivered from heathen oppressors.
Those who put contempt and reproach on God's people, will have them turned on themselves. God promises favour to his Israel. We have no reason to complain, if the more unkind men are, the more kind God is. They shall come again to their own border. It was a type of the heavenly Canaan, of which all God's children are heirs, and into which they all shall be brought together. And when God returns in mercy to a people who return to him in duty, all their grievances will be set right. The full completion of this prophecy must be in some future event.
Bible Cross References
Mark 3:8 Psalm 79:5 Jeremiah 25:9 Jeremiah 25:15 Jeremiah 50:11 Ezekiel 5:13 Ezekiel 35:2 Ezekiel 35:5 Ezekiel 35:10 Ezekiel 35:15 Ezekiel 36:3 Ezekiel 36:6 Ezekiel 38:19 Obadiah 1:12 Micah 7:8

Verse 6

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The land shall be delivered from heathen oppressors.
Those who put contempt and reproach on God's people, will have them turned on themselves. God promises favour to his Israel. We have no reason to complain, if the more unkind men are, the more kind God is. They shall come again to their own border. It was a type of the heavenly Canaan, of which all God's children are heirs, and into which they all shall be brought together. And when God returns in mercy to a people who return to him in duty, all their grievances will be set right. The full completion of this prophecy must be in some future event.
Bible Cross References
Psalm 74:10 Psalm 123:3 Psalm 123:4 Ezekiel 5:13 Ezekiel 34:29 Ezekiel 36:4 Ezekiel 36:5 Ezekiel 36:7 Ezekiel 38:19

Verse 7

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The land shall be delivered from heathen oppressors.
Those who put contempt and reproach on God's people, will have them turned on themselves. God promises favour to his Israel. We have no reason to complain, if the more unkind men are, the more kind God is. They shall come again to their own border. It was a type of the heavenly Canaan, of which all God's children are heirs, and into which they all shall be brought together. And when God returns in mercy to a people who return to him in duty, all their grievances will be set right. The full completion of this prophecy must be in some future event.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Lifted up mine hand - Sworn in my wrath. The heathen - The Moabites, Ammonites, and Idumeans.
McArther Bible Commentary
raised My hand in an oath. God testifies, as a formal pledge, that He will bring a turnabout in which the nations that seized the land will be shamed.
Bible Cross References
Ezekiel 36:6 Ezekiel 36:8 Ezekiel 36:15

Verse 8

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The land shall be delivered from heathen oppressors.
Those who put contempt and reproach on God's people, will have them turned on themselves. God promises favour to his Israel. We have no reason to complain, if the more unkind men are, the more kind God is. They shall come again to their own border. It was a type of the heavenly Canaan, of which all God's children are heirs, and into which they all shall be brought together. And when God returns in mercy to a people who return to him in duty, all their grievances will be set right. The full completion of this prophecy must be in some future event.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
At hand - The time is near, when my people shall come out of Babylon to settle in their own land.
McArther Bible Commentary
Israel's land will be productive (Eze 36:8-9), populated (Eze 36:10-11), and peaceful (Eze 36:12-15). These features will be fully realized in the Messiah's kingdom. The return from Babylon was only a partial fulfillment and foreshadowing of the fullness to come in the future kingdom.
Bible Cross References
Isaiah 4:2 Isaiah 27:6 Ezekiel 17:23 Ezekiel 34:26 Ezekiel 36:7

Verse 9

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The land shall be delivered from heathen oppressors.
Those who put contempt and reproach on God's people, will have them turned on themselves. God promises favour to his Israel. We have no reason to complain, if the more unkind men are, the more kind God is. They shall come again to their own border. It was a type of the heavenly Canaan, of which all God's children are heirs, and into which they all shall be brought together. And when God returns in mercy to a people who return to him in duty, all their grievances will be set right. The full completion of this prophecy must be in some future event.
Bible Cross References
Leviticus 26:9 Jeremiah 31:27 Ezekiel 28:26 Ezekiel 34:14 Ezekiel 36:34

Verse 10

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The land shall be delivered from heathen oppressors.
Those who put contempt and reproach on God's people, will have them turned on themselves. God promises favour to his Israel. We have no reason to complain, if the more unkind men are, the more kind God is. They shall come again to their own border. It was a type of the heavenly Canaan, of which all God's children are heirs, and into which they all shall be brought together. And when God returns in mercy to a people who return to him in duty, all their grievances will be set right. The full completion of this prophecy must be in some future event.
Bible Cross References
Isaiah 27:6 Isaiah 49:17 Isaiah 58:12 Jeremiah 31:24 Jeremiah 31:27 Jeremiah 31:28 Jeremiah 33:12 Ezekiel 36:33 Ezekiel 37:11 Ezekiel 37:21 Ezekiel 37:22 Ezekiel 37:26 Ezekiel 39:25

Verse 11

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The land shall be delivered from heathen oppressors.
Those who put contempt and reproach on God's people, will have them turned on themselves. God promises favour to his Israel. We have no reason to complain, if the more unkind men are, the more kind God is. They shall come again to their own border. It was a type of the heavenly Canaan, of which all God's children are heirs, and into which they all shall be brought together. And when God returns in mercy to a people who return to him in duty, all their grievances will be set right. The full completion of this prophecy must be in some future event.
Bible Cross References
Job 42:12 Isaiah 51:3 Jeremiah 30:18 Jeremiah 31:27 Ezekiel 16:55 Ezekiel 37:26 Micah 7:14 Zechariah 10:8

Verse 12

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The land shall be delivered from heathen oppressors.
Those who put contempt and reproach on God's people, will have them turned on themselves. God promises favour to his Israel. We have no reason to complain, if the more unkind men are, the more kind God is. They shall come again to their own border. It was a type of the heavenly Canaan, of which all God's children are heirs, and into which they all shall be brought together. And when God returns in mercy to a people who return to him in duty, all their grievances will be set right. The full completion of this prophecy must be in some future event.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
And thou - O land of Canaan. Bereave - Consume thine inhabitants.
Bible Cross References
Jeremiah 15:7 Ezekiel 22:12 Ezekiel 22:27 Ezekiel 34:13 Ezekiel 34:14 Ezekiel 47:14

Verse 13

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The land shall be delivered from heathen oppressors.
Those who put contempt and reproach on God's people, will have them turned on themselves. God promises favour to his Israel. We have no reason to complain, if the more unkind men are, the more kind God is. They shall come again to their own border. It was a type of the heavenly Canaan, of which all God's children are heirs, and into which they all shall be brought together. And when God returns in mercy to a people who return to him in duty, all their grievances will be set right. The full completion of this prophecy must be in some future event.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
They - The heathen round about.
Bible Cross References
Numbers 13:32 Ezekiel 36:14

Verse 14

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The land shall be delivered from heathen oppressors.
Those who put contempt and reproach on God's people, will have them turned on themselves. God promises favour to his Israel. We have no reason to complain, if the more unkind men are, the more kind God is. They shall come again to their own border. It was a type of the heavenly Canaan, of which all God's children are heirs, and into which they all shall be brought together. And when God returns in mercy to a people who return to him in duty, all their grievances will be set right. The full completion of this prophecy must be in some future event.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Therefore - I will so bless thee, O land, that thou shalt bring forth and breed up many sons and daughters, and this reproach shall cease for ever.
Bible Cross References
Numbers 13:32 Ezekiel 36:13 Ezekiel 36:15

Verse 15

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The land shall be delivered from heathen oppressors.
Those who put contempt and reproach on God's people, will have them turned on themselves. God promises favour to his Israel. We have no reason to complain, if the more unkind men are, the more kind God is. They shall come again to their own border. It was a type of the heavenly Canaan, of which all God's children are heirs, and into which they all shall be brought together. And when God returns in mercy to a people who return to him in duty, all their grievances will be set right. The full completion of this prophecy must be in some future event.
Bible Cross References
Psalm 89:50 Isaiah 54:4 Isaiah 60:14 Isaiah 63:13 Jeremiah 13:16 Jeremiah 18:15 Ezekiel 21:28 Ezekiel 22:4 Ezekiel 34:29 Ezekiel 36:7 Ezekiel 36:14 Ezekiel 36:16 Joel 2:19

Verse 16

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The people are reminded of former sins, and promised deliverance.
The restoration of that people, being typical of our redemption by Christ, shows that the end aimed at in our salvation is the glory of God. The sin of a people defiles their land; renders it abominable to God, and uncomfortable to themselves. God's holy name is his great name; his holiness is his greatness, nor does any thing else make a man truly great.
McArther Bible Commentary
Ezekiel gives a backward look to underscore why Israel had suffered past judgments by the Lord. Because the Jews had "defiled" their land by their sins, the Lord purged it. He likened such a defilement to a menstrual condition (Eze 36:17). Key Word Idols: Eze 6:4; Eze 8:10; Eze 14:6; Eze 20:24; Eze 23:30; Eze 36:18; Eze 44:10-related to a verb which means "to roll" (Gen 29:3; Jos 10:18). The word refers to "shapeless things" like stones or tree logs of which idols were made (Eze 6:9; Eze 20:39; Eze 22:3; 1Ki 21:26). The prophet Ezekiel uses this Hebrew term for idols nearly forty times, always contemptuously, as these false gods had led Israel away from the true God (Eze 14:5). The word may be related to a similar Hebrew expression meaning "dung pellets." Later Jewish commentators mocked these as the "dung idols," i.e., idols as worthless as dung.
Bible Cross References
Ezekiel 36:15 Ezekiel 36:17

Verse 17

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The people are reminded of former sins, and promised deliverance.
The restoration of that people, being typical of our redemption by Christ, shows that the end aimed at in our salvation is the glory of God. The sin of a people defiles their land; renders it abominable to God, and uncomfortable to themselves. God's holy name is his great name; his holiness is his greatness, nor does any thing else make a man truly great.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
By their doings - By their carriage, and whole conversation. As the uncleanness - Or as one cut off from the congregation, because of some great sin.
Bible Cross References
Leviticus 15:19 Leviticus 15:31 Jeremiah 2:7 Ezekiel 36:16

Verse 18

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The people are reminded of former sins, and promised deliverance.
The restoration of that people, being typical of our redemption by Christ, shows that the end aimed at in our salvation is the glory of God. The sin of a people defiles their land; renders it abominable to God, and uncomfortable to themselves. God's holy name is his great name; his holiness is his greatness, nor does any thing else make a man truly great.
Bible Cross References
2 Chronicles 34:21 2 Chronicles 34:25 Lamentations 2:4 Lamentations 4:11 Ezekiel 22:20 Ezekiel 22:22 Ezekiel 39:23

Verse 19

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The people are reminded of former sins, and promised deliverance.
The restoration of that people, being typical of our redemption by Christ, shows that the end aimed at in our salvation is the glory of God. The sin of a people defiles their land; renders it abominable to God, and uncomfortable to themselves. God's holy name is his great name; his holiness is his greatness, nor does any thing else make a man truly great.
Bible Cross References
Romans 2:6 Deuteronomy 28:64 Ezekiel 5:12 Ezekiel 7:8 Ezekiel 22:15 Ezekiel 24:14 Ezekiel 39:23 Ezekiel 39:24 Amos 9:9

Verse 20

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The people are reminded of former sins, and promised deliverance.
The restoration of that people, being typical of our redemption by Christ, shows that the end aimed at in our salvation is the glory of God. The sin of a people defiles their land; renders it abominable to God, and uncomfortable to themselves. God's holy name is his great name; his holiness is his greatness, nor does any thing else make a man truly great.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Entered - When they were come into Babylon. Profaned - They sinned. They - Their heathen neighbours. Them - The profane Jews. These - These profane slaves, call themselves the people of the Lord and say, he gave them the land out of which they are driven.
McArther Bible Commentary
they profaned My holy name. Even in dispersion, the Israelites tainted God's honor in the sight of the heathen, who concluded that the Lord of this exiled people was not powerful enough to keep them in their land.
Bible Cross References
Romans 2:24 Leviticus 18:21 Isaiah 52:5 Jeremiah 33:24 Ezekiel 12:16 Ezekiel 14:22 Ezekiel 39:7

Verse 21

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The people are reminded of former sins, and promised deliverance.
The restoration of that people, being typical of our redemption by Christ, shows that the end aimed at in our salvation is the glory of God. The sin of a people defiles their land; renders it abominable to God, and uncomfortable to themselves. God's holy name is his great name; his holiness is his greatness, nor does any thing else make a man truly great.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
But I had pity - For these sins I had just cause to cut them off; but I had pity, for the glory of my name: had I destroyed them, the heathen would have concluded against my omnipotence, and my truth.
McArther Bible Commentary
for My holy name's sake. Restoring Israel to the land that God pledged in covenant (Gen 12:7) will sanctify His great name, and move other peoples to "know that I am the Lord." This glory for God is the primary reason for Israel's restoration (cf. Eze 36:32).
Bible Cross References
Psalm 74:18 Psalm 103:1 Isaiah 48:9 Ezekiel 20:9 Ezekiel 20:44

Verse 22

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The people are reminded of former sins, and promised deliverance.
The restoration of that people, being typical of our redemption by Christ, shows that the end aimed at in our salvation is the glory of God. The sin of a people defiles their land; renders it abominable to God, and uncomfortable to themselves. God's holy name is his great name; his holiness is his greatness, nor does any thing else make a man truly great.
Bible Cross References
Acts 2:36 Deuteronomy 7:7 Deuteronomy 7:8 Deuteronomy 9:5 Deuteronomy 9:6 Psalm 109:21 Psalm 115:1 Isaiah 43:25 Ezekiel 20:9 Ezekiel 20:44 Ezekiel 36:32

Verse 23

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The people are reminded of former sins, and promised deliverance.
The restoration of that people, being typical of our redemption by Christ, shows that the end aimed at in our salvation is the glory of God. The sin of a people defiles their land; renders it abominable to God, and uncomfortable to themselves. God's holy name is his great name; his holiness is his greatness, nor does any thing else make a man truly great.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
I will sanctify my great name - They gave the heathen occasion to think meanly of me, but I will shew I am as great as good. When God performs what he hath sworn by his holiness, then he sanctifies his name.
Bible Cross References
Psalm 102:15 Psalm 126:2 Isaiah 5:16 Isaiah 37:20 Isaiah 52:5 Ezekiel 20:41 Ezekiel 20:42 Ezekiel 38:16 Ezekiel 38:23 Ezekiel 39:7 Ezekiel 39:21 Ezekiel 39:25 Ezekiel 39:27

Verse 24

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The people are reminded of former sins, and promised deliverance.
The restoration of that people, being typical of our redemption by Christ, shows that the end aimed at in our salvation is the glory of God. The sin of a people defiles their land; renders it abominable to God, and uncomfortable to themselves. God's holy name is his great name; his holiness is his greatness, nor does any thing else make a man truly great.
McArther Bible Commentary
bring you into your own land. God assured Israel that He will bring them out of other lands back to the Promised Land (Eze 36:24), the very land from which He scattered them (Eze 36:20). It is the same "land that I gave to your fathers" (Eze 36:28), a land distinct from those of other nations (Eze 36:36), and a land whose cities will be inhabited by those who return (Eze 36:33, Eze 36:36, Eze 36:38).
Bible Cross References
Isaiah 43:5 Isaiah 43:6 Jeremiah 30:3 Ezekiel 20:42 Ezekiel 34:13 Ezekiel 37:21 Ezekiel 38:8 Ezekiel 39:27

Verse 25

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Also holiness, and gospel blessings.
Water is an emblem of the cleansing our polluted souls from sin. But no water can do more than take away the filth of the flesh. Water seems in general the sacramental sign of the sanctifying influences of the Holy Ghost; yet this is always connected with the atoning blood of Christ. When the latter is applied by faith to the conscience, to cleanse it from evil works, the former is always applied to the powers of the soul, to purify it from the pollution of sin. All that have an interest in the new covenant, have a new heart and a new spirit, in order to their walking in newness of life. God would give a heart of flesh, a soft and tender heart, complying with his holy will. Renewing grace works as great a change in the soul, as the turning a dead stone into living flesh. God will put his Spirit within, as a Teacher, Guide, and Sanctifier. The promise of God's grace to fit us for our duty, should quicken our constant care and endeavour to do our duty. These are promises to be pleaded by, and will be fulfilled to, all true believers in every age.
EGW SDA Bible Commentary
(John 3:3-7). The Sign of a New Heart
—[Ezekiel 36:26 quoted.] ... The youth especially stumble over this phrase, “a new heart.” They do not know what it means. They look for a special change to take place in their feelings. This they term conversion. Over this error thousands have stumbled to ruin, not understanding the expression, “Ye must be born again.”Satan leads people to think that because they have felt a rapture of feeling, they are converted. But their experience does not change. Their actions are the same as before. Their lives show no good fruit. They pray often and long, and are constantly referring to the feelings they had at such and such a time. But they do not live the new life. They are deceived. Their experience goes no deeper than feeling. They build upon the sand, and when adverse winds come, their house is swept away....When Jesus speaks of the new heart, He means the mind, the life, the whole being. To have a change of heart is to withdraw the affections from the world, and fasten them upon Christ. To have a new heart is to have a new mind, new purposes, new motives. What is the sign of a new heart?—a changed life. There is a daily, hourly dying to selfishness and pride (The Youth's Instructor, September 26, 1901).
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Sprinkle - "This signifies both the blood of Christ sprinkled upon their conscience, to take away their guilt, as the water of purification was sprinkled, to take away their ceremonial uncleanness and the grace of the spirit sprinkled on the whole soul, to purify it from all corrupt inclinations and dispositions."
McArther Bible Commentary
I will cleanse you. Along with the physical reality of a return to the land, God pledged spiritual renewal that included: (1) cleansing from sin; (2) a new heart of the new covenant (cf. Jer 31:31-34); (3) a new spirit or disposition inclined to worship Him; and (4) His Spirit dwelling in them, enabling them to walk in obedience to His word. This has not happened, because Israel has not trusted Jesus Christ as Messiah and Savior, but it will before the kingdom of Messiah (cf. Zech. 12-14; Rom 11:25-27; Rev 11:13).
Bible Cross References
John 3:5 John 13:8 Titus 3:5 Titus 3:6 Hebrews 9:13 Hebrews 9:19 Hebrews 10:22 Leviticus 14:7 Numbers 19:17 Numbers 19:19 Psalm 51:7 Isaiah 2:18 Isaiah 2:20 Isaiah 4:4 Isaiah 52:15 Jeremiah 33:8 Ezekiel 37:23 Hosea 14:3 Hosea 14:8 Zechariah 13:1

Verse 26

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Also holiness, and gospel blessings.
Water is an emblem of the cleansing our polluted souls from sin. But no water can do more than take away the filth of the flesh. Water seems in general the sacramental sign of the sanctifying influences of the Holy Ghost; yet this is always connected with the atoning blood of Christ. When the latter is applied by faith to the conscience, to cleanse it from evil works, the former is always applied to the powers of the soul, to purify it from the pollution of sin. All that have an interest in the new covenant, have a new heart and a new spirit, in order to their walking in newness of life. God would give a heart of flesh, a soft and tender heart, complying with his holy will. Renewing grace works as great a change in the soul, as the turning a dead stone into living flesh. God will put his Spirit within, as a Teacher, Guide, and Sanctifier. The promise of God's grace to fit us for our duty, should quicken our constant care and endeavour to do our duty. These are promises to be pleaded by, and will be fulfilled to, all true believers in every age.
EGW SDA Bible Commentary
(John 3:3-7). The Sign of a New Heart
—[Ezekiel 36:26 quoted.] ... The youth especially stumble over this phrase, “a new heart.” They do not know what it means. They look for a special change to take place in their feelings. This they term conversion. Over this error thousands have stumbled to ruin, not understanding the expression, “Ye must be born again.”Satan leads people to think that because they have felt a rapture of feeling, they are converted. But their experience does not change. Their actions are the same as before. Their lives show no good fruit. They pray often and long, and are constantly referring to the feelings they had at such and such a time. But they do not live the new life. They are deceived. Their experience goes no deeper than feeling. They build upon the sand, and when adverse winds come, their house is swept away....When Jesus speaks of the new heart, He means the mind, the life, the whole being. To have a change of heart is to withdraw the affections from the world, and fasten them upon Christ. To have a new heart is to have a new mind, new purposes, new motives. What is the sign of a new heart?—a changed life. There is a daily, hourly dying to selfishness and pride (The Youth's Instructor, September 26, 1901).
EGW SDA Bible Commentary
(Psalm 51:10). How the New Heart Is Kept
—One of the most earnest prayers recorded in the Word of God is that of David when he plead, “Create in me a clean heart, O God.” God's response to such a prayer is, A new heart will I give you. This is a work that no finite man can do. Men and women are to begin at the beginning, seeking God most earnestly for a true Christian experience. They are to feel the creative power of the Holy Spirit. They are to receive the new heart, that is kept soft and tender by the grace of heaven. The selfish spirit is to be cleansed from the soul. They are to labor earnestly and with humility of heart, each one looking to Jesus for guidance and encouragement. Then the building, fitly framed together, will grow into a holy temple in the Lord (Letter 224, 1907).
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
A new heart - A new frame of soul, a mind changed, from sinful to holy, from carnal to spiritual. A heart in which the law of God is written, (Jeremiah 31:33) . A sanctified heart, in which the almighty grace of God is victorious, and turns it from all sin to God. A new spirit - A new, holy frame in the spirit of man; which is given to him, not wrought by his own power. The stony - The senseless unfeeling. Out of your flesh - Out of you. Of flesh - That is, quite of another temper, hearkening to God's law, trembling at his threats, moulded into a compliance with his whole will; to forbear, do, be, or suffer what God will, receiving the impress of God, as soft wax receives the impress of the seal.
Bible Cross References
John 3:3 John 3:5 2 Corinthians 3:3 2 Corinthians 5:17 Psalm 51:10 Jeremiah 24:7 Ezekiel 11:19 Ezekiel 18:31 Zechariah 7:12

Verse 27

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Also holiness, and gospel blessings.
Water is an emblem of the cleansing our polluted souls from sin. But no water can do more than take away the filth of the flesh. Water seems in general the sacramental sign of the sanctifying influences of the Holy Ghost; yet this is always connected with the atoning blood of Christ. When the latter is applied by faith to the conscience, to cleanse it from evil works, the former is always applied to the powers of the soul, to purify it from the pollution of sin. All that have an interest in the new covenant, have a new heart and a new spirit, in order to their walking in newness of life. God would give a heart of flesh, a soft and tender heart, complying with his holy will. Renewing grace works as great a change in the soul, as the turning a dead stone into living flesh. God will put his Spirit within, as a Teacher, Guide, and Sanctifier. The promise of God's grace to fit us for our duty, should quicken our constant care and endeavour to do our duty. These are promises to be pleaded by, and will be fulfilled to, all true believers in every age.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
My spirit - The holy spirit of God, which is given to, and dwelleth in all true believers. And cause you - Sweetly, powerfully, yet without compulsion; for our spirits, framed by God's spirit to a disposition suitable to his holiness, readily concurs. Ye shall keep - Be willing; and able to keep the judgments, and to walk in the statutes of God, which is, to live in all holiness.
Bible Cross References
Isaiah 44:3 Isaiah 59:21 Ezekiel 11:20 Ezekiel 37:14 Ezekiel 39:29 Ezekiel 43:11 Joel 2:28 Joel 2:29

Verse 28

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Also holiness, and gospel blessings.
Water is an emblem of the cleansing our polluted souls from sin. But no water can do more than take away the filth of the flesh. Water seems in general the sacramental sign of the sanctifying influences of the Holy Ghost; yet this is always connected with the atoning blood of Christ. When the latter is applied by faith to the conscience, to cleanse it from evil works, the former is always applied to the powers of the soul, to purify it from the pollution of sin. All that have an interest in the new covenant, have a new heart and a new spirit, in order to their walking in newness of life. God would give a heart of flesh, a soft and tender heart, complying with his holy will. Renewing grace works as great a change in the soul, as the turning a dead stone into living flesh. God will put his Spirit within, as a Teacher, Guide, and Sanctifier. The promise of God's grace to fit us for our duty, should quicken our constant care and endeavour to do our duty. These are promises to be pleaded by, and will be fulfilled to, all true believers in every age.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Ye shall dwell - Observe: then, and not before, are these promises to be fulfilled to the house of Israel. And I will be your God - This is the foundation of the top - stone of a believer's happiness.
Bible Cross References
Jeremiah 30:22 Ezekiel 14:11 Ezekiel 34:30 Ezekiel 37:23 Ezekiel 37:27 Zechariah 8:8

Verse 29

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Also holiness, and gospel blessings.
Water is an emblem of the cleansing our polluted souls from sin. But no water can do more than take away the filth of the flesh. Water seems in general the sacramental sign of the sanctifying influences of the Holy Ghost; yet this is always connected with the atoning blood of Christ. When the latter is applied by faith to the conscience, to cleanse it from evil works, the former is always applied to the powers of the soul, to purify it from the pollution of sin. All that have an interest in the new covenant, have a new heart and a new spirit, in order to their walking in newness of life. God would give a heart of flesh, a soft and tender heart, complying with his holy will. Renewing grace works as great a change in the soul, as the turning a dead stone into living flesh. God will put his Spirit within, as a Teacher, Guide, and Sanctifier. The promise of God's grace to fit us for our duty, should quicken our constant care and endeavour to do our duty. These are promises to be pleaded by, and will be fulfilled to, all true believers in every age.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
I will also save you - I will continue to save you. From all your uncleannesses - Salvation from all uncleannessess, includes justification, entire sanctification, and meetness for glory. The corn - All necessaries comprised in one.
Bible Cross References
Ezekiel 34:13 Ezekiel 34:14 Ezekiel 34:27 Ezekiel 34:29 Ezekiel 37:23 Hosea 2:21 Zechariah 13:2

Verse 30

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Also holiness, and gospel blessings.
Water is an emblem of the cleansing our polluted souls from sin. But no water can do more than take away the filth of the flesh. Water seems in general the sacramental sign of the sanctifying influences of the Holy Ghost; yet this is always connected with the atoning blood of Christ. When the latter is applied by faith to the conscience, to cleanse it from evil works, the former is always applied to the powers of the soul, to purify it from the pollution of sin. All that have an interest in the new covenant, have a new heart and a new spirit, in order to their walking in newness of life. God would give a heart of flesh, a soft and tender heart, complying with his holy will. Renewing grace works as great a change in the soul, as the turning a dead stone into living flesh. God will put his Spirit within, as a Teacher, Guide, and Sanctifier. The promise of God's grace to fit us for our duty, should quicken our constant care and endeavour to do our duty. These are promises to be pleaded by, and will be fulfilled to, all true believers in every age.
Bible Cross References
Leviticus 26:4 Ezekiel 34:13 Ezekiel 34:14 Ezekiel 34:27

Verse 31

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Also holiness, and gospel blessings.
Water is an emblem of the cleansing our polluted souls from sin. But no water can do more than take away the filth of the flesh. Water seems in general the sacramental sign of the sanctifying influences of the Holy Ghost; yet this is always connected with the atoning blood of Christ. When the latter is applied by faith to the conscience, to cleanse it from evil works, the former is always applied to the powers of the soul, to purify it from the pollution of sin. All that have an interest in the new covenant, have a new heart and a new spirit, in order to their walking in newness of life. God would give a heart of flesh, a soft and tender heart, complying with his holy will. Renewing grace works as great a change in the soul, as the turning a dead stone into living flesh. God will put his Spirit within, as a Teacher, Guide, and Sanctifier. The promise of God's grace to fit us for our duty, should quicken our constant care and endeavour to do our duty. These are promises to be pleaded by, and will be fulfilled to, all true believers in every age.
Bible Cross References
Jeremiah 31:19 Ezekiel 6:9 Ezekiel 16:61 Ezekiel 16:63 Ezekiel 20:43 Ezekiel 39:26

Verse 32

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Also holiness, and gospel blessings.
Water is an emblem of the cleansing our polluted souls from sin. But no water can do more than take away the filth of the flesh. Water seems in general the sacramental sign of the sanctifying influences of the Holy Ghost; yet this is always connected with the atoning blood of Christ. When the latter is applied by faith to the conscience, to cleanse it from evil works, the former is always applied to the powers of the soul, to purify it from the pollution of sin. All that have an interest in the new covenant, have a new heart and a new spirit, in order to their walking in newness of life. God would give a heart of flesh, a soft and tender heart, complying with his holy will. Renewing grace works as great a change in the soul, as the turning a dead stone into living flesh. God will put his Spirit within, as a Teacher, Guide, and Sanctifier. The promise of God's grace to fit us for our duty, should quicken our constant care and endeavour to do our duty. These are promises to be pleaded by, and will be fulfilled to, all true believers in every age.
McArther Bible Commentary
Not for your sake. God's glory and reputation among the nations, not Israel's, causes this restoration to be promised (cf. Psa 115:1; Act 5:41; Rom 1:5; 3Jn 1:7).
Bible Cross References
Acts 2:36 Deuteronomy 9:5 Ezekiel 16:63 Ezekiel 36:22

Verse 33

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Also holiness, and gospel blessings.
Water is an emblem of the cleansing our polluted souls from sin. But no water can do more than take away the filth of the flesh. Water seems in general the sacramental sign of the sanctifying influences of the Holy Ghost; yet this is always connected with the atoning blood of Christ. When the latter is applied by faith to the conscience, to cleanse it from evil works, the former is always applied to the powers of the soul, to purify it from the pollution of sin. All that have an interest in the new covenant, have a new heart and a new spirit, in order to their walking in newness of life. God would give a heart of flesh, a soft and tender heart, complying with his holy will. Renewing grace works as great a change in the soul, as the turning a dead stone into living flesh. God will put his Spirit within, as a Teacher, Guide, and Sanctifier. The promise of God's grace to fit us for our duty, should quicken our constant care and endeavour to do our duty. These are promises to be pleaded by, and will be fulfilled to, all true believers in every age.
Bible Cross References
Psalm 51:2 Isaiah 58:12 Isaiah 61:4 Jeremiah 33:8 Ezekiel 36:10 Ezekiel 36:34 Zechariah 8:7 Zechariah 8:8

Verse 34

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Also holiness, and gospel blessings.
Water is an emblem of the cleansing our polluted souls from sin. But no water can do more than take away the filth of the flesh. Water seems in general the sacramental sign of the sanctifying influences of the Holy Ghost; yet this is always connected with the atoning blood of Christ. When the latter is applied by faith to the conscience, to cleanse it from evil works, the former is always applied to the powers of the soul, to purify it from the pollution of sin. All that have an interest in the new covenant, have a new heart and a new spirit, in order to their walking in newness of life. God would give a heart of flesh, a soft and tender heart, complying with his holy will. Renewing grace works as great a change in the soul, as the turning a dead stone into living flesh. God will put his Spirit within, as a Teacher, Guide, and Sanctifier. The promise of God's grace to fit us for our duty, should quicken our constant care and endeavour to do our duty. These are promises to be pleaded by, and will be fulfilled to, all true believers in every age.
Bible Cross References
Ezekiel 36:9 Ezekiel 36:33 Ezekiel 36:35

Verse 35

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Also holiness, and gospel blessings.
Water is an emblem of the cleansing our polluted souls from sin. But no water can do more than take away the filth of the flesh. Water seems in general the sacramental sign of the sanctifying influences of the Holy Ghost; yet this is always connected with the atoning blood of Christ. When the latter is applied by faith to the conscience, to cleanse it from evil works, the former is always applied to the powers of the soul, to purify it from the pollution of sin. All that have an interest in the new covenant, have a new heart and a new spirit, in order to their walking in newness of life. God would give a heart of flesh, a soft and tender heart, complying with his holy will. Renewing grace works as great a change in the soul, as the turning a dead stone into living flesh. God will put his Spirit within, as a Teacher, Guide, and Sanctifier. The promise of God's grace to fit us for our duty, should quicken our constant care and endeavour to do our duty. These are promises to be pleaded by, and will be fulfilled to, all true believers in every age.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
And they - Strangers, or foreigners.
McArther Bible Commentary
the garden. Millennial conditions will be similar (not identical) to those in Eden (cf. Eze 47:1-12; Isa 35:1-2; Isa 55:13; Zec 8:12).
Bible Cross References
Isaiah 51:3 Ezekiel 28:13 Ezekiel 31:9 Ezekiel 36:34 Joel 2:3

Verse 36

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Also holiness, and gospel blessings.
Water is an emblem of the cleansing our polluted souls from sin. But no water can do more than take away the filth of the flesh. Water seems in general the sacramental sign of the sanctifying influences of the Holy Ghost; yet this is always connected with the atoning blood of Christ. When the latter is applied by faith to the conscience, to cleanse it from evil works, the former is always applied to the powers of the soul, to purify it from the pollution of sin. All that have an interest in the new covenant, have a new heart and a new spirit, in order to their walking in newness of life. God would give a heart of flesh, a soft and tender heart, complying with his holy will. Renewing grace works as great a change in the soul, as the turning a dead stone into living flesh. God will put his Spirit within, as a Teacher, Guide, and Sanctifier. The promise of God's grace to fit us for our duty, should quicken our constant care and endeavour to do our duty. These are promises to be pleaded by, and will be fulfilled to, all true believers in every age.
Bible Cross References
Jeremiah 42:10 Ezekiel 17:24 Ezekiel 22:14 Ezekiel 36:37 Ezekiel 37:14 Hosea 14:4

Verse 37

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Also holiness, and gospel blessings.
Water is an emblem of the cleansing our polluted souls from sin. But no water can do more than take away the filth of the flesh. Water seems in general the sacramental sign of the sanctifying influences of the Holy Ghost; yet this is always connected with the atoning blood of Christ. When the latter is applied by faith to the conscience, to cleanse it from evil works, the former is always applied to the powers of the soul, to purify it from the pollution of sin. All that have an interest in the new covenant, have a new heart and a new spirit, in order to their walking in newness of life. God would give a heart of flesh, a soft and tender heart, complying with his holy will. Renewing grace works as great a change in the soul, as the turning a dead stone into living flesh. God will put his Spirit within, as a Teacher, Guide, and Sanctifier. The promise of God's grace to fit us for our duty, should quicken our constant care and endeavour to do our duty. These are promises to be pleaded by, and will be fulfilled to, all true believers in every age.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Enquired of - Though I have repeated so often my promise to do this, yet it is their duty to intreat it, to wait on me, and then I will do it.
McArther Bible Commentary
inquire of Me to do this. God will sovereignly work this return/renewal, yet give Israelites the human privilege of praying for it to be realized. This prophecy was to stir up the people's prayers.
Bible Cross References
Ezekiel 36:36 Ezekiel 36:38 Daniel 2:18

Verse 38

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Also holiness, and gospel blessings.
Water is an emblem of the cleansing our polluted souls from sin. But no water can do more than take away the filth of the flesh. Water seems in general the sacramental sign of the sanctifying influences of the Holy Ghost; yet this is always connected with the atoning blood of Christ. When the latter is applied by faith to the conscience, to cleanse it from evil works, the former is always applied to the powers of the soul, to purify it from the pollution of sin. All that have an interest in the new covenant, have a new heart and a new spirit, in order to their walking in newness of life. God would give a heart of flesh, a soft and tender heart, complying with his holy will. Renewing grace works as great a change in the soul, as the turning a dead stone into living flesh. God will put his Spirit within, as a Teacher, Guide, and Sanctifier. The promise of God's grace to fit us for our duty, should quicken our constant care and endeavour to do our duty. These are promises to be pleaded by, and will be fulfilled to, all true believers in every age.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
As the holy flock - Flocks designed to holy uses. In her solemn feasts - These flocks were for quality, the best of all; and for numbers, very great, on the solemn feasts. Thus shall men multiply, and fill the cities of replanted Judea. And the increase of the numbers of men is then honourable, when they are all dedicated to God as a holy flock, to be presented to him for living sacrifices. Crowds are a lovely sight in God's temple.
Bible Cross References
John 2:14 John 10:7 John 10:9 1 Kings 8:63 2 Chronicles 35:7 Psalm 74:1 Psalm 100:3 Jeremiah 23:1 Ezekiel 34:31 Ezekiel 36:37