Ezekiel 28:25

Thus saith the Lord GOD; When I shall have gathered the house of Israel from the people among whom they are scattered, and shall be sanctified in them in the sight of the heathen, then shall they dwell in their land that I have given to my servant Jacob.

Thus saith {H559} the Lord {H136} GOD {H3069}; When I shall have gathered {H6908} the house {H1004} of Israel {H3478} from the people {H5971} among whom they are scattered {H6327}, and shall be sanctified {H6942} in them in the sight {H5869} of the heathen {H1471}, then shall they dwell {H3427} in their land {H127} that I have given {H5414} to my servant {H5650} Jacob {H3290}.

"Adonai ELOHIM says, 'Once I have gathered the house of Isra'el from the peoples among whom they are scattered, once I have shown my holiness in them as the Goyim watch, then they will live in their own land, which I gave to my servant Ya'akov.

This is what the Lord GOD says: β€˜When I gather the house of Israel from the peoples among whom they have been scattered, I will show Myself holy among them in the sight of the nations. Then they will dwell in their own land, which I have given to My servant Jacob.

Thus saith the Lord Jehovah: When I shall have gathered the house of Israel from the peoples among whom they are scattered, and shall be sanctified in them in the sight of the nations, then shall they dwell in their own land which I gave to my servant Jacob.

Commentary

Ezekiel 28:25 is a powerful prophetic declaration, shifting focus from the judgments against surrounding nations to God's enduring covenant promises for Israel. It outlines a future divine act of gathering, sanctification, and secure dwelling for His scattered people, culminating in a public display of His holiness among the nations.

Context

This verse appears near the end of a section (Ezekiel 25-32) primarily dedicated to prophecies against foreign nations that had oppressed or rejoiced over Israel's downfall, including Tyre, Sidon, Egypt, Ammon, Moab, Edom, and Philistia. Chapter 28, in particular, details the pride and ultimate fall of Tyre. Ezekiel 28:25 acts as a profound pivot, reminding the reader that despite the judgments on others and Israel's own dispersion, God's ultimate plan is the restoration and glorification of His chosen people. It links back to the broader themes of restoration found throughout Ezekiel, such as the vision of the dry bones in Ezekiel 37.

Key Themes

  • God's Sovereign Gathering: The phrase "When I shall have gathered the house of Israel from the people among whom they are scattered" underscores that this restoration is a divine initiative, not a human effort. It speaks to God's faithfulness to His covenant, bringing His dispersed people back from exile, whether historical (Babylonian captivity) or future (global diaspora).
  • Divine Sanctification and Witness: "and shall be sanctified in them in the sight of the heathen" reveals God's ultimate purpose. Their restoration is not merely for their comfort but for God's glory. Through Israel's return and spiritual renewal, God's holiness (qadash in Hebrew, meaning to be set apart or made holy) will be undeniably evident to the surrounding nations (the 'heathen' or Gentiles), showcasing His power, righteousness, and faithfulness.
  • Restoration to the Promised Land: The promise "then shall they dwell in their land that I have given to my servant Jacob" reaffirms the unconditional nature of the land covenant made with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This signifies a secure, permanent, and peaceful habitation in the land promised to their forefathers, a place of safety and blessing after years of wandering and exile.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "sanctified" is qadash (קָדַשׁ), which means to be holy, set apart, or consecrated. In this context, it emphasizes God's active role in making Israel holy and demonstrating His own holiness through their restoration. It's not merely Israel becoming holy, but God being recognized as holy through His work in them.

Practical Application

Ezekiel 28:25 offers profound hope and insight for believers today:

  • God's Faithfulness Endures: It reminds us that God is utterly faithful to His promises, even when His people are unfaithful and scattered. This provides assurance in times of personal or collective difficulty.
  • God's Glory is Paramount: The ultimate goal of God's redemptive work is His own sanctification and glory in the sight of all nations. Our lives as believers should also reflect God's holiness to the world around us.
  • Hope for Restoration: This prophecy speaks to God's ability to bring order out of chaos, gather what is scattered, and restore what is broken. It encourages us to trust in His sovereign plan for the world and for our individual lives, anticipating His ultimate triumph and the fulfillment of His promises.
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Cross-References

  • Jeremiah 32:37

    Behold, I will gather them out of all countries, whither I have driven them in mine anger, and in my fury, and in great wrath; and I will bring them again unto this place, and I will cause them to dwell safely:

  • Ezekiel 20:41

    I will accept you with your sweet savour, when I bring you out from the people, and gather you out of the countries wherein ye have been scattered; and I will be sanctified in you before the heathen.

  • Ezekiel 36:28

    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.

  • Ezekiel 37:25

    And they shall dwell in the land that I have given unto Jacob my servant, wherein your fathers have dwelt; and they shall dwell therein, [even] they, and their children, and their children's children for ever: and my servant David [shall be] their prince for ever.

  • Ezekiel 11:17

    Therefore say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; I will even gather you from the people, and assemble you out of the countries where ye have been scattered, and I will give you the land of Israel.

  • Psalms 106:47

    Save us, O LORD our God, and gather us from among the heathen, to give thanks unto thy holy name, [and] to triumph in thy praise.

  • Jeremiah 23:8

    But, The LORD liveth, which brought up and which led the seed of the house of Israel out of the north country, and from all countries whither I had driven them; and they shall dwell in their own land.