Ezekiel 36:1

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Also, thou son {H1121} of man {H120}, prophesy {H5012} unto the mountains {H2022} of Israel {H3478}, and say {H559}, Ye mountains {H2022} of Israel {H3478}, hear {H8085} the word {H1697} of the LORD {H3068}:

Complete Jewish Bible

"Now you, human being, prophesy to the mountains of Isra'el. Say: 'Mountains of Isra'el, hear the message from ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible

“And you, son of man, prophesy to the mountains of Israel and say: O mountains of Israel, hear the word of the LORD.

American Standard Version

And thou, son of man, prophesy unto the mountains of Israel, and say, Ye mountains of Israel, hear the word of Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 36:1 marks a profound turning point in the book of Ezekiel, shifting from prophecies of judgment and desolation to a vibrant declaration of God's impending restoration and renewal for the land and people of Israel. This verse introduces a divine oracle, delivered through the prophet Ezekiel, directly addressing the physical "mountains of Israel," signaling God's unwavering commitment to His covenant promises and His sovereign power to reverse the effects of exile and desolation, preparing the way for a future of hope and spiritual revitalization.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 36:1 initiates a pivotal section of the book (chapters 36-39) that focuses on the restoration of Israel, following extensive prophecies of judgment against Judah and Jerusalem (chapters 1-24) and against surrounding nations (chapters 25-32). The immediate preceding chapters, particularly [Ezekiel 33](/ezekiel/33 "Ezekiel 33 - The Watchman's Responsibility and Israel's Restoration"), transition from the fall of Jerusalem to the responsibilities of the watchman and the promise of a shepherd for Israel. [Ezekiel 34](/ezekiel/34 "Ezekiel 34 - The Lord as Shepherd of Israel") condemns the false shepherds of Israel and promises God Himself will shepherd His flock, while [Ezekiel 35](/ezekiel/35 "Ezekiel 35 - Prophecy Against Mount Seir (Edom)") pronounces judgment against Mount Seir (Edom) for its malicious rejoicing over Israel's desolation. Thus, [Ezekiel 36](/ezekiel/36 "Ezekiel 36 - Restoration of Israel") opens with a direct divine response to the taunts of the nations and a promise of renewal for the very land that had been laid waste, setting the stage for the iconic vision of the [valley of dry bones](/ezekiel/37 "Ezekiel 37 - The Valley of Dry Bones") and the promise of a new covenant.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophet Ezekiel ministered during the Babylonian exile (circa 597-571 BC), a period of profound national trauma for the Jewish people. Jerusalem and the Temple had been destroyed (586 BC), and the population deported to Babylon. This exile was widely perceived as God's abandonment of His people and the nullification of His covenant promises, particularly concerning the land. Surrounding nations, like Edom, mocked Israel's plight, viewing it as evidence of their God's weakness or defeat. In this context, the "mountains of Israel" were not merely geographical features but potent symbols of the desolate, disgraced, and seemingly abandoned covenant land. For God to address these mountains directly was a powerful statement of His enduring sovereignty, His memory of the land promised to Abraham ([Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise of Land to Abraham")), and His intention to reclaim and restore what appeared irrevocably lost. The prophecy served to counter the despair of the exiles and the triumphalism of their enemies.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully introduces several major theological themes that permeate [Ezekiel 36](/ezekiel/36 "Ezekiel 36 - Restoration of Israel") and the subsequent chapters of restoration. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Authority and Revelation**, as the command to "hear the word of the LORD" emphasizes that this message originates directly from God, carrying ultimate authority and truth, demonstrating His active involvement in the destiny of His creation. Secondly, the direct address to the **Land Itself** highlights God's covenant faithfulness not only to His people but also to the physical territory promised to them, signifying a complete restoration of their heritage and territory that had lain desolate and been subjected to foreign taunts ([Ezekiel 36:2](/ezekiel/36-2 "Ezekiel 36:2 - The Enemy's Taunts Against Israel's Mountains")). Thirdly, the verse marks a dramatic **Transition from Desolation to Hope**, initiating a profound shift from the themes of judgment and exile to promises of spiritual and physical renewal, setting the stage for Israel's return from captivity, their cleansing from sin, and the indwelling of God's Spirit. Finally, it powerfully asserts **God's Sovereignty Over All Things**, demonstrating that even in the face of utter destruction and apparent defeat, God maintains His absolute control and purpose, speaking life into desolation and bringing about new life according to His divine will.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Son of man (Hebrew, _bên ʼâdâm'_):** This recurring title for Ezekiel (appearing over 90 times in the book, first in [Ezekiel 2:1](/ezekiel/2-1 "Ezekiel 2:1 - Ezekiel's Call as Son of Man")) combines H1121 (bên), meaning "son" (as a builder of the family name, in the widest sense), and H120 (ʼâdâm), meaning "ruddy," i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind). The phrase emphasizes Ezekiel's humanity and frailty, contrasting sharply with the divine majesty of the one who addresses him. It highlights that the profound, authoritative message comes through a mortal vessel, underscoring the power and divine origin of the word itself, rather than the prophet's inherent strength or wisdom.
* **Prophesy (Hebrew, _nâbâʼ'_):** From H5012, a primitive root meaning "to prophesy, i.e., speak (or sing) by inspiration (in prediction or simple discourse)." This word signifies the act of speaking under divine inspiration, conveying God's message directly. It implies a declarative, authoritative pronouncement, not merely a prediction of the future, but a divine utterance that carries inherent power to accomplish what it declares. Ezekiel's role is not to offer his own opinion but to be a conduit for the Lord's word.
* **Word (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** From H1697, meaning "a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause." This term encompasses not just spoken utterances but also the underlying reality, decree, or command that the word represents. When it is the "word of the LORD" (H3068, Yᵉhôvâh), it carries absolute authority, creative power, and the certainty of fulfillment. It is not merely information but a dynamic, active force that shapes reality and brings about God's purposes.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Also, thou son of man,"**: This opening phrase immediately identifies the recipient of the divine command, Ezekiel, emphasizing his human nature as a contrast to the divine source of the message. It serves as a consistent address throughout the book, grounding the supernatural revelations in the experience of a mortal prophet.
* **"prophesy unto the mountains of Israel,"**: This is the core command. Ezekiel is instructed to deliver a prophetic message not to the people directly, but to the physical land—specifically, its mountains. This is highly symbolic, as the mountains represent the entire desolate territory of Israel, which had become a symbol of ruin and shame due to the exile. Prophesying to them signifies God's direct intervention to reclaim, restore, and sanctify the land itself.
* **"and say, Ye mountains of Israel,"**: The command is reiterated, emphasizing the direct address to the inanimate mountains. The repetition underscores the extraordinary nature of the audience and the profound significance of the message. It reinforces the idea that God's sovereignty extends even over the physical elements of creation.
* **"hear the word of the LORD:"**: This imperative command, "hear," signifies not just passive listening but active attention, comprehension, and ultimately, obedience. It highlights the divine authority of the message that is about to follow. The "word of the LORD" is the powerful, life-giving, and transformative message of restoration that God is about to declare over His desolate land.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 36:1 is rich in literary devices that enhance its theological impact. The most prominent is **Personification**, where the inanimate "mountains of Israel" are addressed as if they can hear and respond to God's word. This device imbues the landscape with a sense of agency and significance, emphasizing that God's redemptive work extends to the very ground that suffered the consequences of Israel's sin. Closely related is **Apostrophe**, a direct address to an absent or imaginary person or a personified abstraction. Here, Ezekiel directly addresses the mountains, creating a dramatic and powerful rhetorical effect that highlights the extraordinary nature of God's command and the scope of His restorative power. The **Repetition** of "mountains of Israel" within a single verse serves to underscore the specific target of the prophecy and to emphasize the land's central role in God's covenant and restoration plans. Finally, the phrase "hear the word of the LORD" functions as a **Divine Oracle Formula**, a common prophetic convention that signals the direct, authoritative, and binding nature of the message originating from God Himself, demanding attention and signifying its ultimate fulfillment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 36:1 stands as a powerful testament to God's unwavering faithfulness and His sovereign power over all creation, even in the face of human failure and apparent desolation. It reveals that God's covenant promises are not nullified by His people's disobedience, but rather His justice gives way to His mercy and restorative purposes. The direct address to the "mountains of Israel" underscores the biblical truth that God's redemptive plan encompasses not only humanity but also the physical world, foreshadowing a new creation where righteousness dwells. This verse sets the stage for the profound spiritual renewal described later in the chapter, where God promises a new heart and a new spirit, demonstrating that His word has the power to transform even the most barren landscapes and hardened hearts. It is a declaration that God's glory will ultimately be revealed through His restoration of His people and His land, for His name's sake.

* [Isaiah 55:10-11](/isaiah/55-10 "Isaiah 55:10-11 - God's Word Accomplishes His Purpose")
* [Leviticus 26:42](/leviticus/26-42 "Leviticus 26:42 - God Remembers His Covenant with the Land")
* [Psalm 148:9](/psalms/148-9 "Psalm 148:9 - Mountains and All Hills Praise the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 36:1 offers profound hope and practical guidance for believers navigating periods of desolation, whether personal, communal, or global. Just as God spoke life and promise to the seemingly dead and desolate mountains of Israel, so too can His word bring restoration and renewal to the most barren areas of our lives, our relationships, or our communities. This verse reminds us that no situation is beyond the reach of God's transformative power, and even when circumstances appear bleak or hopeless, His sovereign purpose prevails. The imperative to "hear the word of the LORD" calls us to actively engage with Scripture, not merely as an ancient text, but as a living, active, and powerful instrument of divine change. It challenges us to listen intently, receive humbly, and apply faithfully the truths of God's promises, trusting that His plans for us are always for good, to give us a future and a hope, even when we have been unfaithful. This passage cultivates a deep trust in God's unwavering faithfulness, assuring us that He will always work towards His ultimate purposes, bringing about redemption and restoration according to His divine will, for His glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "desolate mountains" or seemingly hopeless areas in your life or community need to "hear the word of the LORD" today?**
* **How does the idea of God speaking directly to the land itself impact your understanding of His sovereignty and His care for creation?**
* **In what ways are you actively "hearing" and responding to God's word in your current season of life?**
* **How does Ezekiel 36:1 strengthen your faith in God's faithfulness, even when circumstances seem to contradict His promises?**

### FAQ
**Why does God address the "mountains of Israel" instead of the people directly?**

Answer: God addresses the "mountains of Israel" for several profound reasons. Firstly, it is a powerful symbolic act. The land itself, particularly its mountains and hills, had been laid waste and become a byword for desolation and shame among the nations ([Ezekiel 36:2](/ezekiel/36-2 "Ezekiel 36:2 - The Enemy's Taunts Against Israel's Mountains")). By speaking directly to the land, God asserts His sovereign ownership and intention to restore the physical territory that was central to His covenant promises to Abraham and his descendants ([Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise of Land to Abraham")). Secondly, it demonstrates the comprehensive nature of God's restoration—it's not just about the people, but about the entire heritage and environment. Thirdly, it highlights God's absolute power to bring life to what is seemingly inanimate or dead, foreshadowing the spiritual revitalization of His people (as seen in the vision of the [dry bones in Ezekiel 37](/ezekiel/37 "Ezekiel 37 - The Valley of Dry Bones")). It's a dramatic declaration that God's word can transform even the most barren landscapes.

**What is the significance of Ezekiel being called "son of man"?**

Answer: The title "son of man" (Hebrew: *ben adam*) is used over 90 times in the Book of Ezekiel to address the prophet. Its significance lies primarily in emphasizing Ezekiel's humanity and mortality in stark contrast to the divine majesty and power of the God who is speaking to him. It highlights that Ezekiel is a frail, earthly being chosen as a vessel for God's mighty, transcendent word. This underscores that the authority and power of the message come solely from God, not from the prophet himself. It also serves to humble Ezekiel, reminding him of his creatureliness even as he is given extraordinary revelations. This title is distinct from the messianic "Son of Man" title used by Jesus in the New Testament, though both titles speak to a connection between divinity and humanity.

**How does this verse relate to the broader message of hope in Ezekiel?**

Answer: Ezekiel 36:1 is a foundational verse for the message of hope in the Book of Ezekiel. It marks the definitive turning point from prophecies of judgment and desolation (chapters 1-33) to an overwhelming emphasis on restoration and renewal (chapters 34-48). Following the devastating news of Jerusalem's fall, this verse opens a new chapter where God's focus shifts to His unwavering commitment to His covenant people and land. It introduces the themes of physical restoration of the land, the gathering of the scattered exiles, the spiritual cleansing and indwelling of God's Spirit ([Ezekiel 36:24-27](/ezekiel/36-24 "Ezekiel 36:24-27 - Israel's Restoration and New Spirit")), and the ultimate establishment of God's kingdom. This verse, by commanding the prophet to speak hope to the desolate mountains, sets the entire tone for the glorious future God has planned for Israel, demonstrating His faithfulness even in the midst of their deepest despair.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 36:1, with its powerful declaration of God's word bringing life to desolate places, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus. Just as God's word was spoken through Ezekiel to bring restoration to the land, Jesus is the ultimate "Word" of God made flesh ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Became Flesh")), through whom all things were created and through whom all things are being reconciled. The prophecy to the "mountains of Israel" speaks of a physical restoration, but in Christ, we see the spiritual restoration of humanity and the promise of a new creation. Jesus' ministry was one of bringing life to the spiritually dead, healing the broken, and declaring the good news of the Kingdom, effectively speaking life into the "desolate mountains" of human hearts and lives. His atoning sacrifice on the cross and His resurrection are the ultimate fulfillment of God's promise to cleanse His people and give them a new heart and a new spirit, as prophesied in [Ezekiel 36:26-27](/ezekiel/36-26 "Ezekiel 36:26-27 - New Heart and New Spirit"). Through Christ, the new covenant is established ([Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - Jesus, Mediator of a Better Covenant")), and the Spirit is poured out, enabling believers to truly "hear the word of the LORD" and walk in His statutes. The universal reach of the Gospel, extending beyond Israel to all nations ([Matthew 28:19](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19 - The Great Commission")), echoes the idea that God's life-giving word is not confined to a single geographical location but transforms all who believe, fulfilling the ultimate purpose of God's redemptive plan.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Ezekiel 36:4

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;

Jeremiah 22:29

O earth, earth, earth, hear the word of the LORD.

Ezekiel 34:14

I will feed them in a good pasture, and upon the high mountains of Israel shall their fold be: there shall they lie in a good fold, and [in] a fat pasture shall they feed upon the mountains of Israel.

Ezekiel 20:47

And say to the forest of the south, Hear the word of the LORD; Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will kindle a fire in thee, and it shall devour every green tree in thee, and every dry tree: the flaming flame shall not be quenched, and all faces from the south to the north shall be burned therein.

Ezekiel 37:22

And I will make them one nation in the land upon the mountains of Israel; and one king shall be king to them all: and they shall be no more two nations, neither shall they be divided into two kingdoms any more at all:

Ezekiel 6:2

Son of man, set thy face toward the mountains of Israel, and prophesy against them,

Ezekiel 6:3

And say, 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; Behold, I, [even] I, will bring a sword upon you, and I will destroy your high places.