Ezekiel 36:1

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

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}:

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

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

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

Commentary

Ezekiel 36:1 marks a pivotal shift in the Book of Ezekiel, moving from prophecies of judgment and desolation to profound messages of restoration and hope for the nation of Israel. This verse serves as the introduction to a powerful declaration of God's faithfulness and future plans for His people and their land.

Context

The prophet Ezekiel ministered during the Babylonian exile, a time of immense despair for the Jewish people who had been removed from their homeland and temple. Prior chapters in Ezekiel detail God's judgment against Israel for their idolatry and unfaithfulness (Ezekiel 16, Ezekiel 23) and against surrounding nations who rejoiced in Israel's downfall. However, with Chapter 36, the tone dramatically changes. God now speaks of renewing the land and its people, addressing the very "mountains of Israel" that had witnessed their desolation and shame. This prophecy is a direct response to the taunts of the surrounding nations who believed Israel's God had abandoned them.

Key Themes

  • Divine Authority and Revelation: The command "hear the word of the LORD" underscores that this message originates directly from God, carrying ultimate authority and truth. It emphasizes God's active involvement in the destiny of His creation.
  • Prophecy to the Land Itself: By addressing the "mountains of Israel," God demonstrates His concern not just for the people but also for the physical land that was promised to them. It signifies the complete restoration of their heritage and territory, which had lain desolate. This highlights God's covenant faithfulness to the land given to Abraham's descendants (Genesis 12:7).
  • Transition from Desolation to Hope: This verse initiates a profound shift from the themes of judgment and exile to promises of spiritual and physical renewal. It sets the stage for prophecies of Israel's return from captivity, their cleansing from sin, and the indwelling of God's Spirit.
  • God's Sovereignty Over All Things: Even in the face of utter destruction and apparent defeat, God maintains His sovereign control and purpose. He speaks to the land, indicating His power to reverse its desolate state and bring about new life.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Son of man" (Hebrew: ben adam): This common address to Ezekiel (appearing over 90 times in the book, first in Ezekiel 2:1) emphasizes the prophet's humanity and frailty in contrast to the divine majesty of God. It highlights that the message comes through a mortal vessel, making God's word all the more powerful.
  • "Mountains of Israel": This phrase is not merely geographical but deeply symbolic. It represents the entire territory and heritage of the Israelite nation, which had become a byword for desolation and ruin among the nations (Ezekiel 36:2). Prophesying to them signifies God's direct intervention to reclaim and restore what was lost.

Practical Application

Ezekiel 36:1 offers enduring hope and practical lessons for believers today:

  • Hope in Desolation: Just as God spoke life and promise to the desolate mountains of Israel, He can speak to seemingly hopeless or "desolate" areas of our lives, communities, or the world. Even when circumstances appear bleak, God's word has the power to bring about restoration and renewal.
  • The Power of God's Word: The imperative to "hear the word of the LORD" reminds us of the transformative power of Scripture. It calls us to actively listen, receive, and apply God's truth, knowing that His promises are steadfast and His plans for His people are good (Jeremiah 29:11).
  • God's Faithfulness: This verse is a testament to God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenants and promises, even when His people are unfaithful. It assures us that God always works towards His ultimate purposes, bringing about redemption and restoration according to His divine will.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified 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.