Ezekiel 36:10

KJV

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:

KJV (with Strong's)

And I will multiply {H7235} men {H120} upon you, all the house {H1004} of Israel {H3478}, even all of it: and the cities {H5892} shall be inhabited {H3427}, and the wastes {H2723} shall be builded {H1129}:

Complete Jewish Bible

and I will multiply your population, all the house of Isra'el, all of it. The cities will be inhabited and the ruins rebuilt.

Berean Standard Bible

I will multiply the people upon you—the house of Israel in its entirety. The cities will be inhabited and the ruins rebuilt.

American Standard Version

and I will multiply men upon you, all the house of Israel, even all of it; and the cities shall be inhabited, and the waste places shall be builded;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 36:10 presents a profound declaration of divine restoration, prophesying a dramatic reversal of Israel's desolate state to one of vibrant flourishing. This verse specifically details the physical repopulation of the land and the comprehensive rebuilding of its ruined cities and waste places, emphasizing God's sovereign initiative to restore His people and their homeland after the Babylonian exile, not based on their merit, but for the vindication of His holy name and the demonstration of His unwavering faithfulness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 36 marks a pivotal and glorious turning point in the prophet's message, shifting dramatically from pronouncements of judgment to expansive prophecies of restoration. The preceding chapters, particularly [Ezekiel 33](/ezekiel/33 "Ezekiel 33 - The Watchman and Israel's Desolation"), have meticulously detailed God's righteous judgment against Israel for their persistent idolatry, covenant unfaithfulness, and moral corruption, culminating in the devastating destruction of Jerusalem and the desolation of the land in 586 BC. The vivid imagery of the "dry bones" in [Ezekiel 37](/ezekiel/37 "Ezekiel 37 - The Valley of Dry Bones") further underscores the spiritual and national death Israel experienced. However, chapter 36 introduces an abrupt and glorious shift, where God directly addresses the "mountains of Israel" (Ezekiel 36:1-8), promising to vindicate them and breathe life back into the land that had been laid waste and mocked by surrounding nations. Verse 10, therefore, serves as a concrete and foundational expression of this promised physical renewal, setting the stage for the deeper spiritual transformation and covenant renewal that follows in subsequent verses (e.g., [Ezekiel 36:26-27](/ezekiel/36-26-27 "Ezekiel 36:26-27 - A New Heart and Spirit")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy in Ezekiel 36:10 is deeply embedded in the grim historical reality of the Babylonian exile. This period, commencing in stages from 605 BC and culminating with the final destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple in 586 BC, left the land of Judah largely desolate, its once-thriving cities in ruins, and its population deported. This catastrophe inflicted a severe blow to Israel's national, religious, and psychological identity, as their covenant relationship with Yahweh was inextricably linked to their presence in the Promised Land and the functioning of the Temple as the center of worship. Neighboring nations, such as Edom and Ammon, often encroached upon the desolated territories and openly mocked Israel's plight, interpreting it as definitive proof of their God's inability or weakness. Culturally, a large population, thriving cities, and productive land were universally understood as clear indicators of divine blessing and national strength, while desolation signified divine judgment, national shame, and abandonment. Thus, the promise of multiplying men, inhabiting cities, and rebuilding wastes directly addresses the profound physical, demographic, and psychological wounds inflicted by the exile, offering a comprehensive vision of reversal, restoration, and vindication.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes central to Ezekiel's prophecy and the broader biblical narrative. First, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty and Initiative**, underscored by the repeated "I will" statements throughout the chapter, emphasizing that this comprehensive restoration is entirely God's work, independent of Israel's merit. Second, it speaks to **Covenant Faithfulness**, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to His ancient promises despite Israel's profound unfaithfulness, acting primarily for the sake of His holy name and reputation among the nations (cf. [Ezekiel 36:22-23](/ezekiel/36-22-23 "Ezekiel 36:22-23 - God Acts for His Name's Sake")). Third, the verse embodies **Physical Restoration and Renewal**, promising a literal repopulation and rebuilding of the devastated land, standing in stark contrast to the judgment and desolation described earlier in the book (e.g., [Ezekiel 33:28-29](/ezekiel/33-28-29 "Ezekiel 33:28-29 - Desolation of the Land")). Finally, it points toward **National Reconstitution and Unity**, as "all the house of Israel, even all of it" implies a comprehensive gathering and restoration of the scattered nation, echoing the prophetic hope for a unified Israel under one shepherd and king (cf. [Ezekiel 37:21-22](/ezekiel/37-21-22 "Ezekiel 37:21-22 - One Nation, One King")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **multiply (Hebrew, _râbâh'_):** From H7235, this primitive root signifies "to increase (in whatever respect)." In the context of Ezekiel 36:10, it specifically refers to a demographic increase, a flourishing of population that contrasts sharply with the depletion and scattering that characterized the exile. This word conveys not merely growth, but a superabundant, divinely orchestrated proliferation, indicative of God's overflowing blessing upon His people and land.
* **house (Hebrew, _bayith'_):** From H1004, this term primarily means "a house," but in its greatest variation of applications, it can refer to a "family," "household," or even a "palace" or "temple." Here, "all the house of Israel" refers to the entire nation, encompassing all its tribes and scattered members, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of the promised restoration and the re-establishment of the national family.
* **inhabited (Hebrew, _yâshab'_):** From H3427, this primitive root means "to sit down; by implication, to dwell, to remain." Here, it signifies the re-establishment of settled life and permanent residence in the cities that had been emptied and ruined. It implies stability, security, and the return of normal societal functions, transforming desolate urban centers into thriving, secure communities.
* **builded (Hebrew, _bânâh'_):** From H1129, this primitive root means "to build (literally and figuratively); to repair, set up." This word directly addresses the physical reconstruction of the ruined infrastructure. It speaks of the transformation of "wastes" (Hebrew, _chorbâh'_ H2723, meaning desolation or decayed place) into habitable and functional structures, signifying a complete reversal of the destruction wrought by war and neglect, and the re-establishment of order and productivity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I will multiply men upon you, all the house of Israel, [even] all of it":** This opening clause powerfully emphasizes God's direct, sovereign action ("I will") in bringing about a demographic resurgence. The phrase "upon you" refers to the land of Israel, which had previously been barren and desolate. "All the house of Israel, even all of it" underscores the comprehensive nature of this restoration, signifying a complete ingathering and repopulation of the entire scattered nation, not just a partial return, ensuring the full reconstitution of God's covenant people.
* **"and the cities shall be inhabited":** This part of the divine promise specifically addresses the urban centers that had been destroyed or abandoned during the exile. It signifies the return of civil life, commerce, and vibrant community, transforming ghost towns into living cities bustling with people, reflecting renewed social order and economic activity.
* **"and the wastes shall be builded":** This final clause extends the promise of restoration beyond the urban centers to the rural and previously uninhabitable areas. "Wastes" refers to desolate, ruined, or barren lands, often left fallow or destroyed by conflict. The promise that they "shall be builded" implies not only the reconstruction of existing ruins but also the development, cultivation, and revitalization of neglected areas, bringing productivity, order, and beauty back to the entire landscape of Israel.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 36:10 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of hope and comprehensive restoration. **Parallelism** is evident in the two main clauses describing the land's renewal: "the cities shall be inhabited" and "the wastes shall be builded." These parallel statements reinforce the comprehensive nature of the physical restoration, covering both urban and rural areas, demonstrating that no part of the land will be left untouched by God's restorative hand. **Contrast** is a dominant feature throughout the chapter, setting the promised future of multiplication, habitation, and building against the recent past of desolation, scattering, and destruction. This stark contrast amplifies the miraculous and divine nature of God's intervention. The repeated use of the divine declaration "I will" (which undergirds the entire chapter, though not strictly anaphora within this single verse) functions as a powerful declaration of **Divine Agency** and unwavering commitment, instilling certainty and authority into the prophecy. Furthermore, the verse uses rich **Imagery** of a land transformed: from empty to full, from ruined cities to inhabited ones, and from desolate wastes to rebuilt places, painting a vivid and tangible picture of life triumphing over death and order over chaos, a testament to God's creative and redemptive power.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 36:10 stands as a powerful testament to God's redemptive character and His unwavering commitment to His covenant people. It highlights the divine reversal of judgment, demonstrating that even after severe discipline for sin, God's ultimate purpose is restoration, life, and the glorification of His own name. This physical restoration of the land and people serves as a tangible sign of God's faithfulness and His intention to display His glory through His redeemed nation. It profoundly foreshadows a deeper, spiritual renewal, where God not only brings His people back to the land but also transforms their hearts, enabling them to walk in His statutes and obey His commands. This prophecy underscores the profound interconnectedness of land, people, and God's presence in Old Testament theology, where a flourishing land signifies divine blessing and a righteous, numerous people reflect God's favor.

* [Jeremiah 32:43](/jeremiah/32-43 "Jeremiah 32:43 - Fields Shall Be Bought Again")
* [Isaiah 58:12](/isaiah/58-12 "Isaiah 58:12 - Repairers of the Breach")
* [Amos 9:14](/amos/9-14 "Amos 9:14 - I Will Restore the Fortunes of My People")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 36:10 offers profound and enduring hope for individuals and communities facing desolation, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual. It serves as a powerful reminder that God is the ultimate Restorer, possessing infinite power to transform even the most ruined and barren aspects of our lives into places of flourishing and new life. Where there is emptiness, God promises multiplication; where there are ruins, He promises rebuilding; where there is desolation, He promises habitation. This verse calls us to cultivate a deep trust in God's sovereign power and unwavering faithfulness, even when circumstances appear utterly hopeless or beyond repair. It encourages us to look beyond our present difficulties to the future God is actively bringing about, a future characterized by His abundant provision, restorative grace, and life-giving presence. We are invited to actively participate in this divine work, recognizing that while God initiates and empowers, He often uses human hands, hearts, and resources to bring His redemptive purposes to fruition in the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where in my personal life, family, or community do I currently perceive "wastes" or "desolation" that are in desperate need of God's transformative, restorative touch?**
* **How does the emphatic declaration of God's "I will" strengthen my faith and infuse me with confidence in His ability to bring about seemingly impossible transformations in my circumstances or in the world around me?**
* **Considering God's active work of rebuilding and restoring, what practical steps can I prayerfully discern and take to partner with Him in His redemptive mission, both personally and within the collective body of believers?**

### FAQ
**Is this prophecy of physical restoration still relevant today, or was it only for ancient Israel?**

Answer: While Ezekiel 36:10 certainly had a clear and significant historical fulfillment in the post-exilic return of the Jewish people to the land and the subsequent rebuilding efforts under figures like Zerubbabel and Nehemiah, its theological principles and prophetic scope extend far beyond that initial context. The promise of God's sovereign restoration of a desolate land and people serves as a powerful archetype for His ongoing work throughout history. Spiritually, it speaks profoundly to the regeneration of individuals, transforming hearts that were once spiritual "wastes" into vibrant dwelling places for God's Spirit. It also speaks to the renewal of the church, transforming communities marked by spiritual desolation into thriving, fruitful expressions of faith. Eschatologically, many interpret this passage as pointing to a future, ultimate restoration of Israel, or to the grand vision of the new heavens and new earth where all things are made new, and God's people dwell in perfect harmony with Him (cf. [Revelation 21:1-5](/revelation/21-1-5 "Revelation 21:1-5 - A New Heaven and a New Earth")). Thus, its relevance is multi-layered, encompassing historical, spiritual, and eschatological dimensions, providing enduring hope for God's redemptive work.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 36:10, with its powerful promise of physical restoration, repopulation, and rebuilding, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ and the new covenant He inaugurated. While the immediate context speaks to a literal return from exile and the physical reconstruction of a devastated land, the spiritual desolation of humanity due to sin is far deeper and more pervasive than any earthly ruin. Christ is the one who truly "multiplies men" not merely in physical numbers, but by bringing countless souls into the family of God through spiritual rebirth and adoption (cf. [John 3:3-8](/john/3-3-8 "John 3:3-8 - Born Again")). He is the one who makes the spiritually "wasted" hearts "inhabited" by the Holy Spirit, transforming them into living temples of God (cf. [1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Your Body a Temple of the Holy Spirit")). Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross and His glorious resurrection, Jesus "builds" a new spiritual house, the Church, from the ruins of fallen humanity, making us living stones in a spiritual temple built upon Himself as the cornerstone (cf. [1 Peter 2:4-5](/1_peter/2-4-5 "1 Peter 2:4-5 - Living Stones, Spiritual House")). The comprehensive nature of the promise, "all the house of Israel, even all of it," foreshadows the gathering of both Jew and Gentile into one body in Christ, creating a new humanity where there is no longer "Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus" (cf. [Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - No Longer Jew nor Greek")). Ultimately, the vision of a rebuilt and inhabited land points to the new creation in Christ, culminating in the new heavens and new earth where God Himself dwells with His people, and there is no more desolation, only eternal life and flourishing in His presence (cf. [Revelation 21:3-4](/revelation/21-3-4 "Revelation 21:3-4 - God Dwells with His People")).

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 36:33

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.

Jeremiah 33:12

Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Again in this place, which is desolate without man and without beast, and in all the cities thereof, shall be an habitation of shepherds causing [their] flocks to lie down.

Jeremiah 31:27

¶ Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will sow the house of Israel and the house of Judah with the seed of man, and with the seed of beast.

Jeremiah 31:28

And it shall come to pass, [that] like as I have watched over them, to pluck up, and to break down, and to throw down, and to destroy, and to afflict; so will I watch over them, to build, and to plant, saith the LORD.

Jeremiah 30:19

And out of them shall proceed thanksgiving and the voice of them that make merry: and I will multiply them, and they shall not be few; I will also glorify them, and they shall not be small.

Ezekiel 36:37

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.

Isaiah 27:6

He shall cause them that come of Jacob to take root: Israel shall blossom and bud, and fill the face of the world with fruit.