Ezekiel 36:12

Commentary on Ezekiel 36:12 (KJV)

Ezekiel 36:12 delivers a powerful promise of restoration and security for the nation of Israel, directly from God. It reiterates God's intention to bring His people back to their ancestral land, ensuring their permanent possession and prosperity there.

Context

This verse is part of a larger prophetic discourse in Ezekiel 36, which is a message of comfort and hope following the devastating Babylonian exile. Chapters 33-39 of Ezekiel shift from prophecies of judgment to prophecies of restoration for Israel. The land itself, which had been desolate and mocked by surrounding nations, is now promised to be revitalized and re-inhabited by its rightful owners. God's promise here is not merely about geographical return but also about spiritual renewal, as He promises to give them a new heart and a new spirit.

Key Themes

• Divine Restoration: The phrase "I will cause men to walk upon you, [even] my people Israel" highlights God's active role in orchestrating the return of His exiled people. This is a divine act of bringing life and order back to a desolate land and scattered people.
• Inheritance and Possession: "And they shall possess thee, and thou shalt be their inheritance" reaffirms God's original covenant promise to Abraham regarding the land of Canaan. The land is not just a place to live, but a sacred inheritance, a gift from God.
• End of Bereavement: The crucial promise, "and thou shalt no more henceforth bereave them [of men]," signifies a reversal of the curses and judgments that led to the exile. Historically, the land had "bereaved" Israel through famine, war, and displacement, causing loss of life and population. This verse promises that the land will no longer be a source of sorrow or loss of its inhabitants.
• God's Faithfulness: Underlying all these promises is God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant people, even after their unfaithfulness led to judgment.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "bereave" here is shakhal (שָׁכַל), which literally means "to be childless," "to miscarry," or "to cause to lose children." Applied to the land, it personifies the land as one that has, in a sense, "miscarried" or "lost" its inhabitants through war, famine, and exile, leaving it desolate. God's promise means the land will no longer cause such loss; it will become a place of security and flourishing population.

Related Scriptures

This prophecy resonates with other promises of Israel's return and restoration, such as those found in Jeremiah 30:3 and Deuteronomy 30:5. The imagery of the land no longer "bereaving" them can also be seen in contrast to earlier prophecies of desolation, emphasizing the dramatic turn of God's favor. The vision of the dry bones in Ezekiel 37 further illustrates this profound restoration of life and nation.

Practical Application

For believers today, Ezekiel 36:12 serves as a powerful reminder of God's sovereignty, His enduring faithfulness, and His ability to restore even the most desolate situations. It teaches us that:

• God's promises are sure, even when circumstances seem hopeless.
• He can reverse periods of loss and desolation, bringing new life and security.
• His ultimate plan involves not just physical restoration but also spiritual renewal, leading to a permanent and blessed relationship with Him.

This verse offers hope that God is capable of bringing His people back from any "exile," whether spiritual, emotional, or physical, into a place of rest and secure inheritance.