Ezekiel 36:12

KJV

Yea, I will cause men to walk upon you, [even] my people Israel; and they shall possess thee, and thou shalt be their inheritance, and thou shalt no more henceforth bereave them [of men].

KJV (with Strong's)

Yea, I will cause men {H120} to walk {H3212} upon you, even my people {H5971} Israel {H3478}; and they shall possess {H3423} thee, and thou shalt be their inheritance {H5159}, and thou shalt no more {H3254} henceforth bereave {H7921} them of men.

Complete Jewish Bible

I will cause people to walk on you, my people Isra'el; they will possess you, and you will be their inheritance; never again will you make them childless."

Berean Standard Bible

Yes, I will cause My people Israel to walk upon you; they will possess you, and you will be their inheritance, and you will no longer deprive them of their children.

American Standard Version

Yea, I will cause men to walk upon you, even my people Israel; and they shall possess thee, and thou shalt be their inheritance, and thou shalt no more henceforth bereave them of children.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 36:12 is a profound divine promise of comprehensive restoration and permanent security for the exiled people of Israel, affirming God's unwavering commitment to bring them back to their ancestral land. It declares that the land, once desolate and a source of loss, will be re-inhabited by its rightful owners, becoming their secure inheritance and no longer causing them sorrow or the loss of its inhabitants. This verse underscores God's sovereign power to reverse judgment and establish a future of flourishing and enduring presence for His covenant people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically positioned within a pivotal shift in the book of Ezekiel, transitioning from extensive prophecies of judgment against Israel and surrounding nations (chapters 1-32) to powerful messages of hope, restoration, and future glory for Israel (chapters 33-48). Specifically, Ezekiel 36 immediately follows chapters detailing the desolation of the land and the scattering of the people due to their sin. Here, God directly addresses the mountains of Israel, promising their revitalization and re-population. This chapter serves as a crucial prelude to the iconic vision of the dry bones in [Ezekiel 37](/ezekiel/37 "Ezekiel 37 - The Valley of Dry Bones"), which vividly portrays the national and spiritual resurrection of Israel, emphasizing the comprehensive and miraculous nature of God's restorative work for His covenant people.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy in Ezekiel 36:12 was delivered during the harrowing period of the Babylonian exile, a time of profound national humiliation and despair for the Jewish people. Jerusalem and the sacred Temple had been utterly destroyed, and the land of Israel lay desolate, subjected to the scorn and mockery of surrounding nations, as explicitly noted in [Ezekiel 36:2](/ezekiel/36-2 "Ezekiel 36:2 - The Mountains of Israel Desolate"). For ancient Israel, the land was not merely geographical territory but a foundational element of their covenant identity, divinely promised by God to Abraham ([Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise of Land to Abraham")) and central to their national, religious, and social life. To be dispossessed of the land was to experience the severest form of divine judgment, signifying a profound breach in the covenant relationship. The promise of return and permanent possession, therefore, directly addresses their deepest fears and longings, offering a miraculous reversal of their dire circumstances and a restoration of their foundational identity.

* **Key Themes:** Ezekiel 36:12 contributes significantly to several overarching themes prevalent in Ezekiel and the broader prophetic literature. **Divine Restoration** is paramount, as God explicitly declares, "I will cause men to walk upon you," highlighting His sovereign initiative and power in orchestrating the return of His people. The theme of **Inheritance and Possession** is central, powerfully reaffirming God's original covenant promises regarding the land as an eternal gift to Israel. The phrase "thou shalt be their inheritance" underscores the land's enduring significance as a divine patrimony, not merely a temporary dwelling. Crucially, the promise "thou shalt no more henceforth bereave them [of men]" introduces the profound theme of the **Reversal of Judgment and End of Desolation**. Historically, the land had "bereaved" Israel through cycles of famine, war, and exile, causing immense loss of life and population. This prophecy promises an end to such sorrow and loss, signifying a future of security, flourishing population, and enduring peace. Underlying all these promises is the profound theme of **God's Unwavering Faithfulness** to His covenant, even in the face of Israel's persistent unfaithfulness, demonstrating His commitment to His own holy name and glory ([Ezekiel 36:22-23](/ezekiel/36-22 "Ezekiel 36:22-23 - God's Holy Name Vindicated")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **men (Hebrew, _ʼâdâm'_):** This term (H120) refers to human beings, mankind, or people. In this specific context, it denotes the returning Israelites, emphasizing the physical, tangible re-population of the land. The use of `ʼâdâm` signifies not merely a spiritual renewal but a literal, physical return of people to the land, reversing the desolation and emptiness that had characterized it during the exile.
* **possess (Hebrew, _yârash'_):** This verb (H3423) means "to occupy (by driving out previous tenants, and possessing in their place); by implication, to seize, to rob, to inherit." Here, it powerfully conveys the idea of rightful ownership and secure tenure. The Israelites will not merely visit or temporarily dwell but will firmly establish themselves, taking full, permanent possession of what is rightfully theirs by divine decree, thereby reversing their dispossessed status.
* **inheritance (Hebrew, _nachălâh'_):** This noun (H5159) denotes "something inherited, i.e. (abstractly) occupancy, or (concretely) an heirloom; generally an estate, patrimony or portion." The land is explicitly designated as an `inheritance`, directly connecting this future restoration to God's ancient covenant promises to Abraham and his descendants. It underscores the divine gift and the permanent, secure nature of their future dwelling.
* **bereave (Hebrew, _shâkôl'_):** This primitive root (H7921) means "to miscarry, i.e. suffer abortion; by analogy, to bereave (literally or figuratively)." When applied to the land, it personifies the land as having "miscarried" or "lost" its inhabitants through war, famine, and exile, resulting in desolation and the loss of its "children." The promise "no more henceforth bereave them" signifies a complete reversal of this sorrowful state, ensuring the land will no longer be a source of loss or sorrow for its people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Yea, I will cause men to walk upon you, [even] my people Israel":** This opening clause highlights God's direct, sovereign action ("I will cause"), emphasizing that this restoration is entirely His initiative, not a result of human effort. The "you" refers to the mountains and land of Israel, which had previously been desolate. God promises to actively bring back and establish His chosen people, Israel, upon their land, thereby reversing the emptiness and desolation caused by the exile.
* **"and they shall possess thee, and thou shalt be their inheritance":** This part powerfully reiterates and strengthens the promise of permanent tenure and secure dwelling. The returning Israelites will not merely inhabit the land but will "possess" it, exercising full, rightful ownership and control. The land, in turn, will become their "inheritance," a divinely granted patrimony, emphasizing the secure and lasting nature of their dwelling, fulfilling ancient covenant promises made to their patriarchs.
* **"and thou shalt no more henceforth bereave them [of men].":** This crucial concluding promise signifies a profound and permanent reversal of past judgments and sorrows. The land, which had metaphorically "bereaved" its inhabitants through cycles of war, famine, and exile (leading to immense loss of life and population), is now promised to cease this sorrowful action. This guarantees a future of security, peace, and flourishing population, free from the cycles of loss, displacement, and death that had historically plagued Israel.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message of divine restoration. **Personification** is strikingly evident in the phrase "thou shalt no more henceforth bereave them [of men]," where the land itself is given the human capacity to "bereave" or cause loss of life. This vivid imagery underscores the devastating impact of the exile, as if the land itself had consumed its inhabitants, and now promises a miraculous reversal of this sorrowful state. The overarching use of "I will cause" and "I will" throughout Ezekiel 36 (and implicitly here) highlights **Divine Fiat** or sovereign declaration, emphasizing that this comprehensive restoration is entirely God's doing, a testament to His power and commitment, not a result of human effort or merit. The repetition of key themes and terms like "possess" and "inheritance" throughout the chapter, coupled with the strong declarative tone, contributes to a profound sense of **Emphasis** and certainty regarding God's unbreakable promise, instilling hope in a desolate people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 36:12 stands as a cornerstone of biblical theology concerning divine restoration and covenant faithfulness. It powerfully illustrates God's unwavering commitment to His people and His promises, even when they have been profoundly unfaithful. The physical return to the land and its secure possession is presented as a tangible sign of God's enduring covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, demonstrating that His word does not return to Him empty. This promise of a land that no longer "bereaves" its inhabitants speaks to God's ultimate desire for the flourishing, security, and abundant life of His people, reversing the devastating consequences of sin and judgment. It foreshadows a comprehensive restoration that encompasses not only physical dwelling but also profound spiritual renewal, as detailed later in [Ezekiel 36:26-27](/ezekiel/36-26 "Ezekiel 36:26-27 - A New Heart and Spirit"), where God promises a new heart and a new spirit.

* [Jeremiah 30:3](/jeremiah/30-3 "Jeremiah 30:3 - Return from Captivity")
* [Deuteronomy 30:5](/deuteronomy/30-5 "Deuteronomy 30:5 - God Will Bring You Back")
* [Ezekiel 37:12-14](/ezekiel/37-12 "Ezekiel 37:12-14 - The Resurrection of Israel")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 36:12 offers profound and enduring hope for believers today, serving as a powerful reminder of God's incredible power to restore and His unwavering faithfulness to His promises. Just as God miraculously brought His people back from a desolate exile to a secure and flourishing inheritance, He is able to bring life, order, and healing to the most desolate and broken areas of our lives—whether spiritual barrenness, emotional brokenness, relational fracturedness, or challenging circumstances. This verse encourages us to place our complete trust in God's sovereign plan and active intervention, even when our "land" feels "bereaved" by loss, grief, despair, or the consequences of our own failings. It assures us that God's ultimate purpose is to establish us in a place of security, peace, and flourishing, where sorrow and loss will ultimately be no more. It calls us to recognize His active hand in reversing our personal "exiles" and leading us into a deeper, more secure, and eternally abundant relationship with Him, our true and ultimate inheritance.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I currently feel "bereaved" or desolate, and how can I actively trust God to bring His promise of restoration and security there?**
* **How does God's unwavering faithfulness to ancient Israel, despite their unfaithfulness, encourage and strengthen me in my own walk with Him, especially when circumstances seem hopeless or when I feel I have failed Him?**
* **What does it truly mean for me to "possess" my spiritual inheritance in Christ, and how does this verse deepen my understanding of the secure and permanent nature of that divine gift?**

### FAQ

**What does it mean for the "land" to "bereave" its inhabitants?**

Answer: In Ezekiel 36:12, the land is vividly personified, a common prophetic literary device. To "bereave" (Hebrew: _shâkôl_) literally means to cause the loss of children, to make childless, or to suffer abortion. Applied to the land of Israel, it refers to the devastating and repeated impact of war, famine, pestilence, and exile, which resulted in a massive loss of life and the severe depopulation of the land. The land, in a profound sense, "miscarried" or "lost" its inhabitants. God's promise that the land will "no more henceforth bereave them" signifies a complete and permanent reversal of this judgment, ensuring a future where the land will be secure, fertile, and abundantly populated, no longer a source of sorrow, loss, or displacement for its people. This powerful imagery conveys the depth of the desolation experienced during the exile and the completeness of the promised restoration.

**Has the prophecy in Ezekiel 36:12 been fulfilled?**

Answer: The fulfillment of Ezekiel 36:12, like many Old Testament prophecies, possesses multiple layers of realization. There was a significant partial, historical fulfillment with the return of the Jewish exiles from Babylonian captivity under leaders like Zerubbabel, Ezra, and Nehemiah, leading to the rebuilding of Jerusalem and the Second Temple (e.g., [Ezra 1:1-4](/ezra/1-1 "Ezra 1:1-4 - Cyrus's Decree")). However, the full scope of the promise—a land that "no more henceforth bereave them"—suggests an ultimate, eschatological fulfillment that extends beyond the post-exilic period, which still experienced challenges, foreign domination, and periods of loss. The complete and secure possession, free from all future loss, points to a future, comprehensive restoration of Israel, often understood in conjunction with the millennial reign of Christ or the new heavens and new earth, where perfect peace, security, and eternal flourishing will prevail, and God will "wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain" ([Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Death or Mourning")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Ezekiel 36:12 primarily addresses the physical and national restoration of Israel to their ancestral land, its deeper theological currents find their ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ and the New Covenant. The promise of a secure inheritance, a land that no longer "bereaves" its people, points to the eternal security and abundant life found exclusively in Christ. Through His atoning sacrifice, Jesus has become the true "Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world!" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), thereby reversing the ultimate "bereavement" of humanity—spiritual death and separation from God caused by sin. Believers in Christ, whether Jew or Gentile, are now grafted into the spiritual Israel, inheriting not merely a physical land but an imperishable, undefiled, and unfading inheritance reserved in heaven ([1 Peter 1:4](/1_peter/1-4 "1 Peter 1:4 - An Imperishable Inheritance")). In Him, we find our true resting place and secure possession, a spiritual "land" where there is "no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain" ([Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Death or Mourning")). Jesus Himself is our ultimate inheritance, and through Him, God causes us, His redeemed people, to walk in newness of life ([Romans 6:4](/romans/6-4 "Romans 6:4 - Newness of Life")), securing our eternal dwelling and flourishing in His presence.

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

Jeremiah 15:7

And I will fan them with a fan in the gates of the land; I will bereave [them] of children, I will destroy my people, [since] they return not from their ways.

Jeremiah 32:15

For thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Houses and fields and vineyards shall be possessed again in this land.

Ezekiel 47:14

And ye shall inherit it, one as well as another: [concerning] the which I lifted up mine hand to give it unto your fathers: and this land shall fall unto you for inheritance.

Ezekiel 36:13

Thus saith the Lord GOD; Because they say unto you, Thou [land] devourest up men, and hast bereaved thy nations;

Jeremiah 32:44

Men shall buy fields for money, and subscribe evidences, and seal [them], and take witnesses in the land of Benjamin, and in the places about Jerusalem, and in the cities of Judah, and in the cities of the mountains, and in the cities of the valley, and in the cities of the south: for I will cause their captivity to return, saith the LORD.

Obadiah 1:17

¶ But upon mount Zion shall be deliverance, and there shall be holiness; and the house of Jacob shall possess their possessions.

Obadiah 1:21

And saviours shall come up on mount Zion to judge the mount of Esau; and the kingdom shall be the LORD'S.