Ezekiel 36:2

Thus saith the Lord GOD; Because the enemy hath said against you, Aha, even the ancient high places are ours in possession:

Thus saith {H559} the Lord {H136} GOD {H3069}; Because the enemy {H341} hath said {H559} against you, Aha {H1889}, even the ancient {H5769} high places {H1116} are ours in possession {H4181}:

Adonai ELOHIM says: "The enemy is boasting over you, 'Ha! Even the ancient high places are ours now!' " '

This is what the Lord GOD says: Because the enemy has said of you, ‘Aha! The ancient heights have become our possession,’

Thus saith the Lord Jehovah: Because the enemy hath said against you, Aha! and, The ancient high places are ours in possession;

Ezekiel 36:2 serves as an important opening to a significant prophetic declaration concerning the land of Israel and its future restoration. In this verse, the Lord GOD addresses the malicious taunts of Israel's enemies, setting the stage for His powerful response and promises of renewal.

Historical and Cultural Context

The prophet Ezekiel ministered during the Babylonian exile, a time when the people of Judah had been removed from their homeland, and Jerusalem and its Temple lay in ruins. This period was marked by immense despair for the Israelites, but also by the opportunistic gloating of surrounding nations. The "enemy" mentioned here refers primarily to these neighboring peoples, such as Edom, Ammon, Moab, and Philistia, who saw Judah's downfall as an opportunity to expand their own territories and mock God's covenant people. Their declaration, "Aha, even the ancient high places are ours in possession," signifies their triumphal scorn and desire to claim the very heart of Israel's land, including its significant geographical and historically important sites. This chapter is a direct divine counter-response to such arrogance, particularly to the enmity described in Ezekiel 35.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Awareness and Indignation: The verse highlights that God is fully aware of the scorn and predatory intentions of Israel's adversaries. His declaration, "Thus saith the Lord GOD," underscores His supreme authority and His intention to respond decisively.
  • The Sanctity of the Land: The phrase "ancient high places" refers to the significant and enduring landmarks of Israel, symbolizing the entire inheritance God promised to His people. The enemy's claim is an affront not just to Israel, but to God's sovereign gift of the land.
  • Enemy Arrogance and Blasphemy: The exclamation "Aha" (Hebrew: he'ach) conveys malicious pleasure, mockery, and a sense of triumph over Israel's misfortune. This gloating is not merely political but carries a spiritual dimension, as it implies a challenge to God's power and faithfulness to His people.
  • God's Defense of His People and Inheritance: This verse foreshadows God's forthcoming vindication of His name, His people, and His land. It sets the stage for the powerful promises of restoration found later in Ezekiel 36, where God declares His intention to restore Israel not for their righteousness, but for His holy name's sake (Ezekiel 36:22).

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "Thus saith the Lord GOD" translates the Hebrew kōh ’āmar ’ăḏōnāy yhwh. ’ăḏōnāy (Lord) signifies God's sovereign mastery, while yhwh (GOD, often translated as Yahweh or Jehovah) refers to God's covenant name, emphasizing His faithfulness and self-existence. The combination underscores His absolute authority and covenant commitment to Israel.

The interjection "Aha" (Hebrew: he'ach) is an onomatopoeic word expressing malicious delight, contempt, or triumph. Its use here vividly portrays the enemy's gloating and derision, making their scorn palpable.

Related Scriptures

This verse provides the impetus for God's detailed response throughout the chapter. The Lord GOD's immediate and forceful reply to the enemy's taunts is further elaborated in Ezekiel 36:3-7, where He promises to bring judgment upon the surrounding nations for their actions against Israel. The subsequent verses in Ezekiel 36 then pivot to promises of profound restoration for Israel, including the cleansing of their sin and the giving of a new heart and spirit, as seen in Ezekiel 36:26.

Practical Application

Ezekiel 36:2 reminds us that God is fully aware of those who mock His people or seek to undermine His purposes. Even when circumstances seem dire, and it appears that the "enemy" has gained the upper hand, God's sovereignty remains absolute. This verse offers comfort that God hears the taunts and will ultimately defend His own, fulfilling His promises despite the opposition. It encourages believers to trust in God's ultimate victory and justice, even when they face scorn or adversity, knowing that He is the faithful keeper of His covenant and His people's inheritance, as highlighted in Psalm 121:4.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Deuteronomy 32:13

    He made him ride on the high places of the earth, that he might eat the increase of the fields; and he made him to suck honey out of the rock, and oil out of the flinty rock;

  • Ezekiel 35:10

    ¶ Because thou hast said, These two nations and these two countries shall be mine, and we will possess it; whereas the LORD was there:

  • Ezekiel 25:3

    And say unto the Ammonites, Hear the word of the Lord GOD; Thus saith the Lord GOD; Because thou saidst, Aha, against my sanctuary, when it was profaned; and against the land of Israel, when it was desolate; and against the house of Judah, when they went into captivity;

  • Jeremiah 49:1

    ¶ Concerning the Ammonites, thus saith the LORD; Hath Israel no sons? hath he no heir? why [then] doth their king inherit Gad, and his people dwell in his cities?

  • Psalms 78:69

    And he built his sanctuary like high [palaces], like the earth which he hath established for ever.

  • Habakkuk 3:19

    The LORD God [is] my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds' [feet], and he will make me to walk upon mine high places. To the chief singer on my stringed instruments.

  • Isaiah 58:14

    Then shalt thou delight thyself in the LORD; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken [it].

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