Ezekiel 36:28

KJV

And ye shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers; and ye shall be my people, and I will be your God.

KJV (with Strong's)

And ye shall dwell {H3427} in the land {H776} that I gave {H5414} to your fathers {H1}; and ye shall be my people {H5971}, and I will be your God {H430}.

Complete Jewish Bible

You will live in the land I gave to your ancestors. You will be my people, and I will be your God.

Berean Standard Bible

Then you will live in the land that I gave your forefathers; you will be My people, and I will be your God.

American Standard Version

And ye shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers; and ye shall be my people, and I will be your God.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 36:28 stands as a pivotal promise within God's grand plan of restoration for Israel, encapsulating the culmination of divine judgment and the dawn of a renewed covenant. This verse declares God's unwavering commitment to bring His exiled people back to their ancestral land, re-establish an intimate relationship with them, and confirm their identity as His chosen people, all as a testament to His faithfulness and holy name among the nations.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 36:28 concludes a powerful prophetic section (Ezekiel 36:16-38) where God addresses Israel's past defilement of the land and His holy name, and then pivots to a glorious promise of future restoration. The preceding verses (Ezekiel 36:24-27) detail the *means* of this restoration: God will gather them from the nations, cleanse them with pure water, remove their stony hearts, and give them new hearts and spirits, enabling them to obey His statutes. Verse 28, therefore, presents the *outcome* of this divine work: a people dwelling securely in their land, living in perfect covenant harmony with their God. It is the blessed result of God's sovereign intervention and transformative grace, setting the stage for the vision of the dry bones in [Ezekiel 37](/ezekiel/37 "Ezekiel 37 - The Valley of Dry Bones").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy of Ezekiel 36 was delivered to the Jewish exiles in Babylon, a people who had been forcibly removed from their homeland and temple due to their persistent idolatry and covenant unfaithfulness. The "land that I gave to your fathers" refers to the land of Canaan, promised to Abraham and his descendants (e.g., [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise of Land to Abraham")). For an ancient Near Eastern people, land was inextricably linked to identity, security, and divine favor. Exile from the land was the ultimate sign of God's judgment and a source of profound shame among the nations (as highlighted in [Ezekiel 36:20-23](/ezekiel/36-20 "Ezekiel 36:20-23 - God's Name Profaned Among the Nations")). Thus, the promise of return to the land and the re-establishment of the covenant relationship was not merely a physical relocation but a profound restoration of national identity, spiritual purity, and divine honor.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully articulates several foundational themes within Ezekiel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, **Restoration to the Land** is a prominent motif, signifying not only a physical return from exile but also the fulfillment of ancient covenant promises made to the patriarchs. This theme underscores God's faithfulness to His word despite Israel's unfaithfulness. Secondly, the phrase "ye shall be my people, and I will be your God" is the quintessential **Covenant Formula**, expressing an intimate, exclusive, and mutual relationship between Yahweh and His chosen people. This formula, broken by Israel's idolatry, is here promised to be renewed, pointing towards a **New Covenant** reality, as seen in parallel prophecies like [Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant Promise"). Thirdly, the entire chapter, culminating in this verse, emphasizes **Divine Sovereignty and Faithfulness**. God's actions are driven not by Israel's merit but by His own holy character and His determination to vindicate His name among the nations, demonstrating His power and glory.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **dwell (Hebrew, _yâshab'_):** (H3427) A primitive root meaning "to sit down," but by implication, "to dwell," "to remain," or "to settle." In the context of Ezekiel 36:28, it signifies a permanent, secure, and peaceful habitation in the promised land, contrasting sharply with the instability and displacement of exile. It speaks to an established presence and rest, a divinely granted security after a period of wandering and judgment.
* **fathers (Hebrew, _ʼâb'_):** (H1) A primitive word denoting "father," "forefather," or "chief." Here, it specifically refers to the patriarchs—Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—to whom God originally promised the land. The inclusion of "fathers" emphasizes the continuity of God's covenant promises across generations and highlights the historical and foundational nature of the land grant as an ancient, irrevocable divine gift.
* **people (Hebrew, _ʻam'_):** (H5971) Derived from a root meaning "to congregate," this word refers to "a people as a congregated unit," specifically a tribe or nation, often Israel. In the covenant formula "my people," it denotes a chosen, distinct, and intimately related group belonging exclusively to God. It signifies a restored collective identity and a unique relationship of ownership and care by the divine, reinforcing their special status among all nations.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And ye shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers":** This clause reasserts God's unwavering commitment to His ancient land promises. It signifies a physical return from Babylonian exile and a secure, permanent re-establishment in the ancestral homeland. The emphasis on "I gave" underscores God's sovereign ownership and generous disposition of the land, reminding Israel that their dwelling there is a divine gift, not a human achievement. It directly addresses the consequences of their disobedience, which led to their expulsion, and promises a reversal of that judgment.
* **"and ye shall be my people, and I will be your God":** This is the quintessential covenant formula, a declaration of renewed and intimate relationship. "Ye shall be my people" signifies Israel's restored identity as God's chosen nation, uniquely set apart for Him. "And I will be your God" affirms God's exclusive commitment, protection, and provision for them. This mutual declaration speaks to a restored fellowship, where God's presence is among them, and their lives are lived in obedience and devotion to Him, marking the essence of a renewed covenant.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 36:28 employs several powerful literary devices. The most prominent is the **Covenant Formula**, "ye shall be my people, and I will be your God," which is a recurring and foundational declaration throughout Scripture, signifying the essence of God's relationship with His chosen people. Its repetition here emphasizes the re-establishment of this broken bond. The verse also utilizes **Divine Promise**, as God Himself speaks the future into being ("ye shall dwell," "ye shall be," "I will be"), highlighting His absolute sovereignty and faithfulness to His word. The phrase "land that I gave to your fathers" serves as an **Allusion** to the Abrahamic Covenant, connecting this future restoration to God's ancient, foundational promises and demonstrating the continuity of His redemptive plan. Finally, the structure of the verse, moving from physical restoration (dwelling in the land) to relational restoration (covenant relationship), demonstrates a **Progression** that underscores the holistic nature of God's redemptive work.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 36:28 is a profound theological statement, anchoring the hope of Israel in God's unshakeable faithfulness and His sovereign power to restore. It is a promise of divine grace that transcends human failure, demonstrating that God's covenant commitments are ultimately upheld by His character, not by human obedience. This verse anticipates the New Covenant, where the internal transformation promised in the preceding verses (a new heart and spirit) enables a true and lasting relationship with God, fulfilling the ancient covenant formula in a spiritual and eternal sense. It underscores that God's ultimate desire is not merely to dwell *among* His people but to be *their* God, and for them to truly be *His* people, in a relationship characterized by intimacy, obedience, and mutual indwelling.

* [Leviticus 26:12](/leviticus/26-12 "Leviticus 26:12 - God's Promise to Walk Among His People")
* [Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant Written on Hearts")
* [Revelation 21:3](/revelation/21-3 "Revelation 21:3 - God Dwells with Humanity")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 36:28 offers profound hope and a deep understanding of God's character for believers today. It reminds us that our relationship with God is not contingent upon our perfect performance, but upon His steadfast love and unwavering faithfulness. Just as God promised to restore Israel from their exile and unfaithfulness, He promises to restore us from our spiritual wanderings and brokenness. This verse invites us to trust in God's power to cleanse us, give us new hearts, and enable us to walk in His ways. It affirms our identity as His beloved people, purchased by grace, and assures us of His constant presence as our God. We are called to live in the security of this renewed covenant, finding our true "land" or dwelling place in Christ, where we experience spiritual rest and an eternal inheritance. Our response should be one of deep gratitude, humble obedience, and confident reliance on the One who always keeps His promises.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's promise to restore Israel, despite their unfaithfulness, inform your understanding of His grace in your own life?**
* **What does it mean for you personally to "dwell in the land" in a spiritual sense, and how does this relate to finding rest and security in Christ?**
* **In what ways does the covenant formula, "ye shall be my people, and I will be your God," shape your identity and purpose as a follower of Christ?**
* **How can the assurance of God's unwavering faithfulness, as seen in this verse, strengthen your faith during times of doubt or struggle?**

### FAQ

**Is Ezekiel 36:28 a prophecy that has already been fulfilled, or is it still future?**

Answer: This prophecy has multiple layers of fulfillment. A partial fulfillment occurred with the return of the Jewish exiles from Babylon to the land of Israel, as chronicled in books like Ezra and Nehemiah. However, the spiritual depth of the promise – particularly the giving of a new heart and spirit (Ezekiel 36:26-27) and the perfect, unbroken covenant relationship – points to a more complete fulfillment that transcends the post-exilic period. The ultimate spiritual fulfillment is found in the New Covenant established through Jesus Christ, where believers, both Jew and Gentile, become God's people with new hearts, indwelt by the Spirit. An eschatological fulfillment is also anticipated in the consummation of God's kingdom, where God will fully dwell with His people in a new heaven and new earth (as described in [Revelation 21:3](/revelation/21-3 "Revelation 21:3 - God Dwells with Humanity")).

**What is the significance of the phrase "my people, and I will be your God" in biblical theology?**

Answer: This phrase is known as the "covenant formula" and is one of the most fundamental expressions of the relationship between God and His chosen people throughout the Bible. It signifies an exclusive, intimate, and mutual bond. "My people" denotes God's ownership, protection, and special regard for Israel. "I will be your God" signifies His commitment to be their sole deity, provider, and sovereign ruler. This formula first appears in [Exodus 6:7](/exodus/6-7 "Exodus 6:7 - God's Promise to Israel") and is repeated in various forms across the Old Testament (e.g., [Leviticus 26:12](/leviticus/26-12 "Leviticus 26:12 - God's Promise to Walk Among His People"), [Jeremiah 30:22](/jeremiah/30-22 "Jeremiah 30:22 - Renewed Covenant Promise")). In the New Testament, it is applied to the church, the spiritual Israel, indicating that believers in Christ are now God's people, and He is their God, through the new covenant (e.g., [2 Corinthians 6:16](/2_corinthians/6-16 "2 Corinthians 6:16 - God's Dwelling in Believers"), [Hebrews 8:10](/hebrews/8-10 "Hebrews 8:10 - The New Covenant in Hebrews")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 36:28 finds its profoundest and ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ and the New Covenant. The promise of dwelling "in the land that I gave to your fathers" is spiritually realized in Christ, who is the true "land" and spiritual inheritance for believers. Through Him, we are brought into God's presence and given an eternal dwelling place, not merely a physical territory, but a secure and lasting spiritual reality in the heavenly places (as described in [Ephesians 2:6](/ephesians/2-6 "Ephesians 2:6 - Seated with Christ in Heavenly Places")). The core covenant formula, "ye shall be my people, and I will be your God," is perfectly embodied in the person and work of Christ. He is the mediator of the New Covenant, through whom God's people are cleansed, given new hearts by the Holy Spirit (echoing [Ezekiel 36:26-27](/ezekiel/36-26 "Ezekiel 36:26-27 - A New Heart and Spirit")), and enabled to obey God's laws from the heart. Through faith in Jesus, Gentiles are grafted into the spiritual Israel, becoming part of God's chosen "people" (as taught in [Romans 11:17-24](/romans/11-17 "Romans 11:17-24 - The Grafting of Gentiles")). The promise "I will be your God" is fulfilled as God, in Christ, reconciles humanity to Himself, dwelling among us through the Spirit and ultimately in the New Creation, where the Lamb is the temple and God truly dwells with His redeemed humanity (as beautifully envisioned in [Revelation 21:3](/revelation/21-3 "Revelation 21:3 - God Dwells with Humanity")). Thus, Ezekiel 36:28 is not just a historical promise for Israel, but a prophetic foreshadowing of the glorious reality of salvation and communion with God made possible through Jesus Christ.

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 31:33

But this [shall be] the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people.

Ezekiel 37:27

My tabernacle also shall be with them: yea, I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

Jeremiah 32:38

And they shall be my people, and I will be their God:

Ezekiel 37:23

Neither shall they defile themselves any more with their idols, nor with their detestable things, nor with any of their transgressions: but I will save them out of all their dwellingplaces, wherein they have sinned, and will cleanse them: so shall they be my people, and I will be their God.

Ezekiel 11:20

That they may walk in my statutes, and keep mine ordinances, and do them: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God.

Jeremiah 30:22

And ye shall be my people, and I will be your God.

Jeremiah 30:23

Behold, the whirlwind of the LORD goeth forth with fury, a continuing whirlwind: it shall fall with pain upon the head of the wicked.