Ezekiel 36:3

KJV

Therefore prophesy and say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Because they have made [you] desolate, and swallowed you up on every side, that ye might be a possession unto the residue of the heathen, and ye are taken up in the lips of talkers, and [are] an infamy of the people:

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore prophesy {H5012} and say {H559}, Thus saith {H559} the Lord {H136} GOD {H3069}; Because they have made you desolate {H8074}, and swallowed you up {H7602} on every side {H5439}, that ye might be a possession {H4181} unto the residue {H7611} of the heathen {H1471}, and ye are taken up {H5927} in the lips {H8193} of talkers {H3956}, and are an infamy {H1681} of the people {H5971}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Therefore prophesy, and say that Adonai ELOHIM says, 'Because they desolated you and swallowed you up from every side, so that the other nations could take possession of you; and now people are gossiping about you and slandering you;

Berean Standard Bible

therefore prophesy and declare that this is what the Lord GOD says: Because they have made you desolate and have trampled you on every side, so that you became a possession of the rest of the nations and were taken up in slander by the lips of their talkers,

American Standard Version

therefore prophesy, and say, Thus saith the Lord Jehovah: Because, even because they have made you desolate, and swallowed you up on every side, that ye might be a possession unto the residue of the nations, and ye are taken up in the lips of talkers, and the evil report of the people;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 36:3 powerfully articulates the Lord GOD's profound awareness of the desolate state of the land of Israel and the deep humiliation endured by its people during the Babylonian exile. It vividly portrays how surrounding nations exploited Israel's downfall, transforming their land into a possession and their suffering into a subject of widespread mockery and slander. This verse serves as a crucial preamble to God's subsequent promises of restoration, highlighting the depth of ruin and public scorn from which He intends to redeem His people and, more significantly, vindicate His holy name among the nations.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 36:3 is strategically placed within a pivotal section of Ezekiel's prophecy, marking a dramatic transition from messages of divine judgment to profound declarations of future restoration. The preceding chapters (33-35) meticulously detail the reasons for Israel's judgment, including the fall of Jerusalem as a consequence of their sin ([Ezekiel 33](/ezekiel/33 "Ezekiel 33 - The Watchman's Role and Jerusalem's Fall")), and pronounce condemnation upon the corrupt leaders of Israel and the nations that preyed upon God's people. Chapter 36, however, initiates a new phase by directly addressing the "mountains of Israel"—a poetic reference to the land itself—with a message of hope and renewal. This particular verse precisely describes the extent of the desolation and humiliation suffered by both the land and its inhabitants, thereby providing the immediate and stark backdrop for the grand promises of spiritual cleansing, the gift of a new heart, and the repopulation of the land that follow in [Ezekiel 36:24-38](/ezekiel/36-24-38 "Ezekiel 36:24-38 - Promises of Restoration and Renewal"). The divine imperative, "Therefore prophesy and say, Thus saith the Lord GOD," underscores God's absolute authority and His proactive initiative in addressing the present suffering before unveiling His magnificent redemptive plan.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical setting for Ezekiel 36:3 is the grim reality of the Babylonian exile, following the catastrophic destruction of Jerusalem and its sacred temple in 586 BC. The people of Judah had been forcibly removed from their ancestral land, which now lay desolate and vulnerable, ripe for encroachment by opportunistic neighboring nations such as Edom, Ammon, and Philistia. In the broader ancient Near Eastern worldview, the defeat, destruction, and exile of a people were universally interpreted as undeniable proof of their god's weakness, impotence, or even abandonment. Consequently, Israel's desolation and profound humiliation were not merely physical calamities but carried immense spiritual and reputational weight. The phrases "lips of talkers" and "infamy of the people" directly refer to the widespread mockery, scorn, and malicious gossip emanating from these surrounding pagan nations. They viewed Israel's plight as irrefutable evidence of their own gods' superiority and Yahweh's perceived inability to protect His covenant people. This public disgrace was a deep source of shame for the exiled Israelites and, more critically, represented a profound profanation of God's holy name among the very nations He sought to reveal Himself to, a concern explicitly articulated later in [Ezekiel 36:20-23](/ezekiel/36-20-23 "Ezekiel 36:20-23 - God's Concern for His Holy Name").
* **Key Themes:** This verse serves as a powerful conduit for several overarching theological and narrative themes prevalent in Ezekiel and the broader prophetic corpus. The theme of **Desolation and Humiliation** is central, vividly portraying the dire consequences of Israel's persistent covenant unfaithfulness, which led to their land becoming utterly "desolate" and their people becoming an "infamy" among the nations. This directly fulfills the prophetic warnings of exile and dispersion found in foundational covenant texts like [Leviticus 26:33](/leviticus/26-33 "Leviticus 26:33 - Dispersion Among the Nations") and [Deuteronomy 28:37](/deuteronomy/28-37 "Deuteronomy 28:37 - A Byword Among Nations"). Another crucial theme introduced is **Divine Vindication and God's Jealousy for His Name**. The Lord GOD's declaration of His awareness of the injustice and mockery sets the stage for His subsequent intervention, which is motivated not primarily by Israel's inherent worthiness, but by His unwavering commitment to restore the honor of His own name, which had been grievously profaned among the nations due to Israel's perceived weakness and defeat. This divine motivation is explicitly stated in [Ezekiel 36:22](/ezekiel/36-22 "Ezekiel 36:22 - God Acts for His Name's Sake"). Finally, the verse introduces the theme of **The Scorn of the Heathen**, emphasizing how Israel's defeat was mercilessly exploited by pagan nations to mock Yahweh, thereby underscoring the urgent necessity for divine action to demonstrably reassert His sovereignty and unparalleled power.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **desolate (Hebrew, _shâmêm'_):** From H8074, meaning to stun, grow numb, devastate, or stupefy. In this context, it precisely describes the physical state of the land of Israel—left in ruins, abandoned, and empty—as a direct and severe consequence of divine judgment and the subsequent exile. It conveys a profound sense of emptiness, ruin, and abandonment, reflecting both the physical destruction of the territory and the spiritual barrenness that precipitated such a devastating outcome.
* **swallowed you up (Hebrew, _shâʼaph'_):** From H7602, meaning to inhale eagerly, figuratively to cover, or to devour. This potent and vivid verb paints a chilling picture of complete consumption and overwhelming destruction. It suggests that the surrounding nations, like ravenous beasts, have aggressively and utterly consumed and absorbed the land and its resources, leaving nothing behind for the rightful inhabitants. This emphasizes the aggressive, voracious, and total nature of the foreign appropriation and exploitation.
* **infamy (Hebrew, _dibbâh'_):** From H1681, meaning slander, evil report, or defamation. This word highlights the severe public and reputational damage suffered by Israel. It implies that Israel's dire plight was not merely observed passively but was actively discussed, mocked, and maliciously maligned by the surrounding peoples. It refers to the widespread negative reputation, the malicious gossip, and the pervasive public scorn that brought deep shame and dishonor upon the exiled nation and, by direct extension, upon their God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore prophesy and say, Thus saith the Lord GOD;":** This opening imperative establishes the absolute divine authority and the solemn nature of Ezekiel's message. It clarifies that these are not merely Ezekiel's own insights or pronouncements, but the direct, authoritative declaration of "the Lord GOD" (a combination of `ʼĂdônây` H136 and `Yᵉhôvih` H3069, emphasizing God's sovereign mastery and covenant faithfulness), thereby underscoring the absolute certainty and omnipotent power of the pronouncement that follows.
* **"Because they have made [you] desolate, and swallowed you up on every side,":** This clause precisely identifies the specific, aggressive actions perpetrated by the surrounding nations against the land and people of Israel. They have actively devastated the land, rendering it empty and ruined, and have consumed its resources and occupied its territory from all directions. This highlights the comprehensive and pervasive nature of the foreign oppression and the complete vulnerability of the land.
* **"that ye might be a possession unto the residue of the heathen,":** This explains the ultimate outcome and malicious intention behind the nations' actions: to claim Israel's land as their own permanent inheritance or property. The "residue of the heathen" (referring to the remaining pagan nations, `shᵉʼêrîyth` H7611 of `gôwy` H1471) denotes those who survived the broader regional turmoil and now sought to capitalize on Israel's downfall, viewing the vacated land as a legitimate inheritance for themselves.
* **"and ye are taken up in the lips of talkers, and [are] an infamy of the people:":** This final clause vividly describes the profound public humiliation and widespread scorn that Israel endured. Their desolation and defeat became a constant subject of widespread gossip, malicious mockery, and slander among the "talkers" (`lâshôwn` H3956, implying those who speak idly or maliciously) and the general "people" (`ʻam` H5971, referring to the surrounding pagan nations). This "infamy" (`dibbâh` H1681) signifies the deep shame, dishonor, and public disgrace cast upon the exiled nation and, critically, upon their God.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 36:3 masterfully employs several powerful **literary devices** to convey the profound depth of Israel's suffering and the Lord's righteous indignation. While not explicitly stated in this verse, the broader context of [Ezekiel 36](/ezekiel/36 "Ezekiel 36 - Restoration of Israel") implies **personification** as the prophecy is directed to the "mountains of Israel," treating the land itself as a sentient entity capable of experiencing desolation and being "swallowed up." This amplifies the sense of violation and suffering inflicted upon the very ground. The phrase "swallowed you up" functions as a potent **metaphor** or **hyperbole**, vividly portraying the complete and aggressive consumption of the land and its resources by invading nations, suggesting a voracious, almost animalistic act of devouring. Furthermore, "taken up in the lips of talkers" is a clear **metonymy** for being the subject of widespread gossip, mockery, and slander, emphasizing the public and verbal nature of Israel's humiliation. The entire verse uses **pathos** to evoke a strong emotional response regarding the profound shame, suffering, and public disgrace inflicted upon God's chosen people and their sacred land.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 36:3 serves as a stark and sobering reminder of the severe consequences of covenant disobedience, where the very land itself bears the visible scars of Israel's unfaithfulness, standing as a desolate testament to their spiritual adultery. Yet, even within this bleak depiction of desolation and public shame, the verse subtly introduces the profound divine motivation for future restoration: God's unwavering concern for the sanctity and honor of His own holy name. The humiliation of Israel was inextricably linked to the perceived weakness and impotence of their God in the eyes of the pagan nations. Therefore, God's subsequent promise to act is not solely out of compassion for Israel's plight, but primarily to powerfully vindicate His own sovereignty and holiness, demonstrating to all nations that He alone is the one true God, capable of both righteous judgment and magnificent restoration. This pivotal theological point sets the stage for the profound renewal described later in the chapter, where God promises to cleanse His people, implant within them a new heart and spirit, and miraculously bring them back to their land, all for the ultimate glory of His name.

* [Leviticus 26:33](/leviticus/26-33 "Leviticus 26:33 - Dispersion and Desolation")
* [Deuteronomy 28:37](/deuteronomy/28-37 "Deuteronomy 28:37 - A Byword and Proverb")
* [Ezekiel 36:22-23](/ezekiel/36-22-23 "Ezekiel 36:22-23 - God's Name Profaned and Vindicated")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 36:3, while rooted in a specific historical judgment, resonates deeply with the universal human experience of hardship, shame, and feeling utterly overwhelmed. It serves as a powerful reminder that God is intimately aware of our desolate places, whether they manifest as physical circumstances, profound emotional states, or periods of spiritual barrenness. When we feel "swallowed up" by life's relentless challenges, or when we become the subject of "infamy" and scorn due to our failures, perceived weaknesses, or even our faithfulness, this verse assures us that the Lord GOD sees, hears, and is intimately acquainted with our suffering. It challenges us to profoundly consider how our lives, both individually and corporately as the church, reflect God's character and honor His name to a watching world. While the world may mock our struggles or failures, God's ultimate concern is the vindication of His holy name. This profound truth should inspire us to live in a manner that consistently honors Him, even amidst our deepest struggles, trusting implicitly that He possesses the power to bring magnificent restoration and glory out of the most desolate and seemingly hopeless situations. The glorious promise that immediately follows this bleak description in Ezekiel 36 is one of profound spiritual and physical renewal, offering unwavering hope that God can transform our personal and communal desolation into a powerful testimony of His sovereign power and boundless grace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of your life do you currently feel "desolate" or "swallowed up" by overwhelming circumstances?**
* **How does the profound idea of God's concern for His own holy name impact your perspective on personal suffering or public shame you may experience?**
* **How might the church, as God's chosen people in the present age, be perceived as an "infamy" in the eyes of the world today, and what might God desire to do to vindicate His name through us?**
* **Knowing that God promises profound restoration even from the deepest desolation, what specific hope does this verse offer you in your current challenges and struggles?**

### FAQ

**What does "taken up in the lips of talkers" mean?**

Answer: This phrase means that the desolation, defeat, and humiliation of Israel became a common and widespread subject of conversation, gossip, and malicious mockery among the surrounding nations. The "talkers" (from the Hebrew word `lâshôwn` H3956, meaning "tongue" or "speech," which in this context implies idle, critical, or malicious talk) would actively spread negative reports and slander about Israel, making their dire plight a public spectacle of scorn and derision. It emphasizes the pervasive public humiliation and the active defamation of Israel's reputation among the "people" (`ʻam` H5971, referring to the pagan nations).

**Why is God so concerned about His "holy name" being profaned?**

Answer: God's concern for His "holy name" (often represented by `YHWH` H3069, or `ʼĂdônây` H136) is absolutely central to His character and covenant relationship because His name represents His very being, His character, His power, and His unwavering covenant faithfulness. When Israel, His chosen people, was defeated, exiled, and suffered such profound desolation, the pagan nations interpreted this as a clear sign of Yahweh's weakness, inability, or even abandonment of His people. This brought immense dishonor to God's reputation among the nations, effectively profaning His holy name and diminishing His perceived power. God's subsequent actions of magnificent restoration, therefore, are not solely for Israel's benefit or because of their inherent merit, but primarily to powerfully demonstrate His sovereignty, His unparalleled power, and His unshakeable faithfulness to the entire world, thereby vindicating His holy name and proving beyond doubt that He is indeed the one true and living God, as explicitly stated in [Ezekiel 36:22-23](/ezekiel/36-22-23 "Ezekiel 36:22-23 - God's Name Profaned and Vindicated").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 36:3, with its stark depiction of desolation, being "swallowed up," and suffering "infamy," finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment not merely in the physical restoration of a land, but in the profound spiritual restoration wrought by Jesus Christ for all humanity. Just as Israel's desolation was a direct consequence of their sin and covenant unfaithfulness, so too is the universal human condition marked by spiritual barrenness, alienation, and separation from a holy God due to sin, making us, in essence, an "infamy" in the eyes of divine righteousness, justly deserving of judgment. Yet, Christ, the ultimate Prophet, came to "prophesy" and declare the definitive "Thus saith the Lord GOD" through His perfect life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection. He Himself became truly "desolate" and was "swallowed up" by the righteous wrath of God on the cross, bearing the "infamy" and profound shame of humanity's sin. He became a "reproach of men, and despised of the people" as profoundly prophesied in [Psalm 22:6](/psalm/22-6 "Psalm 22:6 - A Reproach of Men"). By His unparalleled sacrifice, Jesus took upon Himself the very desolation, public scorn, and divine judgment that was rightfully due to us, so that we might become a "possession" not of the heathen nations, but of God Himself, a "chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Chosen Race, a Royal Priesthood")). His resurrection and the subsequent outpouring of the Holy Spirit profoundly fulfill the promise of a "new heart and a new spirit" ([Ezekiel 36:26](/ezekiel/36-26 "Ezekiel 36:26 - A New Heart and Spirit")) for all who believe, transforming spiritual desolation into vibrant, eternal life and bringing immeasurable honor to God's holy name through a redeemed and transformed people. The ultimate and most glorious vindication of God's holy name is seen in the triumphant victory of Christ over sin, death, and the powers of darkness, demonstrating God's supreme power and unwavering faithfulness to all creation, far surpassing any earthly or temporal restoration.

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

Psalms 44:13

Thou makest us a reproach to our neighbours, a scorn and a derision to them that are round about us.

Psalms 44:14

Thou makest us a byword among the heathen, a shaking of the head among the people.

Lamentations 2:15

All that pass by clap [their] hands at thee; they hiss and wag their head at the daughter of Jerusalem, [saying, Is] this the city that [men] call The perfection of beauty, The joy of the whole earth?

Lamentations 2:16

All thine enemies have opened their mouth against thee: they hiss and gnash the teeth: they say, We have swallowed [her] up: certainly this [is] the day that we looked for; we have found, we have seen [it].

Jeremiah 18:16

To make their land desolate, [and] a perpetual hissing; every one that passeth thereby shall be astonished, and wag his head.

Jeremiah 33:24

Considerest thou not what this people have spoken, saying, The two families which the LORD hath chosen, he hath even cast them off? thus they have despised my people, that they should be no more a nation before them.

Psalms 79:10

Wherefore should the heathen say, Where [is] their God? let him be known among the heathen in our sight [by] the revenging of the blood of thy servants [which is] shed.