Ezekiel 36:3

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:

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}:

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;

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,

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

Context

Ezekiel 36:3 is part of a pivotal prophecy delivered by the prophet Ezekiel to the "mountains of Israel." While chapters 33-35 focus on Israel's past sins and the judgment that led to their exile and desolation, chapter 36 marks a significant shift. It transitions from judgment to a powerful message of restoration, cleansing, and renewal for the nation of Israel. This specific verse highlights the dire circumstances that precede God's promised intervention: the land's desolation and the humiliation of God's people at the hands of surrounding nations. The Lord God is speaking directly to the land itself, emphasizing the depth of its suffering and the reproach it endured.

Key Themes

  • Desolation and Humiliation: The verse vividly describes the state of Israel's land and people: "desolate," "swallowed up," "a possession unto the residue of the heathen," and an "infamy of the people." This underscores the profound suffering and public shame Israel experienced due to their disobedience and subsequent exile, as prophesied in passages like Leviticus 26:33.
  • Divine Vindication: The phrase "Thus saith the Lord GOD; Because they have made [you] desolate" signals God's awareness and righteous indignation. He sees the injustice and mockery His people and land have suffered. This declaration sets the stage for God's intervention, not only for Israel's sake but also for the vindication of His own holy name, which had been profaned among the nations because of Israel's perceived weakness (Ezekiel 36:22-23).
  • The Scorn of the Heathen: The expressions "taken up in the lips of talkers" and "an infamy of the people" emphasize the public contempt and ridicule Israel faced. Their defeat and exile were interpreted by pagan nations as a sign of their God's inability or abandonment, bringing dishonor to the Lord.

Linguistic Insights

  • The Hebrew word for "swallowed you up" (bala') implies a complete consumption or destruction, painting a picture of utter ruin and devastation.
  • "Infamy of the people" comes from the Hebrew dibbath-`am, which literally means "evil report of the people" or "slander of the people." It conveys the idea of public scorn, malicious gossip, and a widely circulated negative reputation, highlighting the deep shame Israel endured.

Practical Application

Ezekiel 36:3 offers several timeless insights:

  • God Sees Our Suffering: For those who feel "desolate," "swallowed up" by circumstances, or subjected to "infamy" and mockery, this verse reminds us that God is fully aware of our plight. He sees the injustice and hears the scorn.
  • God's Honor is Intertwined: The Lord's motivation for acting is often tied to His own glory and name. When His people are scorned, His name is at stake. This encourages us to live in a way that honors Him, knowing He defends His own.
  • Hope in Desolation: Even from the lowest point of desolation and public humiliation, God promises restoration. This verse, though bleak in its description, is the prelude to a profound message of hope and renewal, including the promise of a new heart and spirit. It assures us that God can bring life and honor out of ruin.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified 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.