Ezekiel 36:33

Thus saith the Lord GOD; In the day that I shall have cleansed you from all your iniquities I will also cause [you] to dwell in the cities, and the wastes shall be builded.

Thus saith {H559} the Lord {H136} GOD {H3069}; In the day {H3117} that I shall have cleansed {H2891} you from all your iniquities {H5771} I will also cause you to dwell {H3427} in the cities {H5892}, and the wastes {H2723} shall be builded {H1129}.

"Adonai ELOHIM says, 'When the day comes for me to cleanse you from all your guilt, I will cause the cities to be inhabited and the ruins to be rebuilt.

This is what the Lord GOD says: On the day I cleanse you from all your iniquities, I will cause the cities to be resettled and the ruins to be rebuilt.

Thus saith the Lord Jehovah: In the day that I cleanse you from all your iniquities, I will cause the cities to be inhabited, and the waste places shall be builded.

Commentary

Ezekiel 36:33 is a powerful declaration of God’s intention to restore His people, Israel, both spiritually and physically, after a period of judgment and exile. This verse highlights the divine initiative in bringing about a complete renewal, starting with inner purification and extending to the rebuilding of their devastated homeland.

Context

This verse is part of a larger prophecy in Ezekiel chapters 36 and 37, often referred to as the "Restoration Prophecy." Following prophecies of judgment and the destruction of Jerusalem due to Israel's idolatry and rebellion, God now promises a glorious future. The preceding verses in chapter 36 speak of God gathering His people from among the nations (Ezekiel 36:24), giving them a new heart and a new spirit, and cleansing them from all their defilement (Ezekiel 36:26-27). Verse 33 directly follows this promise of spiritual cleansing, emphasizing that the physical restoration—dwelling in cities and rebuilding wastes—is a direct consequence and sign of this divine purification.

Key Themes

  • Divine Cleansing and Forgiveness: The phrase "I shall have cleansed you from all your iniquities" underscores God's sovereign act of purification. This is not something Israel earns but a gracious work initiated by God to remove the stain of sin that led to their exile. It speaks to God's desire for a holy people.
  • Physical Restoration and Rebuilding: The promise to "cause you to dwell in the cities, and the wastes shall be builded" directly addresses the desolation caused by the Babylonian invasion. It signifies a return to normalcy, prosperity, and security in their land, a tangible manifestation of God's renewed favor. This rebuilding is a sign of new life emerging from ruin.
  • Covenant Faithfulness: This verse beautifully illustrates God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, even when His people have been unfaithful. He acts not because of their merit but for the sake of His holy name (Ezekiel 36:22).
  • God's Initiative: The recurring "I will" ("I will also cause," "I shall have cleansed") highlights that this entire process of restoration, both spiritual and physical, is God's doing. He is the active agent in bringing about redemption and renewal.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "cleansed" is ṭāhēr (طه), which signifies not just washing away dirt but a deep purification, making something ritually and morally clean. This implies a thorough removal of defilement. The term "wastes" (Hebrew: ḥarābôt) refers to desolate, ruined places, emphasizing the severe destruction Israel experienced. The promise that these "wastes shall be builded" (nibnû, built) speaks to a complete reversal of their fortunes, transforming desolation into flourishing communities.

Practical Application

Ezekiel 36:33 offers profound hope and encouragement for believers today. Just as God promised to cleanse and restore ancient Israel, He continues to work in our lives:

  • Hope in God's Cleansing: For those burdened by sin and guilt, this verse reminds us that God is willing and able to cleanse us completely through Christ (1 John 1:9). Spiritual cleansing is the prerequisite for true restoration and peace.
  • Restoration from Despair: If your life or circumstances feel like "wastes" or desolate places—whether due to past mistakes, broken relationships, or difficult trials—God promises to rebuild. He can bring beauty from ashes and new life where there was only ruin (Isaiah 61:3).
  • God's Active Hand: We are reminded that our restoration is ultimately God's work. While we have a part to play, the primary initiative and power for transformation come from Him. Trust in His sovereign plan and His ability to bring about renewal in all areas of your life.
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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

  • Ezekiel 36:10 (5 votes)

    And I will multiply men upon you, all the house of Israel, [even] all of it: and the cities shall be inhabited, and the wastes shall be builded:

  • Isaiah 58:12 (4 votes)

    And [they that shall be] of thee shall build the old waste places: thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in.

  • Jeremiah 33:10 (3 votes)

    ¶ Thus saith the LORD; Again there shall be heard in this place, which ye say [shall be] desolate without man and without beast, [even] in the cities of Judah, and in the streets of Jerusalem, that are desolate, without man, and without inhabitant, and without beast,

  • Zechariah 8:7 (3 votes)

    Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Behold, I will save my people from the east country, and from the west country;

  • Zechariah 8:8 (3 votes)

    And I will bring them, and they shall dwell in the midst of Jerusalem: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God, in truth and in righteousness.

  • Jeremiah 50:19 (2 votes)

    And I will bring Israel again to his habitation, and he shall feed on Carmel and Bashan, and his soul shall be satisfied upon mount Ephraim and Gilead.

  • Jeremiah 50:20 (2 votes)

    In those days, and in that time, saith the LORD, the iniquity of Israel shall be sought for, and [there shall be] none; and the sins of Judah, and they shall not be found: for I will pardon them whom I reserve.