Who are "they" who shall say this in Ezekiel 36:35?

"They" primarily refers to the surrounding Gentile nations. The context of Ezekiel 36, particularly verses like Ezekiel 36:23 and Ezekiel 36:36, indicates that God's restoration of Israel is not only for their benefit but also for the vindication of His holy name among the nations. When the Gentiles see the miraculous transformation of the land from desolation to Eden-like beauty and the rebuilding of its cities, they will be compelled to acknowledge the power and faithfulness of the God of Israel. This serves as a powerful testimony to His unique sovereignty.

What is the significance of the land becoming "like the garden of Eden"?

The comparison to the Garden of Eden is profoundly significant. It evokes images of primordial perfection, unblemished beauty, abundant fruitfulness, and direct divine presence. In biblical thought, Eden represents the ideal state of creation before the Fall, a place of harmony between God, humanity, and nature. For the desolate land of Israel to become "like the garden of Eden" signifies a complete reversal of the curse and judgment, a return to a state of divine blessing, fertility, and flourishing. It implies not just agricultural prosperity, but a restoration of spiritual and physical well-being, where God's favor is evident and His people can dwell securely in His presence, as seen in Isaiah 51:3.

36:34 36:34

Ezekiel 36:35

36:36 36:36

Bible Versions

And they shall say, This land that was desolate is become like the garden of Eden; and the waste and desolate and ruined cities [are become] fenced, [and] are inhabited.

And they shall say {H559}, This {H1977} land {H776} that was desolate {H8074} is become like the garden {H1588} of Eden {H5731}; and the waste {H2720} and desolate {H8074} and ruined {H2040} cities {H5892} are become fenced {H1219}, and are inhabited {H3427}.

Then they will say, "The land that used to be desolate has become like Gan-'Eden, and the cities formerly ruined, abandoned and wasted have been fortified and are inhabited!"

Then they will say, ‘This land that was desolate has become like the garden of Eden. The cities that were once ruined, desolate, and destroyed are now fortified and inhabited.’

And they shall say, This land that was desolate is become like the garden of Eden; and the waste and desolate and ruined cities are fortified and inhabited.

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.

Verse Lookup

Cross-References

Isaiah 51:3

For the LORD shall comfort Zion: he will comfort all her waste places; and he will make her wilderness like Eden, and her desert like the garden of the LORD; joy and gladness shall be found therein, thanksgiving, and the voice of melody.
Joel 2:3

A fire devoureth before them; and behind them a flame burneth: the land [is] as the garden of Eden before them, and behind them a desolate wilderness; yea, and nothing shall escape them.
Jeremiah 33:9

And it shall be to me a name of joy, a praise and an honour before all the nations of the earth, which shall hear all the good that I do unto them: and they shall fear and tremble for all the goodness and for all the prosperity that I procure unto it.
Psalms 58:11

So that a man shall say, Verily [there is] a reward for the righteous: verily he is a God that judgeth in the earth.
Psalms 126:2

Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing: then said they among the heathen, The LORD hath done great things for them.
Psalms 64:9

And all men shall fear, and shall declare the work of God; for they shall wisely consider of his doing.
Genesis 13:10

¶ And Lot lifted up his eyes, and beheld all the plain of Jordan, that it [was] well watered every where, before the LORD destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, [even] as the garden of the LORD, like the land of Egypt, as thou comest unto Zoar.

Bible Versions

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