Ezekiel 36:36

Then the heathen that are left round about you shall know that I the LORD build the ruined [places, and] plant that that was desolate: I the LORD have spoken [it], and I will do [it].

Then the heathen {H1471} that are left {H7604} round about {H5439} you shall know {H3045} that I the LORD {H3068} build {H1129} the ruined {H2040} places, and plant {H5193} that that was desolate {H8074}: I the LORD {H3068} have spoken {H1696} it, and I will do {H6213} it.

Then the nations around you that remain will know that I, ADONAI, have rebuilt the ruins and replanted what was abandoned. I, ADONAI, have spoken; and I will do it.'

Then the nations around you that remain will know that I, the LORD, have rebuilt what was destroyed, and I have replanted what was desolate. I, the LORD, have spoken, and I will do it.

Then the nations that are left round about you shall know that I, Jehovah, have builded the ruined places, and planted that which was desolate: I, Jehovah, have spoken it, and I will do it.

Commentary

Ezekiel 36:36 concludes a powerful passage of divine promises, assuring the exiled Israelites of God's unwavering commitment to their restoration. This verse serves as a climactic declaration, emphasizing God's omnipotence and faithfulness in bringing His word to pass.

Context

This verse is part of a larger prophetic discourse in Ezekiel chapters 36 and 37, delivered to the Jewish exiles in Babylon. The people had been scattered and their land desolate due to their disobedience and idolatry. The surrounding "heathen" nations often mocked Israel's God, believing He was unable to protect His people. In this context, God promises not only to regather His people and purify them (Ezekiel 36:26-27) but also to visibly restore their land and fortunes. This restoration would serve as an undeniable testimony to His power and identity.

Key Themes

  • Divine Restoration: The core message is God's active role in rebuilding and renewing what was ruined and desolate. This encompasses both the physical land of Israel and the spiritual condition of its people. God is depicted as the ultimate builder and planter, bringing life out of devastation.
  • God's Unwavering Faithfulness: The declaration, "I the LORD have spoken [it], and I will do [it]," underscores the absolute certainty of God's word. It highlights His unchanging character and His commitment to His covenant promises, even when human failure seems to have rendered them impossible. This echoes the truth found in Numbers 23:19 that God is not a man that He should lie.
  • God's Glory Revealed to the Nations: A crucial aspect of this restoration is that the "heathen" nations will "know that I the LORD" am the one performing these miraculous acts. Israel's restoration is not just for their own benefit, but also to vindicate God's name and display His sovereignty to those who previously doubted or despised Him.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "I the LORD have spoken [it], and I will do [it]" (Hebrew: ืึฒื ึดื™ ื™ึฐื”ื•ึธื” ื“ึดึผื‘ึทึผืจึฐืชึดึผื™ ื•ึฐืขึธืฉึดื‚ื™ืชึดื™ - 'ani YHWH dibbarti v'asiti) is a powerful assertion of divine authority and certainty. The use of God's covenant name, YHWH (LORD), emphasizes His personal commitment and unchanging nature. The directness of "I have spoken and I will do" leaves no room for doubt regarding the fulfillment of His promises, showcasing His omnipotence and reliability.

Practical Application

For believers today, Ezekiel 36:36 offers immense encouragement and a reminder of God's transformative power. Just as God promised to rebuild and replant ancient Israel, He continues to work in our lives, bringing hope to desolate situations and spiritual renewal where there was ruin. This verse assures us that God's promises are true and that His faithfulness extends to every generation. Our personal transformation and the restoration of our lives can become a powerful testimony to those around us, pointing others to the God who speaks and acts.

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

Cross-References

  • Ezekiel 37:14 (8 votes)

    And shall put my spirit in you, and ye shall live, and I shall place you in your own land: then shall ye know that I the LORD have spoken [it], and performed [it], saith the LORD.

  • Matthew 24:35 (8 votes)

    Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.

  • Numbers 23:19 (7 votes)

    God [is] not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do [it]? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?

  • Ezekiel 17:24 (7 votes)

    And all the trees of the field shall know that I the LORD have brought down the high tree, have exalted the low tree, have dried up the green tree, and have made the dry tree to flourish: I the LORD have spoken and have done [it].

  • Hosea 14:4 (6 votes)

    ยถ I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely: for mine anger is turned away from him.

  • Hosea 14:9 (6 votes)

    Who [is] wise, and he shall understand these [things]? prudent, and he shall know them? for the ways of the LORD [are] right, and the just shall walk in them: but the transgressors shall fall therein.

  • Ezekiel 22:14 (5 votes)

    Can thine heart endure, or can thine hands be strong, in the days that I shall deal with thee? I the LORD have spoken [it], and will do [it].