Ezekiel 36:37

Ezekiel 36:37 is a powerful declaration from God, emphasizing His sovereign plan for the restoration of the house of Israel while also highlighting the role of human prayer and supplication in the fulfillment of divine promises. This verse serves as a bridge, connecting God's unconditional pledges with the active participation of His people.

Context

This verse concludes a profound section in Ezekiel 36 where the Lord outlines His intention to restore Israel, not because of their righteousness, but for the sake of His holy name (see Ezekiel 36:22). God promises a spiritual cleansing, a new heart and a new spirit (Ezekiel 36:26), and a return to their land with prosperity. Ezekiel 36:37 specifically addresses the demographic and physical restoration, promising a vast increase in population after the devastating period of the Babylonian exile, which had left the land desolate. It shows that even after God has promised something, He still desires His people to seek Him for its accomplishment.

Key Themes

• Divine Initiative and Human Intercession: God states, "I will yet for this be enquired of by the house of Israel, to do it for them." This highlights the paradox of God's sovereignty and human responsibility. God has already declared His intention to act, yet He invites and expects His people to pray and seek Him for the fulfillment of these very promises. This teaches us that prayer is not about changing God's mind, but aligning with His will and participating in His divine plan. This dynamic is central to the covenant relationship.
• Restoration and Abundance: The promise, "I will increase them with men like a flock," signifies a vast demographic and societal resurgence. After the decimation and dispersion of the exile, God pledges to multiply His people, returning them to a state of flourishing and abundance, reminiscent of a shepherd tending to a prosperous flock. This speaks to God's desire for His people to thrive physically and numerically, as part of their comprehensive restoration.
• God's Faithfulness to His Promises: Despite Israel's past unfaithfulness, God remains steadfast in His covenant promises. The restoration is fundamentally an act of God's grace and commitment to His word, demonstrating His enduring love and purpose for His chosen nation (compare with Jeremiah 31:31-34 regarding the new covenant).

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase translated "be enquired of" is דרש (darash), which means "to seek," "to inquire," "to consult," or "to require." It implies an active, diligent seeking of God's presence, will, or intervention. This is not a passive waiting but an earnest seeking through prayer and supplication, demonstrating faith and dependence on God. The phrase "like a flock" uses the Hebrew צאן (tso'n), commonly referring to sheep or goats, symbolizing multiplication, prosperity, and the careful tending of a shepherd.

Practical Application

Ezekiel 36:37 offers vital lessons for believers today:

1. Prayer as Partnership: Even when God has clearly revealed His will or made a promise, He desires our active participation through prayer. Our prayers don't inform God of something He doesn't know, but they demonstrate our faith, dependence, and desire to see His will accomplished. We are called to seek the Lord with all our heart.
2. Trust in God's Promises: This verse encourages us to hold onto God's promises, knowing that He is faithful to perform them. Just as He promised restoration to Israel, He has made countless promises to His church and to individuals that He will fulfill in His time and way.
3. Hope in Restoration: For those experiencing barrenness, desolation, or decline in any area of life (physical, spiritual, communal), this verse offers hope. God is capable of bringing about abundant increase and restoration, even from the most desolate circumstances, as He did for the house of Israel. The Lord delights in blessing and multiplying His people.

In essence, Ezekiel 36:37 reminds us that God's great acts of salvation and blessing are often accompanied by the earnest prayers of His people, illustrating a beautiful interplay between divine sovereignty and human responsibility.