Ezekiel 36:38

KJV

As the holy flock, as the flock of Jerusalem in her solemn feasts; so shall the waste cities be filled with flocks of men: and they shall know that I [am] the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

As the holy {H6944} flock {H6629}, as the flock {H6629} of Jerusalem {H3389} in her solemn feasts {H4150}; so shall the waste {H2720} cities {H5892} be filled {H4392} with flocks {H6629} of men {H120}: and they shall know {H3045} that I am the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

like flocks of sheep for sacrifices, like the flocks of sheep in Yerushalayim at its designated times, in this degree will the ruined cities be filled with flocks of people. Then they will know that I am ADONAI.'"

Berean Standard Bible

Like the numerous flocks for sacrifices at Jerusalem during her appointed feasts, so the ruined cities will be filled with flocks of people. Then they will know that I am the LORD.”

American Standard Version

As the flock for sacrifice, as the flock of Jerusalem in her appointed feasts, so shall the waste cities be filled with flocks of men; and they shall know that I am Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 36:38 serves as a powerful concluding statement to God's promises of restoration for Israel, envisioning a dramatic transformation of the desolate land and its ruined cities. It portrays a future where the previously waste places will be abundantly repopulated with people, likened to the vast, consecrated flocks of sheep that gathered in Jerusalem for its solemn festivals. This profound renewal is presented as undeniable proof of God's sovereign power and faithfulness, ensuring that both Israel and the nations will ultimately acknowledge His divine identity and authority.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse climactically concludes a chapter brimming with prophecies of Israel's spiritual and physical renewal following their exile. The preceding verses in [Ezekiel 36](/ezekiel/36 "Ezekiel 36 - Israel's Restoration") detail God's intention to gather His scattered people, cleanse them from their idolatry, and replace their stony hearts with hearts of flesh, enabling them to obey His statutes ([Ezekiel 36:24-27](/ezekiel/36-24 "Ezekiel 36:24-27 - God's Promise of a New Heart and Spirit")). Furthermore, God promises to restore the land itself, making it fruitful and beautiful, transforming its desolation into a veritable Garden of Eden ([Ezekiel 36:33-35](/ezekiel/36-33 "Ezekiel 36:33-35 - The Land Made Fruitful Again")). The imagery of abundant flocks in verse 38 directly follows the promise that the cities will be rebuilt and inhabited, emphasizing the sheer scale of the repopulation and the reversal of the judgment that had left the land desolate. This restoration is consistently presented as being for the sake of God's holy name, not due to Israel's merit ([Ezekiel 36:22-23](/ezekiel/36-22 "Ezekiel 36:22-23 - God's Name Sanctified")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ezekiel prophesied during the Babylonian exile (6th century BCE), a period of profound national trauma for Israel. Jerusalem had been destroyed, the temple desecrated, and the people deported, leaving the land "waste" and "desolate" as a consequence of their unfaithfulness to God's covenant. In this context, the imagery of "flocks" and "solemn feasts" would have evoked powerful memories for the exiled Israelites. The "solemn feasts" (Hebrew: _mo'adim_) were the annual pilgrimage festivals (Passover, Pentecost, Tabernacles) when vast numbers of Israelites from all over the land would ascend to Jerusalem, filling the city and its environs with worshippers and their sacrificial animals. This was a time of national unity, vibrant worship, and abundant life. By comparing the future repopulation to these scenes, Ezekiel paints a picture of not just demographic growth, but a return to spiritual vitality, national identity, and covenant faithfulness, contrasting sharply with their current state of ruin and dispersion.
* **Key Themes:** [Ezekiel 36](/ezekiel/36 "Ezekiel 36 - Israel's Restoration") is rich with themes central to the book and prophetic literature. The primary theme in this verse is **Abundant Restoration and Repopulation**, highlighting God's power to reverse complete desolation and bring forth immense fruitfulness, not merely in the land but in its inhabitants. The comparison to "holy flocks" and the crowds at "solemn feasts" signifies an overwhelming return to life and worship. Another crucial theme is **Divine Sovereignty and Self-Revelation**. The recurring declaration, "and they shall know that I am the LORD," underscores that these miraculous acts of restoration are undeniable proof of God's unique identity, omnipotence, and unwavering faithfulness. Through His intervention, both Israel and the surrounding nations will be compelled to acknowledge His supreme authority and covenant fidelity ([Ezekiel 36:23](/ezekiel/36-23 "Ezekiel 36:23 - God's Name Sanctified Among the Nations")). This also ties into the theme of **God's Faithfulness to His Covenant**, demonstrating His commitment to His promises despite Israel's persistent unfaithfulness, as His restoration is an act of sovereign grace and mercy, fulfilling His long-term redemptive plan.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Waste (Hebrew, _chârêb'_):** This word, derived from a root meaning "to be parched or ruined," vividly describes the condition of the cities and land of Israel during the exile. It signifies not merely emptiness but a state of desolation, dryness, and ruin, reflecting the judgment God brought upon the land due to the people's sin. Its use here underscores the miraculous nature of the promised reversal.
* **Filled (Hebrew, _mâlêʼ'_):** Meaning "full (literally or figuratively) or filling," this word expresses the complete and abundant nature of the restoration. It contrasts sharply with "waste," emphasizing that the repopulation will not be sparse but overflowing, indicating a return to prosperity and vitality that is comprehensive and undeniable. The use of "filled" suggests an almost overwhelming abundance, mirroring the vastness of the "flocks."
* **Know (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ'_):** This primitive root signifies "to ascertain by seeing," but extends to a deep, experiential, and relational knowledge. It implies not just intellectual understanding, but recognition, acknowledgment, and a profound awareness of God's character and power. The promise "they shall know that I am the LORD" is the ultimate theological purpose of the restoration, ensuring that God's identity and authority are undeniably revealed through His mighty acts.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"As the holy flock, as the flock of Jerusalem in her solemn feasts;":** This initial clause establishes a powerful simile, setting the standard for the promised abundance. The "holy flock" refers to animals consecrated for sacrifice and the numerous sheep and goats that would accompany pilgrims to Jerusalem. "Jerusalem in her solemn feasts" evokes the immense crowds and bustling activity during the annual pilgrimage festivals (Passover, Pentecost, Tabernacles), when the city would swell with countless worshippers and their sacrificial animals. This imagery conveys a sense of overwhelming multitude, vitality, and spiritual significance. The "holy" aspect suggests that the restored people will be set apart for God's purposes, reflecting His holiness.
* **"so shall the waste cities be filled with flocks of men:":** This clause applies the simile directly to the human population and the physical landscape. The "waste cities" are those that were destroyed and left desolate during the Babylonian exile, standing as monuments to God's judgment. The promise is that these very cities will be "filled" – not just partially inhabited, but overflowing – with "flocks of men." This metaphorically equates the returning exiles with the numerous, thriving flocks, emphasizing the sheer scale of the repopulation and the reversal of desolation. It speaks to a demographic explosion and a return to vibrant community life.
* **"and they shall know that I [am] the LORD.":** This concluding declaration reveals the ultimate theological purpose behind this miraculous restoration. "They" refers to both the restored Israelites and, by extension, the surrounding nations who will witness this transformation. To "know that I am the LORD" (Yahweh) is to experientially recognize God's unique sovereignty, power, faithfulness, and covenant identity. It signifies an undeniable revelation of His character and authority, demonstrating that He alone is the true God, capable of fulfilling His promises and reversing even the most profound desolation. This knowledge is not merely intellectual assent but a profound, transformative recognition of His divine nature.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 36:38 employs several potent **Literary Devices** to convey its message of abundant restoration. The most prominent is **Simile**, evident in the opening phrase "As the holy flock, as the flock of Jerusalem in her solemn feasts; so shall the waste cities be filled with flocks of men." This comparison vividly illustrates the sheer magnitude of the promised repopulation, drawing on a familiar and impressive image of abundance and vitality from Israel's past. The phrase "flocks of men" also functions as a **Metaphor**, directly equating the multitude of returning people with the vast numbers of sheep and goats, implying not just quantity but also a sense of being gathered, led, and cared for by God as their Shepherd. The imagery itself borders on **Hyperbole**, suggesting an almost unimaginable scale of repopulation to emphasize the dramatic reversal of desolation. Finally, the concluding declaration, "and they shall know that I [am] the LORD," is a powerful **Theological Statement** that serves as a recurring refrain throughout Ezekiel, emphasizing God's ultimate purpose in all His actions: the revelation of His unique and sovereign identity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 36:38 stands as a profound testament to God's unwavering commitment to His covenant promises and His sovereign power to bring life out of death. Theologically, it underscores that divine restoration is not merely a physical rebuilding but a spiritual renewal designed to reveal God's glory. The transformation of "waste cities" into bustling centers "filled with flocks of men" demonstrates God's ability to reverse the consequences of sin and judgment, manifesting His grace and mercy. This act of repopulation is intrinsically linked to the prior promises of a new heart and spirit, indicating that the physical restoration is a visible sign of an internal, spiritual work. Ultimately, the verse emphasizes that all of God's redemptive acts serve the purpose of His self-revelation, ensuring that His people and the nations "know that I am the LORD." This knowledge is the ultimate goal, leading to worship, obedience, and the acknowledgment of His supreme authority.

* [Jeremiah 31:27](/jeremiah/31-27 "Jeremiah 31:27 - God's Promise to Sow Israel with People and Animals") - "Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will sow the house of Israel and the house of Judah with the seed of man, and with the seed of beast."
* [Isaiah 49:19-20](/isaiah/49-19 "Isaiah 49:19-20 - Zion's Desolate Places Repopulated") - "For thy waste and thy desolate places, and the land of thy destruction, shall even now be too narrow by reason of the inhabitants, and they that swallowed thee up shall be far away. The children which thou shalt have, after thou hast lost the other, shall say again in thine ears, The place is too strait for me: give place to me that I may dwell."
* [Zechariah 8:3-8](/zechariah/8-3 "Zechariah 8:3-8 - Jerusalem Restored and Inhabited") - "Thus saith the LORD; I am returned unto Zion, and will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem: and Jerusalem shall be called a city of truth; and the mountain of the LORD of hosts the holy mountain. Thus saith the LORD of hosts; There shall yet old men and old women dwell in the streets of Jerusalem, and every man with his staff in his hand for very age. And the streets of the city shall be full of boys and girls playing in the streets thereof."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 36:38 offers profound hope and a powerful reminder of God's restorative power for believers today. Just as God promised to transform the desolate cities of Israel into thriving centers filled with people, He is equally capable of bringing life, abundance, and spiritual flourishing to the most barren and broken areas of our lives, communities, and churches. This verse encourages us to look beyond present desolation, whether it be personal spiritual dryness, a struggling ministry, or societal decay, and to trust in God's sovereign ability to reverse ruin and bring forth overwhelming fruitfulness. It challenges us to pray for revival, to participate in His redemptive work, and to live with an expectant faith that God will indeed fulfill His promises. Ultimately, our response to His restorative acts should lead us to a deeper, more experiential "knowing" of Him as the faithful, powerful LORD who keeps His word and works all things for His glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where in my life or community do I see "waste cities" that need God's restorative touch?**
* **How does the promise of God filling desolate places with "flocks of men" encourage me to trust Him with seemingly impossible situations?**
* **What does it mean for me to "know that I am the LORD" in a deeper, more experiential way through His acts of restoration?**
* **How can I participate in God's work of repopulating and revitalizing spiritual "waste places" around me?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the "holy flock" imagery in Ezekiel 36:38?**

Answer: The "holy flock" (Hebrew: _tzon qodesh_) refers to the sheep and goats set apart for sacrificial purposes and those that accompanied pilgrims to Jerusalem during the solemn feasts. This imagery carries dual significance. First, it emphasizes the sheer quantity and abundance of the promised repopulation, comparing the future inhabitants of Israel to the countless animals that would fill Jerusalem during its festivals. Second, the term "holy" (qodesh) suggests that the restored people are not merely numerous but are consecrated and set apart by God. They are His special possession, reflecting His holiness and serving His purposes, indicating a spiritual as well as a physical restoration. It points to a renewed covenant relationship where the people are dedicated to God.

**How does Ezekiel 36:38 connect to the broader theme of God's glory and His name?**

Answer: Ezekiel 36:38 concludes with the powerful declaration, "and they shall know that I [am] the LORD." This phrase is a recurring motif throughout the book of Ezekiel, serving as the ultimate theological purpose for all of God's actions, whether in judgment or restoration. God's primary motivation for restoring Israel, as stated earlier in [Ezekiel 36:22-23](/ezekiel/36-22 "Ezekiel 36:22-23 - God's Name Sanctified Among the Nations"), is to sanctify His great name, which had been profaned among the nations because of Israel's sin and subsequent exile. The dramatic transformation of desolate cities into thriving communities, filled with people, serves as undeniable proof of God's unique power, faithfulness, and identity. Through this miraculous reversal, both Israel and the surrounding nations will be compelled to acknowledge and experience who Yahweh truly is—the sovereign, covenant-keeping God. The restoration is not primarily for Israel's sake, but for the sake of God's own glory and reputation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 36:38, with its vision of abundant restoration and the "flocks of men" filling desolate cities, finds its ultimate and spiritual fulfillment in Jesus Christ and the New Covenant. The "holy flock" imagery foreshadows the Church, the new people of God, gathered from all nations, not merely a physical repopulation of a land. Jesus identifies Himself as the "Good Shepherd" who lays down His life for His [sheep](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - Jesus, the Good Shepherd"), gathering a diverse flock from both Jew and Gentile ([John 10:16](/john/10-16 "John 10:16 - Jesus Gathers All His Sheep")). The "waste cities" can be seen as humanity spiritually desolate and ruined by sin, which Christ, through His atoning work, redeems and fills with new life. The promise that "they shall know that I am the LORD" is profoundly realized in the person of Jesus, who is God incarnate. Through His life, death, and resurrection, God's identity and redemptive power are fully revealed, leading all who believe to an experiential knowledge of the Father through the Son ([John 14:7-9](/john/14-7 "John 14:7-9 - Knowing the Father Through Jesus")). The "solemn feasts" of old, which gathered multitudes, find their ultimate meaning in the new covenant worship where believers gather in Spirit and truth, celebrating the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")) and anticipating the great multitude from every nation, tribe, people, and language who will stand before the throne and the Lamb ([Revelation 7:9-10](/revelation/7-9 "Revelation 7:9-10 - The Multitude Before the Throne")). Thus, the physical restoration promised in Ezekiel points to the spiritual, global, and Christ-centered restoration of humanity, culminating in the new heavens and new earth where God dwells with His people ([Revelation 21:3](/revelation/21-3 "Revelation 21:3 - God Dwells with His People")).

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.

Cross-References

1 Kings 8:63

And Solomon offered a sacrifice of peace offerings, which he offered unto the LORD, two and twenty thousand oxen, and an hundred and twenty thousand sheep. So the king and all the children of Israel dedicated the house of the LORD.

John 10:16

And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, [and] one shepherd.

Acts 2:5

¶ And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.

Acts 2:11

Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.

Revelation 7:4

And I heard the number of them which were sealed: [and there were] sealed an hundred [and] forty [and] four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel.

Revelation 7:9

After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;

2 Chronicles 7:8

Also at the same time Solomon kept the feast seven days, and all Israel with him, a very great congregation, from the entering in of Hamath unto the river of Egypt.