Ezekiel 36:38

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.

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}.

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.'"

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.”

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.

Ezekiel 36:38 concludes a powerful chapter on God's promise of restoration for the nation of Israel, particularly after their exile. This verse paints a vivid picture of the dramatic transformation God will bring to the desolate land and its cities.

Context

This verse stands as the climactic assurance following prophecies of both spiritual and physical renewal for Israel. Chapters 36 and 37 of Ezekiel focus heavily on the restoration of the land and the people. Earlier in Ezekiel 36, God promises to cleanse His people, give them a new heart and a new spirit, and make their desolate land fruitful again (Ezekiel 36:33-35). The imagery of "the holy flock" and "the flock of Jerusalem in her solemn feasts" recalls a time of prosperity and abundant worship in ancient Israel, contrasting sharply with the ruin brought by judgment. This restoration is explicitly stated to be for God's holy name's sake, not for Israel's merit.

Key Themes

  • Abundant Restoration and Repopulation: The central message is the dramatic increase in population. Comparing the inhabitants to a "holy flock" or the vast crowds seen during Jerusalem's "solemn feasts" signifies an overwhelming return and flourishing of life in previously "waste cities." This highlights God's power to reverse desolation and bring forth immense fruitfulness.
  • Divine Sovereignty and Self-Revelation: The recurring phrase, "and they shall know that I am the LORD," emphasizes that these acts of restoration are undeniable proof of God's identity, power, and faithfulness. Through His miraculous intervention, both Israel and the surrounding nations will acknowledge His supreme authority (Ezekiel 36:23).
  • God's Faithfulness to His Covenant: This verse is a powerful testament to God's unwavering commitment to His promises to His people, even after their unfaithfulness. His restoration is an act of grace and mercy, fulfilling His long-term plan for Israel and His people.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Holy flock" (Hebrew: tzon qodesh): This phrase emphasizes the consecrated nature of the restored people. They are not merely numerous but are set apart by God, belonging to Him and reflecting His holiness.
  • "Solemn feasts" (Hebrew: mo'adim): Refers to the appointed times or festivals in the Jewish calendar, such as Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles. These were periods when vast numbers of pilgrims gathered in Jerusalem for worship and celebration, underscoring the scale of the promised repopulation and spiritual revival.

Practical Application

Ezekiel 36:38 offers profound hope and insight for believers today. It reminds us that God is capable of bringing life and abundance even to the most desolate situations, whether personal, communal, or spiritual. Just as He promised to repopulate the waste cities of Israel, He can restore broken lives, revive dormant churches, and bring flourishing to barren areas. This verse encourages us to trust in God's sovereign plan and His power to fulfill His word, knowing that His ultimate goal is for all to "know that I am the LORD" through His mighty works of grace and restoration.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

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