Ezekiel 36:4

Therefore, ye mountains of Israel, hear the word of the Lord GOD; Thus saith the Lord GOD to the mountains, and to the hills, to the rivers, and to the valleys, to the desolate wastes, and to the cities that are forsaken, which became a prey and derision to the residue of the heathen that [are] round about;

Therefore, ye mountains {H2022} of Israel {H3478}, hear {H8085} the word {H1697} of the Lord {H136} GOD {H3069}; Thus saith {H559} the Lord {H136} GOD {H3069} to the mountains {H2022}, and to the hills {H1389}, to the rivers {H650}, and to the valleys {H1516}, to the desolate {H8074} wastes {H2723}, and to the cities {H5892} that are forsaken {H5800}, which became a prey {H957} and derision {H3933} to the residue {H7611} of the heathen {H1471} that are round about {H5439};

therefore, mountains of Isra'el, hear the message of Adonai ELOHIM - this is what Adonai ELOHIM says to the mountains and hills, the streams and valleys, the desolate wastes and the abandoned cities, now preyed on and derided by the other surrounding nations -

therefore, O mountains of Israel, hear the word of the Lord GOD. This is what the Lord GOD says to the mountains and hills, to the ravines and valleys, to the desolate ruins and abandoned cities, which have become a spoil and a mockery to the rest of the nations around you.

therefore, ye mountains of Israel, hear the word of the Lord Jehovah: Thus saith the Lord Jehovah to the mountains and to the hills, to the watercourses and to the valleys, to the desolate wastes and to the cities that are forsaken, which are become a prey and derision to the residue of the nations that are round about;

Commentary

Context of Ezekiel 36:4

Ezekiel 36:4 is part of a significant prophecy delivered by the prophet Ezekiel during the Babylonian exile. At this time, the land of Israel lay desolate, its cities in ruins, and its people scattered among foreign nations. The surrounding "heathen" nations, like Edom and Ammon, had mocked Israel's downfall and encroached upon its territory, viewing it as a land ripe for plunder. This chapter, particularly from verse 1 onwards, marks a shift from prophecies of judgment against Israel and surrounding nations to a powerful message of hope and restoration for the land and its people. God directly addresses the physical landscape – the "mountains of Israel" – emphasizing His ownership and ultimate control over the land, which had been subjected to scorn and desolation.

Key Themes in Ezekiel 36:4

  • Divine Sovereignty and Address to the Land: The verse opens with a direct command from the "Lord GOD" (Hebrew: Adonai Yahweh, signifying God's mastership and covenant name) to the geographical features of Israel. This personification of the land underscores God's absolute authority, demonstrating that even the physical earth is subject to His word and will. It highlights that the desolation was not due to God's weakness, but His purposeful judgment.
  • Desolation and Derision: The passage vividly describes the state of Israel as "desolate wastes" and "cities that are forsaken," which had become a "prey and derision" to the surrounding heathen. This paints a grim picture of the consequences of Israel's disobedience and the shame brought upon God's name by their exile.
  • Setting the Stage for Restoration: While detailing the current suffering, this verse serves as a preamble to the glorious promises of renewal and blessing that follow in Ezekiel 36. By first acknowledging the depth of the land's despair, God sets the stage for the magnanimity of His future actions, where the land will be revitalized and the people restored. This echoes themes of restoration found elsewhere, such as in God's promise to give a new heart and spirit.

Linguistic Insights

The repeated phrase "Lord GOD" (Hebrew: Adonai Yahweh) is significant. Adonai means "Lord" or "Master," emphasizing God's absolute authority, while Yahweh is God's personal covenant name, signifying His faithfulness to His promises. The combination emphasizes God's sovereign power and His unwavering commitment to His covenant people, even when they have been unfaithful. The direct address to inanimate objects like "mountains," "hills," "rivers," and "valleys" is a prophetic literary device, underscoring the comprehensive nature of God's message and His intention to restore every aspect of the land. It’s a call for all creation to bear witness to His impending actions.

Practical Application of Ezekiel 36:4

Ezekiel 36:4 offers profound lessons for believers today. Firstly, it reminds us that even in periods of extreme desolation, whether personal or national, God's word remains powerful and His promises stand firm. Just as God addressed the seemingly lifeless land of Israel, He speaks into our own "desolate wastes," promising renewal and restoration. Secondly, it highlights God's concern for His reputation among the nations; He acts not just for our sake, but for the glory of His name, ensuring that His people are not a perpetual "derision." This should encourage us to live in a way that honors His name. Finally, it reinforces the truth that God's plan of restoration is comprehensive, encompassing all aspects of life, mirroring the ultimate hope of God making all things new.

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

Cross-References

  • Deuteronomy 11:11

    But the land, whither ye go to possess it, [is] a land of hills and valleys, [and] drinketh water of the rain of heaven:

  • Ezekiel 34:28

    And they shall no more be a prey to the heathen, neither shall the beast of the land devour them; but they shall dwell safely, and none shall make [them] afraid.

  • Ezekiel 36:1

    ¶ Also, thou son of man, prophesy unto the mountains of Israel, and say, Ye mountains of Israel, hear the word of the LORD:

  • Psalms 79:4

    We are become a reproach to our neighbours, a scorn and derision to them that are round about us.

  • Ezekiel 36:6

    Prophesy therefore concerning the land of Israel, and say unto the mountains, and to the hills, to the rivers, and to the valleys, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I have spoken in my jealousy and in my fury, because ye have borne the shame of the heathen:

  • Jeremiah 25:9

    Behold, I will send and take all the families of the north, saith the LORD, and Nebuchadrezzar the king of Babylon, my servant, and will bring them against this land, and against the inhabitants thereof, and against all these nations round about, and will utterly destroy them, and make them an astonishment, and an hissing, and perpetual desolations.

  • Jeremiah 25:13

    And I will bring upon that land all my words which I have pronounced against it, [even] all that is written in this book, which Jeremiah hath prophesied against all the nations.