Ezekiel 36:4

KJV

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;

KJV (with Strong's)

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};

Complete Jewish Bible

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 -

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 36:4 presents a powerful prophetic declaration from the Lord GOD, directed toward the physical landscape of Israel—its mountains, hills, rivers, valleys, desolate wastes, and abandoned cities. This verse starkly acknowledges the profound state of ruin and humiliation the land endured, having been plundered and scorned by the surrounding pagan nations. It underscores the depth of Israel's plight and God's intimate awareness of its suffering, serving as a solemn preamble to the magnificent promises of national and spiritual restoration that will ultimately vindicate God's holy name among all peoples.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 36:4 is strategically positioned within the book of Ezekiel, marking a dramatic pivot from prophecies of judgment and condemnation (chapters 1-32) to an outpouring of hope and restoration (chapters 33-48). It immediately follows a series of scathing oracles against the nations that had gloated over Israel's downfall (chapters 25-32) and the solemn account of Jerusalem's destruction (chapter 33). Chapter 36 opens with God directly addressing the "mountains of Israel" (Ezekiel 36:1-3), contrasting their present desolation with a vibrant future of flourishing. This particular verse, therefore, acts as a pivotal moment, a divine lament over the current devastation, before the grand unfolding of God's promises for national and spiritual renewal, which famously include the profound pledge of a new heart and spirit in [Ezekiel 36:26-27](/ezekiel/36-26-27 "Ezekiel 36:26-27 - The Promise of a New Heart and Spirit"). The remarkable personification of the land, summoned to "hear" the word of the Lord, powerfully conveys the comprehensive and holistic nature of God's redemptive plan, encompassing both the physical realm and its inhabitants.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** This prophecy was delivered by Ezekiel during the arduous period of the Babylonian exile, roughly between 593 and 571 BC. Following the catastrophic destruction of Jerusalem and its sacred Temple in 586 BC, the people of Israel had been forcibly deported to Babylon, leaving their homeland desolate and vulnerable. The land itself lay waste, overgrown with vegetation, and was actively encroached upon by opportunistic neighboring peoples. Nations such as Edom, Ammon, and Philistia, long-standing adversaries of Israel, seized this moment of weakness to plunder Israel's territory and openly mock the God of Israel, presuming that Yahweh was powerless to protect His people or His land. The vivid descriptions of "desolate wastes" and "forsaken cities" were not mere figures of speech but stark realities on the ground, serving as tangible evidence of the severe consequences of Israel's persistent covenant unfaithfulness. The phrase "prey and derision" encapsulates both the physical pillaging of the land's resources and the profound scorn and humiliation heaped upon Israel by the surrounding "heathen" (non-Israelite) nations, who interpreted Israel's downfall as definitive proof of their God's supposed impotence.

* **Key Themes:** Ezekiel 36:4 is a crucial verse that contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Ezekiel and the broader tapestry of biblical prophecy. Firstly, it powerfully articulates the theme of **Divine Sovereignty**, demonstrating God's absolute authority and dominion not only over His chosen people but also over the very land itself, even in its most ruined state. His direct, authoritative address to the geographical features of Israel unequivocally asserts His ultimate ownership and control, even when human efforts have failed. Secondly, the verse underscores the profound theme of **God's Reputation and Glory**. The widespread desolation and the derision suffered by Israel were not merely a national tragedy but also brought dishonor to God's holy name among the nations. Consequently, God's subsequent act of restoration is portrayed as a necessary vindication of His power, faithfulness, and holiness. Thirdly, this verse meticulously sets the stage for the pervasive theme of **Restoration and Renewal**, which dominates Ezekiel 36. By vividly portraying the current state of devastation, the prophecy magnifies the extraordinary magnitude of God's future intervention, promising a time when the land will be miraculously revitalized and the people spiritually transformed, echoing the dramatic vision of dry bones brought to life in [Ezekiel 37](/ezekiel/37 "Ezekiel 37 - The Valley of Dry Bones").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Word (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** This term, frequently translated as "word," carries immense theological weight in Hebrew thought, extending beyond mere utterance to encompass deed, matter, or affair. In this context, "the word of the Lord GOD" is not simply a communicated message but an active, potent declaration, a divine decree that inherently possesses the power to bring about what it proclaims. It signifies God's authoritative pronouncement, which is capable of fundamentally transforming the desolate landscape and dramatically reversing the fortunes of Israel.
* **Lord GOD (Hebrew, _ʼĂdônây Yᵉhôvih'_):** This compound divine title, comprising `Lord` (H136, _ʼĂdônây_) and `GOD` (H3069, _Yᵉhôvih_), is profoundly significant. _ʼĂdônây_ emphasizes God's absolute mastership, sovereign authority, and ownership over all creation. _Yᵉhôvih_ (the vocalization of YHWH, the ineffable covenant name of God) stresses His personal, relational, and unwavering faithfulness to His promises. The combination of these two titles powerfully underscores that the message originates from the One who is simultaneously the supreme ruler of the cosmos and the covenant-keeping God of Israel, thereby guaranteeing the certainty, power, and ultimate fulfillment of His promises, even amidst the deepest desolation.
* **desolate (Hebrew, _shâmêm'_):** This primitive root means "to stun (or intransitively, grow numb), i.e., devastate or (figuratively) stupefy." When applied to the land and cities, it conveys a state of utter ruin, emptiness, and abandonment, inspiring astonishment or horror in those who witness it. The land is not merely empty but actively "devastated," "laid waste," and left in a state of "destruction," profoundly reflecting the severity of God's judgment and the depth of Israel's fall. This stark and graphic description serves to magnify the miraculous and awe-inspiring nature of the promised restoration, highlighting the contrast between utter ruin and divine renewal.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore, ye mountains of Israel, hear the word of the Lord GOD;":** This opening clause immediately establishes the divine speaker and an extraordinary, unexpected audience. The introductory "Therefore" serves as a crucial connective, linking this prophecy to the preceding context of divine judgment and the resultant desolation of the land. The "mountains of Israel" are vividly personified, commanded to "hear" God's authoritative and life-giving word. This is a powerful literary device, signifying that God's comprehensive message of restoration is intended for the entire land, not merely its scattered human inhabitants, and that even the seemingly inanimate creation is subject to His sovereign command and will.
* **"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,":** This segment expands the divine address, encompassing every conceivable geographical feature and human settlement, thereby emphasizing the pervasive and comprehensive nature of the desolation. The deliberate repetition of the divine title "Lord GOD" powerfully reinforces the absolute authority and unwavering faithfulness behind the message. The phrases "desolate wastes" and "cities that are forsaken" paint a stark and vivid picture of the utter ruin brought about by foreign invasion, widespread abandonment, and the consequences of divine judgment.
* **"which became a prey and derision to the residue of the heathen that are round about;":** This final segment precisely identifies the external agents of Israel's profound humiliation and suffering. The "heathen" (non-Israelite nations) surrounding Israel had mercilessly exploited its weakened state, plundering its precious resources and openly ridiculing its people and, by extension, its God. This highlights the immense shame and dishonor brought upon God's holy name, which subsequently becomes a primary and compelling motivation for His extraordinary act of restoration, as He acts to vindicate His glory before the watching world.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 36:4 is exceptionally rich in literary devices, each serving to amplify and deepen its profound prophetic message. **Personification** is strikingly evident, as the "mountains of Israel," along with the hills, rivers, and valleys, are commanded to "hear the word of the Lord GOD." This imbues the very landscape with a responsive quality, symbolizing that God's redemptive plan is holistic and encompasses the entire physical realm, not solely the human inhabitants. This direct address to inanimate entities is a classic example of **Apostrophe**, a rhetorical device that makes the prophecy more dramatic, urgent, and universal in its scope. The deliberate **Repetition** of the divine title "Lord GOD" (Hebrew: _ʼĂdônây Yᵉhôvih_) throughout the verse powerfully emphasizes the divine authority, unwavering faithfulness, and covenant commitment behind the message, thereby reinforcing its absolute certainty and power. The vivid and evocative imagery of "desolate wastes" and "cities that are forsaken" creates a profound sense of **Pathos**, effectively conveying the sorrowful state of the land and the deep humiliation of its people. The stark contrast between this current state of utter desolation and the impending promise of glorious restoration masterfully generates **Anticipation**, setting the stage for the magnificent and transformative promises that are about to unfold.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 36:4 profoundly underscores God's unwavering sovereignty and His deep, jealous concern for His own reputation among the nations. The widespread desolation of the land and the pervasive derision from the heathen were not indicators of God's weakness or abandonment, but rather the severe and just consequences of Israel's persistent covenant unfaithfulness. Yet, even in this state of utter ruin, God's authoritative word comes forth, demonstrating unequivocally that His eternal purposes for His land and His people remain steadfast and unchangeable. This verse serves as a crucial theological bridge, connecting the painful reality of divine judgment to the glorious promise of restoration, revealing that God acts not primarily based on Israel's merit or righteousness, but fundamentally for the vindication and glorification of His holy name. This divine motivation for restoration is a recurring and central theme throughout prophetic literature, ensuring that His glory will be made manifest to all the world.

* [Deuteronomy 32:43](/deuteronomy/32-43 "Deuteronomy 32:43 - God's Vindication of His People and Land")
* [Isaiah 43:21](/isaiah/43-21 "Isaiah 43:21 - A People Formed for God's Praise")
* [Psalm 79:10](/psalms/79-10 "Psalm 79:10 - A Plea for God's Reputation Among the Nations")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 36:4 offers a profoundly powerful message of enduring hope and divine faithfulness, even when confronted with the deepest forms of desolation. For believers today, it serves as a potent reminder that God's word possesses the transformative power to speak into the most barren, broken, and seemingly irredeemable areas of our individual lives, our relationships, our communities, and our world. Just as the physical land of Israel lay utterly waste, there are seasons when our spirits, our relationships, our careers, or our circumstances feel like "desolate wastes" or "forsaken cities," preyed upon by despair, mocked by adversity, or left in ruins by our own failings or external forces. This verse provides profound assurance that God sees and intimately understands our deepest wounds, our hidden humiliations, and our most profound longings for renewal. His promise of restoration is not contingent upon our merit, our performance, or our worthiness, but solely upon His sovereign character, His unwavering commitment to His covenant, and His ultimate purpose to glorify His own name. It calls us to cultivate a radical trust that even when situations appear utterly beyond repair, God's authoritative voice can bring forth life, profound renewal, and ultimate vindication. Our proper response should be to "hear the word of the Lord GOD" with attentive hearts, to actively listen for His promises in our own seasons of desolation, and to live in a manner that consistently honors His name, knowing that His ultimate purpose is to unveil His magnificent glory through our personal and communal transformation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of my life do I currently experience "desolate wastes" or feel "forsaken" or abandoned?**
* **How does the profound knowledge of God's absolute sovereignty over even inanimate creation encourage me regarding His meticulous control over my most challenging circumstances?**
* **How might my current struggles, triumphs, or daily conduct reflect upon God's holy reputation in the eyes of those who observe my life?**

### FAQ
**Why does God address the "mountains" and "hills" instead of the people?**

Answer: God's direct address to the physical landscape—the "mountains of Israel," along with the hills, rivers, valleys, and cities—is a profound prophetic act for several compelling reasons. Firstly, it dramatically emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the desolation; the entire land, not merely its scattered human inhabitants, had suffered the devastating consequences of Israel's sin and divine judgment. Secondly, it powerfully highlights God's absolute and unchallenged sovereignty over all creation, unequivocally demonstrating that even the inanimate earth is fully subject to His authoritative word and divine will. This dramatic **personification** serves as a potent prophetic device, underscoring that God's plan of restoration is holistic and all-encompassing, extending to the very ground upon which His people dwell. It also masterfully sets the stage for the land's future flourishing, which will serve as a visible, undeniable sign of God's renewed blessing and favor upon His people, as vividly described in [Ezekiel 36:8-11](/ezekiel/36-8-11 "Ezekiel 36:8-11 - The Land's Fruitfulness Restored").

**What does it mean for the land to become "a prey and derision to the residue of the heathen"?**

Answer: This vivid phrase precisely describes the profound humiliation, exploitation, and suffering that befell the land of Israel during the Babylonian exile. "A prey" signifies that the land was brutally plundered, its valuable resources seized, and its territory aggressively encroached upon by surrounding nations, such as Edom and Ammon, who shamelessly exploited Israel's weakened state. "Derision" means that Israel and its God became objects of intense scorn, mockery, and contempt by these "heathen" (non-Israelite) nations. They interpreted Israel's destruction and subsequent exile as irrefutable proof that their God (Yahweh) was either weak, defeated, or had completely abandoned His people. This brought immense dishonor and reproach to God's holy name, which is a pivotal motivation for God's subsequent, glorious promise of restoration, as He acts decisively to vindicate His holiness, power, and faithfulness before the entire world (see [Ezekiel 36:22-23](/ezekiel/36-22-23 "Ezekiel 36:22-23 - God's Holy Name Vindicated")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 36:4, with its stark portrayal of profound desolation and the subsequent promise of divine restoration, finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The "desolate wastes" and "forsaken cities" of ancient Israel serve as powerful Old Testament foreshadowings of the spiritual desolation of humanity under the pervasive curse of sin—a world alienated from God, spiritually barren, and subjected to the "prey and derision" of spiritual enemies and the consequences of sin. Just as the Lord GOD spoke life and renewal to the barren physical land of Israel, so too does the "word of the Lord GOD" become incarnate in Jesus Christ, who uniquely possesses the power to speak life into our deepest spiritual barrenness. He is the true [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), whose sacrificial death on the cross and triumphant resurrection became the ultimate act of restoration, profoundly healing the spiritual "wastes" of our fallen souls. Through His finished work, Christ inaugurates the new covenant, fulfilling the prophetic promise of a "new heart and a new spirit" ([Ezekiel 36:26](/ezekiel/36-26 "Ezekiel 36:26 - The Promise of a New Heart and Spirit")), a spiritual transformation not merely for a physical nation but for all who believe and are united to Him. He is the sovereign Lord who declares, "Behold, I am making all things new" ([Revelation 21:5](/revelation/21-5 "Revelation 21:5 - God Makes All Things New")), transforming the desolate landscape of our sin-cursed world into the glorious new heavens and new earth, where God's manifest presence fully dwells and His holy name is eternally glorified, never again to be subjected to derision or scorn.

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

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.