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:
Prophesy {H5012} therefore concerning the land {H127} of Israel {H3478}, and say {H559} unto the mountains {H2022}, and to the hills {H1389}, to the rivers {H650}, and to the valleys {H1516}, Thus saith {H559} the Lord {H136} GOD {H3069}; Behold, I have spoken {H1696} in my jealousy {H7068} and in my fury {H2534}, because ye have borne {H5375} the shame {H3639} of the heathen {H1471}:
"Therefore prophesy concerning the land of Isra'el, and say to the mountains, the hills, the streams and the valleys that Adonai ELOHIM says this: 'I speak in my jealousy and fury, because you have endured being shamed by the nations.
Therefore, prophesy concerning the land of Israel and tell the mountains and hills, the ravines and valleys, that this is what the Lord GOD says: Behold, I have spoken in My burning zeal because you have endured the reproach of the nations.
Therefore prophesy concerning the land of Israel, and say unto the mountains and to the hills, to the watercourses and to the valleys, Thus saith the Lord Jehovah: Behold, I have spoken in my jealousy and in my wrath, because ye have borne the shame of the nations:
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Psalms 123:3
Have mercy upon us, O LORD, have mercy upon us: for we are exceedingly filled with contempt. -
Psalms 123:4
Our soul is exceedingly filled with the scorning of those that are at ease, [and] with the contempt of the proud. -
Ezekiel 34:29
And I will raise up for them a plant of renown, and they shall be no more consumed with hunger in the land, neither bear the shame of the heathen any more. -
Psalms 74:23
Forget not the voice of thine enemies: the tumult of those that rise up against thee increaseth continually. -
Psalms 74:10
O God, how long shall the adversary reproach? shall the enemy blaspheme thy name for ever? -
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; -
Ezekiel 36:5
Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Surely in the fire of my jealousy have I spoken against the residue of the heathen, and against all Idumea, which have appointed my land into their possession with the joy of all [their] heart, with despiteful minds, to cast it out for a prey.
Ezekiel 36:6 is part of a significant prophetic chapter where God addresses the desolate land of Israel, promising its restoration and vindication after the Babylonian exile. This verse emphasizes God's intense emotional commitment to His people and their land, expressing His "jealousy and fury" over the shame they endured from surrounding nations.
Context
Following the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple in 586 BC, the land of Israel lay desolate, subjected to the scorn and encroachment of neighboring peoples. Chapters 33-39 of Ezekiel focus on Israel's restoration. Here, God speaks directly to the physical elements of the land—the mountains, hills, rivers, and valleys—personifying them to underscore His direct involvement and care. This divine address signals a dramatic reversal of fortune, moving from judgment to an era of renewal and blessing, not primarily for Israel's sake, but for the glory of God's holy name among the nations.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The phrase "Lord GOD" in KJV often translates the Hebrew Adonai Yahweh, signifying God's absolute sovereignty and His covenant relationship. The terms "jealousy" (Hebrew: qanna') and "fury" (Hebrew: chemah) underscore the intensity of God's righteous indignation. God's jealousy is often tied to His covenant fidelity, ensuring that His people and His land are not defiled or shamed by idolatry or foreign oppression. It's a possessive, protective love that demands exclusive devotion and reacts strongly to anything that compromises His honor or His people's well-being, as seen in Deuteronomy 32:21.
Practical Application
Ezekiel 36:6 reminds us that God is deeply invested in His people and His purposes. When His name is dishonored or His people suffer unjustly, He takes notice and will act. This verse offers comfort and hope to those who feel shamed or desolate, assuring them that God's zealous love will ultimately lead to vindication and restoration. It also serves as a powerful reminder that God's ultimate concern is the glory of His name, and He will accomplish His plans regardless of human opposition or perceived failure. Believers can trust in His protective faithfulness and righteous anger against injustice.