36:6 36:6

Ezekiel 36:7

36:8 36:8

Bible Versions

Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; I have lifted up mine hand, Surely the heathen that [are] about you, they shall bear their shame.
Therefore thus saith {H559} the Lord {H136} GOD {H3069}; I have lifted up {H5375} mine hand {H3027}, Surely the heathen {H1471} that are about {H5439} you, they shall bear {H5375} their shame {H3639}.
Therefore thus says Adonai ELOHIM: "I have raised my hand and sworn that the nations surrounding you will bear their shame.
Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: I have sworn with an uplifted hand that surely the nations around you will endure reproach of their own.
therefore thus saith the Lord Jehovah: I have sworn, saying, Surely the nations that are round about you, they shall bear their shame.

Context of Ezekiel 36:7

Ezekiel 36 is a powerful prophecy concerning the future restoration of Israel after the Babylonian exile. Chapters 33-39 detail God's promise to bring His people back to their land, cleanse them, and give them a new heart and spirit. Prior to this verse, God addresses the mountains of Israel, promising their renewal and prosperity after being desolate and mocked by surrounding nations (Ezekiel 36:1-6). Verse 7 specifically pivots from the restoration of Israel to the judgment of those who contributed to their suffering and gloated over their downfall. This prophecy serves as a divine assurance that God would not only restore His people but also hold their oppressors accountable, thereby vindicating His holy name among the nations.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Justice and Retribution: This verse highlights God's unwavering commitment to justice. The "heathen that are about you" (surrounding Gentile nations like Edom, Ammon, and Moab, who often harassed Israel) will face the consequences of their malicious actions and gloating over Israel's misfortune. This is a clear declaration of divine judgment against those who mock or oppress God's people.
  • God's Unbreakable Oath: The phrase "I have lifted up mine hand" signifies a solemn, unbreakable oath or vow by the Lord GOD. This emphasizes the absolute certainty and immutability of His word and promise. When God swears by Himself, it guarantees that His declared judgment will surely come to pass. You can see similar divine oaths in Genesis 22:16 and Isaiah 49:18.
  • Vindication of God's Name: By bringing shame upon the nations who despised Israel, God ultimately vindicates His own name and character. Their judgment demonstrates that the God of Israel is not a weak or absent deity, but one who sees injustice, hears the cries of His people, and acts powerfully to defend them. This theme is further elaborated in Ezekiel 36:23.

Linguistic Insights

  • "I have lifted up mine hand": In Hebrew, this idiom (nasa yad) is a powerful gesture indicating the swearing of an oath. It denotes a solemn, binding declaration, often accompanied by a raised hand to heaven, signifying an appeal to a higher power or a firm commitment. Here, it is God Himself making the oath, underscoring the absolute certainty of the prophecy.
  • "The heathen that [are] about you": This refers to the surrounding Gentile nations who were often hostile to Israel. They are distinct from Israel and frequently served as instruments of God's judgment against Israel's sin, but they often exceeded their commission with malice and gloating, for which they would later be held accountable. Ezekiel dedicates entire chapters to prophecies against these nations, such as in Ezekiel 25.
  • "They shall bear their shame": The Hebrew word for "shame" (cherpah) implies disgrace, humiliation, and reproach. It signifies the public exposure of their wickedness and the consequent suffering of humiliation and punishment for their actions against God's chosen people. This outcome stands in stark contrast to the restoration promised to Israel.

Practical Application

Ezekiel 36:7 offers profound comfort and warning relevant for all times:

  • Comfort for the Oppressed: For those who feel mocked, exploited, or unjustly treated, this verse is a powerful reminder that God sees every injustice. He is a God of justice who will ultimately bring accountability to those who cause harm, especially to His people. We can trust in His ultimate plan for divine retribution.
  • Warning Against Malice: The verse serves as a stern warning against gloating over the misfortunes of others, particularly those who are suffering or vulnerable. God holds nations and individuals accountable for their attitudes and actions, especially when they act with malice and contempt.
  • Trust in God's Sovereignty: Even when circumstances seem dire or injustices prevail, God's sovereignty remains unchallenged. He has "lifted up His hand," signifying His control and His certain fulfillment of all His promises, both of blessing and judgment. This encourages believers to trust in God's perfect timing and His ultimate plan to set all things right.
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.

  • Ezekiel 20:5

    ¶ And say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; In the day when I chose Israel, and lifted up mine hand unto the seed of the house of Jacob, and made myself known unto them in the land of Egypt, when I lifted up mine hand unto them, saying, I [am] the LORD your God;

  • 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.

  • Zephaniah 2:1

    ¶ Gather yourselves together, yea, gather together, O nation not desired;

  • Zephaniah 2:15

    This [is] the rejoicing city that dwelt carelessly, that said in her heart, I [am], and [there is] none beside me: how is she become a desolation, a place for beasts to lie down in! every one that passeth by her shall hiss, [and] wag his hand.

  • Ezekiel 20:15

    Yet also I lifted up my hand unto them in the wilderness, that I would not bring them into the land which I had given [them], flowing with milk and honey, which [is] the glory of all lands;

  • Jeremiah 25:15

    ¶ For thus saith the LORD God of Israel unto me; Take the wine cup of this fury at my hand, and cause all the nations, to whom I send thee, to drink it.

  • Jeremiah 25:29

    For, lo, I begin to bring evil on the city which is called by my name, and should ye be utterly unpunished? Ye shall not be unpunished: for I will call for a sword upon all the inhabitants of the earth, saith the LORD of hosts.
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