Ezekiel 36:7

KJV

Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; I have lifted up mine hand, Surely the heathen that [are] about you, they shall bear their shame.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Therefore thus says Adonai ELOHIM: "I have raised my hand and sworn that the nations surrounding you will bear their shame.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

therefore thus saith the Lord Jehovah: I have sworn, saying, Surely the nations that are round about you, they shall bear their shame.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 36:7 declares a solemn divine oath by the Lord GOD concerning the nations surrounding Israel. It pronounces a certain judgment and humiliation upon these heathen peoples who had gloated over Israel's downfall and contributed to their suffering. This verse is part of a larger prophecy of restoration for Israel, emphasizing that God's justice extends not only to blessing His covenant people but also to holding their oppressors accountable, thereby vindicating His holy name before all the world.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 36 forms a pivotal section within the book of Ezekiel, shifting from prophecies of judgment (chapters 1-32) to prophecies of restoration and hope (chapters 33-48). Specifically, chapters 33-39 focus on the future of Israel after the Babylonian exile, promising their return to the land, spiritual renewal, and national restoration. Prior to verse 7, God addresses the "mountains of Israel" (Ezekiel 36:1-6), lamenting their desolation and the mockery they endured from surrounding nations. He promises to restore their fruitfulness and repopulate them, turning their shame into glory. Verse 7 then transitions to the fate of those very nations who had scorned Israel, asserting that their malicious joy will be met with divine retribution. This immediate context establishes a powerful contrast between Israel's promised restoration and their enemies' impending judgment, all orchestrated by God to demonstrate His sovereignty and holiness.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy in Ezekiel 36 was delivered during the Babylonian exile (c. 593-571 BC), a period of profound national humiliation for Israel. Jerusalem had been destroyed, the temple desecrated, and the people deported. Surrounding nations like Edom, Ammon, Moab, and Philistia, often referred to as "the heathen that are about you," frequently capitalized on Israel's weakness, raiding their lands, occupying their territories, and gloating over their misfortune. These nations, though sometimes used by God as instruments of judgment against Israel's idolatry, often acted out of pure malice and contempt for God's people and His name. Culturally, "lifting up the hand" was a common gesture for swearing an oath, signifying a solemn, binding declaration, often appealing to a higher power. For God to "lift up His hand" signifies an unbreakable, self-attested vow, ensuring the absolute certainty of His word.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Ezekiel and the broader prophetic literature. First, it underscores **Divine Justice and Retribution**, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to holding nations accountable for their actions, particularly their contempt for His covenant people. This aligns with prophecies against surrounding nations found elsewhere, such as in [Ezekiel 25](/ezekiel/25 "Ezekiel 25 - Prophecies Against Neighboring Nations"). Second, the phrase "I have lifted up mine hand" highlights **God's Unbreakable Oath and Sovereignty**, emphasizing the absolute certainty and immutability of His declared will. This divine oath guarantees the fulfillment of both promises of blessing for Israel and judgment for their adversaries, reinforcing the theme of God's ultimate control over history. Finally, the judgment upon the heathen serves the overarching theme of the **Vindication and Sanctification of God's Name**. By bringing shame upon those who despised Israel, God proves that He is not a weak or absent deity but a powerful, active God who defends His people and upholds His own glory, as further elaborated in [Ezekiel 36:23](/ezekiel/36-23 "Ezekiel 36:23 - God's Sanctification of His Great Name").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Lord GOD (Hebrew, _ʼĂdônây Yᵉhôvih'_):** This compound title for God, used frequently in Ezekiel, emphasizes both His sovereign mastery (`ʼĂdônây`, "my Lord") and His covenant faithfulness (`Yᵉhôvih`, a vocalization of YHWH, the ineffable name, used here to avoid repeating `ʼĂdônây`). This combination signifies both ultimate authority and reliable commitment.
* **lifted up (Hebrew, _nâsâʼ'_):** This verb means "to lift, bear, carry, or take away." In the context of "lifting up the hand," it specifically denotes the act of swearing an oath. It implies a deliberate, decisive, and irreversible action, signifying the absolute certainty and binding nature of the declaration that follows. When God performs this action, it is an unbreakable vow.
* **hand (Hebrew, _yâd'_):** In this idiom, "hand" represents power, authority, and the means by which an action is carried out. When God lifts up His hand, it is not merely a human gesture but a divine demonstration of His omnipotence and the surety of His word. It signifies the active exertion of His will and power to bring about the declared outcome.
* **heathen (Hebrew, _gôwy'_):** This term refers to "foreign nations" or "Gentiles." In the Old Testament, it often denotes those peoples outside of Israel, frequently hostile or idolatrous. Here, it specifically refers to the surrounding nations who had oppressed and mocked Israel, highlighting their pagan identity and their adversarial relationship with God's chosen people.
* **shame (Hebrew, _kᵉlimmâh'_):** This word signifies "disgrace, humiliation, reproach, or confusion." It implies a public exposure of wrongdoing and the resultant ignominy. For these nations to "bear their shame" means they will experience public dishonor and punishment commensurate with their malicious actions against Israel, demonstrating their folly and God's righteous judgment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD;":** This opening phrase establishes the divine authority and absolute certainty of the pronouncement. It signals that what follows is a direct, authoritative word from the sovereign, covenant-keeping God, leaving no room for doubt or questioning its veracity.
* **"I have lifted up mine hand,":** This clause is a solemn divine oath. It signifies God's unbreakable vow, a self-attested guarantee that His word will be fulfilled. It emphasizes the immutability of His decree and the certainty of the judgment to follow, underscoring His commitment to justice and His own reputation.
* **"Surely the heathen that [are] about you,":** This identifies the recipients of the judgment: the Gentile nations surrounding Israel who had been hostile and gloating during Israel's period of desolation. The word "surely" reinforces the absolute certainty of their fate, leaving no doubt about who will be held accountable.
* **"they shall bear their shame.":** This is the declared outcome of the divine oath. The surrounding nations will experience public disgrace, humiliation, and punishment for their malicious actions against Israel. This "shame" contrasts sharply with the restoration and honor promised to Israel, serving as a visible demonstration of God's righteous judgment and the vindication of His people.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 36:7 is rich in **Divine Rhetoric**, characterized by the direct address of God ("Thus saith the Lord GOD") and His personal declaration ("I have lifted up mine hand"). This direct speech imbues the prophecy with undeniable authority and immediacy. The phrase "I have lifted up mine hand" is a powerful **Idiom** signifying an unbreakable oath, a gesture that humanly would involve raising a hand to heaven to swear by a higher power, but here, God swears by Himself, emphasizing His ultimate sovereignty and the absolute certainty of His word. There is a strong element of **Contrast** in this chapter, where the desolation and shame of Israel (mentioned in preceding verses) are juxtaposed with their promised restoration, and this verse specifically highlights the reversal of fortune, where the shame that Israel bore will now be transferred to their oppressors. The concept of nations "bearing their shame" also contains a subtle **Personification**, as shame is an abstract concept that is "borne" as a burden or consequence, making the judgment tangible and inescapable. The entire verse functions as a **Prophecy**, a divinely inspired declaration of future events, demonstrating God's foreknowledge and His active involvement in human history to bring about justice.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 36:7 powerfully articulates God's unwavering commitment to justice and His sovereign control over the nations. It reveals that while God may use nations as instruments of His judgment against His own people's sin, He also holds those nations accountable for their malicious intent and excessive cruelty. The divine oath, "I have lifted up mine hand," underscores the absolute certainty of God's word and His ultimate vindication of His holy name. This verse assures us that no injustice goes unnoticed by God, and that His righteous judgment will ultimately prevail, restoring honor to His people and exposing the wickedness of their oppressors. It is a testament to God's faithfulness to His covenant and His determination to set all things right in His perfect timing.

* [Genesis 22:16-17](/genesis/22-16 "Genesis 22:16-17 - God's Oath to Abraham")
* [Isaiah 49:26](/isaiah/49-26 "Isaiah 49:26 - God's Vengeance on Oppressors")
* [Psalm 79:12](/psalm/79-12 "Psalm 79:12 - Reproach on Surrounding Nations")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 36:7 offers profound spiritual nourishment for those who have experienced injustice, mockery, or oppression. It serves as a powerful reminder that God is not indifferent to the suffering of His people or the malicious actions of their adversaries. For believers facing scorn or hardship, this verse provides immense comfort and hope: God sees, God remembers, and God will act. We are called to trust in His perfect timing and His unwavering commitment to justice, knowing that our ultimate vindication rests in His hands. Conversely, this verse also serves as a stern warning against schadenfreude, malice, or gloating over the misfortunes of others, especially those who are vulnerable or suffering. It reminds us that God holds both individuals and nations accountable for their attitudes and actions, and that those who sow contempt will ultimately reap shame. Our response to others' struggles should always be compassion and intercession, not malicious joy, as we are called to reflect the character of a just and merciful God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of God "lifting up His hand" to swear an oath impact your understanding of His promises and judgments?**
* **In what ways might we, even subtly, participate in "gloating" over others' misfortunes, and how can we cultivate a heart of compassion instead?**
* **How does this prophecy of divine justice for Israel's oppressors strengthen your faith in God's ultimate sovereignty and fairness in the world today?**

### FAQ

**What does it mean for God to "lift up His hand" in this verse?**

Answer: When God declares, "I have lifted up mine hand," it signifies a solemn and unbreakable oath or vow. In ancient cultures, raising one's hand was a common gesture when swearing an oath, often appealing to a higher power to witness and enforce the promise. When God Himself "lifts up His hand," it means He is swearing by His own divine being and power, making the declaration absolutely certain and immutable. It underscores the divine authority and the guaranteed fulfillment of the prophecy that follows, leaving no doubt that the judgment on the surrounding nations will surely come to pass. This is a powerful expression of God's unyielding commitment to His word, similar to other divine oaths found in scripture, such as when God swore to Abraham in [Genesis 22:16](/genesis/22-16 "Genesis 22:16 - God's Oath to Abraham").

**Who are "the heathen that are about you" and why are they singled out for judgment?**

Answer: "The heathen that are about you" refers to the Gentile nations surrounding Israel, such as Edom, Ammon, Moab, and Philistia. These nations are singled out for judgment not merely because they were non-Israelite, but because of their specific actions and attitudes during Israel's period of desolation and exile. They often seized Israelite territory, mocked their suffering, and gloated over their downfall, demonstrating contempt for God's covenant people and, by extension, for God Himself. While God had used some of these nations as instruments of His judgment against Israel's sin, they frequently exceeded their divine commission with malice and cruelty, for which God held them accountable. Ezekiel dedicates entire chapters to prophecies against these nations, highlighting their specific transgressions, as seen in [Ezekiel 25](/ezekiel/25 "Ezekiel 25 - Prophecies Against Neighboring Nations"). Their judgment serves to vindicate God's name and demonstrate His justice to all the world.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 36:7, with its declaration of divine judgment against those who mocked and oppressed God's people, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment not in a direct parallel of earthly nations bearing shame, but in the profound spiritual realities of the New Covenant. While the Old Testament prophets often spoke of literal nations facing temporal judgment, the New Testament reveals that all humanity stands under the condemnation of sin, and the ultimate "shame" is the consequence of rejecting God's Son. Jesus Christ, the true Israel, bore the ultimate shame and curse of humanity on the cross, becoming sin for us so that we might become the righteousness of God ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). In His crucifixion, the world's sin and rebellion were exposed and judged, and those who reject Him will ultimately bear their own shame in eternal separation from God ([Revelation 20:11-15](/revelation/20-11 "Revelation 20:11-15 - The Great White Throne Judgment")). Conversely, for those who are "in Christ," the shame of their sin is removed, and they are clothed in His righteousness, receiving eternal glory and honor ([Romans 10:11](/romans/10-11 "Romans 10:11 - No One Who Believes Will Be Put to Shame")). Thus, Christ's work on the cross is the ultimate fulfillment of God's promise to reverse shame, dealing with the root cause of all human disgrace (sin) and ushering in an era where His people, the Church, are no longer mocked but are destined for glory with Him ([Ephesians 1:18-23](/ephesians/1-18 "Ephesians 1:18-23 - The Hope of His Calling")).

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

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.