Ezekiel 37:21

And say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will take the children of Israel from among the heathen, whither they be gone, and will gather them on every side, and bring them into their own land:

And say {H1696} unto them, Thus saith {H559} the Lord {H136} GOD {H3069}; Behold, I will take {H3947} the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478} from among {H996} the heathen {H1471}, whither they be gone {H1980}, and will gather {H6908} them on every side {H5439}, and bring {H935} them into their own land {H127}:

Then say to them that Adonai ELOHIM says: 'I will take the people of Isra'el from among the nations where they have gone and gather them from every side and bring them back to their own land.

you are to tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘I will take the Israelites out of the nations to which they have gone, and I will gather them from all around and bring them into their own land.

And say unto them, Thus saith the Lord Jehovah: Behold, I will take the children of Israel from among the nations, whither they are gone, and will gather them on every side, and bring them into their own land:

Commentary

Ezekiel 37:21 is a powerful declaration of God's unwavering commitment to His people, promising their return from exile and their reunification in their ancestral land. This verse builds upon the profound vision of the dry bones, symbolizing both spiritual and national restoration.

Context

This verse is found within the prophet Ezekiel's ministry during the Babylonian captivity, a period of deep despair for the exiled Israelites. Chapter 37 opens with the vivid vision of the valley of dry bones (Ezekiel 37:1-14), where God demonstrates His power to bring life and nationhood back from utter desolation. Immediately preceding verse 21, Ezekiel is commanded to take two sticks, representing the divided kingdoms of Israel (Ephraim) and Judah, and join them into one, signifying the future reunification of the entire nation (Ezekiel 37:15-20). Verse 21 is the direct pronouncement from God explaining this symbolic act: He Himself will gather them.

Key Themes

  • Divine Sovereignty and Promise: The phrase "Thus saith the Lord GOD" (Hebrew: Adonai Yahweh) underscores God's ultimate authority and His direct, personal involvement in fulfilling His promises. It is He who "will take," "will gather," and "will bring."
  • Restoration and Gathering: The core message is the physical return of the scattered Israelites from "among the heathen" (the Gentile nations) back to "their own land." This speaks to a comprehensive, worldwide gathering, bringing them from "every side."
  • Covenant Faithfulness: This promise is a testament to God's enduring faithfulness to His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, ensuring the preservation and restoration of His chosen people, despite their disobedience. See Genesis 12:7.
  • National Unity: While not explicitly stated in this single verse, the immediate context (Ezekiel 37:15-20) highlights the reunification of the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah into one nation under one king, a theme elaborated upon in Ezekiel 37:22.

Prophetic Significance

Ezekiel 37:21 has seen partial historical fulfillments, most notably the return of the Jewish exiles from Babylon after 70 years, as prophesied by Jeremiah (Jeremiah 29:10). However, the comprehensive nature of the gathering "from among the heathen" and "on every side" suggests a broader, future fulfillment. Many theologians believe this prophecy points to a future, global regathering of the Jewish people from the diaspora, culminating in the Messianic age and the establishment of God's eternal kingdom on earth. This aligns with other prophetic passages concerning the gathering of Israel in the last days.

Practical Application

For believers today, Ezekiel 37:21 offers profound encouragement:

  • Hope in God's Promises: It reminds us that God is faithful to His word, even when circumstances seem impossible or when His people are scattered and seemingly lost.
  • God's Power to Restore: Just as God can restore a nation from exile, He can bring restoration and healing to individuals, families, and communities that feel broken or displaced.
  • Divine Purpose: This verse underscores God's ongoing purpose for His people and His world, demonstrating His active involvement in history to bring about His perfect will.

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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

  • Ezekiel 36:24

    For I will take you from among the heathen, and gather you out of all countries, and will bring you into your own land.

  • Jeremiah 23:8

    But, The LORD liveth, which brought up and which led the seed of the house of Israel out of the north country, and from all countries whither I had driven them; and they shall dwell in their own land.

  • Isaiah 43:5

    Fear not: for I [am] with thee: I will bring thy seed from the east, and gather thee from the west;

  • Isaiah 43:6

    I will say to the north, Give up; and to the south, Keep not back: bring my sons from far, and my daughters from the ends of the earth;

  • Amos 9:14

    And I will bring again the captivity of my people of Israel, and they shall build the waste cities, and inhabit [them]; and they shall plant vineyards, and drink the wine thereof; they shall also make gardens, and eat the fruit of them.

  • Amos 9:15

    And I will plant them upon their land, and they shall no more be pulled up out of their land which I have given them, saith the LORD thy God.

  • Jeremiah 16:15

    But, The LORD liveth, that brought up the children of Israel from the land of the north, and from all the lands whither he had driven them: and I will bring them again into their land that I gave unto their fathers.