Ezekiel 39:25

KJV

Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Now will I bring again the captivity of Jacob, and have mercy upon the whole house of Israel, and will be jealous for my holy name;

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore thus saith {H559} the Lord {H136} GOD {H3069}; Now will I bring again {H7725} the captivity {H7622}{H7622} of Jacob {H3290}, and have mercy {H7355} upon the whole house {H1004} of Israel {H3478}, and will be jealous {H7065} for my holy {H6944} name {H8034};

Complete Jewish Bible

"Therefore Adonai ELOHIM says this: 'Now I will restore the fortunes of Ya'akov and have compassion on the entire house of Isra'el, and I will be jealous for my holy name.

Berean Standard Bible

Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: Now I will restore Jacob from captivity and will have compassion on the whole house of Israel, and I will be jealous for My holy name.

American Standard Version

Therefore thus saith the Lord Jehovah: Now will I bring back the captivity of Jacob, and have mercy upon the whole house of Israel; and I will be jealous for my holy name.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 39:25 stands as a pivotal declaration in the prophetic book, immediately following the dramatic and decisive defeat of Gog and his confederacy. This verse unveils the Lord GOD's unwavering resolve to reverse the fortunes of His people, promising to restore Israel from their captivity. This profound act of restoration is portrayed as being motivated by God's boundless mercy and an intense, righteous zeal for the vindication and sanctification of His own holy name before all nations. It marks a significant transition from divine judgment on the nations to a renewed focus on God's covenant faithfulness and the ultimate display of His character through the restoration of His chosen people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically positioned at the culmination of the extensive Gog-Magog prophecy, spanning [Ezekiel 38](/ezekiel/38 "Ezekiel 38 - The Prophecy Against Gog") and [Ezekiel 39](/ezekiel/39 "Ezekiel 39 - God's Judgment on Gog"). These chapters vividly describe a cataclysmic, supernatural intervention by God to utterly annihilate a vast coalition of nations that dares to attack His people. The preceding verses ([Ezekiel 39:21-24](/ezekiel/39-21-24 "Ezekiel 39:21-24 - God's Glory Revealed Through Judgment")) emphasize that this overwhelming victory serves to reveal God's glory and righteousness to both Israel and the surrounding nations, unequivocally demonstrating that Israel's prior exile was a direct consequence of their unfaithfulness. [Ezekiel 39:25](/ezekiel/39-25 "Ezekiel 39:25 - God's Promise to Restore Israel") then pivots sharply from this global display of judgment to an intimate and profound declaration of God's restorative purpose for His people, laying the theological groundwork for the glorious visions of a renewed temple, land, and covenant relationship detailed in [Ezekiel 40-48](/ezekiel/40 "Ezekiel 40 - The Vision of the New Temple").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ezekiel delivered his prophecies to the Jewish exiles in Babylon during a period of profound national humiliation and despair (approximately 593-571 BC). The Babylonian exile was not merely a political defeat but was perceived as an immense disgrace, not only for the nation of Israel but, more significantly, for their God, whose power and faithfulness appeared to be called into question by the pagan nations surrounding them. The concept of "captivity" (Hebrew: *shᵉbûwth*) was a deeply felt reality for these exiles, who yearned for their return to the promised land. God's declaration of "jealousy for my holy name" directly addresses this sensitive cultural context, asserting that His actions, both in judgment and in the promised restoration, are ultimately for the vindication of His own reputation, honor, and unwavering covenant faithfulness, which had been profaned by Israel's apostasy and subsequent exile among the Gentiles, as powerfully articulated in [Ezekiel 36:20-23](/ezekiel/36-20-23 "Ezekiel 36:20-23 - God's Name Profaned and Sanctified").
* **Key Themes:** [Ezekiel 39:25](/ezekiel/39-25 "Ezekiel 39:25 - God's Promise of Restoration") encapsulates several pervasive and interconnected themes central to the book of Ezekiel and broader biblical theology. The theme of **Divine Restoration** is paramount, promising a complete reversal of Israel's fortunes and a comprehensive return from exile, encompassing not only physical resettlement but also profound spiritual renewal, as foreshadowed by God's promise to gather Israel from among the nations in [Ezekiel 36:24](/ezekiel/36-24 "Ezekiel 36:24 - God Gathers Israel and Gives a New Heart"). This promised restoration is deeply rooted in **God's Sovereign Mercy**, emphasizing that it is not predicated on Israel's merit or repentance but flows purely from God's inherent compassionate character and steadfast covenant love, despite their historical unfaithfulness. Crucially, the verse highlights **God's Zeal for His Holy Name** as the ultimate and overarching motivation. This "jealousy" is understood as a righteous, passionate, and protective commitment to His own reputation, honor, and covenant promises, ensuring that His name is sanctified, revered, and recognized as supreme among all nations, a motif powerfully and repeatedly articulated throughout Ezekiel, particularly in [Ezekiel 36:22-23](/ezekiel/36-22-23 "Ezekiel 36:22-23 - God Acts for His Holy Name").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **captivity (Hebrew, _shᵉbûwth'_):** H7622. This term, derived from the root for "to take captive," refers concretely to exile or prisoners. However, in idiomatic phrases like "bring again the captivity" (*shûwb shᵉbûwth*), it transcends mere physical return. It signifies a complete and comprehensive reversal of fortune, a restoration to a former state of prosperity, dignity, and covenant favor, implying a profound national and spiritual renewal beyond simply coming home.
* **mercy (Hebrew, _râcham'_):** H7355. This primitive root means "to fondle" and, by implication, "to love," especially "to compassionate." It conveys a deep, visceral, and tender compassion, akin to the profound love a parent has for a child. In this context, it profoundly underscores that God's act of restoring Israel is not a response to their worthiness or earned merit but flows purely from His inherent character of tender, unwavering compassion, grace, and covenant faithfulness.
* **jealous (Hebrew, _qânâʼ'_):** H7065. This root signifies "to be (causatively, make) zealous," which in human terms can manifest as negative jealousy or envy. However, when applied to God, it describes His intense, protective zeal for His own honor, reputation, and covenant. It is a righteous and holy attribute, demonstrating His passionate commitment to uphold His holiness, vindicate His character, and ensure His promises are fulfilled and recognized as supreme by all creation. This divine jealousy guarantees His active intervention to protect His glory.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD;":** This opening phrase functions as a powerful and emphatic divine oracle formula. It serves to declare the absolute authority, certainty, and unalterable nature of the pronouncement that immediately follows. It signals that the subsequent statement is a direct, sovereign, and binding word from the Creator and Covenant Lord, YHWH (represented by "Lord GOD," combining H136 *ʼĂdônây* and H3069 *Yᵉhôvih*).
* **"Now will I bring again the captivity of Jacob,":** This clause expresses God's immediate, decisive, and active intention to reverse the exiled state of His people. "Jacob" (H3290 *Yaʻăqôb*) here represents the entire nation of Israel (H3478 *Yisrâʼêl*), encompassing all twelve tribes, emphasizing the comprehensive and universal nature of the promised restoration. The idiomatic phrase "bring again the captivity" (*shûwb shᵉbûwth*, using H7725 *shûwb* and H7622 *shᵉbûwth*) implies a full and complete reversal of their fortunes, restoring them not only to their land but also to their dignity, prosperity, and renewed covenant relationship with God.
* **"and have mercy upon the whole house of Israel,":** This reveals the profound and compassionate motivation behind God's restorative action. His sovereign decision to bring Israel back is not contingent upon their deservingness or prior repentance, but rather flows as a spontaneous and unmerited outflow of His divine compassion (H7355 *râcham*) and steadfast love. "The whole house of Israel" (H1004 *bayith* of H3478 *Yisrâʼêl*) underscores the universality of this mercy, encompassing all the descendants of Jacob, uniting both the northern and southern kingdoms in this promised, comprehensive restoration.
* **"and will be jealous for my holy name;":** This concluding clause articulates the ultimate and overarching purpose of God's actions. His "jealousy" (H7065 *qânâʼ*) is a righteous, protective zeal for His own honor and reputation (H8034 *shêm*). The exile of Israel had inadvertently caused God's name (H6944 *qôdesh* name) to be profaned and questioned among the nations, who misconstrued His power and faithfulness. By initiating this magnificent restoration, God decisively vindicates His character, demonstrates His unwavering commitment to His covenant promises, and ensures that His holiness and glory are recognized, revered, and sanctified by all creation.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 39:25 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its powerful and profound message. The most prominent is the **Divine Oracle Formula**, "Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD," which immediately establishes the divine origin, absolute authority, and unchallengeable certainty of the prophecy. This formula imbues the declaration with immense weight and solemnity. Another significant device is **Anthropomorphism**, evident in the phrase "will be jealous for my holy name." While "jealousy" in human terms often carries negative connotations of insecurity or envy, here it attributes a human emotion to God to powerfully convey His intense, protective zeal and passionate commitment to His own honor, reputation, and covenant. It is a righteous and holy jealousy, distinct from any human failing. Furthermore, the verse exhibits a form of **Climactic Parallelism** or a progression of ideas, where the three main declarations—"bring again the captivity," "have mercy," and "be jealous for my holy name"—build upon each other. They move from the specific action (restoration) to the immediate, inherent motivation (divine mercy) to the ultimate, overarching purpose (the glorification and vindication of God's holy name), creating a powerful, comprehensive, and divinely purposeful statement of intent.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 39:25 profoundly illustrates the unwavering faithfulness of God, the boundless nature of His sovereign mercy, and the absolute centrality of His glory in all His dealings with humanity. It reveals that even in the face of profound human failure, rebellion, and national disgrace, God's covenant promises remain steadfast, and His ultimate purpose is the vindication and sanctification of His own name before all nations. This verse teaches us a fundamental theological truth: God's redemptive acts are not primarily for the benefit of His people as an end in themselves, but rather as a means to demonstrate His character, power, and holiness to the entire world, ensuring that His glory is recognized and His name revered. It offers a powerful assurance that God's plans for restoration, whether for a nation or for an individual, are immutably rooted in His unchanging nature and His passionate commitment to His own glory and the fulfillment of His promises.

* [Deuteronomy 30:3-5](/deuteronomy/30-3-5 "God Promises to Restore Israel from Exile")
* [Isaiah 43:25](/isaiah/43-25 "God Forgives for His Own Name's Sake")
* [Romans 11:25-27](/romans/11-25-27 "The Mystery of Israel's Salvation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 39:25 offers profound encouragement and practical guidance for believers navigating life's challenges today. It serves as a powerful reminder that God's faithfulness is not contingent on our perfect obedience or worthiness, but flows eternally from His unchanging character and His unwavering commitment to His own glory. Just as God promised to reverse Israel's "captivity," He extends this same hope and offers release from various forms of spiritual, emotional, or circumstantial "captivity" that we may experience in our own lives. This verse calls us to cultivate a deep trust in His sovereign mercy, knowing that His compassion is boundless, limitless, and His plans for restoration are absolutely sure. Ultimately, it directs our gaze to God's ultimate purpose in all things: the glorification and sanctification of His holy name. This profound truth should inspire us to live lives that authentically reflect His holiness, pursue righteousness, and intentionally bring honor to Him in every sphere of our existence, understanding that our personal redemption and restoration are integral parts of a grander, cosmic narrative where God's magnificent character is vindicated and His glory displayed before a watching world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's "jealousy for His holy name" deepen your understanding of His character and His actions in both judgment and mercy?**
* **In what specific areas of your life do you currently need to trust God for "bringing again the captivity" or experiencing a fresh outpouring of His profound mercy?**
* **Considering God's ultimate purpose to glorify His name, how can your daily life, decisions, and actions more intentionally reflect His holiness and bring honor to Him among others?**

### FAQ
**What does "bring again the captivity of Jacob" mean in this context?**

Answer: This idiomatic Hebrew phrase, *shûwb shᵉbûwth*, signifies much more than a simple physical return from exile. While it certainly encompasses the literal return of the Jewish people to their homeland after the Babylonian exile, it primarily denotes a complete and comprehensive reversal of fortune, a restoration to a former state of prosperity, dignity, and covenant favor. It implies a holistic renewal—physical, national, and profoundly spiritual—where God fully restores what was lost due to sin and judgment. This restoration is a powerful and undeniable demonstration of God's faithfulness and power to the nations, as further elaborated in [Ezekiel 36:24-28](/ezekiel/36-24-28 "Ezekiel 36:24-28 - God's Promise of Restoration and a New Heart").

**Why is God described as "jealous" for His holy name? Is this a positive attribute?**

Answer: When the Bible describes God as "jealous" (*qânâʼ*), it is always presented as a divine attribute, fundamentally distinct from human envy, insecurity, or selfishness. God's jealousy is a righteous, protective zeal for His own honor, reputation, and covenant. His "holy name" (H6944 *qôdesh* H8034 *shêm*) represents His entire character, His inherent power, and His inviolable promises. Because Israel's exile had caused God's name to be profaned and questioned among the nations (as powerfully stated in [Ezekiel 36:20-23](/ezekiel/36-20-23 "Ezekiel 36:20-23 - God's Name Profaned and Sanctified")), God's jealousy means He is passionately committed to vindicating His character, demonstrating His unwavering faithfulness, and ensuring that His holiness is recognized, revered, and sanctified by all creation. Therefore, it is indeed a profoundly positive and necessary attribute that guarantees His justice will prevail and His covenant promises will be upheld.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 39:25, with its profound declaration of God's merciful restoration and zealous commitment to His holy name, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the verse speaks of a physical return from Babylonian captivity and a future national restoration for Israel, it also powerfully foreshadows the deeper, spiritual "captivity" from which all humanity desperately needs deliverance—the universal bondage of sin, death, and separation from God. Jesus, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), perfectly embodies God's boundless mercy (*râcham*) in its fullest and most redemptive expression, offering complete forgiveness, spiritual liberation, and new life to all who place their faith in Him. He came to fulfill the prophetic hope of liberation, proclaiming [release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind](/luke/4-18 "Luke 4:18 - Jesus Proclaims Freedom") (Luke 4:18-19). Furthermore, Jesus' entire life of perfect obedience, His atoning death on the cross, and His glorious resurrection supremely glorified God's holy name, demonstrating His justice, His unfathomable love, and His sovereign power over sin and death. Through His sacrificial work, God's name was supremely vindicated, His holiness perfectly upheld, and a new way of reconciliation was opened. The future restoration of Israel, as promised in passages like [Romans 11:26](/romans/11-26 "Romans 11:26 - All Israel Will Be Saved"), will also be accomplished through Christ, ultimately bringing all things under His glorious reign and ensuring that [every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Jesus' Exaltation").

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 34:13

And I will bring them out from the people, and gather them from the countries, and will bring them to their own land, and feed them upon the mountains of Israel by the rivers, and in all the inhabited places of the country.

Isaiah 27:12

And it shall come to pass in that day, [that] the LORD shall beat off from the channel of the river unto the stream of Egypt, and ye shall be gathered one by one, O ye children of Israel.

Isaiah 27:13

And it shall come to pass in that day, [that] the great trumpet shall be blown, and they shall come which were ready to perish in the land of Assyria, and the outcasts in the land of Egypt, and shall worship the LORD in the holy mount at Jerusalem.

Hosea 1:11

Then shall the children of Judah and the children of Israel be gathered together, and appoint themselves one head, and they shall come up out of the land: for great [shall be] the day of Jezreel.

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:

Ezekiel 37:22

And I will make them one nation in the land upon the mountains of Israel; and one king shall be king to them all: and they shall be no more two nations, neither shall they be divided into two kingdoms any more at all:

Ezekiel 20:40

For in mine holy mountain, in the mountain of the height of Israel, saith the Lord GOD, there shall all the house of Israel, all of them in the land, serve me: there will I accept them, and there will I require your offerings, and the firstfruits of your oblations, with all your holy things.