Ezequiel 36
Bob Utley · You Can Understand the Bible
Ezequiel 36
CONTEXTUAL INSIGHTS It must be remembered that these chapters fall into the major literary unit of Ezekiel 33-39, which are an emphasis on YHWH restoring His people and their land. Ezekiel 36 is a personification of the land with its renewed blessings (cf. Deuteronomy 27-28). Ezekiel 37 is imagery the national restoration amidst the death of exile. Both of these chapters are historical precursors of future events. post-exilic restoration under Zerubbbel Pentecost, where believing Jews received the Spirit (Heb. 8:6-13) eschatological setting Ezekiel 36:22-36 describes the "new covenant" of Jer. 31:31-34. This is a foreshadowing of the grace-based covenant in Christ (i.e. NT).
Ezequiel 36:1-12
36:1 As usual Ezekiel starts a new vision with YHWH addressing him directly (i.e. "son of man"). This literary marker is usually accompanied by IMPERATIVES. In this chapter prophesy, BDB 612, KB 655, Niphal IMPERATIVE, cf. Ezek. 36:3,6 (Niphal PERFECT in Ezek. 4:7) say, BDB 55, KB 65, Qal PERFECT (often Qal IMPERATIVE in Ezek. 12:10,11,23,28; 17:9,12) hear, BDB 1033, KB 1570, Qal PERFECT, cf. Ezek. 13:2 where all three are used. This command is repeated in Ezek. 36:4; see Special Topic: Listen/Hear (shema) . ▣ "O mountains of Israel" Earlier in Ezekiel's prophecies (chapter 6) this same idiom (unique in Ezekiel) is negative (i.e. judgment). 36:2 The arrogance of the surrounding nations over the demise of YHWH's people and their annexing her lands causes Him to act! ▣ "Aha" This INTERJECTION (BDB 210) expresses joy at another's demise (cf. Ps. 35:21,25; Ezek. 25:3; 26:2; 36:2). ▣ "the everlasting heights" Often the mountains are used as one of God's two permanent witnesses, but here they are used as a personification of Israel and the blessings to come. It is ironic that the same word "heights," bamoth (BDB 119), was used of the high places of Canaanite fertility worship (cf. Ezek. 20:29). This phrase may imply that the surrounding nations see Palestine as an especially blessed place (i.e. fruitful, cf. Deut. 11:11). 36:3 "therefore" Notice that Ezek. 36:3,4,5,6, and 7 all start with the ADVERB "so" or "thus" (BDB 485), when used with a PREPOSITION it means "that being so" or "therefore" (e.g. Num. 16:11; Ezek. 11:4; 37:12; 38:14). ▣ "for good cause they have made you desolate" This is a confession and recognition of the sins of God's people that resulted in the exile. Judah's condition is described in three INFINITIVES. desolate, BDB 1030, KB 1563, Qal INFINITIVE CONSTRUCT used in two senses be desolate, Ezek. 6:4; 20:26; 25:3; 29:12; 30:7,12,14; 32:15; 33:28; 36:4 be appalled, Ezek. 3:15; 4:17; 26:16; 27:35; 28:19; 32:10 crushed or trampled upon, Qal INFINITIVE ABSOLUTE, cf. Ps. 56:2; 57:4; 94:5; Isa. 3:15; Amos 2:7; 8:4 become the possession ("possession," BDB 440, cf. Exod. 6:8; Ezek. 11:15; 25:10; 33:24; 36:2,5), BDB 224, KB 243, Qal INFINITIVE CONSTRUCT ▣ "the talk and whisperings of the people" This refers to amazement of the reproach of those who live near or pass by (cf. Ezek. 36:15; 34:29; Deut. 28:57; Ps. 44:9-16; Jer. 18:16). The people speak of defeated Judah as they did of her God (cf. Ezek. 34:12-13). 36:4 YHWH addresses His devastated land (i.e. its covenant people). God's people had become exactly the opposite (i.e. a prey [BDB 103] and a derision [BDB 541]) of what He intended for them to be to the nations. Special Topic: YHWH's Eternal Redemptive Plan 36:5 This is a summary verse expressing YHWH's sorrow in judging His own covenant people (i.e. jealousy is a love word). But now He will judge those who took His people's land rejoiced over their downfall disrespected ("scorn of soul") them drove them out of the Promised Land These surrounding nations are the very ones Ezekiel addresses (except Neo-Babylon) in Ezek. 25-32. Special Topic: Jealousy, Zeal ▣ "My land" YHWH owns all lands by creation (cf. Exod. 19:5; Deut. 32:8 in LXX), but He uniquely claims a special ownership of Canaan (cf. Ezek. 38:16; Lev. 25:23; Isa. 14:25; Jer. 2:7; Joel 1:6; 3:2). ▣ "all Edom" See Special Topic: Edom and Israel 36:7 "I have sworn" This is literally "lift up my hands," which was an idiomatic way of referring to an oath (cf. Ezek. 20:5,6,15,23,28,42; 44:12; 47:14). Often YHWH's oath is stated as "as I live, declares the Lord." Special Topic: Hand Special Topic: The Problems and Limitations of Human Language 36:8 "Oh mountains of Israel, you will put forth your branches and bear fruit for My people" This is the opposite of what the mountains of Edom will do (cf. Ezek. 35:3, 7, 15). This is a fulfillment of Ezek. 17:23 and 34:26-29 (cf. Isaiah 4; 27:6). 39:9 "I am for you" The covenant will be restored. YHWH will be with and for His people again. The promises of Deuteronomy 28 will be actualized. ▣ "I will turn to you" As is so often the case, Ezekiel, being a priest, uses phrases from Leviticus 26. This phrase is in Lev. 26:9. 36:10-15 This reflects the covenant blessings of Deuteronomy 28. It implies that the covenant is renewed and is being obeyed! These blessings are for a repentant and obedient Israel! multiply men on you cities reinhabited waste places rebuilt multiply man and beast treat you better than at the first possess Canaan as an inheritance no loss of children no more insults from the surrounding nations no more stumbling on Israel's part 36:10 "all the house of Israel, all of it" This speaks of the reuniting of the thirteen tribes of Israel (cf. Ezek. 37:21,22; Jer. 3:18; 50:4). 36:12 "you" This is a personification of the Promised Land (i.e. "the mountains of Israel" or "the everlasting heights"). YHWH has been addressing them in Ezek. 36:1 through Ezek. 36:15. ▣ "never again bereave them of children" This phrase may link back to the spies' report found in Num. 13:32 or YHWH's judgment from Jer. 15:7. If so, it refers to famine, plague, sword, and wild beasts. The VERB "bereave" (BDB 1013, KB 1491, Piel INFINITIVE CONSTRUCT) is repeated in Ezek. 36:13 and possibly Ezek. 36:14 (MT notes Kethiv, ["written"], "shall not stumble," BDB 505, כשׁל, but Qere ["read"], "shall not bereave," שׁכל), possibly just the author using a wordplay. This threat was first used in Lev. 26:22 (cf. Deut. 32:25). Ezekiel often used Leviticus 26 as a source for his vocabulary. Children were seen as a gift from YHWH, but for covenant disobedience He takes them away. However, a new day has come and no longer will the children be taken!
Ezequiel 36:16-21
36:16-21 YHWH reminds His people of their sins. they defiled YHWH's land they shed blood (murder or child sacrifice to Molech) they were idolatrous Therefore, YHWH (recurrent themes in Ezekiel) poured out His wrath on them scattered them among the nations judged them according to their ways and deeds Instead of revealing YHWH to the nations, they profaned His name (in the land and in exile). YHWH wanted to use Abraham's descendants to reveal Himself to all people (cf. Ezek. 36:32,36). National Israel failed to be a clear reflection of YHWH, as a matter of fact, they distorted His image. He has a universal redemptive plan that will not be thwarted! So, He Himself, will act to reveal Himself. The new action is "the new covenant" of Jer. 31:31-34 (i.e. the New Testament). This new covenant, based on YHWH's actions, is described in Ezek. 36:22-36. Special Topic: YHWH's Eternal Redemptive Plan 36:17 "like the uncleanness of a women in her impurity" To covenant people all bodily excretions made one ceremonially unclean. See Lev. 15:19-30. 36:18 "the blood which they shed" This refers either to the murder of righteous people the murder of poor people child sacrifice to Molech Special Topic: Blood Special Topic: Molech ▣ "idols" See note at Ezek. 18:15. Special Topic: Idolatry 36:19 "I scattered them among the nations" This is the covenant curse of Lev. 26:33 coming to fruition (cf. Ezek. 20:23). This judgment on Judah's covenant disobedience became an opportunity for YHWH to reveal Himself to the nations (cf. Ezek. 36:20-21,22-23). ▣ "and according to their ways and their deeds I have judged them" See note at Ezek. 33:20. 36:20 "they have profaned my holy name" Remember that YHWH was linked to Israel and Judah and they were taken into captivity. YHWH was willing for His own name to be impugned that His people might turn back to Him. Israel and Judah profaned YHWH's name (i.e. reputation) in several ways. covenant disobedience Canaanite worship national defeat YHWH is jealous for His holiness (cf. Ezek. 39:7). Special Topic: Holy 36:21 "But I had concern for My holy name" YHWH is concerned (lit. "took pity," BDB 328, KB 328, Qal IMPERFECT, see the negative in Ezek. 5:11; 7:4,9; 8:18; 9:5,10) about His reputation (cf. Ezek. 20:39) because He is in the business of winning all humans made in His image and likeness (cf. Gen. 1:26-27) to faith and repentance in Himself (cf. Ezek. 36:14). His name stands for His person! Special Topic: Call on His Name Special Topic: "The Name" of YHWH
Ezequiel 36:22-32
36:22-32 Verse 22 captures the essence of the new covenant (cf. Luke 22:20; 1 Cor. 11:25; Galatians 3, 4; Heb. 8:6-13; 10:15-18)! Notice the things He will do to reestablish His reputation (cf. Ezek. 36:23). I will take you from the nations and bring you back to Canaan, Ezek. 36:24 I will sprinkle clean water on you and cleanse you from filthiness and idolatry, Ezek. 36:25 I will give you a new heart and a new spirit, Ezek. 36:26 I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to obey My covenant, Ezek. 36:27 I will be your God in the Promised Land, Ezek. 36:28 I will forgive and restore covenant fruitfulness, Ezek. 36:29-30 YHWH will do this to reveal Himself (Ezek. 36:32). His people will be grieved over their sin (Ezek. 36:31-32). 36:25 "sprinkle clean water on you" Remember that Ezekiel was a trained priest who would be familiar with water as a symbol of spiritual cleansing (e.g. Exod. 29:4; 30:18-21; Lev. 1:9,13; 6:28; 8:6,21; 14:5,6, 8,9,51,52; 15:5,6,7,8,10,11,21,22,27; 16:4,24,26,28; 17:15; 22:6; Num. 5:17-27; 8:7; 19:7,8,9,13,17,18,19,20,21). Some commentators think this text, which links "water" and "Spirit," is the key OT background to John 3:5 (see F. F. Bruce, Answers to Questions, pp. 67-68). Special Topic: Forgiveness in the OT 36:26 "I will give you a new heart" The balance is seen in Ezek. 18:31 (see full note there), where the Judeans are commanded to make themselves a new heart (cf. Ezek. 11:19; Jer. 31:31-34). God always comes in grace, but humans, empowered by YHWH's grace, must respond. The "heart" was the center of the intellect as the spirit was the source of life. When both are used together, it refers to the entire person. Special Topic: Heart Special Topic: Old Things. . .New Things 36:27 "I will put My Spirit within you" This is setting the stage for the "Spirit" in chapter 37. He is the sign of the new age (cf. Ezek. 37:14; 39:29; Isa. 42:1; 44:3; 59:21; Joel 2:28, 29). This is rare text where the Spirit is personalized and internalized (cf. Ezek. 37:14; 39:29; Isa. 11:2; 32:15; 44:3; 59:21; Jer. 32:36-41; Joel 2:28-29; Acts 2). This is New Covenant terminology! This is a precursor to the concept of a Trinity which is so difficult to contemplate in connection with monotheism. For good articles on the Spirit in the OT see Hard Sayings of the Bible, pp. 273-274 Christian Theology, 2nd ed., by Millard J. Erickson, pp. 881-885 Special Topic: Spirit in the Bible Special Topic: Monotheism Special Topic: The Trinity Special Topic: The Personhood of the Spirit 36:28 "my people, and I will be your God" These are covenant terms (cf. Ezek. 11:20; 14:11; 37:23,27), which show that YHWH has reestablished the previous covenants of the Patriarchs and Moses. Special Topic: Covenant Promises to the Patriarchs 36:30 "I will multiply the fruit of the tree" This refers to the covenant blessings (cf. Leviticus 26 and Deuteronomy 28). 36:31 "You will remember your evil ways and your deeds that were not good, and you will loathe yourselves" This refers to the repentance of the covenant people (cf. Ezek. 6:9; 16:61,63; 20:43; Jer. 22:22; 31:19). Repentance, faith, obedience (cf. Deut. 30:1-3), and perseverance are covenant requirements of the OT and NT. Justification must not be separated from sanctification! Both are gifts from God in which believers must participate (cf. Ezek. 36:20). Special Topic: Repentance (OT) Special Topic: Believe, Faith or Trust Special Topic: Keep Special Topic: Perseverance ▣ "abominations" See Special Topic: Abomination (OT) 36:32 YHWH wants His people to acknowledge their sin. This verse has three commands. "let it be known," BDB 393, KB 390, Niphal IMPERFECT used in a JUSSIVE sense "be ashamed," BDB 101, KB 116, Qal IMPERATIVE "be confounded," BDB 483, KB 480, Niphal IMPERATIVE Verse 32 is a crucial theological message. YHWH is going to act for His name's sake, not based on His people's merit (Ezek. 36:22). Judah must repent. The new covenant is also conditional on repentance, faith, obedience, and perseverance (cf. Ezek. 6:9; 16:63; 20:43; Jer. 31:18).
Ezequiel 36:33-36
36:33-36 This is a repeat of Ezek. 36:10-15. ▣ "Eden" See Special Topic: Eden 36:36 "the nations that are left round about you" What nations are these? Does it refer to the surrounding nations addressed in Ezekiel 25-32? If so, then the call to "take prophecy literally" must be questioned here. If it refers to future unnamed nations, what is the purpose of their "knowing that I am the Lord"? Are these Gentile nations just to recognize His blessing on Israel or to come to know her God also? All of us who believe, honor, respect, and cherish God's Word struggle with the relationship between the Old and New Covenants. If the NT is the fulfillment of the OT and the specific fulfillment of Gen. 3:15, then the scope of God's love must be expanded to all nations because of Gen. 1:26-27; 3:15; and 12:3! This does not minimize national Israel, but recognizes that the biblical focus is on YHWH, not Israel. The focus of the gospel is not Israel, but the redemption and restoration of all mankind. Jesus, not Israel, is the key thrust of the NT. If He is Messiah and if the NT writers are inspired (esp. Paul and the author of Hebrews), then a new day has come, a universal offer has been made, a once-for-all sacrifice has been given! The original purpose of creation has been fulfilled, not in Israel, but in fellowship between God and His highest creation, mankind. Salvation is the restoration of the image of God in humanity damaged in the fall of Genesis 3. Special Topic: YHWH's Eternal Redemptive Plan Special Topic: The Gospel
Ezequiel 36:37-38
36:37-38 This is a reemphasis on Ezek. 36:10, 11. 36:37 "I will let the house of Israel ask Me to do for them" YHWH reverses His unwillingness to hear Israel's prayers (cf. Ezek. 14:3; 20:3,31; Isa. 1:15; Jer. 11:11).