HIS SERVANTS' MINISTRY

www.godcannotlie.org

Welcome to our website

Book of Ezekiel
Chapter 36

The Edomites or Idumeans, during the Babylon captivity, seized control of the mountains of Judea, and also the strongholds which controlled the country, aiming to terminate the Jews if they ever returned from the captivity. The prophet Ezekiel, by a beautiful image, speaks to the mountains of Israel; and imputing to them passions and emotions similar to those of his own heart, comforting them with the idea that they would soon be rid of the enemies who had taken over, and of being freed from the dishonor of idols under which they groaned; and of prospering again in their ancient glory under their rightful owners (36:1-15). The idolatry and other sins of the Jews are then clearly stated to be the cause of their captivity and dispersal (36:16-20); from which they are promised deliverance in words of great force and beauty (36:21-38). This chapter also contains, under the type of the happy condition of the Israelites after their restoration from the Babylon captivity, a glorious prophecy of the rich blessings of the Gospel dispensation.

The distinction between Israel and the heathen (Edom) is: Israel has a covenant relationship to GOD ensuring restoration after their chastisement, so that the heathen's hope of getting possession of the elect people's inheritance must fail, and they themselves be made desolate. The reason for the chastisement of Israel was Israel's sin and their profaning GOD'S Holy Name. The Lord GOD has so much good in store for Israel, for His own Name's sake, to revive His people by a spiritual renewal of their hearts, and by an external restoration to prosperity. The result is that the heathen shall be impressed with the power and goodness of GOD demonstrated so profoundly towards the restored people.

In Chapter 36, GOD consoles the mountains of Israel. Edom thought they could come in and take over those mountains, but GOD will not let that happen; He will make sure that the mountains will provide fruit for His people when they return in the latter days. Their towns will be repopulated, and the animals will come back as well. In the latter days, GOD will never deprive the mountains of its inhabitants again.

Today there is much being said about peace among all nations. God has warned us that in these end times, this is not true, because this old world is entering into the time of Jacob's trouble (Jer.30:7). We must never forget that Esau (Edom) is a very important end time prophecy, and those labor pains we are seeing today are bringing in the birth of a new Millennium age yet to come (Rev.20).

Chapter 37 will give us a view of the valley full of bones. Chapters 38 and 39 will give us a detailed picture of what is about to happen, and we must pay attention to GOD'S warning, so that we will not be deceived. The Lord GOD has so much to say to us today, through the Book of Ezekiel. Be wise, and pay attention! 

ISRAEL'S RETURN TO PALESTINE; AND THE NEW COVENANT

This chapter falls into two major divisions: #1. the external restoration of Israel to their homeland (36:1-15), and #2. the spiritual restoration of Israel (36:16-38). The land of Israel is comforted with a view of the ruin of its spiteful neighbors, and of its own blessings promised by GOD. Israel was rejected for their sin, and shall be restored with blessings for the sake of GOD’S Name only.

Theme: Israel's past sins must be judged and forgiven before she can be restored to the land.

The Land Shall Be Delivered From Heathen Oppressors (36:1-15)

Ezekiel 36:1 Also, thou son of man, prophesy unto the mountains of Israel, and say, Ye mountains of Israel, hear the word of the LORD: (KJV)

Also, thou son of man, prophesy unto the mountains of Israel . . . the mountains of Israel, are the nations of Israel, the land of Judah, the mountains is another name for Israel, which was very mountainous, at least one part of it, called the hill country (Lk.1:39), and now that the country is being cleared of inhabitants because of the captivity and other desolating judgments, there is nothing but bare mountains left. Prophesy concerning the mountains of Israel, or those that would be restored to them, concerns Israel’s future happiness and comfort.
And say, ye mountains of Israel . . . hear the word of the LORD, regarding the destruction of their enemies, and concerning the temporal blessings that would be bestowed on them.

Ezekiel 36:2 Thus saith the Lord GOD; Because the enemy hath said against you, Aha, even the ancient high places are ours in possession: (KJV)

Thus saith the Lord GOD; Because the enemy hath said against you . . . many were the enemies of GOD'S people, but they were so united in one plan, with one consent, and were one in their absurdities, hate and hostility, that the prophet speaks of them as one, and mainly of Edom.
Aha . . . rejoicing with blasphemous pride, as Ammon (25:2), and Tyre (26:2).
Even the ancient high places are ours in possession . . . the everlasting hills, whose foundations, as these of Israel, are from the beginning and shall be to the end. What Edom wants is to ridicule Israel, who by Promise from GOD claimed these mountains as their perpetual inheritance, but were now cast out of them, and they blame the GOD of Israel for not keeping His Promise to them. They blame and blaspheme GOD and insult Him because they hated His people. They thought that they had the right to the land [mountains] because Esau was the elder.

*****God is angry at any nation [or person] for their scornful Aha at Israel. Edom was delighted at the fall of Israel, thinking they would take it over as their land. They knew GOD had given this land to Israel, but it was easy for their jealousy of Israel, through the years to grow to hate. They wanted what Israel had, but the Bible tells us that they could never have this land . . . but they thought they could when Israel went into captivity.
God will one day restore these areas to Israel which their enemies claim to possess (Gen.12:7). All the wicked shall one day pay in full for their hateful spite against Israel.

Ezekiel 36:3 Therefore prophesy and say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Because they have made you desolate, and swallowed you up on every side, that ye might be a possession unto the residue of the heathen, and ye are taken up in the lips of talkers, and are an infamy of the people: (KJV)

Therefore prophesy and say, Thus saith the Lord GOD . . . Ezekiel again is told by the LORD what to say.
Because they they have made you desolate . . . the Edomites and others with them, have made the mountains [Israel] desolate; they ruined her strength, wasted her cities, and burnt the Temple, and cut off them that tried to escape.
And swallowed you up on every side . . . devoured them, as hungry beasts devour their prey. On every side; from all coasts of the land, and all throughout the whole land.
That ye might be a possession unto the residue of the heathen . . . when the Chaldeans had conquered Israel, all their neighbors flew to the spoil as to a shipwreck . . . every one thinking all his own what he could lay his hands on.
And ye are taken up in the lips of talkers, and are an infamy of the people . . . Edom is sure that the land of Israel will belong to them. The land of Israel had been ravaged of all its wealth, but the greatest wealth it had was its natural resources, and no one could take that. Edom saw this as an opportunity to take the Promised Land for themselves. The lips of talkers were saying that Israel could finally belong to them. Infamy means slander.

*****GOD'S anger today is growing because the people that call themselves Christians allow themselves to be robbed, lied to and brainwashed by heathens, the wicked, the devil’s children (1 Jn.3:10). GOD is telling us that His people are an infamy to the world. Heathens lack knowledge of the Word of GOD; and in ignorance they believe lies false teachers bring. Heathens call us ‘Jesus freaks’ plus a lot of other blasphemous things . . . but this should not be a concern, but instead a blessing! Matthew 5:10-12 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11  Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. 12  Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you. (KJV) . . . One day ALL people shall know that JESUS is GOD!

Ezekiel 36:4 Therefore, ye mountains of Israel, hear the word of the Lord GOD; Thus saith the Lord GOD to the mountains, and to the hills, to the rivers, and to the valleys, to the desolate wastes, and to the cities that are forsaken, which became a prey and derision to the residue of the heathen that are round about; (KJV)

Therefore, ye mountains of Israel, hear the word of the Lord GOD . . . (36:1), here repeated to raise and quicken their attention to what was about to be said to them.
Thus saith the Lord GOD to the mountains, and to the hills, to the rivers, and to the valleys, to the desolate wastes, and to the cities that are forsaken . . . before only the mountains are spoken to, even though the whole land was mentioned . . . but here the several details are given, describing the whole land which suffered in the disaster, and the inhabitants that dwelt in them or near them.
Which became a prey and derision to the residue of the heathen that are round about . . . this includes the Tyrians, Philistines, Edomites, Ammonites and Moabites, all who mocked the Jews and rejoiced at their destruction by the king of Babylon, and grabbed as a prey what he left. Some think these are the residue of the heathens around Judea, who remained after the judgments threatened were executed on the above nations, which were predicted in Chapters 25 & 26 (36:36).

Israel's Past Sins Shall be Judged and Forgiven (36:5-38)

Ezekiel 36:5 Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Surely in the fire of my jealousy have I spoken against the residue of the heathen, and against all Idumea, which have appointed my land into their possession with the joy of all their heart, with despiteful minds, to cast it out for a prey. (KJV)

Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD . . . because these heathens have acted in such an unkind and cruel way to Israel, GOD has much to say to their enemies.
Surely in the fire of my jealousy have I spoken against the residue of the heathen, and against all Idumea . . . in in GOD’S fierce wrath and hot displeasure, He resentd the hostile way they used His people. GOD was hot with anger against their enemies, having a passionate zeal for His own glory, and an affectionate concern for the good of His people. Edom, who of all the heathen was the most confirmed and relentless enemies of the Jews, even though they were related to them, and are therefore mainly mentioned as the objects of the divine vengeance of GOD: the reason follows,
Which have appointed my land into their possession with the joy of all their heart . . . which have taken My land into their possession; this land where His chosen people dwelt, and which He chose for them, and which He gave to them; the land where He Himself dwelt, where His Presence was; where His Temple was, and where he was worshipped. All of this the LORD took as cruel at their hands, resenting it, that they should lay out this land for themselves, and decide that it was a possession and inheritance of theirs.
With despiteful minds, to cast it out for a prey . . . with the utmost joy they joined Nebuchadnezzar's army when he invaded the land of Judea and besieged Jerusalem, out of pure malice and spite to Israel, so that Israel would lose possession of their land, and that it might become a prey to them (Ps.137:7).

*****The Lord GOD is determined that the wicked will NOT inherit the Earth. He has made it clear that the meek shall inherit the earth (Mat.5:5). The meek are NOT inheriting it today. The rich and the wicked are the ones who have it, and they are the ones who prosper . . .  but that shall one day change!
Many people think they see prophecy being fulfilled on every hand, but when GOD brings Israel back to the land, the land is to be blessed. It is NOT blessed today.
GOD'S Heart is stayed on His wife (Israel). He may punish her Himself, but He does NOT want anyone saying or doing anything against Israel, for He loves her. Edom and the heathen nations have angered Him greatly by attacking His beloved Israel. The land of Israel was a gift from God to His beloved people. The land will never permanently belong to anyone else. GOD will see to that. The land belongs to ISRAEL! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . http://www.hisservants.org/israel_promised_land_h_s.htm

Ezekiel 36:6 Prophesy therefore concerning the land of Israel, and say unto the mountains, and to the hills, to the rivers, and to the valleys, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I have spoken in my jealousy and in my fury, because ye have borne the shame of the heathen: (KJV)

Prophesy therefore concerning the land of Israel . . . Ezekiel was to bring GOD’S Words about the land and the inhabitants of it, for their comfort, in this their time of distress.
And say unto the mountains, and to the hills, to the rivers, and to the valleys . . . (36:4),
Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I have spoken in my jealousy and in my fury, because ye have borne the shame of the heathen . . . the Lord GOD, has spoken in His jealousy and His fury; with great zeal for His honor, and the interest of His people; and with anger at His and their enemies. Edom had spoken in great malice against GOD'S people, and GOD will speak in His jealousy against them . . . it will be very easy to guess which will speak most powerfully. GOD will speak in His jealousy and in His fury and wrath. Fury is NOT in GOD, it is provoked by SIN . . . but He will apply His power against them and handle them as severely as men do when they are furious. GOD will speak to them in His wrath as to irritate them in His great displeasure. Dear one, what GOD says He will do, He will indeed do, for He backs it with an oath, and He cannot lie (Tit.1:2).

Ezekiel 36:7 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)

Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD . . . because the people of GOD were in distress, and under shame and disgrace because of the enemy insulting them, and triumphing over them, GOD lifted up His Hand; solemnly swore. Lifting up of the hand was a ritual used by men when they swore (Gen.14:22).
Surely the heathen that are about you, they shall bear their shame . . . the heathen that are about you were the Moabites, Ammonites and Idumeans, shall bear their shame and the punishment of their shame; that which is rightly due to them for hating, belittling and putting to shame the people of GOD: for they shall be a laughing stock to others, and be reproached and ridiculed themselves, and so be paid back in the same way; a just vengeance because of their treatment of the Jews. The heathen shall be a laughing stock to others, and be rebuked and mocked themselves, thus receiving just retaliation for their treatment of the Jews.

*****The righteous GOD, to whom all vengeance belongs, will render shame for shame. Those that disrespect and rebuke GOD'S people will, sooner or later, have it returned upon themselves, possibly in this world, but for certain on Judgment Day (Rev.20:11-15). In that day, all those who refuse to repent shall rise to shame and everlasting contempt. All those who thought GOD would totally do away with Israel, shall in the latter days be made ashamed for believing that. The blessings of GOD shall be poured out on Israel. Israel’s land will be productive (verses 8-9), populated (verses 10-11) and peaceful (verses 12-15). These conditions will be fully realized in the Messiah’s Kingdom.

Ezekiel 36:8 But ye, O mountains of Israel, ye shall shoot forth your branches, and yield your fruit to my people of Israel; for they are at hand to come. (KJV)

But ye, O mountains of Israel . . . although the mountains could not hear what was said, the owners of them could, even though now in captivity; the importance of the prophecy would be seen on them, producing the following effects.
Ye shall shoot forth your branches . . . shall shoot forth, shall be fruitful, and send forth the branches from trees, plants, vines and olive trees, and these branches shall not only have leaves, but they shall bear fruit.
And yield your fruit to my people of Israel . . . not only put forth branches, but bear much fruit; and which would be given to the rightful owners, the people of Israel, not to the heathens, who had claimed the ancient mountains for their possession.
For they are at hand to come . . . they are the Israelites; either by repentance, or return from the Babylon captivity, which was about forty or fifty years after this prophecy; and which was just a bare shadow and symbol of their restoration in the latter day, which is yet future; and which might be said to be at hand, or near, with respect to GOD, with whom a thousand years are as one day (2 Pet.3:8). They are at hand; the time will come, it is near because life on this Earth is short (Ps.90:10; 102:11), when GOD’S people shall come out of where they were dispersed, to resettle in their own land. GOD will perform His Word, and give them absolute peace. Day of the Lord at hand: (Joel 1:15; 2:1; Zep.1:7; Mat.3:2; 4:17; 10:7; Mk.1:15; Lk.21:31; 2 Thes.2:2; 1 Pet.4:7; Rev.1:3; 22:10).

Ezekiel 36:9 For, behold, I am for you, and I will turn unto you, and ye shall be tilled and sown: (KJV)

For, behold, I am for you . . . for the mountains [Israel], that they might be cultivated and become fruitful, and be of benefit to their owners, and appear beautiful and lovely to behold, as well as useful. The Lord GOD favors them, and is calm towards them. He comes toward them to redeem them that the old residents may return to Him with singing.
And I will turn unto you . . . the LORD had turned from them because of their sin, and leaving them as a prey to the enemy, which had left them desolate; but now He would turn back to them and bless them, and make them fruitful, and return the right ownership to them. Now GOD’S Face shall be towards them, and they shall prosper and be fruitful, to the comfort of those that shall dwell in the land that they shall plow and sow.
And ye shall be tilled and sown . . . the mountains [the land] shall be fertilized and cultivated, and sown with wheat and barley, as in former times.

Ezekiel 36:10 And I will multiply men upon you, all the house of Israel, even all of it: and the cities shall be inhabited, and the wastes shall be builded: (KJV)

And I will multiply men upon you . . . Israel would inhabit the cities on the mountains, and increase very much.
All the house of Israel, even all of it . . . not the heathens that would be multiplied on them, but the Israelites, ALL of them, and them only; ALL the tribes of Israel, the ten tribes as well as the other; which is repeated to confirm it. This seems to imply that the prophecy has more than just the return of the Jews from the Babylon captivity; for ALL did not return, many remained in the outlying areas of Babylon; and those that returned were mainly of the tribes of Judah and Benjamin; although a few of the rest came with them. Some think the words mean the ten tribes, which are supposedly hidden to this day. Dear one, NO one is hidden from GOD’S Eyes!  
And the cities shall be inhabited, and the wastes shall be builded . . . this is in a literal way; as well as the Gospel church and inheritance of Christ that shall then be in a thriving condition (Gal.3:26-29).

*****When GOD brings the people back into their land, they will build again as they had in the past. It was thought of as a blessing from GOD to have many children. This is saying, they will multiply fast, and fill the land. They will again build houses. The entire land will be restored. This is part of that Covenant that GOD made with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, and passed it on to the end generation. The total rebuilding of this land and nation will not occur until Israel and Judah are joined back together in the Millennium age (Rev.20). We will see more of this in Ezekiel Chapter 37.

Ezekiel 36:11 And I will multiply upon you man and beast; and they shall increase and bring fruit: and I will settle you after your old estates, and will do better unto you than at your beginnings: and ye shall know that I am the LORD. (KJV)

And I will multiply upon you man and beast . . . not only men will be multiplied, but animals too, of which the mountains had been deprived, being killed by the enemy for present use, or driven off for future survival; but now there would be an increase of them, which would feed upon the rich pastures of the mountains, to the great advantage of the owners.
And they shall increase and bring fruit . . . multiply and increase, both men and beasts.
And I will settle you after your old estates . . . old estates refers to the time that was before Israel split up. From this verse, on to the closing chapters, we will see the reformation of that old nation, as Israel and Judah . . . the tribes of Benjamin and Judah will be joined together again by GOD. This will largely take place at the return of our Lord JESUS CHRIST (Zec.14:1-5; Rev.19:11-21). Then each tribe will have its own chosen location.
See Special Comments about Israel in: . . . . . . . . . . . . http://www.godcannotlie.org/book_of_ezekiel_ch19.htm
And will do better unto you than at your beginnings . . . not that the land would be better or more fruitful than in the times of Joshua, who led the people into it and found it a land flowing with milk and honey (Josh.5:6). This is to be understood of spiritual blessings and privileges in the times of the MESSIAH; and especially when the Jews will be converted in the latter day.
And ye shall know that I am the LORD . . . meaning the inhabitants of the mountains of Israel, the converted Jews, shall know and own the MESSIAH, and that He is JEHOVAH (Ex.6:3; Ps.83:18; Isa.12:2; 26:4), the eternal GOD, and not just a mere Man.

*****It seems that each family will go back to the same portion they were allotted, when they first came into the Promised Land (Josh.14). There will be absolutely NO argument about whose land was whose, because their inheritance is from GOD, and HE make NO mistakes. With GOD'S blessings upon them, they will soon grow to their former greatness. GOD will multiply their children and their animals and their peace.

Ezekiel 36:12 Yea, I will cause men to walk upon you, even my people Israel; and they shall possess thee, and thou shalt be their inheritance, and thou shalt no more henceforth bereave them of men. (KJV)

Yea, I will cause men to walk upon you . . . as during the captivity; who shall walk back and forth upon the mountains, as the owners of them, and doing their proper business there.
Even my people Israel . . . My people Israel, a people that are GOD’S by covenant, whom He owns, My people Israel. Gentiles who are called by grace, would dwell with the Jews at this time (Gal.3:26-29), mainly at their restoration in the latter day; which seems to be the idea of the whole Chapter 60 of Isaiah's prophecy.  
And they shall possess thee, and thou shall be their inheritance . . . meaning the mountains; meaning everyone in the mountains, the whole land of Canaan, which was given to Israel for an inheritance; and which represents the eternal inheritance in heaven (1 Pet.1:4). They shall possess thee . . . Edom boasted he would possess the mountains . . . but not Edom or heathens, but only their own ancient dwellers shall possess the mountains, meaning Abraham's seed. Their [Israel’s] inheritance would be perpetual as inheritances are meant to be.
And thou shall no more henceforth bereave them of men . . . thou, is the land of Canaan. No more bereave them, consume and destroy the inhabitants. There will be no more reason of their being childless, or of orphaning them of men. Sins committed on the mountains was the cause that provoked the LORD to leave them all alone (16:20-21; 23:37-39). Men or children would no more be killed upon the mountains as they had been.

*****When our Lord JESUS returns (Zec.14:1-5; Rev.19:11-21), ALL the tribes of Israel will know what they possess, and where they belong. But for now, before that day comes, we will see the entire world fall into the time of the great deception (2 Thes.2:8-12), or apostasy, turning away from GOD and His Truths, and into the traps set by the Antichrist and Satan's children (1 Jn.3:10). When supposed Christians on a massive scale turn to Satan's one world government [ecumenism], this is what is meant here bereave them of men. 
http://worldlychaos.org/w_c_apostasy_in_the_last_days.1.htm
When the Lord JESUS CHRIST returns at the seventh trumpet (Rev.16:17), the condition of deception will be removed, and Satan will go to the pit (Rev.20:10), along with his angels and all the false prophets who have misled GOD’S children. GOD promised this in Ezekiel 34. Then ALL of GOD'S children (Gal.3:26-29) will know who they are, and all of GOD'S Word will be open to them. http://www.worldlychaos.org/w_c_hand_in_hand_bible_vs_ecumenism.htm

Ezekiel was to prophesy to the mountains. Ezekiel speaks to Israel’s mountains for the Lord GOD . . . these mountains symbolizes the whole nation of Israel. He promises:
#1. To cause fruit to grow on them (36:8);
#2. To rebuild cities and to multiply people there (36:10);
#3. To bless in a greater way than in the past (36:11);
#4. To give the mountains back again to dispersed Israel (36:12).

These Promises can only be fulfilled in latter days in the future Millennial Kingdom (Rev.20), that Israel has not yet experienced, because it includes the salvation promised in the New Covenant (36:25-27, 29, 31, 33).

Ezekiel 36:13 Thus saith the Lord GOD; Because they say unto you, Thou land devourest up men, and hast bereaved thy nations; (KJV)

Thus saith the Lord GOD, because they say unto you . . . the heathens that dwelt around the land of Judea said to the mountains, or to the whole land,
Thou land devourest up men . . . eats up the people of it; which was part of the false report the spies, in the times of Moses, brought on it, (Num.13:32), to which the reference is here; suggesting, that either the air was harmful; or that the land did not produce a right amount of food to support the inhabitants; or that the curse of GOD was upon it; and that one judgment after another was always on it: famine, disease, or the sword of the enemy, or internal uproars among themselves, or wild beasts, whereby the inhabitants of the land were wasted and consumed.
And hast bereaved thy nations . . . the several tribes, of men and children; so that they were diminished and depopulated: the allusion seems to be to miscarrying women, or such who kill their children in the womb, and become abortive.

*****This is talking about the Promises that GOD made to Israel, and GOD is reminding us that those blessings He promised, shall be fulfilled. Many people cannot understand how the blessings promised thousands of years ago, can be fulfilled. They can and they shall! GOD is angry over the fact that His people are blind to all Promises of GOD, many of which are being fulfilled right before their eyes today. http://lastdaysprophecy.org/L_D_end_times_prophecies.htm

Ezekiel 36:14 Therefore thou shalt devour men no more, neither bereave thy nations any more, saith the Lord GOD. (KJV)

Therefore thou shalt devour men no more . . . they shall be no more destroyed in thee by pestilence, famine, sword, or any other means: the inhabitants shall live to a ripe old age, and not have the number of their months cut off in the midst (Zec.8:4). GOD will take away the reproach of His people by taking away that which was the cause of it.
Neither bereave that nations any more, saith the Lord GOD . . . (36:15), thou shalt not bereave. GOD will so bless the land, that they shall bring forth and many sons and daughters, they shall see their children's children increase, and the reproach shall cease forever.

*****When our Lord JESUS CHRIST returns, He will not allow His people to be scattered again. All the false shepherds will be taken away, along with all their damnable heresies (2 Pet. 2:1). There will be no more robbing of anything from GOD'S Children.

Ezekiel 36:15 Neither will I cause men to hear in thee the shame of the heathen any more, neither shalt thou bear the reproach of the people any more, neither shalt thou cause thy nations to fall any more, saith the Lord GOD. (KJV)

Neither will I cause men to hear in thee the shame of the heathen any more . . . this verse confirms what was promised in verses 12-14, all which is doubled for more assurance, and each part already explicated.
Neither shalt thou bear the reproach of the people any more . . . or be any more a taunt and a curse, a proverb and a byword of the people; or be their laughing stock, and the object of their ridicule.
Neither shalt thou cause thy nations to fall any more, saith the Lord GOD . . . not by famine, sword or pestilence, or any other judgment caused by sin: or thou shalt not bereave (36:14). What is promised here and in the previous verse, had not had its full accomplishment when the Jews returned from the Babylon captivity; for since that time their men have been devoured, and their tribes have been bereaved of them by famine, sword and pestilence; and they have heard and bore the shame and reproach of the nations where they have been dispersed, and do so to this day; so these prophecies have to refer to a future restoration of that people.

*****Dear one, there will be NO more heathen rites and rituals, no more blasphemous practices, and false traditions or any form of religion our LORD'S Kingdom. There will be nothing allowed in the Millennium Kingdom that is considered idolatry, and worship of anyone EXCEPT the One and Only True GOD. Matthew 15:9 But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. (KJV)  

The Reason for Israel's Punishment (36:16-20)

The restoration of Israel, is typical of our redemption by CHRIST, and shows that the end aimed at in our salvation is the glory of GOD. The sin of a people defiles their land, and makes it an abomination to GOD, and painful to themselves. GOD'S Holy Name is His Great Name because His Holiness is His greatness. We too must pursue a holy life if we want God to bless us, for nothing else make a man truly great in GOD’S Eyes.

Ezekiel 36:16 Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, (KJV)

Moreover the word of the Lord came unto me . . . here starts another prophecy, which was delivered about the same time with the former one.
Saying; as follows:

*****This verse is written to the people of GOD, and He is telling us that He will restore them to Him, not because they [or we] deserve it, but because of His Word. He will do it because He promised us that He would do it, and God ALWAYS keeps His Promises.

Ezekiel 36:17 Son of man, when the house of Israel dwelt in their own land, they defiled it by their own way and by their doings: their way was before me as the uncleanness of a removed woman. (KJV)

Son of man, when the house of Israel dwelt in their own land . . . the land of Canaan, which the Lord GOD gave to them; a land abounding with all good things, where they dwelt in great ease, plenty and prosperity; and which also was a holy land, uniquely chosen of God for His worship.
They defiled it by their own way and by their doings . . . they defiled it; brought in much sin and great guilt upon the land, and upon themselves. Sin has a defiling nature; defiling the bodies and souls of men; it defiles their own, and it defiles others; it defiles a land, and the inhabitants of it, and makes them loathsome and abominable to the pure and Holy GOD.  
Their way was before me, as the uncleanness of a removed woman. . . a removed woman is a woman in her monthly period, in the time of her separation when she was barred the company of her husband, and might not enter into the sanctuary of the LORD. This reveals how evil sin is, what an uncleanness it is in the sight of GOD, how repulsive sinful ways are to Him; and although He was the Husband of these people, yet, because of their sins, He separated from them, and removed them out of their land, as not fit to be in His Presence, nor to live there. Since idolatry is so often compared to fornication and whoredom, it may mean here the filthiness of spiritual whoredom. GOD hated the filthiness of their ways, just as He would the impurity of a whorish woman prostituting herself for gain. This may include the reward of a whore (16:33).

*****We must realize that God thought of Israel as His wife (Jer.3:14; 31:32). When she lived in the land, she had gone after false gods. GOD thought of this as spiritual adultery. All of the things that happened to Israel in the siege, and in the captivity was from a jealous Husband, who still loved His wife. GOD is telling the people that it is not Satan that defiled the land, but instead THEY are the ones that defiled the land. They are the ones that opened their ears and eyes to false doctrine, and allowed themselves to be taken by the whore, the Roman religious form of the latter days. When you sit in your church and follow any heathen ritual (Mat.15:9), and/or false doctrine (2 Pet.2:1), you now know what GOD thinks of you and your tithe. BEWARE! Revelation 18:4 And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. (KJV)

Ezekiel 36:18 Wherefore I poured my fury upon them for the blood that they had shed upon the land, and for their idols wherewith they had polluted it: (KJV)

Wherefore I poured my fury on them . . . wherefore, Israel’s sins (36:17) was the real reason that the land was emptied . . . so there was no cause for the heathen's slander. I poured my fury on them . . . GOD was angry with Israel, and the effects of His anger was what made the land and cities desolate, like mighty flood that carries away all before it.
For the blood they had shed upon the land . . . innocent blood, the blood of righteous men that opposed and criticized them for their sinful ways; and the blood of the prophets that were sent to warn them, and especially the precious Blood (1 Pet.1:18-19) of the Son of GOD (Jn.19:15). This prophecy reaches much further than the times of the Babylon captivity, but way off into the latter days. Blood of the prophets: (2 Ki. 9:7; Lam. 4:13; Mat. 23:30; Lk.11:50; Rev.16:6; 18:24).
And for their idols wherewith they had polluted it . . . or for their idols, their dunghill gods; not just for their idols and their idolatry before the Babylon captivity, which they after were free from; but for the traditions of their elders (Mat.15:1-9) they set themselves up against and above the Word of GOD; and their righteousness, their idols, the works of their hands, and through their attachment to which they rejected CHRIST and His righteousness (1 Cor.1:30); and which brought wrath upon them, and them into their present day captivity.

*****There are many things that are becoming idols to today’s generation. GOD is furious at ANY form of idolatry that is accepted by His people, be it fortune, fame, riches, possessions, sexual lust or as the Roman church worships the mother of the Lord JESUS. Supposed Christians today are so defiled in their houses of worship, that many are even defending filth, sodomy and all sorts of heathen perversion, as they try to twist GOD'S Word to conform to their sin and idolatry. Dear one, GOD will hold not only your false shepherd accountable, He shall also come down hard on you. ANYTHING or ANYONE that you worship and/or place before GOD is an idol.

God explains, through Ezekiel, that the punishment was not because He did not love Israel. He punished her, to teach her not to be unfaithful. May we learn from this as well.

Ezekiel 36:19 And I scattered them among the heathen, and they were dispersed through the countries: according to their way and according to their doings I judged them. (KJV)

And I scattered them among the Heathen . . . it was GOD’S Hand that scattered them, and since that is true, whose hand is it that can recall the inhabitants that GOD has cast out? NONE! Israel is scattered in the various parts of the world today, and they shall stay that way until the time of the Gentiles is done (Lk.21:24; Ro.11:25).
And they were dispersed through the countries . . . blown about as chaff is by the wind (Ps.1:4).
According to their way and according to their doings I judged them . . . GOD condemned and punished them just as their wicked ways deserved. There was NO injustice done to them, nor could any fault be found in the procedures GOD took towards them. They were driven away, as chaff before the wind, for their ways provoked the LORD, and they rightly deserved what He brought down on them.

*****GOD scattered the House of Israel because of their idolatry. Yet in GOD'S punishment, He provided a way of mercy, in which His children could return to Him. When the Lord JESUS CHRIST went to the cross and shed His Blood, eternal salvation was made possible, and was extended again to Israel. In the New Testament, the offspring of the ancient house of Israel are those who are referred to as the lost sheep of Israel (Mat.10:6; 15:24). The apostle Paul brought the Gospel to the Jews FIRST (Rom.1:16; 2:9-10).

Ezekiel 36:20 And when they entered unto the heathen, whither they went, they profaned my holy name, when they said to them, These are the people of the LORD, and are gone forth out of his land. (KJV)

And when they entered unto the Heathen, whither they went . . . when the Jews went into the heathen countries, where they were carried captive, either by the Chaldeans, or by the Romans . . .  
They profaned my holy name . . . by their lack of reverence and immorality; by their violation of the law; by their wicked lifestyles, which gave the enemy an occasion to accuse them, their religion, and their GOD (Rom.2:22-24). The Israelites were so sinful, so deeply fallen, that they profaned the LORD'S Name among the heathen; and because of them, the Lord GOD was blasphemed.
When they said to them, These are the people of the LORD, and are gone forth out of his land . . . these are the people that boast they are the people of the LORD, whom He has chosen above all people, and see what a wicked people they are; for their sins they are driven out of the land, and become our captives. Others say although they were the LORD'S people, as they pretend, and were under his care and protection; yet he was not able to keep them in their own land, and deliver them out of our hands, but they are carried captive by us. So, because of the sins of Israel, the Name of GOD, His power and perfections were blasphemed, and His Holy Word, His worship and His rightful worshippers were ridiculed by them.

*****The heathen ask, are these the people of GOD? What an abominable people they are, and what must their GOD be who can have and own such for His people? Because Israel profaned the Name of the LORD, and He had put them into captivity, the heathen would now think of Him as not being able to protect His people. Dear one, this is the same humiliation caused to GOD, when someone today commits a terrible crime and proclaims to the world he is a Christian. They may get by with it in this life on Earth, but Judgment Day is coming, and they will not like what Judge JESUS will say to them about eternity! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . http://www.judgmentcoming.org/j_c_judgment_day_IS_coming.htm
Even when they were dispersed, Israel polluted GOD’S honor in the eyes of the heathen, who decided that the LORD of this exiled people did not have power enough to keep the Jews in their land. Dear one, the Christians of today (Gal.3:26-29), should be a sign to the world of the greatness of GOD. Everything that we say and do, should glorify Him. We should never do, or say, anything that would turn people away from GOD. JESUS is the Light of the world (Jn.8:12), and we are to have that Light brightly shining within us, so the world can see the Light in us (Mat.5:14). We are to give out Light, not darkness, because TRUE Christians have a big impact on the way the world feels about GOD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . http://www.godcannotlie.org/true_children_of_god.htm

God Would Glorify Himself in Showing Mercy to Israel (36:21-24)

The Lord GOD shall rescue His Honor, secure and advance it, by working a great restoration on Israel and then working a great salvation for them. He would have scattered them among the heathen, if it were not that He feared the wrath of the enemy (Deu.32:26-29). But, even though Israel was not worthy of His compassion, yet He had concern for His Holy Name, and such a disappointment it was that that His Glorious Name should be trampled on, blasphemed and abused. He looked with great compassion on His honor, which lay bleeding among the heathen which was trodden deep into the dirt, which the house of Israel, even in the land of their captivity, had so profaned.

Ezekiel 36:21 But I had pity for mine holy name, which the house of Israel had profaned among the heathen, whither they went. (KJV)

But I had pity for my holy name . . . GOD had pity on the Jews for His Name's sake, and not for their name. He spared them, who while in captivity continued to sin greatly against me, and because of their sins He had just cause to cut them off; but He had pity.
Which the house of Israel had profaned among the Heathen, whither they went . . . Israel had profaned GOD’S Holy Name among the heathen, and so He was determined to take a way to glorify it again, that being in a way of His special grace and mercy to His people (36:20).

Ezekiel 36:22 Therefore say unto the house of Israel, Thus saith the Lord GOD; I do not this for your sakes, O house of Israel, but for mine holy name's sake, which ye have profaned among the heathen, whither ye went. (KJV)

Therefore say unto the house of Israel . . . this is an order to the prophet Ezekiel, the son of man (36:17).
Thus saith the Lord GOD, I do not this for your sakes, O house of Israel . . . what GOD now promises to do for them, both with respect to things temporal and spiritual; which He did, not because of any worthiness in them; for they had done nothing to merit His favor, but just the opposite, did everything to provoke His honor and glory. I do not this, that which He had done, sparing and preserving them, and giving them favor in the sight of the heathen; nor do I that I am about to do for you, returning you to Judea, planting you, increasing you, and establishing you, and making you a blessing; I do not this for your sake, they deserved no such kindness from GOD.
But for my holy name's sake, which ye have profaned among the Heathen, whither ye went . . . GOD did what He did for the honor of His Holy Name, for the glory of His Holy Word, His Holy worship, and Holy religion; all which were criticized and admonished among the heathen, because of the ungodly behavior of the Jews. For mine holy name's sake; GOD’S infinite mercy is the spring and fountain of all good things! Wanting to vindicate His Name from all charges of weakness or unfaithfulness, and to magnify the glory of His goodness, wisdom, truth and power, were the reasons why He did what He did for Israel. Which ye have profaned; Israel brought under suspicion GOD’S Holy Name with the heathen, who thought that the only and almighty GOD should do better for His own and only people.

Ezekiel 36:23 And I will sanctify my great name, which was profaned among the heathen, which ye have profaned in the midst of them; and the heathen shall know that I am the LORD, saith the Lord GOD, when I shall be sanctified in you before their eyes. (KJV)

And I will sanctify my great name . . . the same as His Holy Name; because His greatness is in His Holiness; which Name He sanctifies [sets apart] when He clears it from all charges and accusations; when He justifies the honor of His Name, in a way of grace and mercy; He sanctifies His name when He states it, a GOD gracious and merciful. Will sanctify, by clearing it up, and removing the objection that the Jews' sufferings and sins among the Babylonians had raised. My great name; Israel gave the heathen reason to think mean and contemptible things of GOD, but GOD will show He is as great as He is good, and in both limitless.
Which was profaned among the Heathen, which ye have profaned in the midst of them . . . this is repeated again and again, to show just how bad their sin was, and how angry it made GOD. GOD blamed the Jews for the blasphemies the heathen cast on Him, the Jews were the cause of them, and they are therefore rightly imputed to the Jews. Was profaned: (36:20, 22).
And the heathen shall know that I am the LORD, saith the Lord GOD, when I shall be sanctified in you before their eyes . . . when the LORD fulfils His Promises, and deliver His people; it will be then that He shall sanctify, justify and save them; and He shall be holy, served and worshipped by them. It will be taken notice of by unbelievers; and they shall then know, and be forced to acknowledge, that the GOD of Israel is the only Lord GOD; that He is true and faithful to His Word, righteous and holy in His ways, the Lord GOD is all-knowing and all-powerful. That I am the Lord; unbelievers shall know by what GOD does, the heathen shall know what He is, and from the great and good things He shall do for Israel . . . performing His Promises and purifying them, they shall see that He is the one and only great, good, faithful and Holy GOD; then shall He be sanctified in you, as I have been profaned by you in their eyes (Ps.127:2). The heathen shall know that I am the LORD is found in 75 verses in the Bible. When something is repeated in Scripture, it is important!

*****Verses 21-23 tell us that GOD has yet to defend His Name in this Earth. There are so many people who ridicule the TRUE church today and those who are in it. They blaspheme GOD because of it. GOD is going to justify Himself in this Earth one day, and He is going to sanctify His Name. Multiple millions take His Holy Name in vain today, but GOD says, they shall know that I am the LORD. Dear one, this shall happen!

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. (KJV)

For I will take you from among the Heathen . . . from the Chaldeans and other nations, where they were carried captive; and too the Roman church, among whom some of them now may be, who often called heathens and Gentiles in Scripture. This will be completely fulfilled when the Jews are converted in the latter day. This phrase rightly expresses the act of divine grace, in taking His people from among the world by the effectual calling. Revelation 18:4 And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. (KJV)  . . . BEWARE! Take warning!
And gather you out of all countries . . . to Himself, to His Son, to His TRUE church, and to some certain place from where they will go up in a body to their own land (Hos.1:11) as follows.
And will bring you into your own land . . . into the land of Canaan literally, as well as into the Gospel church, and into the heavenly country in the future, of which Canaan was a type.

GOD Would Bless Israel, by Bestowing His Grace on Them (36:25-38)

The people of GOD might be discouraged in their hopes of a restoration by the sense not only of their unworthiness of such a favor (shown in the previous verses), but of their being unfit for such a favor, their still being corrupt and sinful; which is answered in these verses, with a Promise that GOD would by His grace prepare and qualify them for His mercy and then bestow it on them. This was partly fulfilled in the effect that the captivity in Babylon had upon the Jews, that it cured them of their leaning to idolatry. But it shall be more  urther graciously fulfilled in the latter days. 

Ezekiel 36:25 Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you. (KJV)

Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you . . . not water of baptism as some say, an ordinance which is indeed in the Gospel, and to which the Jews shall submit when converted; and which is performed by water, nor does baptism cleanse from sin; for it is administered by men, and is NOT an operation of GOD, but instead the regenerating grace of the Holy Spirit; although this does not purify from sin, for it is best to understand cleansing of the soul is by the precious Blood of Christ alone (1 Pet.1:18-19). Water baptism means being immersed, not sprinkled. Romans 6:3-4 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 4  Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. (KJV) http://hisservants.org/why_baptism_h_s.htm
And ye shall be clean from all your filthiness, and from all your idols will I cleanse you . . . the precious Blood of Christ alone cleanses from all sin; by it men are justified from all things, and are made perfectly pure and spotless in the sight of GOD; they are cleansed from original sin, the pollution of their nature; from all actual sins and transgressions, which are very defiling; from sins of heart, lip and life; even from idols which are set up in the heart and served. Ye shall be clean . . . when a person believes and accepts what JESUS did on the cross,  the penalty of sin is paid, the person is indeed clean, both in the Eyes of GOD the Father and CHRIST JESUS His Son. From all your filthiness . . . even though there have been many sins, of all kinds, a multitude of sins shall not hinder GOD from pardoning us when we accept what JESUS did on the cross for us. We are justified by faith in the Lord JESUS CHRIST (Rom.5:1-2). Sins forgiven, remembered no more: (Ps.103:12; Jer.31:34; Mic.7:19; Heb.8:12; 10:17). Thank You JESUS! Thank You, thank You!
http://www.godcannotlie.org/truth_about_salvation.htm 

*****Water is a symbol of the cleansing our polluted souls from sin. But water can do nothing more than take away the filth of the outward flesh. Water seems a wide-ranging sign of the sanctifying influences of the Holy Spirit (Jn.3:3-8); yet this is always connected with atonement (Rom.5:10-11; 2 Cor.5:18-19) through the precious Blood of CHRIST (1 Pet.1:18-19). When the Blood of CHRIST is applied to us by our faith in Him (Rom.5:1-2), it cleanses us from our evil works. The Blood of CHRIST is applied to the soul, to purify it from the pollution of sin. Anyone who has a sincere interest in the new covenant (Rom.6:14-15; Heb.8:8, 13; 12:24), shall receive a new heart and a new spirit, so they can walk in newness of life (Rom.6:4). GOD gives a heart of flesh, a soft and tender heart (11:19; 36:26), which would obey His holy will. As GOD’S amazing and renewing grace works, it makes a wonderful change in the heart, as if turning a cold, dead stone into warm, living flesh. GOD will then put the Spirit of CHRIST within (Jn.14:16; Rom.8:9) the new creature (2 Cor.5:17; Gal.6:15), as a Teacher, Guide and Sanctifier. The awesome Promise of GOD'S grace to fit us for our duty, should make us more aware of our constant care and struggle to do our duty to Him. Dear one, these Promises will be fulfilled to all TRUE believers in every age.

Ezekiel 36:26 A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. (KJV)

A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you . . . (11:19), a new heart and a new spirit are one and the same; meaning that a renewed heart, renewed by the Spirit and grace of GOD; is in which a new attitude of life is put; and the light of CHRIST (2 Cor.4:6) is infused; a new will is filled with new commitments, where new affections are placed, and new desires are formed. The New Testament calls this the new man and the new creature (Eph.4:24; 2 Cor.5:17).  Will I give you, GOD does it Himself, for it is His work. A new spirit: this tells us what the new heart is; it is a new heart in the spirit of man, which is PLACED in Him, given to him by the Lord GOD, it is not something that a person does in his own power.
And I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh . . . the Targum is, and I will break the heart of the wicked, which is hard as a stone. A stony heart is a heart hardened and deep-rooted in sin; it lacks spiritual life and motion; is senseless and stupid, stubborn and inflexible; on which no good impressions are made; and which remains hard and impenitent. The stony heart is common to all mankind (Ps.53:3; Jer.17:9; Rom.3:10, 23), and all who have it are sinful; and only the power of GOD can remove it; it cannot be taken out by men themselves: nor by ministers of the Word. We must look to the One and Only crucified CHRIST; and the shedding abroad the love of GOD in the heart (Rom.5:5), which softens and melts it; and which can only be done by the Spirit of CHRIST (Rom.8:9).
And I will give you an heart of flesh . . . a heart that knows the danger of sin; a repentant heart, soft and tender, through the love and fear of GOD; a spiritual and consecrated heart that submits to the will of GOD; flexible and pleasing to the commands of CHRIST; on which good impressions are made by the grace of GOD; where the laws of GOD are written, the Gospel of CHRIST is put; where Christ Himself is found; where there is fear of GOD [reverence], faith, hope and love.

*****The stony heart is a stubborn, senseless, inflexible heart that receives no good impressions from the Word of GOD or from the Spirit of GOD in its normal activities. It hardens itself in a day of provocation (Ps.95:8; Heb.3:8), and is hardened day after day by the deceitfulness of sin (Heb.3:13). This stony, evil heart shall be taken away, and this GOD will do, for only HE can do it. When wepay attention to GOD'S law, we should indeed tremble at His threats, which should bring us to a place of obedience to do His will; to refrain from sin, to do, to be, or to suffer what God has in store for us. Dear one, IF it is not GOD’S will, you do NOT want it!

Ezekiel 36:27 And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them. (KJV)

And I will put my Spirit within you . . . His Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Holiness; the Author of eternal blessing, the Giver of the new heart and spirit, and of the fleshy one before mentioned; and through which GOD’S grace and strength the saints would do what is afterward said they shall do.
And cause you to walk in my statutes . . . people are first made alive by the Spirit of GOD, and then have spiritual strength placed into them (Jn.14:16; 2 Jn.1:2), who of themselves can do nothing, but by means of the Spirit they are enabled to walk in all the commandments and ordinances of the LORD, and to continue obeying them; which walking in them means.
And ye shall keep my judgments, and do them . . . a person who has received a new heart and new spirit (36:26) shall be controlled by the love of GOD; influenced by the grace of CHRIST; and strengthened by the HOLY SPIRIT. When a person becomes a new creature (2 Cor.5:17) in CHRIST, they keep GOD’S judgments, obeying themwillingly and joyfully because of love and thankfulness in faith, to the glory of GOD.

*****This seems to be what Joel meant in his prophecy, that there is a day coming when GOD will pour out His Spirit on all flesh, not just some. The HOLY SPIRIT was poured out upon very few on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2). The SPIRIT has come upon a few (Mat.7:14) in today’s world, for CHRIST is calling out a people for His Name (Christians). The minute you sincerely turn to CHRIST, you are regenerated by the HOLY SPIRIT; you are indwelt and baptized by Him (1 Cor.12:13), and you are put in the body of TRUE believers, and once you have the SPIRIT within you, He is there for ever (Jn.14:16; 2 Jn.1:2). GOD will not take Him away from you, ever!

*****In verses 25-27, GOD promises that He will do a good work in them, to qualify them for the good work He intends for them to do. Ezekiel had before stated the same Promise of GOD. Ezekiel 11:18-20  And they shall come thither, and they shall take away all the detestable things thereof and all the abominations thereof from thence. 19  And I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you; and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them an heart of flesh: 20  That they may walk in my statutes, and keep mine ordinances, and do them: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God. (KJV)

Ezekiel 36:28 And ye shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers; and ye shall be my people, and I will be your God. (KJV)

And ye shall dwell in the land which I gave to your fathers . . . not only shall Israel be brought into their land, but they shall live in it in an abundant way, in great safety. Their land will be all the more valued and esteemed, and considered a great blessing; because it is the gift of GOD, which He gave to their fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, promised so long ago to their seed. GOD never forgets a Promise that He makes!
And ye shall be my people, and I will be your GOD . . . my people (11:20), as their fathers were, who reverenced, loved, worshipped, obeyed and believed in Him. This is the sum and substance of the covenant of grace, which will now be renewed, and the blessings of it applied. The Jews will appear to be the people of GOD by their effectual calling and conversion; and GOD will show Himself to be their GOD, by His Presence with them, His protection of them, and His fellowship with them (Jer.31:1). The Loammi name (Hos.1:9) will be removed, and Israel will again be declared to be the covenant people of GOD.

Ezekiel 36:29 I will also save you from all your uncleannesses: and I will call for the corn, and will increase it, and lay no famine upon you. (KJV)

And I will also save you from all your uncleannesses . . . the LORD will save them from all their filthy, immoral lusts of pride, envy, malice, covetousness, whoredom, blasphemy and unfaithfulness, to which the Jews are now addicted. But in the latter days, they shall be saved from the power of these horrid sins by the sanctifying grace of the HOLY SPIRIT; and from the guilt and pollution of those sins by the Blood of CHRIST, and this not just on some, but from all of them. All Israel will one day be saved, from all their sins (Rom.11:25-27).
And I will call for the corn, and will increase it . . . which shall answer to the call of GOD, as a servant to his master; and shall spring up out of the earth in great abundance; and which shall grow, and increase, and bring forth much fruit; and yield bread to the eater, and seed to the sower (Isa.55:10), and which is to be understood, not of corn in a literal way only, but of corn in a spiritual way; of all spiritual provisions, the Word of GOD and His ordinances, and especially the corn of wheat (Jn.12:24) CHRIST JESUS; who is the sum and substance of the Gospel and His ordinances, and is in them food for the faith of His people (Zec.9:17).
And lay no famine upon you . . . there shall be no famine of bread or water; nor a famine of hearing the Word of the LORD; for in the latter days there shall abundant provisions of all for both for body and soul, not like things are in today’s world, with shortage of food in many places, and famine of GOD’S Holy Word increasing all over the world. Amos 8:11 Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD: (KJV) . . . This famine is brought about by SIN!

*****In today world, God tells any church or any nation that if they will not hear His Word after He has given it to them, He will withdraw it. I think this is happening rapidly in America today. There has been such a total rejection of the Word of GOD! So many churches have turned to liberalism, that the TRUTH of the Word of GOD is no longer preached. There has come a famine of the Word of GOD. Very little of the Word of GOD is getting out in this land today. People do NOT want to hear it! Nearly everyone owns a Bible. But how many are studying it? Who is reading it? Who is believing it? We are seeing the beginning of the famine of the Word of GOD in this country. In the latter days, there shall be NO famine of any kind to the people of GOD!

Ezekiel 36:30 And I will multiply the fruit of the tree, and the increase of the field, that ye shall receive no more reproach of famine among the heathen. (KJV)

And I will multiply the fruit of the tree, and the increase of the field . . . this is explained in verses 8-10, and in:
Ezekiel 34:27 And the tree of the field shall yield her fruit, and the earth shall yield her increase, and they shall be safe in their land, and shall know that I am the LORD, when I have broken the bands of their yoke, and delivered them out of the hand of those that served themselves of them. (KJV)
That ye shall receive no more reproach of famine among the heathen . . . is explained in verse 29.

Ezekiel 36:31 Then shall ye remember your own evil ways, and your doings that were not good, and shall lothe yourselves in your own sight for your iniquities and for your abominations. (KJV)

Then shall ye remember your own evil ways, and your doings that were not good . . . evil ways of their own choosing; in which they happily walked in evil ways that were opposed the ways of GOD; such disobedience violated the law of GOD; neglected worship of Him. Idolatry and many other sins, before the captivity, which followed to the tradition of their elders (Mat.15:2; Mk.7:3), setting up their own righteousness, their disbelief and rejection of the MESSIAH; their blasphemy against Him, their condemning Him to die on the cross (Jn.19:6), and persecuting Him and His people. Israel shall remember all these things with shame when the LORD shall bestow upon them the above blessings, spiritual and temporal; especially when a new heart and spirit shall be given them. The goodness of GOD will have such an influence on them as to refresh their memories about those former sins, and they shall repent of them. The goodness of GOD shall affect their minds, and make them thankful for present mercies. And your doings that were not good . . . far from being good, for they were very evil, opposing the law of GOD and Gospel of CHRIST.  
And shall loath yourselves in your own sight for your iniquities and for your abominations . . . their sins will be repulsive to them and to the LORD; and they will not only hate their sins, but hate themselves for doing them, when they shall come to their senses.

Ezekiel 36:32 Not for your sakes do I this, saith the Lord GOD, be it known unto you: be ashamed and confounded for your own ways, O house of Israel. (KJV)

Not for your sakes do I this, saith the Lord GOD . . . there was no worth or worthiness in them for any merit or reward to them; for any goodness in them, or works of righteousness done by them flowed only from the LORD’S own unmerited grace and goodness; for His sake, and for His glory, will He do it (Deut.9:4-6).
Be it known unto you . . . this the LORD wanted this people to take notice of, who were so fond of their own righteousness and merits and to trust in them. Most men are far too likely to do this; and so to take down their pride, and remove their boastings and vain opinions of themselves, GOD would have them know and acknowledge this.
Be ashamed and confounded for your own ways, O house of Israel . . . as men are ashamed when they are brought to a true sight and sense of sin, and reflect upon the evil of them, and are brought to true repentance for them (16:61). Be ashamed and confounded . . . the Lord GOD wanted them to feel shame and confusion, self-hate and deep humiliation, for what they did, for they had walked stubbornly in their own ways.

Ezekiel 36:33 Thus saith the Lord GOD; In the day that I shall have cleansed you from all your iniquities I will also cause you to dwell in the cities, and the wastes shall be builded. (KJV)

Thus saith the Lord GOD, In the day that I shall have cleansed you from all your iniquities . . . only Almighty GOD can give a free and full pardon of sins; by sprinkling clean water on them (36:25), the Blood of CHRIST on their consciences; and by applying the righteousness of CHRIST (1 Cor.1:30) to them for their justification (Ro.5:1-2, 9; Eph.1:7; 1 Pet.1:18-19); as well as by creating clean hearts in them, for their sanctification; and enabling them by grace to escape and abstain from the pollutions of the world: 1 John 3:9-10  Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. 10  In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother. (KJV) . . . . . . . . .   http://www.godcannotlie.org/first_john_ch3.htm
I will also cause you to dwell in the cities . . . the cities of Judea, as well as Jerusalem shall be rebuilt and occupied again.  
And the wastes shall be builded . . . the cities and towns that lay in ruins. Short-term prosperity shall go along with or follow spiritual blessings to the Jews at their conversion; for they shall dwell in the Gospel churches of CHRIST, which are as cities close together, well regulated, and where Jews and Gentiles at this time will be fellow citizens (Gal.3:26-29).

*****Continued, steadfast sin is what brings down GOD’S wrath and judgments on the sinner, and is rightly deserved by them. The sins of the Jews, and their continued punishment in those judgments, shall stand until a free and full pardon in the last days will take away their guilt, and only then will the judgments of GOD be removed. Here, the pardoned captives return to and dwell in their own cities. Unpardoned sin had devastated and utterly wasted their country, but repentant and pardoned sinners shall rebuild the wastes. Unpardoned sin had left the land unplanted and barren, but the pardoned sinners in the last days shall plow, sow, reap and eat.

Ezekiel 36:34 And the desolate land shall be tilled, whereas it lay desolate in the sight of all that passed by. (KJV)

And the desolate land shall be tilled . . . the land of Judea, which lay desolate during the captivity, and which now in a ruinous state, shall be fertilized and cultivated, and become fruitful again, as it was before. The Jews, in a spiritual sense, are like barren, uncultivated ground . . . these people shall have the fallow ground of their hearts plowed, and seeds of grace, truth and righteousness, shall be sown in them, and they shall bring forth the spiritual fruit of good works.
Whereas it lay desolate in the eyes of all that passed by . . . the Promised Land of Canaan now lays desolate to every traveler in it that sees it, and compares it with what it once was. The present state of the Jews in their blindness and ignorance, their unbelief and hardness of heart is a sorry state indeed, in the Eyes of GOD and man. Zechariah 12:2-3 Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of trembling unto all the people round about, when they shall be in the siege both against Judah and against Jerusalem. 3  And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people: all that burden themselves with it shall be cut in pieces, though all the people of the earth be gathered together against it. (KJV)  http://hisservants.org/israel_promised_land_h_s.htm

*****In the latter days, the land that had lain so long desolate in the sight of all that passed by, that looked upon it, some with contempt and some with compassion, shall again be tilled, and having long lain unplanted, it will now be the more fruitful (Lev.25:1-11). Israel was to rest their land every 7th year. GOD will call for the corn, but they must get the ground ready for it. Dear one, even promised mercies to Israel must be worked for; for the Promise of GOD is not to take the place of, but to hasten and encourage their industry and effort.

Ezekiel 36:35 And they shall say, This land that was desolate is become like the garden of Eden; and the waste and desolate and ruined cities are become fenced, and are inhabited. (KJV)

And they shall say . . . they are strangers or foreigners, who had heard or seen the sad wastes, and now either hear of or see the replanting of it, and how it flourishes. This could also be the travelers (36:34), who as having  passed by seen what it had been, and now see what it is.  
This land that was desolate is become like the garden of Eden . . . like the garden of Eden (28:13); most fruitful, pleasant and desirable. This is true of the Gospel church of Christ without exaggerating, but here it is meant to be the good state the Jews are now in, compared with what they were in, as Eden to a wilderness. For delight and fruitfulness: this may well be applied to the flourishing and fruitful state of the Gospel church of CHRIST, consisting of converted Jews, in the latter day.
And the waste and desolate and ruined cities are become fenced, and are inhabited . . . fenced; not only built for occupancy, but fortified for defense. This will be true of cities in a literal sense, as well as the Gospel churches of CHRIST in Judea in a spiritual sense . . . which will be rebuilt by the grace of God, fenced and fortified by His almighty power, and inhabited by TRUE believers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . http://www.godcannotlie.org/true_children_of_god.htm

Ezekiel 36:36 Then the heathen that are left round about you shall know that I the LORD build the ruined places, and plant that that was desolate: I the LORD have spoken it, and I will do it. (KJV)

Then the Heathen that are left round about you . . . that are left, that were not carried away and dispersed, whether they were Tyrians, Zidonians on the north, or Ammon, Moab, the Philistines, and Edomites to the east and south . . . what remained of the heathen shall see and confess the strange wisdom of GOD toward the Jews, in their flourishing so greatly upon their return to their land. The heathens were not cut off by the judgments which came upon them, according to the prophecies in Chapters 25 & 26, the remainder of the Ammonites, Moabites, Edomites and Tyrians; and in the spiritual sense, this may mean the rest of the anti-Christian states not destroyed by the fury of GOD'S wrath (Rev.11:13).
Shall know that I the Lord build the ruined places, and plant that that was desolate . . . the work of rebuilding Jerusalem and other cities of Judea, and replanting desolate places with trees, and all manner of crops and pastures for man and beast, as well as of building up and planting churches, will appear to be so clearly the work of GOD, and not of men; which is brought about by His wonderful wisdom, and His amazing grace; that even the heathen will notice it, and admit and recognize it to be the LORD'S work.
I the LORD have spoken it, and I will do it . . . He has spoken of it by his prophets; He has promised it in His Word, and He will surely do it; for He is true and faithful to His Promises, and well able to perform. I the LORD have spoken it is found 20 times in the Book of Ezekiel.

*****Selfishness [me, me, me] is at the bottom of all sin. The goodness of GOD should overcome our evilness and lead us to repentance, but it rarely does. The more we see how ready GOD is to receive us into favor upon our repentance . . . the more we should be ashamed of ourselves that we could ever sin against such an awesome love as His.

Ezekiel 36:37 Thus saith the Lord GOD; I will yet for this be enquired of by the house of Israel, to do it for them; I will increase them with men like a flock. (KJV)
Thus saith the Lord GOD, I will yet for this be inquired of by the house of Israel . . . they must repent of the sin of their evil ways. They must admit that the mercies they receive from GOD are not only not deserved, but that they were, and are, over and over again cast away. They must never boast of their good works, and they must be completely angry and ashamed for the evil they did. Only then can they [and we] be best prepared for His mercy. One version is, even for this I seek Israel; as if the sense is that the LORD will seek the people of Israel wherever they are, find them and call them by His grace, gathering them out of all countries, and bring them into their own land. To do it for them . . . everything before promised, and what follows next.
I will increase them with men like a flock . . . as a flock of sheep is increased, for sheep are very productive creatures, men like a flock indicates that the people of the Jews will be very numerous at their conversion (Hos.1:10).  http://www.godcannotlie.org/hos_ch1.htm 

*****Although GOD had repeated so often His Promise to return them, to rebuild, to multiply them, yet they shall know it is their duty to plead for it, to wait on Him, and then He would give a merciful answer and do it. So it was when Daniel prayed, for he knew the return was sure and near. The Lord GOD will be found by them when they seek Him! They must repent of the sin of their evil ways. They must admit that the mercies they receive from GOD are not deserved, that they are not worthy of His lovingkindness, but that GOD’S mercies were cast away from them time after time. GOD has spoken, and He will do it, but He wants His people to seek Him, and when they do, He will come to them in His grace and mercy.

Ezekiel 36:38 As the holy flock, as the flock of Jerusalem in her solemn feasts; so shall the waste cities be filled with flocks of men: and they shall know that I am the LORD. (KJV)

As the holy flock, as the flock of Jerusalem in her solemn feasts . . . the holy flock is flocks of sheep set aside for sacrificing in feasts. Her solemn feasts, a special occasion and time, solemn feasts, either the three annual great feasts (Deut.16:16; 2 Chron. 8:13), or it may take in the daily sacrifices and the Passover. These flocks were top quality, the best of all, and the numbers very great, on the solemn feasts; thirty thousand at once of lambs and kids in Josiah's time (2 Chron.35:7), and many more at the Passover in aftertimes. Thus would men multiply, and fill the cities of replanted Judea.
So shall the waste cities be filled with flocks of men . . . or with men that are like sheep for meekness, harmless, patient, and not with such as are comparable to unclean beasts, or beasts of prey; so it means both the quantity of persons that shall inhabit Judea, and dwelt both in the cities and churches there, and the quality of them.
And they shall know that I am the LORD. . . the heathen shall know that I am the LORD is found in 75 verses in the Bible. When something is repeated in Scripture, it is important.

Special Comments

Many Prophecies NOT yet fulfilled:  
#1. GOD will sanctify His great and Holy Name (36:23).
#2. ALL the heathen will then know that He is the Lord GOD when He does this.  
#3. GOD will take them from among the heathen, and gather them out of all countries, and will bring them back into their own land (36:24).
#4. Then GOD will sprinkle clean water upon them, and they will be clean (36:25).
#5. GOD will cleanse them from their filthiness and from their idols.
#6. A new heart also will GOD give them.
#7. A new spirit will GOD put within them.
#8. GOD will take away the stony heart, and give them a heart of flesh (36:26).
#9. GOD will put His Spirit within them (36:27).
#10. GOD will cause them to walk in His statutes and keep His judgments, and obey them.
#11. They will dwell in the land that GOD gave their fathers (36:28).
#12. They will be GOD’S people.
#13. The LORD will be their GOD.
#14. GOD will also save them from all their uncleanness (36:29).
#15. GOD will increase your wheat.
#16. GOD will never send another famine upon them.
#17. GOD will multiply the fruit of the tree (36:30).
#18. GOD will increase the fruit of the field.
#19. They will never again be reproached.
#20. They will then will remember their evil ways, and their goings that were bad (36:31).
#21. They will hate themselves because of their sins.
#22. In the day that GOD cleansed them from all iniquities, He will also cause them to dwell in their cities and waste places that they have built up (36:33).
#23. The desolate land will be tilled.
#24. Those who pass by will say, This land that was desolate is become like the garden of Eden, and the desolate and ruined cities are become fenced and inhabited (36:34-35).
#25. Then the heathen that were left will know that I am GOD, and that I have built again the ruined places, and planted that which was desolate (36:36).
#26. I the LORD have spoken, and I will do it.
#27. I will yet for this be inquired of by the house of Israel, to do it for them (36:37).
#28. I will increase them with men like a flock.
#29. As the holy flock fills Jerusalem in her solemn feasts, so will the waste cities be filled with flocks of men (36:38).
#30. They will know that I am GOD.

Book of Ezekiel

Eze.Ch.1 . . Eze.Ch.2 . . Eze.Ch.3. . Eze.Ch.4 . . Eze.Ch.5 . . Eze.Ch.6 . . Eze.Ch.7 . . Eze.Ch.8 . . Eze.Ch.9 . . Eze.Ch.10 . . Eze.Ch.11 . . Eze.Ch.12 . . Eze.Ch.13 . . Eze.Ch.14. . Eze.Ch.15 . . Eze.Ch.16 . . Eze.Ch.17 . . Eze.Ch.18 . . Eze.Ch.19 . . Eze.Ch.20 . . Eze.Ch.21 . . Eze.Ch.22 . . Eze.Ch.23 . . Eze.Ch.24 . . Eze.Ch.25 . . Eze.Ch.26 . . Eze.27 . . Eze.28 . . Eze.29 . . Eze.30 . . Eze.31 . . Eze.32 . . Eze.33 . . Eze.34 . . Eze.35 . . Eze.36 . . Eze.37 . . Eze.38 . . Eze.39 . . Eze.40 . . Eze.41 . . Eze.42 . . Eze.43 . . Eze.44 . . Eze.45 . . . Eze.46 . . . Eze.47 . . . Eze.48 . . . Eze. Millennial Temple . . . Eze.Special Comments . . . Eze.What is Shekinah Glory? . . . Home Page