< Ezekiel 36 >

Ezekiel was moved by God to speak of the land of Israel v.1Waiting for response for Ezekiel 36:1 which other nations have coveted.vs.2-3Waiting for response for Ezekiel 36:2-3 The land was made desolate by the nations v.4Waiting for response for Ezekiel 36:4 because of Israel’s wickedness, but it is still God’s land which he promised to his own people. Therefore he speaks against nations which attempt to possess it vs.5-7Waiting for response for Ezekiel 36:5-7 and he speaks for the promised land.vs.8-15Waiting for response for Ezekiel 36:8-15 Idumea,v.5Waiting for response for Ezekiel 36:5 also called Edom, Israel’s south-eastern neighbour which particularly persecuted Israel, will be made a perpetual desolation (Ezekiel 35:9).Waiting for response for Ezekiel 35:9 When the whole world rejoices, Edom will be made desolate (Ezekiel 35:14)Waiting for response for Ezekiel 35:14 but the land of Israel will flourish with both crops and people, with God blessing it more than he did at the beginning so that Israel will know he is the LORD.v.11Waiting for response for Ezekiel 36:11

Many people dismiss the idea that the Jews will return to the land to receive God’s blessing because they view them as an undeserving people. The LORD, however, declares that even though they were removed from the land because of their wickedness vs.16-19Waiting for response for Ezekiel 36:16-19 and they continued in wickedness among the nations v.20Waiting for response for Ezekiel 36:20 yet he will still regather them into his land. He will do this for his holy name’s sake so that the Gentiles will know that the God of Israel is the true God vs.21-23Waiting for response for Ezekiel 36:21-23 when he gathers Israel out of all countries and brings them into their own land.v.24Waiting for response for Ezekiel 36:24 This process has already begun in recent times and will be completed soon when the Lord Jesus Christ returns to reign over Israel. Then they will be a righteous people with a new heart and spirit and be acknowledged as God’s people.vs.25-32Waiting for response for Ezekiel 36:25-32

The land of Israel was desolate throughout many centuries but God promises to make it flourish when Israel returns to it, and this wonder will cause the Gentiles to recognise it is the LORD’s work.