< Ezekiel 36 >

Ezekiel was moved by God to speak of the land of Israel v.1Ezekiel 36:1XWaiting for response which other nations have coveted.vs.2-3Ezekiel 36:2-3XWaiting for response The land was made desolate by the nations v.4Ezekiel 36:4XWaiting for response 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.5-7Ezekiel 36:5-7XWaiting for response and he speaks for the promised land.vs.8-15Ezekiel 36:8-15XWaiting for response Idumea,v.5Ezekiel 36:5XWaiting for response also called Edom, Israel’s south-eastern neighbour which particularly persecuted Israel, will be made a perpetual desolation (Ezekiel 35:9).Ezekiel 35:9XWaiting for response When the whole world rejoices, Edom will be made desolate (Ezekiel 35:14)Ezekiel 35:14XWaiting for response 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.11Ezekiel 36:11XWaiting for response

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.16-19Ezekiel 36:16-19XWaiting for response and they continued in wickedness among the nations v.20Ezekiel 36:20XWaiting for response 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.21-23Ezekiel 36:21-23XWaiting for response when he gathers Israel out of all countries and brings them into their own land.v.24Ezekiel 36:24XWaiting for response 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.25-32Ezekiel 36:25-32XWaiting for response

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.