Ezekiel 11:17
Therefore say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; I will even gather you from the people, and assemble you out of the countries where ye have been scattered, and I will give you the land of Israel.
Original Language Analysis
לָכֵ֣ן
H3651
לָכֵ֣ן
Strong's:
H3651
Word #:
1 of 22
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
כֹּֽה
H3541
כֹּֽה
Strong's:
H3541
Word #:
3 of 22
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
יְהוִה֒
H3068
יְהוִה֒
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
6 of 22
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֶתְכֶם֙
H853
אֶתְכֶם֙
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
8 of 22
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
מִן
H4480
מִן
Strong's:
H4480
Word #:
9 of 22
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
הָ֣עַמִּ֔ים
you from the people
H5971
הָ֣עַמִּ֔ים
you from the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
10 of 22
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
וְאָסַפְתִּ֣י
and assemble
H622
וְאָסַפְתִּ֣י
and assemble
Strong's:
H622
Word #:
11 of 22
to gather for any purpose; hence, to receive, take away, i.e., remove (destroy, leave behind, put up, restore, etc.)
אֶתְכֶ֔ם
H853
אֶתְכֶ֔ם
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
12 of 22
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
מִן
H4480
מִן
Strong's:
H4480
Word #:
13 of 22
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
הָ֣אֲרָצ֔וֹת
you out of the countries
H776
הָ֣אֲרָצ֔וֹת
you out of the countries
Strong's:
H776
Word #:
14 of 22
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
15 of 22
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
נְפֹצוֹתֶ֖ם
where ye have been scattered
H6327
נְפֹצוֹתֶ֖ם
where ye have been scattered
Strong's:
H6327
Word #:
16 of 22
to dash in pieces, literally or figuratively (especially to disperse)
וְנָתַתִּ֥י
and I will give
H5414
וְנָתַתִּ֥י
and I will give
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
18 of 22
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
20 of 22
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Cross References
Ezekiel 28:25Thus saith the Lord GOD; When I shall have gathered the house of Israel from the people among whom they are scattered, and shall be sanctified in them in the sight of the heathen, then shall they dwell in their land that I have given to my servant Jacob.Jeremiah 3:18In those days the house of Judah shall walk with the house of Israel, and they shall come together out of the land of the north to the land that I have given for an inheritance unto your fathers.Ezekiel 34:13And I will bring them out from the people, and gather them from the countries, and will bring them to their own land, and feed them upon the mountains of Israel by the rivers, and in all the inhabited places of the country.Jeremiah 24:5Thus saith the LORD, the God of Israel; Like these good figs, so will I acknowledge them that are carried away captive of Judah, whom I have sent out of this place into the land of the Chaldeans for their good.Ezekiel 36:24For I will take you from among the heathen, and gather you out of all countries, and will bring you into your own land.Jeremiah 3:12Go and proclaim these words toward the north, and say, Return, thou backsliding Israel, saith the LORD; and I will not cause mine anger to fall upon you: for I am merciful, saith the LORD, and I will not keep anger for ever.Ezekiel 20:41I will accept you with your sweet savour, when I bring you out from the people, and gather you out of the countries wherein ye have been scattered; and I will be sanctified in you before the heathen.
Historical Context
This promise (592 BC) preceded Jerusalem's destruction by six years, offering hope before the darkest hour. The initial fulfillment came through Cyrus' decree (539 BC) allowing Jewish return, though only a remnant returned under Zerubbabel, Ezra, and Nehemiah. The promise encompasses both physical return to the land and spiritual restoration to covenant relationship. Modern debates over this prophecy involve whether it finds complete fulfillment in the 1948 establishment of Israel or awaits future millennial restoration. The New Testament expands "Israel" to include Gentile believers grafted into the covenant (Romans 11:17-24), suggesting spiritual and physical fulfillment.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's sovereign initiative in gathering scattered Israel encourage believers to trust His promises?
- What is the relationship between physical restoration to the promised land and spiritual restoration to covenant relationship?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
God promises restoration: "I will even gather you from the people, and assemble you out of the countries where ye have been scattered, and I will give you the land of Israel." This prophecy had partial fulfillment in the post-exilic return under Ezra and Nehemiah, but awaits complete fulfillment in Christ's millennial kingdom. The threefold promise—gathering, assembling, giving the land—emphasizes divine initiative in restoration. God doesn't merely permit return but actively brings it about. The Reformed emphasis on unconditional election and effectual calling appears: God's promises don't depend on human merit but on His sovereign grace and covenant faithfulness.