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.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
The land's desolation resulted from covenant curses (Leviticus 26:27-35, Deuteronomy 28:49-52). Babylonian destruction in 586 BC left Jerusalem and Judah devastated. The exile lasted approximately 70 years (Jeremiah 25:11), during which the land lay largely uninhabited, fulfilling sabbath rest (2 Chronicles 36:21). The return under Zerubbabel (538 BC), Ezra (458 BC), and Nehemiah (445 BC) brought gradual restoration—temple rebuilt, walls reconstructed, cities repopulated. Yet this restoration fell short of Ezekiel's glorious vision, awaiting eschatological fulfillment. The New Testament interprets Eden restoration christologically and eschatologically—Christ reverses the curse (Galatians 3:13), and the new creation will feature paradise restored (Revelation 22:1-5).
Questions for Reflection
- How does the promise of Eden-like restoration fuel hope during present struggles and spiritual desolation?
- What does this passage teach about God's determination to restore and exceed what sin and judgment destroyed?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The result of restoration: '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.' The comparison to 'the garden of Eden' depicts complete restoration and blessing—paradise regained. What was destroyed by judgment becomes more glorious than before. The threefold description 'waste and desolate and ruined' emphasizes total devastation; the transformation to 'fenced, and are inhabited' shows complete reversal. This prophecy had initial fulfillment in the return from exile and Jerusalem's rebuilding, but awaits ultimate fulfillment in the new creation (Revelation 21-22) when God makes all things new. The Eden imagery connects restoration to creation purposes—God recovers His original design for human flourishing in His presence.