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.
Original Language Analysis
לָכֵ֗ן
H3651
לָכֵ֗ן
Strong's:
H3651
Word #:
1 of 30
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 #:
2 of 30
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 #:
5 of 30
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אִם
H518
אִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
6 of 30
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
לֹ֠א
H3808
לֹ֠א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
7 of 30
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
דִבַּ֛רְתִּי
have I spoken
H1696
דִבַּ֛רְתִּי
have I spoken
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
10 of 30
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
11 of 30
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
שְׁאֵרִ֥ית
against the residue
H7611
שְׁאֵרִ֥ית
against the residue
Strong's:
H7611
Word #:
12 of 30
a remainder or residual (surviving, final) portion
הַגּוֹיִ֖ם
of the heathen
H1471
הַגּוֹיִ֖ם
of the heathen
Strong's:
H1471
Word #:
13 of 30
a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts
וְעַל
H5921
וְעַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
14 of 30
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
אֱד֣וֹם
and against all Idumea
H123
אֱד֣וֹם
and against all Idumea
Strong's:
H123
Word #:
15 of 30
edom, the elder twin-brother of jacob; hence the region (idumaea) occupied by him
כֻּלָּ֑א
H3605
כֻּלָּ֑א
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
16 of 30
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
17 of 30
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
נָתְנֽוּ
which have appointed
H5414
נָתְנֽוּ
which have appointed
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
18 of 30
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
19 of 30
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בְּשִׂמְחַ֤ת
with the joy
H8057
בְּשִׂמְחַ֤ת
with the joy
Strong's:
H8057
Word #:
23 of 30
blithesomeness or glee, (religious or festival)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
24 of 30
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
נֶ֔פֶשׁ
minds
H5315
נֶ֔פֶשׁ
minds
Strong's:
H5315
Word #:
27 of 30
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
לְמַ֥עַן
H4616
לְמַ֥עַן
Strong's:
H4616
Word #:
28 of 30
properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that
Cross References
Ezekiel 36:3Therefore 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:Micah 7:8Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the LORD shall be a light unto me.Psalms 137:7Remember, O LORD, the children of Edom in the day of Jerusalem; who said, Rase it, rase it, even to the foundation thereof.Jeremiah 25:9Behold, I will send and take all the families of the north, saith the LORD, and Nebuchadrezzar the king of Babylon, my servant, and will bring them against this land, and against the inhabitants thereof, and against all these nations round about, and will utterly destroy them, and make them an astonishment, and an hissing, and perpetual desolations.Zechariah 1:15And I am very sore displeased with the heathen that are at ease: for I was but a little displeased, and they helped forward the affliction.Deuteronomy 4:24For the LORD thy God is a consuming fire, even a jealous God.Ezekiel 38:19For in my jealousy and in the fire of my wrath have I spoken, Surely in that day there shall be a great shaking in the land of Israel;
Historical Context
This passage was delivered during the Babylonian exile (c. 586-571 BCE) after Jerusalem's destruction. The exiled community grappled with theological and practical questions: Why had judgment come? Would restoration occur? How should they live in exile? The historical context of ancient Near Eastern covenant patterns, conquest and exile practices, and prophetic literature provides essential background. Archaeological discoveries from this period illuminate the exile's realities and the return's historical fulfillment. Yet Ezekiel's prophecies extend beyond immediate historical context to find fuller realization in Christ and the church, with ultimate consummation in the new creation.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this verse deepen your understanding of God's character, purposes, or ways of working in history?
- What specific application does this passage call you to make in your current circumstances or spiritual life?
- How does this Old Testament passage illuminate New Testament teaching about Christ, salvation, or the church?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
This verse points toward God's gracious purposes of restoration despite Israel's persistent unfaithfulness. The Reformed emphasis on sovereign grace shines through—restoration doesn't depend on Israel's merit or ability but on God's covenant faithfulness and irrevocable purposes (Romans 11:29). This anticipates new covenant promises where God gives a new heart and His Spirit to enable obedience (Ezekiel 36:26-27). The pattern of judgment followed by grace-based restoration prefigures the gospel: humanity deserves condemnation but receives mercy through Christ's atoning work. God's restoration demonstrates His glory by showing grace triumphs over judgment.