Ezekiel 36:35 - They will say, ‘This land that was desolate has become like the garden of Eden. The waste, desolate, and ruined cities are fortified and inhabited.’
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What does "Ezekiel 36:35" mean?
Ezekiel 36:35 is a prophecy about the restoration of Israel after a period of exile and devastation. Let's break down its meaning:
"They will say...": This indicates that the restoration will be so dramatic that it will be witnessed and remarked upon by others, likely the surrounding nations.
"This land that was desolate has become like the garden of Eden.": This is the core of the verse. "Desolate" means empty, abandoned, and barren. The "garden of Eden" is a powerful image of paradise, abundance, and fertility. The verse is saying that the land of Israel, which was once a wasteland (due to war, exile, and neglect), will be transformed into a place of incredible beauty, prosperity, and fruitfulness, reminiscent of the original paradise God created.
"The waste, desolate, and ruined cities are fortified and inhabited.": This further emphasizes the extent of the restoration. Not only will the land be fertile, but the ruined cities will be rebuilt, fortified (protected), and repopulated. The "waste," "desolate," and "ruined" condition highlights the depth of the destruction that had occurred. The fact that these cities are rebuilt and filled with inhabitants signifies the complete reversal of the exile.
In essence, the verse paints a picture of a complete and dramatic reversal of fortune for the land of Israel. From a state of desolation and ruin, it will be restored to a state of unparalleled beauty, abundance, and security. It is a sign of God's favor and a testament to His power to bring about renewal and redemption.
Theological Significance:
Fulfillment of God's Promises: This verse is part of a larger prophecy in Ezekiel concerning God's faithfulness to His covenant with Israel. Even though they had been exiled due to their disobedience, God promises to restore them to their land.
God's Power over Destruction: The dramatic transformation from desolation to Eden-like fertility demonstrates God's power to overcome even the most devastating circumstances.
Hope for the Future: The verse offers hope for the future, not only for Israel but for all people who may find themselves in a state of despair or hardship. It suggests that God is able to bring about renewal and restoration even in the most unlikely situations.
Testimony to the Nations: The restoration is meant to be a witness to the surrounding nations of God's power and faithfulness. They will recognize that this transformation could only be the work of God.
Interpretations:
Literal Interpretation: Some interpret this verse literally, believing that it refers to a future physical restoration of the land of Israel.
Figurative Interpretation: Others interpret it figuratively, seeing it as a symbol of spiritual renewal and the restoration of God's people in a broader sense.
Both/And Interpretation: A third view holds that the verse has both a literal and a figurative meaning, referring to both the physical restoration of the land and the spiritual renewal of God's people.
No matter how it is interpreted, Ezekiel 36:35 is a powerful message of hope and restoration, demonstrating God's faithfulness to His promises and His power to bring about renewal even in the face of devastation.
Ezekiel 36:35 - They will say, ‘This land that was desolate has become like the garden of Eden. The waste, desolate, and ruined cities are fortified and inhabited.’
What does "Ezekiel 36:35" mean?
Ezekiel 36:35 is a prophecy about the restoration of Israel after a period of exile and devastation. Let's break down its meaning:
"They will say...": This indicates that the restoration will be so dramatic that it will be witnessed and remarked upon by others, likely the surrounding nations.
"This land that was desolate has become like the garden of Eden.": This is the core of the verse. "Desolate" means empty, abandoned, and barren. The "garden of Eden" is a powerful image of paradise, abundance, and fertility. The verse is saying that the land of Israel, which was once a wasteland (due to war, exile, and neglect), will be transformed into a place of incredible beauty, prosperity, and fruitfulness, reminiscent of the original paradise God created.
"The waste, desolate, and ruined cities are fortified and inhabited.": This further emphasizes the extent of the restoration. Not only will the land be fertile, but the ruined cities will be rebuilt, fortified (protected), and repopulated. The "waste," "desolate," and "ruined" condition highlights the depth of the destruction that had occurred. The fact that these cities are rebuilt and filled with inhabitants signifies the complete reversal of the exile.
In essence, the verse paints a picture of a complete and dramatic reversal of fortune for the land of Israel. From a state of desolation and ruin, it will be restored to a state of unparalleled beauty, abundance, and security. It is a sign of God's favor and a testament to His power to bring about renewal and redemption.
Theological Significance:
Fulfillment of God's Promises: This verse is part of a larger prophecy in Ezekiel concerning God's faithfulness to His covenant with Israel. Even though they had been exiled due to their disobedience, God promises to restore them to their land.
God's Power over Destruction: The dramatic transformation from desolation to Eden-like fertility demonstrates God's power to overcome even the most devastating circumstances.
Hope for the Future: The verse offers hope for the future, not only for Israel but for all people who may find themselves in a state of despair or hardship. It suggests that God is able to bring about renewal and restoration even in the most unlikely situations.
Testimony to the Nations: The restoration is meant to be a witness to the surrounding nations of God's power and faithfulness. They will recognize that this transformation could only be the work of God.
Interpretations:
Literal Interpretation: Some interpret this verse literally, believing that it refers to a future physical restoration of the land of Israel.
Figurative Interpretation: Others interpret it figuratively, seeing it as a symbol of spiritual renewal and the restoration of God's people in a broader sense.
Both/And Interpretation: A third view holds that the verse has both a literal and a figurative meaning, referring to both the physical restoration of the land and the spiritual renewal of God's people.
No matter how it is interpreted, Ezekiel 36:35 is a powerful message of hope and restoration, demonstrating God's faithfulness to His promises and His power to bring about renewal even in the face of devastation.