Daily Tanach –Yechezkel Chapter 36 – The Restoration of the Land and the Spiritual Renewal of Israel
- Prophecy to the Mountains of Israel (Verses 1–7)
Hashem instructs Yechezkel to prophesy to the mountains, hills, valleys, and streams of Israel. The nations around them mocked the land, saying it now belonged to them. But Hashem declares that He has witnessed how these nations scorned and plundered His land. Therefore, He will punish the surrounding nations for their arrogance and disgrace.
- The Land Will Be Renewed for Israel (Verses 8–15)
In contrast to the nations’ fate, the land of Israel itself is commanded to “produce branches and bear fruit” because the people of Israel are soon to return. Hashem promises to rebuild the ruined cities, repopulate the land, and make it even more prosperous than in earlier days. Israel will no longer be called “a devourer of men,” nor bereave its inhabitants; instead, it will once again sustain and protect them, free from the shame imposed by other nations.
- Israel’s Exile Was Due to Its Sins (Verses 16–20)
Hashem explains that when Israel lived in its land, they defiled it through idolatry, bloodshed, and immoral behavior. Therefore, Hashem scattered them among the nations according to their deeds. But in exile, the nations mocked Hashem by saying, “These are Hashem’s people, yet they had to leave His land.” This desecrated His holy Name.
- Redemption for the Sake of Hashem’s Name (Verses 21–23)
Hashem states explicitly: Israel’s redemption is not because of their merit, but because He will sanctify His great Name, which was profaned among the nations. When He redeems Israel in full view of the world, the nations will finally know that He is Hashem.
- Physical Return and Spiritual Transformation (Verses 24–27)
Hashem promises to gather Israel from all countries and return them to their land. He will sprinkle clean water upon them to purify them. He will give them a new heart and a new spirit, removing the “heart of stone” and replacing it with a “heart of flesh.” His spirit will rest within them, enabling them to follow His statutes and laws faithfully.
- Abundance and Removal of Shame (Verses 28–30)
Israel will live in the land given to their forefathers, becoming Hashem’s people once more. He will save them from impurity, command the grain to increase, and end famine permanently. The trees and fields will flourish, and Israel will no longer bear the humiliation of hunger before the nations.
- Repentance and Humility (Verses 31–32)
When Israel sees this blessing, they will remember their past sins and feel ashamed of their wrongdoing. Hashem repeats that redemption is not for their sake but for the sake of His Name.
- Rebuilding the Land (Verses 33–36)
Hashem promises that once Israel is cleansed, the ruined cities will be rebuilt and the desolate land will be cultivated again. Onlookers will marvel, saying, “This land that was desolate has become like the Garden of Eden.” The nations will recognize that Hashem Himself rebuilt and replanted the land, fulfilling His word.
- Israel Will Multiply Like Holy Flocks (Verses 37–38)
Hashem concludes by saying that He will again be sought by the house of Israel, and He will increase them dramatically—like the flocks of offerings brought to Jerusalem during festivals. The once‑empty cities will be filled with people like festive flocks, and all will know that He is Hashem.
