Ezekiel 36:38 kjv
As the holy flock, as the flock of Jerusalem in her solemn feasts; so shall the waste cities be filled with flocks of men: and they shall know that I am the LORD.
Ezekiel 36:38 nkjv
Like a flock offered as holy sacrifices, like the flock at Jerusalem on its feast days, so shall the ruined cities be filled with flocks of men. Then they shall know that I am the LORD." ' "
Ezekiel 36:38 niv
as numerous as the flocks for offerings at Jerusalem during her appointed festivals. So will the ruined cities be filled with flocks of people. Then they will know that I am the LORD."
Ezekiel 36:38 esv
Like the flock for sacrifices, like the flock at Jerusalem during her appointed feasts, so shall the waste cities be filled with flocks of people. Then they will know that I am the LORD."
Ezekiel 36:38 nlt
They will be as numerous as the sacred flocks that fill Jerusalem's streets at the time of her festivals. The ruined cities will be crowded with people once more, and everyone will know that I am the LORD."
Ezekiel 36 38 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Ezekiel 36:37 | "Thus says the Lord God: I will also let the house of Israel ask of me..." | Foreshadows prayerful expectation |
| Jeremiah 30:19 | "Out of them shall come songs of thanksgiving, and the voice of merrymakers." | Echoes of joy and abundance |
| Deuteronomy 28:4 | "Blessed shall be the produce of your ground and the increase of your herds..." | Conditional blessings of prosperity |
| Leviticus 26:6 | "And I will give peace in the land, so that you may lie down, and none shall make you afraid..." | Promises of peace accompanying blessing |
| Psalm 147:14 | "He makes peace in your borders; he fills you with the finest of the wheat." | God's provision and peace |
| Isaiah 58:11 | "The Lord will guide you continually and satisfy your desire with good things..." | God's continuous provision |
| Amos 9:13 | "Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when the plowman shall overtake the reaper..." | Prophecy of extreme agricultural productivity |
| Hosea 2:22 | "And the earth shall answer the grain, the wine, and the oil..." | Earth's response to divine favor |
| Micah 4:4 | "But they shall sit every man under his vine and under his fig tree..." | Image of peace and personal security |
| Zechariah 8:12 | "For there shall be a sowing of peace. The vine shall give its fruit..." | Return of fertility and peace |
| John 10:10 | "I came that they may have life and have it abundantly." | Jesus' promise of abundant life |
| Romans 15:13 | "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing..." | Hope and peace in God |
| 1 Corinthians 1:5 | "For in him you were enriched in every way—with all speech and all knowledge..." | Spiritual richness |
| Galatians 3:14 | "...so that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles..." | Fulfillment of Abrahamic blessings |
| Revelation 21:3 | "And I will make my dwelling with them, and they shall be my people..." | Ultimate dwelling of God with His people |
| Revelation 22:2 | "...on either side of the river was the tree of life, bearing twelve kinds of fruit..." | Paradise restored with abundance |
| Genesis 22:17 | "...blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply your offspring..." | Abrahamic covenant of multiplication |
| Psalm 23:5 | "You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies..." | God's abundant provision and protection |
| Jeremiah 31:12 | "Then shall the young women exult with dancing, and the young men and the old shall rejoice. For I will turn their mourning into joy..." | Transformation of sorrow to joy |
| Isaiah 61:7 | "Instead of your shame you shall receive a double portion..." | Restitution and double blessing |
Ezekiel 36 verses
Ezekiel 36 38 Meaning
This verse is a prophecy about the future restoration of Israel. It speaks of God causing livestock to multiply abundantly upon the land. This abundance is a sign of His blessing and the reversal of the desolation previously brought upon the land due to Israel's sin. It signifies a period of peace, prosperity, and renewed covenant relationship with God, where the land itself rejoices.
Ezekiel 36 38 Context
Ezekiel 36 is a chapter of profound prophecy regarding the restoration of Israel after their Babylonian exile. God addresses the desolate mountains of Israel, which had become a byword for destruction due to the people's sins. He declares that He will bring them back to their land, vindicate His holy name among the nations, and purify them from their iniquities. The prophecy describes the land being repopulated and made fertile, a stark contrast to its former state of barrenness. Verse 38 concludes this section by emphasizing the unparalleled abundance and flourishing that will characterize the restored land, signifying God's gracious favor and the renewed covenant relationship. This imagery is not merely agricultural but also spiritual, pointing towards a future era of peace and prosperity under God's direct blessing.
Ezekiel 36 38 Word Analysis
- וּבִתְשׁוּבָת (u'viteshuvath): "And upon returning" or "and in succession". This connects the flourishing to the act of return and settlement in the land, implying a continuous process of increase.
- כְּצֹאן (ketzon): "like flocks". This simile emphasizes the rapid multiplication and overwhelming numbers, recalling God's promises of blessing to Abraham in terms of offspring and descendants.
- מִקְדָּשׁ (miqdash): "holy flock" or "sacred flock". The presence of the adjective "holy" elevates the image from mere livestock to a specially consecrated group, mirroring Israel's calling as God's holy people.
- קֹדֶשׁ (qodesh): "holy" or "sacred". This term underscores that the abundance itself is consecrated and intended for God's glory, reflecting a purified and renewed relationship.
- כְּצֹאן (ketzon): Used again, this repetition reinforces the image of overwhelming numbers, emphasizing the abundance and fruitful return of God's people and blessings.
- בְּמוֹעֲדֵי (bemo'adei): "at the appointed times" or "at the feasts". This signifies that the agricultural cycles and the blessings of harvest will align with, and be celebrated during, the appointed times of worship and fellowship with God, linking prosperity with devotion.
- חַגִּים (chaggim): "feasts" or "festivals". The combination with "appointed times" signifies a complete return to covenantal observance and joyful celebration in the land, which is a direct consequence of God's restoring work.
- כְּמִלְאַת (kemle'ath): "like the fullness of". This phrase suggests a complete, overflowing abundance, filling every aspect of the land and the lives of the returned exiles.
- הָאָרֶץ (ha'arets): "the land". Refers specifically to the land of Israel, highlighting that the blessings are for that promised territory.
- יְהוּדָה (Yehudah): "Judah" (also implies "the kingdom of Judah" or "the people of Judah" as a representation of Israel). Though historically Judah was a part of Israel, its prominence here emphasizes the restoration of a remnant and the continuity of God's covenant with His people. This specific mention can be seen as a continuation of the prophetic focus on the southern kingdom, which is often a focal point for restoration promises.
Ezekiel 36 38 Bonus Section
The imagery of the land yielding its increase is deeply tied to the covenant God made with Israel. Throughout the Old Testament, the fertility of the land was often a barometer of their obedience and God's favor (Lev 26:3-5, Deut 11:13-15). Conversely, disobedience led to the land becoming unfruitful and barren (Deut 28:23-24). Ezekiel 36 reverses this curse, proclaiming that God will, for His own name's sake, pour out His blessings. This restoration goes beyond mere agricultural productivity; it signifies a spiritual renewal where the people are again in right relationship with God, allowing the land to flourish as intended. This concept is also reflected in the New Testament's emphasis on spiritual fruitfulness in believers who are indwelt by the Holy Spirit (Gal 5:22-23). The "holy flock" imagery can be seen as a prefigurement of the Church, the redeemed community, described in terms of belonging to Christ. The ultimate fulfillment of such promises of abundance and restored land is often understood eschatologically, pointing to the New Heavens and New Earth where God's presence fully restores all creation.
Ezekiel 36 38 Commentary
Ezekiel 36:38 paints a vibrant picture of restored prosperity. God promises that upon Israel's return and the cleansing of their land, they will be like "a holy flock" and "a flock in the midst of sheepfolds" at their appointed feasts. This signifies a complete reversal of their desolation and scattering. The land will become incredibly fruitful, with livestock multiplying so greatly that they will be like numerous flocks, filling the land. The mention of "holy flock" links this agricultural and economic prosperity directly to their identity as God's set-apart people. Furthermore, the abundance will be particularly evident "at the appointed times" and "the feasts," meaning that God's blessing will manifest in the rhythms of their worship and communal life. This fulfillment of God's promises contrasts sharply with the curses that befell them due to disobedience (Deut 28). It is a testament to God's faithfulness and His ultimate desire to bless and restore His people, allowing them to live in peace and abundance in the land, consecrated to His name. The verse ultimately points to a renewed covenant relationship, where God's presence and blessing permeate all aspects of their lives and land.