Ezekiel 36 4

Ezekiel 36:4 kjv

Therefore, ye mountains of Israel, hear the word of the Lord GOD; Thus saith the Lord GOD to the mountains, and to the hills, to the rivers, and to the valleys, to the desolate wastes, and to the cities that are forsaken, which became a prey and derision to the residue of the heathen that are round about;

Ezekiel 36:4 nkjv

therefore, O mountains of Israel, hear the word of the Lord GOD! Thus says the Lord GOD to the mountains, the hills, the rivers, the valleys, the desolate wastes, and the cities that have been forsaken, which became plunder and mockery to the rest of the nations all around?

Ezekiel 36:4 niv

therefore, mountains of Israel, hear the word of the Sovereign LORD: This is what the Sovereign LORD says to the mountains and hills, to the ravines and valleys, to the desolate ruins and the deserted towns that have been plundered and ridiculed by the rest of the nations around you?

Ezekiel 36:4 esv

therefore, O mountains of Israel, hear the word of the Lord GOD: Thus says the Lord GOD to the mountains and the hills, the ravines and the valleys, the desolate wastes and the deserted cities, which have become a prey and derision to the rest of the nations all around,

Ezekiel 36:4 nlt

Therefore, O mountains of Israel, hear the word of the Sovereign LORD. He speaks to the hills and mountains, ravines and valleys, and to ruined wastes and long-deserted cities that have been destroyed and mocked by the surrounding nations.

Ezekiel 36 verses

Ezekiel 36 4 Meaning

Thus says the Lord GOD: "Therefore, you mountains of Israel, hear the word of the Lord GOD! This is what the Lord GOD says to the mountains, the hills, the ravines, the valleys, the desolate places that have become ruins, and to the crumbling cities that have been left as prey and mock to the surrounding nations."

Ezekiel 36 4 Context

This verse from Ezekiel chapter 36 is part of a larger prophetic oracle concerning the restoration of Israel. The preceding chapters detail judgment against foreign nations and the land of Israel for its sin and desecration of God's sanctuary. In this section, God turns to address the mountains of Israel directly. The mountains were significant landmarks in ancient Israel, often associated with pagan worship sites and the history of Israel's dealings with God. They represent the very land that had been declared desolate due to the people's unfaithfulness. This prophecy is given in the context of the Babylonian exile, when the land was in ruins and the people were scattered.

Ezekiel 36 4 Word Analysis

• Therefore (עַל־כֵּן - al-ken): Indicates a consequence or a continuation from the previous pronouncements of judgment and a transition to a promise of restoration. It signals a causal link.
• you (אַתֶּם - attem): Refers directly to the mountains, personified as listeners.
• mountains (הָרִים - harim): The Hebrew word for mountains. In biblical symbolism, mountains often represent high places, seats of power, or places of worship, both true and false. Here, they are implicated in Israel's sin and are now called to hear God's word regarding their future.
• of Israel (יִשְׂרָאֵל - Yisrael): Specifies the geographical and national context.
• hear (שְׁמַע־ — shəma'): A command to listen and obey. It is a foundational concept in Israelite theology, central to the Shema prayer (Deut 6:4).
• the word (דְּבַר־ — dəvar-): Refers to God's pronouncements, commandments, and prophetic messages.
• of the LORD GOD (יְהוָה אֱלֹהִים — YHWH Elohim): The covenant name of God and his divine title, emphasizing His sovereignty and relationship with Israel.
• Thus (כֹּה־ — koH-): Introduces a direct quote or declaration.
• says (אָמַר — amar): Standard verb for speaking or declaring.
• the Lord GOD (אֲדֹנָי יְהוָה — Adonai YHWH): A powerful combination of titles emphasizing supreme Lordship and God's covenant relationship.
• for (כִּי — ki): Introduces a reason or explanation.
• behold (הִנֵּה — hinneh): Draws attention, emphasizing what follows.
• O (אֱלֵי — ’ĕlē): A vocative particle, used to address something or someone.
• mountains (הָרִים — harim): Repetition reinforces the address to the mountains.
• hills (גְּבָעוֹת — gəḇā‘ōṯ): Lower elevations, often used alongside mountains.
• ravines (נְחָלִים — nĕḥālîm): Valleys or wadis, areas often prone to streams.
• valleys (וּבִקְעוֹת — ūḇiq‘ōṯ): Broad valleys or plains, indicating all geographical features of the land.
• wilderness (וַהֲרָרוֹת — waḥărārōṯ): The land described as scattered or rugged.
• that (אֲשֶׁר — ’ăšer): Relative pronoun connecting descriptions.
• have been desolation (שָׁמָה — šāmâ): A state of emptiness and ruin.
• and (וְ — wə): Conjunction.
• cities (עָרִים — ‘ārîm): Human settlements.
• forsaken (עָזֻבּוֹת — ‘ăzūbōṯ): Abandoned, left behind.
• prey (מַמְּלָכוֹת — mamməlāḵōṯ): Kingdoms or states, often referring to conquerors.
• and (וְ — wə): Conjunction.
• mock (לְחֶרְפַּת — ləḥerpâ): For reproach, insult, or mockery.
• neighboring (סָבִיב — sâḵîḇ): Around, surrounding.
• nations (הַגּוֹיִם — haggôyîm): Gentiles or other peoples.

Group of words:

• "mountains, the hills, the ravines, the valleys, the desolate places that have become ruins, and to the crumbling cities that have been left as prey and mock to the surrounding nations": This exhaustive listing encompasses all geographical and structural elements of the land. It emphasizes the completeness of the devastation that resulted from the people's sin, making the land itself a testament to their judgment and a target of foreign scorn.

Ezekiel 36 4 Bonus Section

The anthropomorphic address to inanimate geographical features is a literary device used throughout Scripture to emphasize the comprehensive impact of God's judgment and the thoroughness of His restoration. It signifies that the entire created order responds to and is affected by God's covenant dealings with His people. The "desolate places" and "crumbling cities" are stark visual representations of Israel's spiritual bankruptcy and the consequence of their turning away from God. The "mock" of surrounding nations points to the reproach brought upon God's name when His people, His chosen representatives, were unable to maintain their land or their spiritual standing. This verse sets the stage for God's declarative statement about His intent to sanctify His name and restore His people through a sovereign act.

Ezekiel 36 4 Commentary

God, in His sovereign plan, addresses the very landscape of Israel. This personification of the mountains is significant. These high places had often been used for idolatrous worship, defiling the land. Now, they are commanded to hear the word of the Lord regarding their future. The Lord declares that He will turn these devastated areas, forsaken cities, and lands made into desolate ruins and objects of ridicule by surrounding nations into a restored and flourishing territory. This is not merely a geographical promise but a theological one, highlighting God's ultimate control over His creation and His intention to vindicate His name among the nations by restoring His people and land. The desecration and subsequent mockery of Israel by the nations will be reversed by God’s redemptive work.