Ezekiel 36

This chapter holds promises for Israel in the future: 1. to give the land back to the Jews; 2. for the land to grow food; 3. to rebuild the cities; and 4. to bless Israel even more so than it was in the beginning. 

First, God is going to punish Israel's enemies for their spite and covetousness of the land meant for Israel. They shall bear their own shame, while Israel will grow and prosper. 

God is for Israel! The people will populate the land and rebuild their cities. There will be peace in Israel, and no one shall abuse them ever again. 

God also reminded Israel of why they had to be punished: because they profaned God's holy name. Even in captivity, they offended God's name. In fact, the restoration of Israel to the land is not because or for Israel's sake, but rather to restore God's holy name. 

GOD'S PROMISE TO ISRAEL

For I will take you from among the nation, gather you out of all countries, and bring you into your own land. Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean; I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your idols. I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them. Then you shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers; you shall be My people and I will be your God. 

Is that not love, or what? A people who were unfaithful to God, yet, He promises to take back. Do you know anyone - even yourself - who would take back an unfaithful spouse? 

And He told them He would provide food, multiplying their grain and fruit trees and fields. Never shall they experience famine ever.

However, Israel will remember their sin and this will cause them to loathe themselves, which is a good and healthy response. 

All of this is for God's glory and reputation, so that all of the remaining nations around Israel will know that He is the Lord. 

COMMENTARY

Before Israel can be restored to the land, she must be judged and forgiven.

First of all, Israel will be restored. Today that promise has not been fulfilled. When God brings His people back to the land, it will be blessed. There is no sign of blessing, yet. 

Second, or most importantly, God is going to restore His holy name. He is so very patient. Unlike us. Today, God's name is blasphemed everywhere. When this prophecy is fulfilled, every living person will honor Him. Every one. 

Third, God is going to put a new heart into His people. They will be born again. God will pour out His Spirit on all flesh, not just some. Joel talked about this. "On the Day of Pentecost, the apostles received the Holy Spirit. This is like what Joel said is going to happen in the last days."

Even today, God calls out some people for His name's sake. When you repent - turn away from sin - and turn to God, "at that moment you are regenerated by the Holy Spirit, indwelt and baptized by the Holy Spirit," and you become part of the body of Christ (believers). 

Finally, God is going to bless the land physically, so that the people shall say: "this land that was desolate is become like the garden of Eden." McGee says, you can say it if you want to, but today Israel - that land - is not at all like the garden of Eden. 

In the end, "they shall know that I am the Lord." Well, they do not know that today. "But the day is coming when Israel will know that He is the Lord."