Ezekiel 35:15

Cause.. to fall] rather, 'bereave,' as in Ezekiel 36:14.

(c) God's Reason for restoring Israel (Ezekiel 36:16)

God had justly sent Israel into exile for their sins (Ezekiel 36:17), but the heathen had misunderstood this event, taking it as a sign of God's inability to save His people (Ezekiel 36:20). In this way the exiles had occasioned the profanation of God's name, and to vindicate His own honour He was compelled to restore them (Ezekiel 36:21). This high argument passes into a promise of the moral renewal, as well as of the outward blessings, which would accompany the restoration (Ezekiel 36:25). Yet the fact is reiterated that all this will be done, not because Israel has deserved it, but because God's glory has required it. It must minister not to pride, but to humility (Ezekiel 36:31). When the sinful nation has been purified, and the desolate land repeopled, the heathen will know that the whole is God's doing (Ezekiel 36:33). The blessing, too, though undeserved, will be sent in response to Israel's prayers (Ezekiel 36:37).

Idumea] RV 'Edom.'

(b) The Mountain Land of Israel repeopled (Ezekiel 36:1)

This prophecy is the counterpart of Ezekiel 6. The land, made desolate for the people's sin, as was foretold, and presumptuously claimed by Edom and the other surrounding nations, will again become fertile, fruitful, and populous. Israel will inhabit it once more, and will no longer suffer famine, or be oppressed by the heathen.