Ezekiel 36:1-38

The Land of Israel in the Future

Ezekiel 35 is an introduction to Ezekiel 36, the connexion being shown by Ezekiel 36:5. The claim of Edom to the land having been repudiated (Ezekiel 35), its reoccupation by Israel is promised (Ezekiel 36:1), and the reason of the restoration is explained (Ezekiel 36:16).

(a) The Punishment of Edom's Presumption (Ezekiel 35)

Edom has already been included by Ezekiel among the nations whose humiliation would prepare the way for the restoration of Israel (Ezekiel 25:12), and this new prophecy requires a special explanation, which is easily found. Before the land could be given to its true owners all false claimants had to be disposed of. The claim of the wicked survivors of Jerusalem has already been set aside (Ezekiel 33:23), and the claim of the surrounding heathen has to be dealt with in the same way. Edom is introduced here as their representative (Ezekiel 35:10; Ezekiel 35:12). Its former enmity and malice are recalled (Ezekiel 35:5), and the arrogance and blasphemy of its pretensions to possess the land of Israel are specially denounced. Ezekiel foretells that God will repay the Edomites in their own coin, making their land desolate, and compelling them to recognise Him as the true God.