MPV Commentary

Israel Avenged of Her Foes, and Restored, First to Inward Prosperity.

The distinction between Israel and the heathen is that Israel has a covenant relation with God, ensuring restoration after chastisement. This means that the heathen's hope of getting possession of the elect people's inheritance must fail, and they themselves will be made desolate (Eze 36:1-15). The reason for Israel's chastisement was her sin and profanation of God's name (Eze 36:16-21).

God has good in store for Israel, for His own name's sake, to revive His people. This will happen first through a spiritual renewal of their hearts, and next by an external restoration to prosperity (Eze 36:22-33). The result is that the heathen shall be impressed with the power and goodness of God manifested so palpably towards the restored people (Eze 36:34-38).

1, 2. The mountains of Israel are personified; their elevation is moral, not merely physical. Edom, as the nearest kinsman of Israel, had claimed her vacated inheritance, saying that the everlasting hills, which typified the unmoved perpetuity of it, have come to an end.

3. Literally, "Because, even because." The enemy (Edom) panted after Israel's inheritance with greedy cupidity.

4. Inanimate creatures are addressed, implying that they too groan for deliverance from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. The completeness of the renewed blessedness of all parts of the land is implied.

5. To cast it out for a prey means to take the land for a prey, leaving its inhabitants desolate and helpless.

6. Edom's taunt was that Israel's land devours men, implying that she is cursed and barren.

7. I had pity on my holy name, which was dishonored by Israel's sins. God's primary concern was to vindicate His own name from the dishonor brought upon it by the Jews.

8. Not for your sakes, but because of My regard for "My own name," as the God of covenant grace (Ps 106:45), did I decide to act. This is the sole and sure ground of hope.

9. I will sanctify you in their eyes, making them see Me as the Holy One and righteous in My dealings towards you.

10. The external restoration must be preceded by an internal one. A radical renewal of the heart is necessary for true change to occur.

11. Then the heathen will understand from the regenerated lives of God's people how holy He is, and Israel's past troubles will be seen as necessary vindications of His righteousness.

12. I will sprinkle clean water on you, cleansing you from all your idols, including covetousness and prejudices against Jesus of Nazareth.

13. A new heart and a new spirit will be given to you, making you impressible and docile, fit for receiving the good seed.

14. My spirit will be within you, guiding and empowering you (Eze 11:19; Jer 32:39).

15. You will be my people, and I will be your God (Eze 11:20; Jer 30:22).

16. Save me from all uncleannesses, including the sin of unbelief.

17. Call for corn, and it shall be given to you, as a master calls for a servant.

18. No more reproach of famine among the heathen will occur, as Israel's land will once again produce abundance.

19. Remember your evil ways with shame and loathing. The unexpected grace and love of God, manifested in Christ to Israel, shall melt the people into true repentance.

20. They will say that Israel's more than renewed blessedness is a direct result of God's work, vindicating His name and glorifying Him (Eze 36:22-23).

21. I will yet for this be inquired of by you, as I have prepared your hearts to pray aright for the blessings which I am about to give.

22. As a flock, Israel will be restored, with God as her Shepherd, guiding and caring for her (Eze 34:23, 31).

23. As the holy flock, brought up to Jerusalem at the three great yearly festivals, Israel will be restored to her former glory, a symbol of God's love and redemption.