Thus saith the Lord GOD; Because the enemy hath said against you, Aha, even the ancient high places are ours in possession:

EZEKIEL 36:2KJV
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Ezekiel 36:2 (KJV)

What does Ezekiel 36:2 mean?

Ezekiel 36:2 records God’s message about what Israel’s enemies have said: they mock Israel, claiming that even the ancient high places—once sacred sites—now belong to them. This verse highlights the enemies’ boastful attitude and their sense of victory over Israel’s former places of worship.

In this passage, God is speaking through the prophet Ezekiel to the land of Israel, addressing the taunts of surrounding nations after Israel’s downfall. The “ancient high places” were locations where people had worshipped for generations, and now Israel’s enemies claim these as their own. This sets up God’s response to these nations and prepares the reader for the restoration promises that follow in the chapter.

The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 36:2

  • אֲדֹנָי (Adonai, transliterated “Lord”): This word emphasizes God’s authority and sovereignty in the situation, reminding the reader that God is still in control despite Israel’s defeat.
  • יְהוִה (YHWH, transliterated “Yahweh” or “the LORD”): This is the personal name of God, underscoring the covenant relationship between God and Israel, even when the land is claimed by others.
  • אוֹיֵב (’oyev, transliterated “enemy”): This word refers specifically to those hostile to Israel, highlighting that the claim over the high places comes from adversaries, not neutral parties.
  • בָּמוֹת (bamot, transliterated “high places”): These were elevated sites often used for worship. The fact that the enemies now possess them shows the extent of Israel’s loss and the depth of the enemies’ triumph.

Why Ezekiel 36:2 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Israel’s enemies are not just taking land but are also seizing places with deep spiritual and historical meaning, which adds to the sense of loss and humiliation for Israel.
  • The mention of the “ancient high places” connects the current situation to Israel’s long history, showing that what is happening is not just a political event but a disruption of their spiritual heritage.
  • Understanding this verse helps the reader see why the following promises of restoration in Ezekiel 36 are so significant: God is not only concerned with land but with reclaiming what was lost spiritually and historically.

Where else these words appear

“Aha” Hebrew H1889 · used in 9 verses

  • Job 39:25 He saith among the trumpets, Ha, ha; and he smelleth the battle afar off, the thunder of the captains, and the shouting.
  • Psalms 35:25 Let them not say in their hearts, Ah, so would we have it: let them not say, We have swallowed him up.
  • Isaiah 44:16 He burneth part thereof in the fire; with part thereof he eateth flesh; he roasteth roast, and is satisfied: yea, he warmeth himself, and saith, Aha, I am warm, I have seen the fire:

“possession” Hebrew H4181 · used in 9 verses

  • Exodus 6:8 And I will bring you in unto the land, concerning the which I did swear to give it to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob; and I will give it you for an heritage: I am the LORD.
  • Ezekiel 11:15 Son of man, thy brethren, even thy brethren, the men of thy kindred, and all the house of Israel wholly, are they unto whom the inhabitants of Jerusalem have said, Get you far from the LORD: unto us is this land given in possession.
  • Ezekiel 33:24 Son of man, they that inhabit those wastes of the land of Israel speak, saying, Abraham was one, and he inherited the land: but we are many; the land is given us for inheritance.

“places” Hebrew H1116 · used in 92 verses

  • Leviticus 26:30 And I will destroy your high places, and cut down your images, and cast your carcases upon the carcases of your idols, and my soul shall abhor you.
  • 2 Kings 15:35 Howbeit the high places were not removed: the people sacrificed and burned incense still in the high places. He built the higher gate of the house of the LORD.
  • 2 Chronicles 32:12 Hath not the same Hezekiah taken away his high places and his altars, and commanded Judah and Jerusalem, saying, Ye shall worship before one altar, and burn incense upon it?