Therefore, ye mountains of Israel, hear the word of the Lord GOD; Thus saith the Lord GOD to the mountains, and to the hills, to the rivers, and to the valleys, to the desolate wastes, and to the cities that are forsaken, which became a prey and derision to the residue of the heathen that are round about;

EZEKIEL 36:4KJV
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Ezekiel 36:4 (KJV)

What does Ezekiel 36:4 mean?

Ezekiel 36:4 is a message from God, spoken through the prophet Ezekiel, directed not to people but to the land itself—the mountains, hills, rivers, valleys, and ruined cities of Israel. God addresses these places because they have suffered from being abandoned, mocked, and taken over by surrounding nations after Israel’s downfall.

In this verse, Ezekiel is acting as God’s messenger while the people of Israel are in exile. The land of Israel has become desolate and its cities empty, having been attacked and ridiculed by neighboring peoples. By speaking to the land, God is preparing to promise restoration and show that even the physical land is part of His plan for Israel’s future.

The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 36:4

  • "Mountains" (הָרִים, harim): This word is used here to represent the whole land of Israel, not just the literal mountains. It often stands for the nation’s territory and identity.
  • "Desolate" (שָׁמֵם, shamem) and "wastes" (חָרְבָּה, chorbah): These words stress the ruined, empty state of the land after invasion and abandonment, highlighting the depth of loss.
  • "Prey" (בַּז, baz) and "derision" (לַעַג, la'ag): These words show that the land and its cities were not only taken over but also mocked and humiliated by other nations, underlining the shame Israel experienced.

Why Ezekiel 36:4 matters

  • This verse makes clear that God’s concern is not only for people but also for the land itself, showing a deep connection between the people of Israel and their homeland.
  • By addressing the land, Ezekiel sets up the following promises of restoration, making it clear that God intends to reverse the shame and destruction.
  • Understanding this verse helps explain why later in the chapter God promises to renew both the people and the land, tying physical restoration to spiritual renewal.