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
Know the Bible

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.

Where else these words appear

“derision” Hebrew H3933 · used in 7 verses

  • Job 34:7 What man is like Job, who drinketh up scorning like water?
  • Psalms 79:4 We are become a reproach to our neighbours, a scorn and derision to them that are round about us.
  • Ezekiel 23:32 Thus saith the Lord GOD; Thou shalt drink of thy sister's cup deep and large: thou shalt be laughed to scorn and had in derision; it containeth much.

“rivers” Hebrew H650 · used in 19 verses

  • 2 Samuel 22:16 And the channels of the sea appeared, the foundations of the world were discovered, at the rebuking of the LORD, at the blast of the breath of his nostrils.
  • Psalms 42:1 To the chief Musician, Maschil, for the sons of Korah. As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God.
  • Ezekiel 32:6 I will also water with thy blood the land wherein thou swimmest, even to the mountains; and the rivers shall be full of thee.

“prey” Hebrew H957 · used in 25 verses

  • Numbers 14:3 And wherefore hath the LORD brought us unto this land, to fall by the sword, that our wives and our children should be a prey? were it not better for us to return into Egypt?
  • Jeremiah 2:14 Is Israel a servant? is he a homeborn slave? why is he spoiled?
  • Ezekiel 26:5 It shall be a place for the spreading of nets in the midst of the sea: for I have spoken it, saith the Lord GOD: and it shall become a spoil to the nations.

“wastes” Hebrew H2723 · used in 42 verses

  • Leviticus 26:31 And I will make your cities waste, and bring your sanctuaries unto desolation, and I will not smell the savour of your sweet odours.
  • Isaiah 58:12 And they that shall be of thee shall build the old waste places: thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in.
  • Ezekiel 13:4 O Israel, thy prophets are like the foxes in the deserts.