Prophesy therefore concerning the land of Israel, and say unto the mountains, and to the hills, to the rivers, and to the valleys, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I have spoken in my jealousy and in my fury, because ye have borne the shame of the heathen:

EZEKIEL 36:6KJV
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Ezekiel 36:6 (KJV)

What does Ezekiel 36:6 mean?

Ezekiel 36:6 describes God commanding the prophet Ezekiel to speak to the land of Israel—its mountains, hills, rivers, and valleys—declaring that God has spoken with jealousy and anger because the land has suffered disgrace from other nations. The verse shows God’s passionate response to how Israel’s land and people have been treated by outsiders.

In this verse, God is speaking through Ezekiel to the physical land of Israel, not just the people. The setting is during Israel’s exile, when foreign nations had mocked and shamed the land and its people. God’s words express both deep care for the land and anger at the nations (the "heathen") who have brought shame upon it.

The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 36:6

  • "Jealousy" (קִנְאָה, qin’ah): This word means a strong, protective zeal, often used for God’s intense commitment to His people or land. Here, it highlights God’s emotional investment in Israel’s fate.
  • "Fury" (חֵמָה, chemah): This word refers to burning anger or wrath. God’s fury in this context shows how seriously He takes the mistreatment of Israel’s land.
  • "Shame" (קָלוֹן, qalon): This word means disgrace or humiliation. The verse emphasizes that Israel’s land has carried the burden of being looked down on by other nations.

Why Ezekiel 36:6 matters

  • Ezekiel 36:6 clarifies that God’s concern is not only for the people but also for the land itself, treating it almost as if it could hear and respond.
  • The verse highlights God’s emotional response—His jealousy and fury—making clear that the suffering and shame brought by other nations are deeply personal matters to Him.
  • This verse sets up the hope and restoration that follows in the chapter, showing that God’s anger is tied to His desire to defend and restore what belongs to Him.