Ezekiel 36:22-38
Q.1. What is the real reason why God will regather and restore the nation of Israel? – (Ezk.36:22-23)
We can often develop a self-centred view of God and imagine that we are the centre of the universe. However, God is supreme over all things and acts for His holy name’s sake. Therefore, His promise to restore Israel (even before they were removed from the land) was clear – ‘I will vindicate the holiness of My great name which has been profaned among the nations, which you have profaned in their midst. Then the nations will know that I am the Lord’ declares the Lord God, ‘when I prove Myself holy among you in their sight’ (Ezk.36:23). The blessing of Israel is to glorify God’s character and grace.
Q.2. Will God be satisfied to simply regather His people to the land? What more does He plan to do? – (Ezk.36:24-32)
Israel is now back in the land but still does not as a nation acknowledge the Saviour. Resettling the nation back in the land is only part of God’s plan. God strengthened His Covenant with Abraham with an unbreakable oath (c.f. Heb.7:20-22) that is not nullified by man’s failure. The writer to Hebrews confirmed that God will establish a new Covenant that will not fail (36:25-29 c.f. Jer.31:31-34; Heb.8:8-12; 10:16-17). God will give the nation a new heart, and place the Holy Spirit within them – I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you … I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will be careful to observe My ordinances (Ezk.36:26-27). This has yet to happen. The remnant will turn in faith and penitence to God at the return of Jesus Christ (Zech.12:10-13:1; Rom.11:25-27; Rev.19:11-16).
Q.3. How great will the restoration of the land be? Is this obvious today? – (Ezk.36:33-38)
When Israel was re-constituted as a nation in the land in May 1948, the land was a desolate waste land. Ezekiel had foretold of a day when the land would be filled with cities, flocks, and vines – 35 They will say, `This desolate land has become like the garden of Eden; and the waste, desolate and ruined cities are fortified and inhabited.’ 36 Then the nations that are left round about you will know that I, the Lord, have rebuilt the ruined places and planted that which was desolate; I, the Lord, have spoken and will do it” (Ezk.36:35-36). The agricultural and economic fortunes in Israel have been transformed before our eyes. Israel is highly respected in the Middle East (2010).