Ezekiel 36:38
Ezekiel 36:38 in Multiple Translations
Like the numerous flocks for sacrifices at Jerusalem during her appointed feasts, so the ruined cities will be filled with flocks of people. Then they will know that I am the LORD.”
As the holy flock, as the flock of Jerusalem in her solemn feasts; so shall the waste cities be filled with flocks of men: and they shall know that I am the LORD.
As the flock for sacrifice, as the flock of Jerusalem in her appointed feasts, so shall the waste cities be filled with flocks of men; and they shall know that I am Jehovah.
Like sheep for the offerings, like the sheep of Jerusalem at her fixed feasts, so the unpeopled towns will be made full of men: and they will be certain that I am the Lord.
Just like all the many flocks that are brought to Jerusalem to be sacrificed during the religious festivals, so the towns that were once demolished will be full of flocks of people. Then they will know that I am the Lord.”
As the holy flocke, as the flocke of Ierusalem in their solemne feastes, so shall the desolate cities be filled with flockes of men, and they shall know, that I am the Lord.
As a flock of holy ones, as a flock of Jerusalem, In her appointed seasons, So are the waste cities full of flocks of men, And they have known that I [am] Jehovah!'
As the flock for sacrifice, as the flock of Jerusalem in her appointed feasts, so the waste cities will be filled with flocks of men. Then they will know that I am the LORD.’”
As the holy flock, as the flock of Jerusalem in her solemn feasts; so shall the waste cities be filled with flocks of men: and they shall know that I am the LORD.
As a holy dock, as the flock of Jerusalem in her solemn feasts: so shall the waste cities be full of flocks of men: and they shall know that I am the Lord.
as numerous as the flocks of sheep that will be needed for offerings in Jerusalem during your regular festivals. The cities that are now ruined will be filled with people, and then you will know that I, Yahweh the Lord, have the power to do what I say that I will do.’”
Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 36:38
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Ezekiel 36:38 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כְּ/צֹ֣אן
קָֽדָשִׁ֗ים
כְּ/צֹ֤אן
יְרוּשָׁלִַ֨ם֙
בְּ/מ֣וֹעֲדֶ֔י/הָ
כֵּ֤ן
תִּהְיֶ֨ינָה֙
הֶ/עָרִ֣ים
הֶ/חֳרֵב֔וֹת
מְלֵא֖וֹת
צֹ֣אן
אָדָ֑ם
וְ/יָדְע֖וּ
כִּֽי
אֲנִ֥י
יְהוָֽה
כְּ/צֹ֣אן
tsôʼn
H6629
Sheep (Gate)
Prep | N-cs
קָֽדָשִׁ֗ים
qôdesh
H6944
Holy Place
N-mp
כְּ/צֹ֤אן
tsôʼn
H6629
Sheep (Gate)
Prep | N-cs
יְרוּשָׁלִַ֨ם֙
Yᵉrûwshâlaim
H3389
Jerusalem
N-proper
בְּ/מ֣וֹעֲדֶ֔י/הָ
môwʻêd
H4150
meeting
Prep | N-mp | Suff
כֵּ֤ן
kên
H3651
right
Part
תִּהְיֶ֨ינָה֙
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Imperf-3fp
הֶ/עָרִ֣ים
ʻîyr
H5892
excitement
Art | N-fp
הֶ/חֳרֵב֔וֹת
chârêb
H2720
dry
Art | Adj
מְלֵא֖וֹת
mâlêʼ
H4392
full
Adj
צֹ֣אן
tsôʼn
H6629
Sheep (Gate)
N-cs
אָדָ֑ם
ʼâdâm
H120
the man (Adam)
N-ms
וְ/יָדְע֖וּ
yâdaʻ
H3045
to know
Conj | V-Qal-3cp
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
אֲנִ֥י
ʼănîy
H589
I
Pron
יְהוָֽה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 36:38
כְּ/צֹ֣אן
tsôʼn
H6629
"Sheep (Gate)"
Prep | N-cs
This word refers to a flock of sheep or goats, and is sometimes used to describe people in a figurative sense. It is also associated with the Sheep Gate in Jerusalem, a significant location in biblical times.
Definition: This name means sheep and goats Also named: probatikos (προβατικός "Sheep Gate" G4262)
Usage: Occurs in 247 OT verses. KJV: (small) cattle, flock ([phrase] -s), lamb ([phrase] -s), sheep(-cote, -fold, -shearer, -herds). See also: Genesis 4:2; Deuteronomy 28:31; Psalms 44:12.
קָֽדָשִׁ֗ים
qôdesh
H6944
"Holy Place"
N-mp
The Holy Place refers to a sacred or set-apart area, like the temple in Jerusalem. It is a place of sanctity and holiness, where God is worshipped. The Bible describes it as a place of reverence and awe.
Definition: This name means apartness, holiness, sacredness Also named: hagion (ἅγιον "Holy Place" G0039)
Usage: Occurs in 380 OT verses. KJV: consecrated (thing), dedicated (thing), hallowed (thing), holiness, ([idiom] most) holy ([idiom] day, portion, thing), saint, sanctuary. See also: Exodus 3:5; Leviticus 23:4; 1 Chronicles 26:26.
כְּ/צֹ֤אן
tsôʼn
H6629
"Sheep (Gate)"
Prep | N-cs
This word refers to a flock of sheep or goats, and is sometimes used to describe people in a figurative sense. It is also associated with the Sheep Gate in Jerusalem, a significant location in biblical times.
Definition: This name means sheep and goats Also named: probatikos (προβατικός "Sheep Gate" G4262)
Usage: Occurs in 247 OT verses. KJV: (small) cattle, flock ([phrase] -s), lamb ([phrase] -s), sheep(-cote, -fold, -shearer, -herds). See also: Genesis 4:2; Deuteronomy 28:31; Psalms 44:12.
יְרוּשָׁלִַ֨ם֙
Yᵉrûwshâlaim
H3389
"Jerusalem"
N-proper
Jerusalem is the capital city of Palestine, also known as the city of peace. It was the chief city of the united kingdom and the nation of Judah after the split.
Definition: § Jerusalem = "teaching of peace" the chief city of Palestine and capital of the united kingdom and the nation of Judah after the split
Usage: Occurs in 600 OT verses. KJV: Jerusalem. See also: Joshua 10:1; 2 Kings 22:14; 2 Chronicles 24:6.
בְּ/מ֣וֹעֲדֶ֔י/הָ
môwʻêd
H4150
"meeting"
Prep | N-mp | Suff
This Hebrew word refers to a meeting or appointed time, often for a sacred season or festival, like the tent of meeting in Exodus. It can also mean an assembly or congregation. In the Bible, it is used to describe the Israelites' gatherings and celebrations.
Definition: : meeting 1) appointed place, appointed time, meeting 1a) appointed time 1a1) appointed time (general) 1a2) sacred season, set feast, appointed season 1b) appointed meeting 1c) appointed place 1d) appointed sign or signal 1e) tent of meeting
Usage: Occurs in 213 OT verses. KJV: appointed (sign, time), (place of, solemn) assembly, congregation, (set, solemn) feast, (appointed, due) season, solemn(-ity), synogogue, (set) time (appointed). See also: Genesis 1:14; Numbers 4:31; Psalms 74:4.
כֵּ֤ן
kên
H3651
"right"
Part
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means 'so' or 'thus', often used to show agreement or confirmation, like in the book of Genesis. It can also mean 'rightly' or 'justly', as in doing something the correct way. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: adv adj 1) right, just, honest, true, veritable 1a) right, just, honest 1b) correct 1c) true, veritable
Usage: Occurs in 737 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after that (this, -ward, -wards), as... as, [phrase] (for-) asmuch as yet, [phrase] be (for which) cause, [phrase] following, howbeit, in (the) like (manner, -wise), [idiom] the more, right, (even) so, state, straightway, such (thing), surely, [phrase] there (where) -fore, this, thus, true, well, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:7; Exodus 37:19; Judges 7:17.
תִּהְיֶ֨ינָה֙
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Imperf-3fp
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
הֶ/עָרִ֣ים
ʻîyr
H5892
"excitement"
Art | N-fp
In the Bible, this word refers to a city or town, often a place with a wall or a watchman. It is used to describe a settlement or encampment, like the city of Ai, which is mentioned in the book of Joshua. The word is used to identify specific locations in the Bible.
Definition: 1) excitement, anguish 1a) of terror
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town. See also: Genesis 4:17; Deuteronomy 3:6; Joshua 14:12.
הֶ/חֳרֵב֔וֹת
chârêb
H2720
"dry"
Art | Adj
This word describes a place that is dry and barren, often due to lack of water. In the Bible, it is used to describe the consequences of God's judgment. The prophet Isaiah used this word to describe a desolate land.
Definition: dry
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: desolate, dry, waste. See also: Leviticus 7:10; Ezekiel 36:35; Proverbs 17:1.
מְלֵא֖וֹת
mâlêʼ
H4392
"full"
Adj
Full means having no empty space, like a full cup or a full heart. It can also mean a large amount, like a multitude of people.
Definition: 1) full, fulness, that which fills 1a) fully (adv)
Usage: Occurs in 57 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] she that was with child, fill(-ed, -ed with), full(-ly), multitude, as is worth. See also: Genesis 23:9; Deuteronomy 6:11; Psalms 73:10.
צֹ֣אן
tsôʼn
H6629
"Sheep (Gate)"
N-cs
This word refers to a flock of sheep or goats, and is sometimes used to describe people in a figurative sense. It is also associated with the Sheep Gate in Jerusalem, a significant location in biblical times.
Definition: This name means sheep and goats Also named: probatikos (προβατικός "Sheep Gate" G4262)
Usage: Occurs in 247 OT verses. KJV: (small) cattle, flock ([phrase] -s), lamb ([phrase] -s), sheep(-cote, -fold, -shearer, -herds). See also: Genesis 4:2; Deuteronomy 28:31; Psalms 44:12.
אָדָ֑ם
ʼâdâm
H120
"the man (Adam)"
N-ms
Adam was the first human, created by God and mentioned in Genesis 2:19, who married Eve and had sons including Cain, Abel, and Seth.
Definition: The first named man living at the time before the Flood, first mentioned at Gen.2.19; married to Eve (H2332); father of: Cain (H7014B), Abel (H1893) and Seth (H8352); also translated "man" at Gen.2.19,21,23; 3.8,9,20; 5.2; "mankind" at Deu.32.8; "others" at Job.31.33; Another spelling of a.dam (אָדָם "Adam" H0121) man, human being
Usage: Occurs in 526 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] another, [phrase] hypocrite, [phrase] common sort, [idiom] low, man (mean, of low degree), person. See also: Genesis 1:26; Judges 18:7; Psalms 8:5.
וְ/יָדְע֖וּ
yâdaʻ
H3045
"to know"
Conj | V-Qal-3cp
The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)
Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
אֲנִ֥י
ʼănîy
H589
"I"
Pron
This Hebrew word is a simple way of saying 'I' or 'me', often used for emphasis. It is used by people like David in the Psalms to express their thoughts and feelings. The word is a basic part of the Hebrew language.
Definition: I (first pers. sing. -usually used for emphasis)
Usage: Occurs in 803 OT verses. KJV: I, (as for) me, mine, myself, we, [idiom] which, [idiom] who. See also: Genesis 6:17; Leviticus 19:36; 1 Samuel 25:24.
יְהוָֽה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
Study Notes — Ezekiel 36:38
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ezekiel 36:38 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 36:38
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 36:38
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 36:38
- Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 36:38
- Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 36:38
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 36:38
- Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 36:38
- Barnes' Notes on Ezekiel 36:38
- Sermons on Ezekiel 36:38
Context — A New Heart and a New Spirit
36Then the nations around you that remain will know that I, the LORD, have rebuilt what was destroyed, and I have replanted what was desolate. I, the LORD, have spoken, and I will do it.
37This is what the Lord GOD says: Once again I will hear the plea of the house of Israel and do for them this: I will multiply their people like a flock.
38Like the numerous flocks for sacrifices at Jerusalem during her appointed feasts, so the ruined cities will be filled with flocks of people. Then they will know that I am the LORD.”
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Kings 8:63 | And Solomon offered as peace offerings to the LORD 22,000 oxen and 120,000 sheep. So the king and all the Israelites dedicated the house of the LORD. |
| 2 | Acts 2:5–11 | Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. And when this sound rang out, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard them speaking his own language. Astounded and amazed, they asked, “Are not all these men who are speaking Galileans? How is it then that each of us hears them in his own native language? Parthians, Medes, and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome, both Jews and converts to Judaism; Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!” |
| 3 | John 10:16 | I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them in as well, and they will listen to My voice. Then there will be one flock and one shepherd. |
| 4 | Revelation 7:4–9 | And I heard the number of those who were sealed, 144,000 from all the tribes of Israel: From the tribe of Judah 12,000 were sealed, from the tribe of Reuben 12,000, from the tribe of Gad 12,000, from the tribe of Asher 12,000, from the tribe of Naphtali 12,000, from the tribe of Manasseh 12,000, from the tribe of Simeon 12,000, from the tribe of Levi 12,000, from the tribe of Issachar 12,000, from the tribe of Zebulun 12,000, from the tribe of Joseph 12,000, and from the tribe of Benjamin 12,000. After this I looked and saw a multitude too large to count, from every nation and tribe and people and tongue, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and holding palm branches in their hands. |
| 5 | 2 Chronicles 30:21–27 | The Israelites who were present in Jerusalem celebrated the Feast of Unleavened Bread for seven days with great joy, and the Levites and priests praised the LORD day after day, accompanied by loud instruments of praise to the LORD. And Hezekiah encouraged all the Levites who performed skillfully before the LORD. For seven days they ate their assigned portion, sacrificing fellowship offerings and giving thanks to the LORD, the God of their fathers. The whole assembly agreed to observe seven more days, so they observed seven days with joy. For Hezekiah king of Judah contributed a thousand bulls and seven thousand sheep for the assembly, and the officials contributed a thousand bulls and ten thousand sheep for the assembly, and a great number of priests consecrated themselves. Then the whole assembly of Judah rejoiced along with the priests and Levites and the whole assembly that had come from Israel, including the foreigners who had come from Israel and those who lived in Judah. So there was great rejoicing in Jerusalem, for nothing like this had happened there since the days of Solomon son of David king of Israel. Then the priests and the Levites stood to bless the people, and God heard their voice, and their prayer came into His holy dwelling place in heaven. |
| 6 | 2 Chronicles 7:8 | So at that time Solomon and all Israel with him—a very great assembly of people from Lebo-hamath to the Brook of Egypt—kept the feast for seven days. |
| 7 | Ezekiel 34:31 | ‘You are My flock, the sheep of My pasture, My people, and I am your God,’ declares the Lord GOD.” |
| 8 | 2 Chronicles 35:7–19 | From his own flocks and herds Josiah contributed 30,000 lambs and goats plus 3,000 bulls for the Passover offerings for all the people who were present. His officials also contributed willingly to the people and priests and Levites. Hilkiah, Zechariah, and Jehiel, the administrators of the house of God, gave the priests 2,600 Passover offerings and 300 bulls. Additionally, Conaniah and his brothers Shemaiah and Nethanel, as well as Hashabiah, Jeiel, and Jozabad, officers of the Levites, donated to the Levites 5,000 Passover offerings and 500 bulls. So the service was prepared; the priests stood in their places and the Levites in their divisions according to the king’s command. And they slaughtered the Passover lambs, while the priests sprinkled the blood handed to them and the Levites skinned the animals. They set aside the burnt offerings to be given to the divisions of the families of the people to offer to the LORD, as is written in the Book of Moses; and they did the same with the bulls. They roasted the Passover animals on the fire according to the regulation, and they boiled the other holy offerings in pots, kettles, and bowls and quickly brought them to all the people. Afterward, they made preparations for themselves and for the priests, since the priests, the descendants of Aaron, were offering up burnt offerings and fat until nightfall. So the Levites made preparations for themselves and for the priests, the descendants of Aaron. The singers, the descendants of Asaph, were at their stations according to the command of David, Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun the king’s seer. And the gatekeepers at each gate did not need to leave their position, because their fellow Levites made preparations for them. So on that day the entire service of the LORD was carried out for celebrating the Passover and offering burnt offerings on the altar of the LORD, according to the command of King Josiah. The Israelites who were present also observed the Passover at that time, as well as the Feast of Unleavened Bread for seven days. No such Passover had been observed in Israel since the days of Samuel the prophet. None of the kings of Israel ever observed a Passover like the one that Josiah observed with the priests, the Levites, all Judah, the Israelites who were present, and the people of Jerusalem. In the eighteenth year of Josiah’s reign, this Passover was observed. |
| 9 | Zechariah 8:19–23 | “This is what the LORD of Hosts says: The fasts of the fourth, the fifth, the seventh, and the tenth months will become times of joy and gladness, cheerful feasts for the house of Judah. Therefore you are to love both truth and peace.” This is what the LORD of Hosts says: “Peoples will yet come—the residents of many cities— and the residents of one city will go to another, saying: ‘Let us go at once to plead before the LORD and to seek the LORD of Hosts. I myself am going.’ And many peoples and strong nations will come to seek the LORD of Hosts in Jerusalem and to plead before the LORD.” This is what the LORD of Hosts says: “In those days ten men from the nations of every tongue will tightly grasp the robe of a Jew, saying, ‘Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.’” |
| 10 | Ezekiel 36:33–35 | This is what the Lord GOD says: On the day I cleanse you from all your iniquities, I will cause the cities to be resettled and the ruins to be rebuilt. The desolate land will be cultivated instead of lying desolate in the sight of all who pass through. Then they will say, ‘This land that was desolate has become like the garden of Eden. The cities that were once ruined, desolate, and destroyed are now fortified and inhabited.’ |
Ezekiel 36:38 Summary
[This verse is saying that God will fill the empty cities of Israel with people, just like the crowds that came to Jerusalem for the big festivals, as a sign of His power and love. God wants everyone to know that He is the one who is restoring and rebuilding Israel, just as He promised in Ezekiel 36:36. This is a reminder that God is always working to restore and rebuild what is broken, and we can trust in His power and love, as seen in Jeremiah 29:11 and Romans 8:28.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for the ruined cities to be filled with flocks of people?
This refers to the restoration of Israel and the growth of its population, as God promised to multiply their people like a flock, as seen in Ezekiel 36:37, similar to the promise made in Exodus 1:7 and fulfilled in Acts 2:41.
How will the nations around Israel know that God has rebuilt what was destroyed?
The nations will know that God has rebuilt what was destroyed when they see the ruined cities filled with people, just as Jerusalem was filled with people during her appointed feasts, as mentioned in Ezekiel 36:38, and as God spoke of in Ezekiel 36:36 and Isaiah 61:4.
What is the significance of the appointed feasts in Jerusalem?
The appointed feasts in Jerusalem were a time of celebration and worship, where people would gather to sacrifice and give thanks to God, as seen in Leviticus 23:1-44 and Deuteronomy 16:1-17, and this verse uses that imagery to describe the restoration of Israel.
What does it mean for the people to know that God is the LORD?
For the people to know that God is the LORD means that they will recognize and acknowledge His power, authority, and sovereignty, as seen in Ezekiel 36:38, and as declared in Isaiah 43:10-13 and Psalm 83:18.
Reflection Questions
- How does this verse encourage me to trust in God's power to restore and rebuild what is broken in my life?
- What are some ways that I can celebrate and give thanks to God for the blessings and restoration He has brought into my life, just as the Israelites did during their appointed feasts?
- How can I apply the promise of God's restoration and multiplication to my own life and ministry, just as He promised to do for the house of Israel in Ezekiel 36:37?
- In what ways can I be a part of God's plan to restore and rebuild the lives of those around me, just as He is rebuilding the ruined cities of Israel?
Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 36:38
As the holy flock, as the flock of Jerusalem in her solemn feasts,.... Like flocks of sheep, which were consecrated and set apart for holy uses, for sacrifices; even like the flocks of sheep, which
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 36:38
As the holy flock, as the flock of Jerusalem in her solemn feasts; so shall the waste cities be filled with flocks of men: and they shall know that I am the LORD.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 36:38
The holy flock; flocks designed to holy uses, as sacrifices, and therefore further described by the place where they are, Jerusalem. Her solemn feasts; the occasion and time, solemn feasts, either the three annual great feasts, or you may hake in the daily sacrifices. These flocks were for quality the best of all, and for numbers very great, on the solemn feasts; thirty thousand at once of lambs and kids in Josiah’ s time, and many more at the passover in aftertimes. Thus should men multiply, and fill the cities of replanted Judea.
Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 36:38
Ezekiel 36:38 As the holy flock, as the flock of Jerusalem in her solemn feasts; so shall the waste cities be filled with flocks of men: and they shall know that I [am] the LORD.Ver. 38. As the holy flock.] The sheep that come up for sacrifice, at the passover especially; so will I multiply the sheep of Christ, the true shepherd.
Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 36:38
(38) The flock of Jerusalem.—The comparison is with the vast flocks of sacrificial animals accustomed to be carried to Jerusalem at the great annual feasts. The object is to give a vivid idea of the numbers of the people, but there is an especial appropriateness in the simile from the fact that these flocks were devoted to the Lord.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 36:38
Verse 38. As the holy flock] The Church of Christ, without spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing. The flock of Jerusalem] The Jerusalem that is from above, the city of the living God, the place where his Majesty dwells. As they came in ancient times to the solemn national feasts so shall they come when they have fully returned unto the Lord, and received his salvation by Christ Jesus. I do not ask my reader's pardon for having considered this most beautiful chapter as relating, not to the restoration from the Babylonish captivity, but to the redemption under the new covenant by Jesus Christ. There is no period of the Jewish history from that time until now, to which it can be applied. It must belong to the Gospel dispensation; and if the Jews will still refuse, contradict, and blaspheme, let no Christian have any fellowship with them in their opposition to this Almighty Saviour. Let none be indifferent to his salvation; let all plead his promises; and let the messengers of the Churches proclaim to the Christian world a FREE, a FULL, and a PRESENT SALVATION! And may great grace rest upon themselves, and upon all their flocks!
Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 36:38
38. the holy flock] i.e. the sacrificial sheep. The solemn feasts (where solemn has its proper sense of “customary,” appointed) may be the three great yearly festivals, though in point of fact Ezek. does not refer to Pentecost, or the feast of weeks, in his concluding chapters. The comparison shews that already in pre-exile times enormous numbers of sacrificial animals were brought to Jerusalem for offerings at the feasts. flocks of men] lit. sheep-flocks in men. The word “flock” in Heb. is not generalized so as to express a great number—it means a sheep-flock, and is explained by “men.” Probably no passage in the Old Testament of the same extent offers so complete a parallel to New Testament doctrine, particularly to that of St Paul. It is doubtful if the Apostle quotes Ezek. anywhere, but his line of thought entirely coincides with his. The same conceptions and in the same order belong to both—forgiveness (Ezekiel 36:25); regeneration, a new heart and spirit (Ezekiel 36:26); the spirit of God as the ruling power in the new life (Ezekiel 36:27); the issue of this, the keeping of the requirements of God’s law (Ezekiel 36:27; Romans 8:4); the effect of being “under grace” in softening the human heart and leading to obedience (Ezekiel 36:31; Romans 6, 7); and the organic connexion of Israel’s history with Jehovah’s revelation of himself to the nations (Ezekiel 36:33-36; Romans 11). The prophet’s idea of the divine pedagogic is not precisely the same as that of the Apostle, and the present passage has in some particulars to be supplemented from ch. 16. As put here it is Israel’s historical experiences, their dispersion and restoration, with the thoughts which these suggest, that impress the nations and teach them what Jehovah is.
Barnes' Notes on Ezekiel 36:38
As the holy flock - A reference to the flocks and herds brought up to Jerusalem to be consecrated and offered unto the Lord 2 Chronicles 35:7.
Sermons on Ezekiel 36:38
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How Quickly We Turn Away by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher begins by acknowledging his unworthiness to stand in the pulpit and emphasizes his reliance on the righteousness of Jesus. He prays for the conviction |
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The Sheep by Harriet N. Cook | Harriet N. Cook preaches about the significance of sheep and lambs in the Bible, highlighting how they are frequently mentioned and the beautiful descriptions given about them. She |
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Hell's Best Kept Secret (Spanish) by Ray Comfort | In this sermon, the preacher uses a story of two men on a plane to illustrate the difference between a gospel focused on life enhancement and a gospel focused on salvation. The fir |
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Hell's Best Kept Secret (Korean) by Ray Comfort | In this sermon, the preacher challenges the popular teaching that the Gospel is solely about finding peace, joy, love, and fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He uses a story of two men o |
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Prayer 09 in the Early Church by Bob Clark | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of prayer in the Christian home. He refers to the exhortations given in Colossians 3 and 4, which outline how husbands, wives, |
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(John - Part 40): The True Shepherd vs. the Hireling by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of the thief, the hireling, and the good shepherd as described in the book of John. The thief represents those who come to steal, |
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Wandering Jew Comes Home by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker shares his personal journey of acknowledging Jesus as the Son of God but struggling to receive the revelation that God had given him. He describes his e |