Bible Commentaries
Ezekiel 36

Verses 1-38

The Restoration of Israel Ezekiel 36:1 to Ezekiel 37:28 tells us about the time when the nation of Israel will be restored. This event took place in 1948 when Israel was officially recognized as a nation again.

Ezekiel 36:5 Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Surely in the fire of my jealousy have I spoken against the residue of the heathen, and against all Idumea, which have appointed my land into their possession with the joy of all their heart, with despiteful minds, to cast it out for a prey.

Ezekiel 36:5 “Surely in the fire of my jealousy have I spoken against the residue of the heathen, and against all Idumea” Word Study on “Idumea” The Hebrew name “Idumea” “edom” ( אֱדֹום ) (H123) in Ezekiel 36:5 is actually “Edom” in the Hebrew text. The Enhanced Strong says this word is used 100 times in the Old Testament, being translated in the KJV as “Edom 87, Edomites 9, Idumea 4; 100.”

Comments - The region of Edom came to be known by the name “Idumea” during the time of the Greeks. But with the fall of Judah under the Romans the name Idumea disappeared from history.

Comments - The Lord has just spoken against the heathens in Ezekiel 25:1 to Ezekiel 32:32, and against Edom in Ezekiel 35:1-15.

Ezekiel 36:26 A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.

Ezekiel 36:26 Comments - Ezekiel 36:26 reflects the fact that the Mosaic Law and the Levitical priesthood with its Temple services had failed to produce a people of righteousness. Therefore, Jeremiah was sent to prophesy the doom of the nation of Israel, judged by God because of their disobedience and idolatry; and Ezekiel prophesies of their future restoration. The covenant that God made with Israel at Sinai had failed. Because the Law could not bring redemption to men, a new way was found. In His divine foreknowledge, God was preparing to make a new and better mankind covenant with men, which would be through the blood of His Son Jesus Christ. This time, the Holy Spirit would be poured out in the men’s hearts, so that the Law could be written in their hearts, transforming them from within, enabling them to stand righteous before Him in the heavenly Tabernacle.