After an opening (short) paragraph promising more judgment on wicked nations (with Edom still being an example, a representative) … Ezekiel chapter 36 is one of the “brightest” chapters in the Book. At least, so far!
The chapter almost gives the “plan of salvation!”
It begins, of course, with sin. “Son of man, when the house of Israel dwelt in their own land, they defiled it by their own way and by their doings (sins): their way was before me as the uncleanness of a removed woman.” Verse 17
Next is discussed God’s “Pity, Grace.” (Ironically “Pity” for His Own Name’s Sake, as much, if not more, than “pity” for Israel! Compare this thought to Ephesians 4:32 … “Even as God FOR CHRIST’S SAKE hath forgiven you.” Wow!) Verse 21 of Ezekiel 36 … “But I had pity for MINE HOLY NAME, which the house of Israel had profaned among the heathen, whither they went.”
Then God makes a move, the first move, toward Israel’s salvation! “For I will take you from among the heathen, and gather you out of all countries, and will bring you into your own land.” The regathering of a scattered people, verse 24. (God made the first move when I was saved, too. Having the Holy Spirit “convict” me of sin. At which point I trusted Him as my Saviour!)
The comes “cleansing!” Ezekiel 36:25 … “Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you.” Perhaps the “Water of the Word,” like Paul mentioned in Ephesians 5:26.
After which comes the Holy Spirit, His Ministry! “And I (the Lord) will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.” Verse 27, yes this is Salvation, undoubtedly!
Then … clean living (sanctification, we’d call it today), followed by blessing upon blessing! “I will also SAVE YOU from all your uncleannesses: and I will call for the corn, and will increase it, and lay no famine upon you. And I will multiply the fruit of the tree, and the increase of the field, that ye shall receive no more reproach of famine among the heathen. Then shall ye remember your own evil ways, and your doings that were not good, and shall lothe yourselves in your own sight for your iniquities and for your abominations.” Verses 29-31, signs of spiritual growth already! (Like Paul’s “chief of sinners” mentality!) Regret over not coming to God earlier!
Surely we’re looking into the future, here! (Israel is NOT saved yet, folks, not by a long shot!) This is Millennial in nature: “Thus saith the Lord GOD; In the day that I shall have cleansed you from all your iniquities I will also cause you to dwell in the cities, and the wastes shall be builded. And the desolate land shall be tilled, whereas it lay desolate in the sight of all that passed by. And they shall say, This land that was desolate is become like the garden of Eden; and the waste and desolate and ruined cities are become fenced, and are inhabited.” Verses 33-35, note the historical reference to Eden, please.
God’s future (salvation) plan for His people, the Jews!
Chapter’s close: “I the LORD have spoken it, and I will do it.” Verse 36, its last line.
All I can say is … “WOW!”
— Dr. Mike Bagwell
One more thought. Although God’s Plans here are clearly “set in stone,” unchangeable, steadfast … He still wants Israel (and her friends) to PRAY for these things to happen! “I the LORD have spoken it, and I will do it. Thus saith the Lord GOD; I will yet for this BE ENQUIRED OF (“darash” meaning “sought, consulted, begged, required, asked”) by the house of Israel, to do it for them.” Apparently, God LOVES to hear us pray! Oh, the power of intercession!