Charles Ellicott Commentary Ezekiel 36
Charles Ellicott Commentary
Ezekiel 36
Charles Ellicott Commentary
Ezekiel 36
"And thou, son of man, prophesy unto the mountains of Israel, and say, Ye mountains of Israel, hear the word of Jehovah." — Ezekiel 36:1 (ASV)
The mountains of Israel.— The word “mountains” is used for the land and people of Israel, to keep up the connection (by contrast) with the Mount Seir of the previous chapter. The personification is a strong one, by which the mountains represent the people as well as the land.
"Thus saith the Lord Jehovah: Because the enemy hath said against you, Aha! and, The ancient high places are ours in possession;" — Ezekiel 36:2 (ASV)
The ancient high places: This is very nearly the same expression as in Genesis 49:26 and Deuteronomy 33:15, where it is translated “everlasting (or lasting) hills,” and is probably an allusion to those passages. “The enemy” is a general term, which may refer to Edom; but from the following verses, it is more likely that it is used for the heathen at large. When Israel’s land had been left desolate, the surrounding nations claimed that God’s promise to His people had failed, and that they themselves might now enter upon its secure possession.
"therefore prophesy, and say, Thus saith the Lord Jehovah: Because, even because they have made you desolate, and swallowed you up on every side, that ye might be a possession unto the residue of the nations, and ye are taken up in the lips of talkers, and the evil report of the people;" — Ezekiel 36:3 (ASV)
In the lips of talkers, and are an infamy.— A phrase equivalent to a by-word and a reproach. (1 Kings 9:7, and others.) In the previous clause the words, “have swallowed you up,” should instead be “pant for you,” the word being taken from the snuffing and panting of wild beasts. It was in this manner that “the residue of the heathen,” all those whom the conquests of Nebuchadnezzar had still left, panted for the possession of the lands of Israel.
"therefore thus saith the Lord Jehovah: Surely in the fire of my jealousy have I spoken against the residue of the nations, and against all Edom, that have appointed my land unto themselves for a possession with the joy of all their heart, with despite of soul, to cast it out for a prey." — Ezekiel 36:5 (ASV)
Idumea means Edom, as in Ezekiel 35:15 (see the note there). For “cast it out” in the last clause of the verse, read empty it out. The idea of casting out a land as prey is incongruous, and the other sense is admissible.
"therefore thus saith the Lord Jehovah: I have sworn, [saying], Surely the nations that are round about you, they shall bear their shame." — Ezekiel 36:7 (ASV)
Lifted up my hand.— As in Ezekiel 20:6, meaning I have sworn.
Shall bear their shame.—Compare with Ezekiel 36:6. The Israelites have been compelled to bear the reproaches of the nations, but these reproaches now return upon those nations themselves.
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