In Ezekiel 36:6, the prophet is instructed to speak words of restoration to the very landscape that has suffered under oppression. The text says, “Therefore prophesy concerning the land of Israel and say to the mountains and to the hills, to the ravines and to the valleys, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD, ‘Behold, I have spoken in My jealousy and in My wrath because you have endured the insults of the nations.’” (Ezekiel 36:6). The “mountains,”“hills,”“ravines,” and “valleys” describe the varied terrain of the land of Israel, stretching from rugged highlands to low-lying valleys. Historically, this land lies along the eastern coast of the Mediterranean in a region often referred to as the Levant, an area frequently targeted by surrounding empires. The LORD addresses these physical features as though they themselves have borne the disdain poured out by hostile nations.
By invoking His “jealousy” and “wrath,” God emphasizes His covenant commitment to His people and their inheritance. In the ancient Near Eastern context of a Suzerain (Ruler) and vassal, He seeks exclusive devotion from His covenant people and fiercely protects them—and their homeland—against scorn from outsiders. This theme of restoration and divine care runs throughout Scripture, such as His promise to regather exiles and restore the land (Ezekiel 36:24, 37:21-22). Though the verse focuses on the land’s suffering, it ultimately points forward to hope: God’s anger at the nations’ insults will lead to Israel’s vindication and renewal.
In many other biblical passages, the LORD’s discipline for disobedience leads to exile, while His mercy regathers and revives. Here, He assures the actual geography of Israel—its natural contours—that it will no longer be a byword among nations. Instead, it will become the stage on which God will display His covenant faithfulness. The land, personified by its hills and valleys, will witness the end of foreign derision as the LORD keeps His promise to restore both people and place.
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Ezekiel 36:6 meaning
In Ezekiel 36:6, the prophet is instructed to speak words of restoration to the very landscape that has suffered under oppression. The text says, “Therefore prophesy concerning the land of Israel and say to the mountains and to the hills, to the ravines and to the valleys, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD, ‘Behold, I have spoken in My jealousy and in My wrath because you have endured the insults of the nations.’” (Ezekiel 36:6). The “mountains,” “hills,” “ravines,” and “valleys” describe the varied terrain of the land of Israel, stretching from rugged highlands to low-lying valleys. Historically, this land lies along the eastern coast of the Mediterranean in a region often referred to as the Levant, an area frequently targeted by surrounding empires. The LORD addresses these physical features as though they themselves have borne the disdain poured out by hostile nations.
By invoking His “jealousy” and “wrath,” God emphasizes His covenant commitment to His people and their inheritance. In the ancient Near Eastern context of a Suzerain (Ruler) and vassal, He seeks exclusive devotion from His covenant people and fiercely protects them—and their homeland—against scorn from outsiders. This theme of restoration and divine care runs throughout Scripture, such as His promise to regather exiles and restore the land (Ezekiel 36:24, 37:21-22). Though the verse focuses on the land’s suffering, it ultimately points forward to hope: God’s anger at the nations’ insults will lead to Israel’s vindication and renewal.
In many other biblical passages, the LORD’s discipline for disobedience leads to exile, while His mercy regathers and revives. Here, He assures the actual geography of Israel—its natural contours—that it will no longer be a byword among nations. Instead, it will become the stage on which God will display His covenant faithfulness. The land, personified by its hills and valleys, will witness the end of foreign derision as the LORD keeps His promise to restore both people and place.