Ezekiel 36:35 – “They will say, ‘This land that was laid waste has become like the garden of Eden; the cities that were lying in ruins, desolate and destroyed, are now fortified and inhabited.’”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
In Ezekiel 36:35, God describes the transformation of Israel after His restoration. What was once a wasteland will be made as beautiful and fruitful as the Garden of Eden. The destroyed cities will be rebuilt, fortified, and full of life again. This verse paints a vivid picture of renewal, both in the land and among the people.
The comparison to the Garden of Eden emphasizes the completeness and perfection of this restoration. It is not just a return to the previous state but a transformation into something even greater, demonstrating God’s power to bring life and beauty out of ruin.
Historical Context
The land of Israel had become a desolate wasteland due to the Babylonian exile. Cities were destroyed, fields were abandoned, and the land was no longer cultivated. This physical desolation mirrored the spiritual state of the people, who had turned away from God and suffered the consequences of their sin.
For the exiles, this verse offered a powerful vision of hope. It assured them that God’s plan was not only to bring them back to the land but also to make it flourish again. The mention of the Garden of Eden reminded them of God’s original design for abundance and harmony, a future that would surpass their current brokenness.
Theological Implications
Ezekiel 36:35 reveals God as a restorer and redeemer. It highlights His ability to bring transformation and renewal to what was once broken. The verse also points to God’s faithfulness. Despite Israel’s failures, He remains committed to His covenant and His promises to bless and care for His people.
Theologically, this verse reflects the idea that God’s restoration is holistic. He renews both the spiritual and physical aspects of life, bringing healing to people and creation. It also points to God’s ultimate plan to restore all things to Himself.
Literary Analysis
The vivid imagery of “like the garden of Eden” draws a connection between God’s restoration of Israel and His original creation. This comparison creates a sense of wonder and completeness. The contrast between “laid waste” and “fortified and inhabited” underscores the transformative power of God’s work.
The phrase “they will say” points to the testimony of others who witness God’s restoration. It shows that His work in Israel will be so remarkable that it draws attention and praise from surrounding nations.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Genesis 2:8-10 – The original Garden of Eden as a place of beauty and abundance, reflecting God’s perfect creation.
- Isaiah 51:3 – God’s promise to make Zion’s wastelands like the Garden of Eden.
- Joel 2:25-26 – God restores what has been lost and brings His people to a place of abundance and satisfaction.
- Revelation 22:1-3 – The description of the new creation, where the tree of life from Eden is restored, and everything is made new.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians, Ezekiel 36:35 is a reminder of God’s power to restore and renew. Just as He promised to transform Israel’s wasteland into a garden, He can bring beauty and purpose out of the broken places in our lives. This verse encourages us to trust in God’s ability to work all things for good and to restore what has been lost.
It also challenges us to live as people who reflect God’s restoration in our actions, cultivating and caring for what He has renewed in our lives and communities.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse reflects God’s deep love for His people and His creation. His desire to restore the land and make it flourish again shows His commitment to bringing life and beauty out of destruction. God’s love is not only restorative but also abundant—He doesn’t just fix what is broken; He makes it even better than before.
God’s love is also seen in His intention to bless His people in a way that glorifies Him and reveals His goodness to others.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus is the ultimate fulfillment of this promise of restoration. Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus makes it possible for all creation to be renewed and brought into harmony with God. In 2 Corinthians 5:17, Paul writes, “If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”
Jesus also brings the hope of a future restoration where everything will be made new. Revelation 21:5 declares, “I am making everything new!” This promise includes a renewed creation, where the beauty and abundance of Eden will be restored.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does this verse encourage you to trust in God’s power to bring restoration and renewal to broken areas of your life?
- In what ways have you experienced God’s transformative work, turning “wastelands” into places of beauty and purpose?
- How can you be a steward of the restoration God is doing in your life or community?
- What does this verse teach you about God’s faithfulness to His promises, even in the midst of difficulty?
- How does Jesus’ promise of ultimate restoration inspire you to live with hope and gratitude?
Ezekiel 36:35 reminds us of God’s power to bring life and beauty out of desolation. It challenges us to trust in His promises and to live as participants in His work of renewal. Through Jesus Christ, this promise finds its ultimate fulfillment, offering us hope for both present transformation and future restoration in the new creation.