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Ezekiel 36:3

Old Testament Major Prophet ASV (1901)

What does Ezekiel 36:3 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “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;” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

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 — American Standard Version

Context — Ezekiel 36

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
1And thou, son of man, prophesy unto the mountains of Israel, and say, Ye mountains of Israel, hear the word of Jehovah.
2Thus saith the Lord Jehovah: Because the enemy hath said against you, Aha! and, The ancient high places are ours in possession;
3therefore 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;
4therefore, ye mountains of Israel, hear the word of the Lord Jehovah: Thus saith the Lord Jehovah to the mountains and to the hills, to the watercourses and to the valleys, to the desolate wastes and to the cities that are forsaken, which are become a prey and derision to the residue of the nations that are round about;
5therefore 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.
6Therefore prophesy concerning the land of Israel, and say unto the mountains and to the hills, to the watercourses and to the valleys, Thus saith the Lord Jehovah: Behold, I have spoken in my jealousy and in my wrath, because ye have borne the shame of the nations:
← Ezekiel 36:2Ezekiel 36:4 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Therefore prophesy and say, thus saith the Lord God, &c.] Who heard all the enemy said, and knew all their designs and purposes, their schemes and devices: because they have made you desolate; ravaged their country, destroyed their cities, burnt their temple, and carried them captive, and left the land without men or cattle: and swallowed you up on every side; all their neighbours, being their enemies, were like ravenous beasts of prey, gaping upon them with their mouths; and, observing the low condition into which they were brought by the king of Babylon, helped forward the destruction; and everyone shared in the spoil and plunder nearest to them they could conveniently come at: that ye…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Literally, "Because, even because." swallowed you up--literally, "panted after" you, as a beast after its prey; implying the greedy cupidity of Edom as to Israel's inheritance (Psa 56:1-2). lips of talkers--literally, "lips of the tongue," that is, of the slanderer, the man of tongue. Edom slandered Israel because of the connection of the latter with Jehovah, as though He were unable to save them. Deu 28:37, and Jer 24:9 had foretold Israel's reproach among the heathen (Dan 9:16).”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“The residue of the pagan - Those of the surrounding nations which had survived Jerusalem’s fall, and may have profited by it. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Swallowed - Devoured you, as hungry beasts devour their prey. Ye are taken up - You are the subject of all their discourse. An infamy - Ever branding you as infamous. Ezekiel 36:7”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Because: Heb. Because for because, Eze 13:10; Lev 26:43 they have made: Jer. 39:1-18, 41:1-18, 52:1-34; Lam. 1:1-5:22 swallowed: Psa 35:25, Psa 61:1; Pro 1:12; Jer 51:34; Lam 2:2, Lam 2:5, Lam 2:16 and ye: Deu 28:37; Kg1 9:7, Kg1 9:8; Psa 44:13, Psa 44:14, Psa 79:10; Jer 18:16, Jer 24:9, Jer 33:24; Lam 2:15; Dan 9:16 taken up in the lips of talkers: or, made to come upon the lip of the tongue and are: Job 30:1-10; Psa 35:15, Psa 35:16, Psa 69:12; Mat 27:39-44; Co1 4:13 Ezekiel 36:4”
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Related study paths

Read Ezekiel 36 in contextBrowse Hebrew word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification