Eze 39:29 | KingComments | STEP | For the seventh and final time in these two chapters, the words “thus says the Lord GOD” ( ) are heard. The content of those words is the restoration of Israel to the land. That restoration begins by bringing a reversal in the captivity of His people whom He calls “Jacob” (cf. ; ). The name Jacob recalls their progenitor in his weakness. The origin of restoration lies with the LORD and has its ground in His mercy and in standing up for His Name. He takes care of “the whole house of Israel”, that is, all twelve tribes (cf. ). At the same time He stands up for His holy Name. All their disgrace and all their treachery in the past will be forgotten once they dwell in their land ( ). The people dwell in the land in peace as a people restored in their relationship with the LORD. This is also consistent with the prophet’s speech which speaks of the returned people who have finally found rest in the blessing of the kingdom of peace. The Author of the blessing of the realm of peace is the LORD. He is bringing them back from the nations and gathering them from the lands of their enemies ( ). As a result, He will be sanctified through them in the sight of many nations, that is, they will recognize Him as the one true God. It will no longer be a question of Who is the God of Israel and that He – and not the nations – dealt with His people ( ). He led His people into exile among the nations because of their unfaithfulness to Him. First in Babylon and later also among “many nations” because of their rejection of the Messiah. It will also be perfectly clear that it is He and no one else Who has gathered His people back to their land, not forgetting anyone. Then the relationship is not merely temporary or partial, but forever and completely restored. He will no longer hide His face from them ( ). They don’t have to, because they will serve Him with all their heart. They do this because the LORD has poured out His Spirit on them. The Spirit lays hold of them and as a result they will always do everything to the glory of God. The Spirit will also dwell in the midst of God’s people in the rebuilt temple, about which the following chapters will inform us in detail.

‏ Ezekiel 39:29

Israel Restored in Their Land

For the seventh and final time in these two chapters, the words “thus says the Lord GOD” (Eze 39:25) are heard. The content of those words is the restoration of Israel to the land. That restoration begins by bringing a reversal in the captivity of His people whom He calls “Jacob” (cf. Psa 85:1; Jer 30:18 ; Jer 33:26). The name Jacob recalls their progenitor in his weakness. The origin of restoration lies with the LORD and has its ground in His mercy and in standing up for His Name. He takes care of “the whole house of Israel”, that is, all twelve tribes (cf. Eze 3:7 ; Eze 20:40 ; Eze 36:10 ; Eze 37:11). At the same time He stands up for His holy Name.

All their disgrace and all their treachery in the past will be forgotten once they dwell in their land (Eze 39:26). The people dwell in the land in peace as a people restored in their relationship with the LORD. This is also consistent with the prophet’s speech which speaks of the returned people who have finally found rest in the blessing of the kingdom of peace.

The Author of the blessing of the realm of peace is the LORD. He is bringing them back from the nations and gathering them from the lands of their enemies (Eze 39:27). As a result, He will be sanctified through them in the sight of many nations, that is, they will recognize Him as the one true God. It will no longer be a question of Who is the God of Israel and that He – and not the nations – dealt with His people (Eze 39:28).

He led His people into exile among the nations because of their unfaithfulness to Him. First in Babylon and later also among “many nations” because of their rejection of the Messiah. It will also be perfectly clear that it is He and no one else Who has gathered His people back to their land, not forgetting anyone.

Then the relationship is not merely temporary or partial, but forever and completely restored. He will no longer hide His face from them (Eze 39:29). They don’t have to, because they will serve Him with all their heart. They do this because the LORD has poured out His Spirit on them. The Spirit lays hold of them and as a result they will always do everything to the glory of God. The Spirit will also dwell in the midst of God’s people in the rebuilt temple, about which the following chapters will inform us in detail.