Bible Verse Lookup
Ezk 36:25-27
Chapter 36
25
Then I will pour clean water over you, and you will be made clean—cleansed from all your idols’ defilement.
26
I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you. I will remove your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.
27
I will put my Spirit within you and move you to follow my decrees and keep my laws.
Commentaries
Punishment and Reconciliation.
Israel’s fate was not accidental, but something it caused itself through its bad conduct, which not only lowered its quality of life but also disrespected and mocked the very name of God among other nations (16-21). However, God has chosen to restore his reputation by sanctifying it in the following way: He will bring the Israelites back to their land, properly cleansed of their past stains (24ff). He will give them a new heart and a new spirit (27) so that they can uphold the commitments of the new covenant (27ff) and enjoy its promises once and for all (29ff). The faults and deviations of the past will serve as a constant reminder for change and faithfulness (31ff). Only after being purified will the children of Israel be able to reinhabit the land of their ancestors in happiness and peace (33-38). Still, Israel will never be able to claim credit for these blessings, for it is called a “house of rebellion.” Ezekiel demonstrates this idea with the vision of the dry bones.