What does Ezekiel 36:34 mean?
"And the desolate land shall be tilled, whereas it lay desolate in the sight of all that passed by." - Ezekiel 36:34

Ezekiel 36:34 (KJV) says, "And the desolate land shall be tilled, whereas it lay desolate in the sight of all that passed by."
The book of Ezekiel was written by the prophet Ezekiel and is a part of the Major Prophets in the Old Testament. The verses leading up to Ezekiel 36:34 talk about God's promise to restore the land of Israel and the Israelites themselves. The imagery of the desolate land being tilled and brought back to life reflects the promise of restoration and renewal.
In the context of the larger passage, the Israelites are in exile, and their land has been left desolate and barren. The promise of tilling the desolate land signifies a return to prosperity and abundance. It symbolizes God's faithfulness to His people and His ability to bring life out of desolation.
The theme of restoration is central to the message of Ezekiel 36. Throughout the chapter, God promises to bring His people back to their land, cleanse them from their impurities, give them a new heart and spirit, and renew the land. This theme reflects God's mercy and grace towards His people, even in their disobedience and exile.
Symbolically, the desolate land represents the spiritual and physical condition of the Israelites. They had turned away from God and were suffering the consequences of their actions. However, God promises to bring life back to the barren land, just as He promises to renew the hearts and spirits of His people.
Ezekiel 36:34 speaks to the hope of transformation and renewal. It assures the Israelites that their desolation will not last forever and that God will bring fertility and life back to their land. This promise of restoration is not just physical but spiritual as well, as God promises to give His people a new heart and a new spirit.
The verse also carries a message of God's sovereignty and power. The transformation of the desolate land is not something that humans can accomplish on their own. It is only through the power of God that the land can be tilled and brought back to life. This reinforces the idea that God is in control and can bring about change and renewal in the most hopeless of situations.
Overall, Ezekiel 36:34 is a powerful declaration of God's promise to restore His people and their land. It speaks to the themes of restoration, renewal, and God's sovereignty. The imagery of the desolate land being tilled and brought back to life serves as a metaphor for the spiritual and physical restoration that God promises to His people. It serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness and the hope of transformation, even in the midst of desolation.
Have questions about Ezekiel 36:34?
Dive deeper into this scripture with Bible Chat — an AI-powered tool for exploring God's Word through conversation. Ask questions, get context, and grow in your understanding of the Bible.
Get Our Apps
Ezekiel 36:34 Artwork
Ezekiel 36:34 - "And the desolate land shall be tilled, whereas it lay desolate in the sight of all that passed by."
"And the desolate land shall be tilled, whereas it lay desolate in the sight of all that passed by." - Ezekiel 36:34
Proverbs 8:34-36
2 kings 9:34-36
Genesis 36:34 - "And Jobab died, and Husham of the land of Temani reigned in his stead."
Exodus 36:34 - "And he overlaid the boards with gold, and made their rings of gold to be places for the bars, and overlaid the bars with gold."
Job 34:36 - "My desire is that Job may be tried unto the end because of his answers for wicked men."
Ezekiel 34:3–4
Ezekiel 36:16 - "¶ Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,"
Ezekiel 36:36 - "Then the heathen that are left round about you shall know that I the LORD build the ruined places, and plant that that was desolate: I the LORD have spoken it, and I will do it."
Ezekiel 34:1 - "And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,"
Ezekiel 34:7 - "¶ Therefore, ye shepherds, hear the word of the LORD;"
Ezekiel 34:9 - "Therefore, O ye shepherds, hear the word of the LORD;"
"A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh." - Ezekiel 36:26
"And Jobab died, and Husham of the land of Temani reigned in his stead." - Genesis 36:34
Ezekiel 36:9 - "For, behold, I am for you, and I will turn unto you, and ye shall be tilled and sown:"
Ezekiel 27:36 - "The merchants among the people shall hiss at thee; thou shalt be a terror, and never shalt be any more."
Ezekiel 36:30 - "And I will multiply the fruit of the tree, and the increase of the field, that ye shall receive no more reproach of famine among the heathen."
Ezekiel 34:5 - "And they were scattered, because there is no shepherd: and they became meat to all the beasts of the field, when they were scattered."
Ezekiel 34:15 - "I will feed my flock, and I will cause them to lie down, saith the Lord GOD."
Ezekiel 36:28 - "And ye shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers; and ye shall be my people, and I will be your God."
Ezekiel 20:36 - "Like as I pleaded with your fathers in the wilderness of the land of Egypt, so will I plead with you, saith the Lord GOD."
Ezekiel 36:21 - "¶ But I had pity for mine holy name, which the house of Israel had profaned among the heathen, whither they went."
Ezekiel 36:14 - "Therefore thou shalt devour men no more, neither bereave thy nations any more, saith the Lord GOD."
Ezekiel 36:1 - "Also, thou son of man, prophesy unto the mountains of Israel, and say, Ye mountains of Israel, hear the word of the LORD:"
Ezekiel 36:35 - "And they shall say, This land that was desolate is become like the garden of Eden; and the waste and desolate and ruined cities are become fenced, and are inhabited."
Ezekiel 34:24 - "And I the LORD will be their God, and my servant David a prince among them; I the LORD have spoken it."
Ezekiel 34:22 - "Therefore will I save my flock, and they shall no more be a prey; and I will judge between cattle and cattle."
Ezekiel 36:24 - "For I will take you from among the heathen, and gather you out of all countries, and will bring you into your own land."
Ezekiel 36:19 - "And I scattered them among the heathen, and they were dispersed through the countries: according to their way and according to their doings I judged them."