What does Ezekiel 36:38 mean?
"As the holy flock, as the flock of Jerusalem in her solemn feasts; so shall the waste cities be filled with flocks of men: and they shall know that I am the LORD." - Ezekiel 36:38

The Bible verse Ezekiel 36:38 (KJV) reads: "As the holy flock, as the flock of Jerusalem in her solemn feasts; so shall the waste cities be filled with flocks of men: and they shall know that I am the Lord."
This verse is part of a larger passage in which the prophet Ezekiel foretells the restoration and blessing of the land of Israel. Throughout the book of Ezekiel, the prophet speaks to the Israelites in exile, providing them with messages of hope and restoration from God. In this particular verse, Ezekiel uses the metaphor of a "holy flock" to describe the people of Jerusalem and compares the restoration of their cities to a flourishing flock of sheep.
The verse begins by comparing the people of Jerusalem to a "holy flock" that gathers together for solemn feasts. This imagery of a flock evokes the idea of unity, community, and care. The term "holy" suggests that the people are set apart and consecrated for a divine purpose. This comparison portrays the people as being valued and cherished by God, who watches over them like a shepherd does his flock. The solemn feasts also symbolize a time of celebration and worship, highlighting the spiritual aspect of the community.
The latter part of the verse states that the waste cities will be filled with flocks of men. This prophecy signifies the restoration and replenishment of the land, which was previously desolate and uninhabited. The use of the word "flocks" here reinforces the imagery of care and providence, suggesting that the people will multiply and thrive. The phrase "they shall know that I am the Lord" reinforces the idea that the restoration of the land is a direct result of God's intervention and faithfulness to His people.
The overarching theme of Ezekiel 36:38 is the restoration and blessing of the people of Israel. The verse conveys the idea that God is actively involved in the lives of His people and that He has the power to bring about renewal and abundance. The imagery of a flock also emphasizes the importance of community and unity among the people, reflecting the bonds of fellowship and shared faith.
In the larger context of the book of Ezekiel, this verse is part of a message of hope and comfort to the exiled Israelites. It serves as a reminder that even in their darkest hour, God has not forgotten them and will ultimately bring about their restoration. The imagery of the holy flock and the waste cities being filled with flocks of men offers a vivid picture of the transformation and revival that God has in store for His people.
Symbolically, the "holy flock" can be interpreted as a representation of the chosen people of God, who are set apart and honored by Him. The waste cities being filled with flocks of men can be seen as a metaphor for the renewal and growth of the spiritual community. This imagery also points to the power and faithfulness of God in bringing about redemption and prosperity.
In conclusion, Ezekiel 36:38 (KJV) conveys a powerful message of restoration, blessing, and divine intervention. Through the use of vivid imagery and symbolism, the verse offers hope and comfort to the exiled Israelites while highlighting the enduring faithfulness of God. It serves as a reminder that no matter how desolate and hopeless the situation may seem, God is able to bring about transformation and abundance.
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Ezekiel 36:38 Artwork
Ezekiel 36:38 - "As the holy flock, as the flock of Jerusalem in her solemn feasts; so shall the waste cities be filled with flocks of men: and they shall know that I am the LORD."
"As the holy flock, as the flock of Jerusalem in her solemn feasts; so shall the waste cities be filled with flocks of men: and they shall know that I am the LORD." - Ezekiel 36:38
Job 38:36
Job 38:36
Job 38:36
Job 38:36
Genesis 36:38 - "And Saul died, and Baal-hanan the son of Achbor reigned in his stead."
Elijah in the scene 1 Kings 18:36–38
Job 38:36 - "Who hath put wisdom in the inward parts? or who hath given understanding to the heart?"
Exodus 36:38 - "And the five pillars of it with their hooks: and he overlaid their chapiters and their fillets with gold: but their five sockets were of brass."
Ezekiel 38:1-3
Ezekiel 38:1 - "And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,"
Ezekiel 38:5 - "Persia, Ethiopia, and Libya with them; all of them with shield and helmet:"
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 40:38 - "And the chambers and the entries thereof were by the posts of the gates, where they washed the burnt offering."
"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
Job 38:36 (KJV) Who hath put wisdom in the inward parts? or who hath given understanding to the heart?
Ezekiel 36:34 - "And the desolate land shall be tilled, whereas it lay desolate in the sight of all that passed by."
"And Saul died, and Baal-hanan the son of Achbor reigned in his stead." - Genesis 36:38
"And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying," - Ezekiel 38:1
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 38:6 - "Gomer, and all his bands; the house of Togarmah of the north quarters, and all his bands: and many people with thee."
Ezekiel 38:19 - "For in my jealousy and in the fire of my wrath have I spoken, Surely in that day there shall be a great shaking in the land of Israel;"
Ezekiel 38:7 - "Be thou prepared, and prepare for thyself, thou, and all thy company that are assembled unto thee, and be thou a guard unto them."
"Who hath put wisdom in the inward parts? or who hath given understanding to the heart?" - Job 38:36
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 23:38 - "Moreover this they have done unto me: they have defiled my sanctuary in the same day, and have profaned my sabbaths."
Ezekiel 16:38 - "And I will judge thee, as women that break wedlock and shed blood are judged; and I will give thee blood in fury and jealousy."