the Holy Spirit (cf. 11:18–20). The "heart" stands for the whole nature. The
very land from which he scattered them (v. 20). It is the same "land that I gave to your fathers" (v. 28), a land distinct from those of other nations (v. 36), and a land whose cities will be inhabited by those who return (vv. 33, 36, 38). The establishment of the modern state of Israel indicates this has initially begun.
EZEKIEL—NOTE ON 36:25–27 I will sprinkle clean water. Along with the physical reality of a return to the land, God pledged spiritual renewal: 1) cleansing from sin; 2) a new heart of the New Covenant (cf. Jer. 31:31–34); 3) a new spirit or disposition inclined to worship him; and 4) his Spirit dwelling in them, enabling them to walk in obedience to his word. This has not happened, because Israel has not trusted Jesus Christ as Messiah and Savior, but it will before the kingdom of Messiah (cf. Zech. 12–14; Rom. 11:25–27; Rev. 11:13).
EZEKIEL—NOTE ON 36:25–31 This section is among the most glorious in all Scripture on the subject of Israel's restoration to the Lord and national salvation. This salvation is described in v. 25 as a cleansing that will wash away sin. Such washing was symbolized in the Mosaic rites of purification (cf. Num. 19:17–19; Ps. 119:9; Isa. 4:4; Zech. 13:1). For the concept of sprinkling in cleansing, see Ps. 51:7, 10; Heb. 9:13; 10:22. This is the washing Paul wrote of in Eph. 5:26 and Titus 3:5. Jesus had this very promise in mind in John 3:5.
What was figuratively described in Ezek. 36:25 is explained as literal in vv. 26– 27. The gift of the "new heart" signifies the new birth, which is regeneration by the Holy Spirit (cf. 11:18–20). The "heart" stands for the whole nature. The "spirit" indicates the governing power of the mind, which directs thought and conduct. A "heart of stone" is stubborn and self-willed. A "heart of flesh" is pliable and responsive. The evil inclination is removed and a new nature replaces it. This is New Covenant character as in Jer. 31:31–34. The Lord will also give his "Spirit" to the faithful Jews (cf. Ezek. 39:29; Isa. 44:3; 59:21; Joel 2:28–29; Acts 2:16ff.). When Israel becomes the true people of God (Ezek. 36:28), the judgment promise of Hos. 1:9 is nullified. All nature will experience the blessings of Israel's salvation (Ezek. 36:29–30). When the Jews have experienced such grace, they will be even more repentant—a sign of true conversion (v. 31).
Ezekiel profoundly proclaims the doctrines of conversion and spiritual life. He includes forgiveness (v. 25), regeneration (v. 26), the indwelling Holy Spirit (v. 27), and the responsive obedience to God's law (v. 27). These are all clearly presented as he prophesies Israel's conversion. As a nation, they will truly know
their God (v. 38), hate their sin (vv. 31–32), and glorify their Savior (v. 32).
EZEKIEL—NOTE ON 36:32 not for your sake. God's glory and reputation among the nations, not Israel's, causes this restoration to be promised (cf. Ps. 115:1; Acts 5:41; Rom. 1:5; 3 John 7).
EZEKIEL—NOTE ON 36:35 the garden. Millennial conditions will be similar (not identical) to those in Eden (cf. 47:1–12; Isa. 35:1–2; 55:13; Zech. 8:12).
EZEKIEL—NOTE ON 36:37 ask me to do for them. God will sovereignly work this return/renewal, yet give Israelites the human privilege of praying for it to be realized. This prophecy was to stir up the people's prayers.
EZEKIEL—NOTE ON 36:37–38 increase their people. There will be an increase in the population during the Millennium. When the male population came to Jerusalem, they brought vast numbers of animals for sacrifice. That was small compared to future kingdom conditions.
EZEKIEL—NOTE ON 37:1 brought me . . . in the Spirit. Verses 1–14 involves another vision. God does not change Ezekiel's location but gives him a vivid inward sense that he has been taken to a valley "full of bones." (For other visions, cf. 1:1–3:15; 8:1–11:24; 40:1–48:35.) This passage, part of a series of revelations received during the night before the messenger came with the news of the destruction of Jerusalem, was to ease the gloom of the people. in the middle of the valley. It no doubt represents the world area wherever Israelites were scattered (cf. 37:12).
EZEKIEL—NOTE ON 37:2 very dry. This pictures the dead nation lifeless, scattered, and bleached, just as a dry tree (17:24) pictures a dead nation, to which only God can give life.
EZEKIEL—NOTE ON 37:3 can these bones live? The many dry bones (v. 2) picture the nation Israel (v. 11) as apparently dead in their dispersion, and waiting for national resurrection. The people knew about the doctrine of individual resurrection, otherwise this prophecy would have had no meaning (cf. 1 Kings 17; 2 Kings 4; 13:21; Isa. 25:8; 26:19; Dan. 12:2; Hos. 13:14).
EZEKIEL—NOTE ON 37:4–6 Prophesy over these bones. Ezekiel is to proclaim God's pledge to reassemble Israelites from the world and restore the nation of Israel to life (v. 5) and give them his Spirit (v. 14) in true salvation and spiritual