Ezekiel 36:3
Therefore prophesy and say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Because they have made you desolate, and swallowed you up on every side, that ye might be a possession unto the residue of the heathen, and ye are taken up in the lips of talkers, and are an infamy of the people:
Ezekiel 36:3 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse from Ezekiel 36:3 is a message from the Lord GOD to the Israelites, expressing His displeasure with the way they have been treated by other nations. The Israelites have been made desolate and surrounded on all sides, becoming possessions of the heathen. This treatment has led to the Israelites being talked about in a negative way, becoming infamous among the people. The verse serves as a warning to the Israelites, illustrating the consequences of their actions and the repercussions of their treatment by other nations. It emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's commandments and the consequences of failing to do so. This message from the Lord GOD is a reminder of the covenant between God and His people, urging them to turn back to Him and seek His guidance and protection.
Theological Overview
The theological interpretation of this verse from Ezekiel 36:3 sheds light on the consequences of the Israelites' actions. The verse indicates that the Israelites have been made desolate and taken over by the heathen, causing them to become a possession of foreign nations. The phrase "ye are taken up in the lips of talkers" suggests that the Israelites have become a topic of conversation among people, with their downfall becoming a shameful and well-known event. The word "infamy" used in the verse emphasizes the disgrace and dishonor that the Israelites have brought upon themselves through their actions. This passage serves as a reminder of the importance of following God's commandments and staying faithful to avoid the judgment and consequences of straying from his path.
Ezekiel 36:3 in other translations
American Standard Version
therefore prophesy, and say, Thus saith the Lord Jehovah: Because, even because they have made you desolate, and swallowed you up on every side, that ye might be a possession unto the residue of the nations, and ye are taken up in the lips of talkers, and the evil report of the people;
World English Bible
therefore prophesy, and say, Thus says the Lord Yahweh: Because, even because they have made you desolate, and swallowed you up on every side, that you might be a possession to the residue of the nations, and you are taken up in the lips of talkers, and the evil report of the people;
Douay-Rheims
Therefore prophesy, and say: Thus saith the Lord God: Because you have been desolate, and trodden under foot on every side, and made an inheritance to the rest of the nations, and are become the subject of the talk, and the reproach of the people:
Geneva Bible (1599)
Therefore prophesie, and say, Thus sayth the Lord God, Because that they haue made you desolate, and swallowed you vp on euery side, that ye might be a possession vnto the residue of the heathen, and ye are come vnto the lippes and tongues of men, and vnto the reproch of the people,