Ezekiel 36:6
Prophesy therefore concerning the land of Israel, and say unto the mountains, and to the hills, to the rivers, and to the valleys, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I have spoken in my jealousy and in my fury, because ye have borne the shame of the heathen:
Ezekiel 36:6 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse from the book of Ezekiel serves as a warning from the Lord GOD to the land of Israel. The prophet is instructed to speak to the natural elements of the land - the mountains, hills, rivers, and valleys - on behalf of God. The message is clear: the Lord is expressing his jealousy and anger towards the people of Israel for bearing the shame brought upon them by the heathen nations. The phrase "Behold, I have spoken in my jealousy and in my fury" emphasizes the intensity of God's emotions towards the situation. This verse underscores the consequences of the Israelites' disobedience and the need for them to repent and turn back to God. It serves as a reminder that God's love and protection are conditional, and that continued disobedience will lead to judgment.
Theological Overview
In this verse, the prophet is instructed to speak to the land of Israel, addressing the mountains, hills, rivers, and valleys on behalf of the Lord. The use of anthropomorphism here, attributing speech and emotion to inanimate objects, emphasizes God's sovereignty and control over all creation. The mention of jealousy and fury highlights God's righteous anger towards the people of Israel for their disobedience and idolatry, which has resulted in them bearing shame before the nations. This verse serves as a warning to the people of Israel, reminding them of the consequences of their sin and the need for repentance. The imagery of the land responding to the word of the Lord underscores the interconnectedness of all creation and the importance of heeding God's commands. The theological interpretation of this verse emphasizes God's authority, judgment, and desire for his people to return to him in obedience and humility.
Ezekiel 36:6 in other translations
American Standard Version
Therefore prophesy concerning the land of Israel, and say unto the mountains and to the hills, to the watercourses and to the valleys, Thus saith the Lord Jehovah: Behold, I have spoken in my jealousy and in my wrath, because ye have borne the shame of the nations:
World English Bible
Therefore prophesy concerning the land of Israel, and tell the mountains and to the hills, to the watercourses and to the valleys, Thus says the Lord Yahweh: Behold, I have spoken in my jealousy and in my wrath, because you have borne the shame of the nations:
Douay-Rheims
Prophesy therefore concerning the land of Israel, and say to the mountains, and to the hills, to the ridges, and to the valleys: Thus saith the Lord God: Behold I have spoken in my zeal, and in my indignation, because you have borne the shame of the Gentiles.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Prophesie therfore vpon the land of Israel, and say vnto the mountaines, and to the hilles, to the riuers, and to the valleys, Thus sayth the Lord God, Behold, I haue spoken in mine indignation, and in my wrath, because yee haue suffered the shame of the heathen,