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Book of Ezekiel - Chapter 36 - Verse 4

36:4
Therefore, ye mountains of Israel, hear the word of the Lord GOD; Thus saith the Lord GOD to the mountains, and to the hills, to the rivers, and to the valleys, to the desolate wastes, and to the cities that are forsaken, which became a prey and derision to the residue of the heathen that are round about;

Meaning

In this verse from the book of Ezekiel, the prophet is addressing the mountains of Israel on behalf of the Lord GOD. The mountains, hills, rivers, valleys, desolate wastes, and cities that have been forsaken are being called to attention by the word of the Lord. The significance of this message lies in the fact that even inanimate objects are expected to heed the word of God. By addressing the natural elements and geographical features of the land, the prophet is emphasizing the all-encompassing power and authority of the Lord. The imagery of the mountains and valleys listening to the divine message serves to highlight the omnipresence and sovereignty of God over all creation. The mention of the cities that have been deserted and preyed upon by neighboring nations further underscores the consequences of forsaking the ways of the Lord. Through this verse, believers are reminded of the importance of staying faithful to the commandments of God and the potential consequences of straying from His path.

Theological Overview

In this verse from the book of Ezekiel, the prophet addresses the mountains of Israel, calling on them to hear the word of the Lord God. This may seem unusual, as mountains are usually seen as inanimate objects. However, in the biblical context, the mountains are being used as a symbol of strength and stability. The message is not only for the physical mountains but also for the hills, rivers, valleys, desolate wastes, and cities of Israel. These elements of nature represent the entirety of the land and all that dwells within it. The mention of the cities that have been forsaken and preyed upon by the heathen signifies the judgment that has fallen upon Israel due to their disobedience. The Lord God is addressing all aspects of the land, calling for their attention and acknowledging the devastation that has come upon them. This verse serves as a reminder of the consequences of turning away from God and the importance of heeding His word to avoid further desolation.

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