Then the nations that are left all around you shall know that I am the LORD; I have rebuilt the ruined places and replanted that which was desolate. I am the LORD; I have spoken, and I will do it.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse highlights that the "nations that are left" will witness God's rebuilding and replanting as proof, not just of His power, but that He actively fulfills His spoken promises. This means that even the remnants of opposition will eventually acknowledge God's faithfulness by observing His restorative work in His people's lives.
Then the nations that are left all around you shall know that I am the LORD; I have rebuilt the ruined places and replanted that which was desolate. I am the LORD; I have spoken, and I will do it.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse concludes a powerful section where God promises to cleanse Israel, give them a new heart, and restore their devastated land. It anticipates a future restoration, not just of cities and fields, but of the people themselves, making them a people recognized by God. This renewal will be so evident that even the surrounding nations, who previously mocked or oppressed them, will witness God's faithfulness and power in rebuilding what was destroyed.
Imagine your worst days – a total ruin, a desolate wasteland. Now imagine it transformed, blooming and beautiful. This verse is about more than just rebuilding a city; it's about God showing off His power to those who doubted.
A Public Declaration
Ezekiel 36:36 isn't just a promise for Israel; it's a cosmic announcement. The nations 'left all around' – the ones who perhaps mocked, conquered, or ignored God's people – will be forced to witness something incredible.
They will see the 'ruined places' rebuilt and the 'desolate' land replanted. This isn't just construction; it's a divine renovation. It's God demonstrating His unique ability to bring life out of death, order out of chaos. This dramatic restoration serves as undeniable proof of His sovereignty and power, leading even the surrounding nations to acknowledge Him.
How often have we heard promises that never materialized? This verse cuts through all that uncertainty, declaring a divine commitment that is absolute.
From Word to Deed
Ezekiel 36:36 ends with a powerful affirmation: 'I am the LORD; I have spoken, and I will do it.' This isn't a hopeful wish; it's a divine guarantee.
God emphasizes His spoken word and His unwavering resolve to act. This echoes the consistency of God throughout Scripture – He is faithful to His promises. Whether it's His plans for restoration in Ezekiel's time or His promises for us today, His word carries the weight of His action. When God declares something, it is as good as done. This provides immense comfort and a solid foundation for faith.
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Understand the original words
YHWH · Hebrew Noun
The covenant name of God (YHWH), revealed to Moses, emphasizing His self-existence, eternal nature, and faithfulness to His covenant promises toward His people.
shemamah · Hebrew Adjective
Desolate, laid waste, or ruined; often refers to land or cities that have been devastated as a result of divine judgment for sin, yet awaiting restoration.
Ezekiel prophesies restoration from the depths of exile. The surrounding nations will witness God's power not just in His judgment upon them, but in His miraculous rebuilding and replanting of Israel's devastated land, proving His promises are true.
c. 597 BC
First Deportation to Babylon
King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon deports King Jehoiachin and thousands of Judeans, including the prophet Ezekiel, to Babylon. This marks the beginning of the Babylonian exile.
586 BC
Destruction of Jerusalem and Temple
Babylonian forces under Nebuchadnezzar conquer Jerusalem, destroy the city and the First Temple, and deport many more Judeans. This event leaves the land desolate and the people scattered.
c. 580-570 BC— this verse
Ezekiel's Prophecies of Restoration
While in exile, Ezekiel delivers powerful prophecies of judgment against surrounding nations and of future restoration for Israel, including the famous vision of the dry bones being revived and the rebuilding of the land.
539 BC
Persian Conquest of Babylon
Cyrus the Great of Persia conquers Babylon, ushering in a new era. This political shift paves the way for the return of exiled peoples.
538 BC
Edict of Cyrus for Return
Cyrus issues a decree allowing exiled peoples, including the Judeans, to return to their homelands and rebuild their temples. This marks the beginning of the return from exile.
c. 537 BC onwards
Return and Rebuilding of the Temple
The first wave of Judeans returns to Jerusalem under Zerubbabel. They begin the arduous process of rebuilding the city and the Second Temple amidst significant challenges.
This passage echoes Ezekiel's promise of rebuilding and restoration, assuring that God will watch over His people to build and to plant, highlighting the divine intention behind rebuilding ruined places.
Isaiah 61:4This verse speaks of rebuilding ancient ruins and restoring former devastations, directly mirroring Ezekiel's imagery of 'rebuilt the ruined places and replanted that which was desolate'.
Zechariah 8:13This passage describes a future where Judah and Israel will be a blessing to the nations after God's restoration, showing how God's rebuilding work leads to surrounding nations recognizing His presence.
Numbers 23:19This verse states that God is not a man, that He should lie, or the son of man, that He should change His mind. He has said, and will He not do it?, directly reinforcing the certainty of God's spoken promises in Ezekiel 36:36.
Revelation 21:3-4This New Testament passage describes God dwelling with His people and wiping away all tears, a future culmination of the restoration and renewal promised in Ezekiel, where even the desolate places are made new.
clarkeEzekiel 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."
Then the heathen - They shall see how powerful Jehovah is, and how fully he saves those who come unto and worship him.
barnesEzekiel 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."
The pagan that are left - Gathered out of pagandom into the community of God - accepted and redeemed.
The verse highlights that the "nations that are left" will witness God's rebuilding and replanting as proof, not just of His power, but that He actively fulfills His spoken promises. This means that even the remnants of opposition will eventually acknowledge God's faithfulness by observing His restorative work in His people's lives.
This verse concludes a powerful section where God promises to cleanse Israel, give them a new heart, and restore their devastated land. It anticipates a future restoration, not just of cities and fields, but of the people themselves, making them a people recognized by God. This renewal will be so evident that even the surrounding nations, who previously mocked or oppressed them, will witness God's faithfulness and power in rebuilding what was destroyed.
This verse concludes a powerful section where God promises to cleanse Israel, give them a new heart, and restore their devastated land. It anticipates a future restoration, not just of cities and fields, but of the people themselves, making them a people recognized by God. This renewal will be so evident that even the surrounding nations, who previously mocked or oppressed them, will witness God's faithfulness and power in rebuilding what was destroyed.
"Then the nations that are left all around you shall know that I am the LORD; I have rebuilt the ruined places and replanted that which was desolate. I am the LORD; I have spoken, and I will do it." — The verse highlights that the "nations that are left" will witness God's rebuilding and replanting as proof, not just of His power, but that He actively fulfills His spoken promises. This means that…
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Last reviewed October 2026