Overview

Ezekiel 36 is a pivotal chapter in the prophetic book of Ezekiel, marking a significant shift from judgment to restoration. Following the announcement of Israel’s desolation and the just consequences of their rebellion, God speaks through Ezekiel to promise the restoration of the land and the renewal of His people. This chapter is one of the clearest Old Testament anticipations of the New Covenant, foreshadowing both Israel’s physical return to the land and their spiritual regeneration.

Key Events and Themes:

• God speaks to the mountains of Israel (vv. 1-15), promising reversal from shame and desolation.
• A divine rebuke of surrounding nations for mocking and plundering Israel (vv. 3-7).
• A promise of the physical restoration of the land (vv. 8-15).
• God declares the reason for Israel’s judgment—their defilement and idolatry (vv. 16-21).
• A divine promise of internal, spiritual renewal, including the gift of a new heart and Spirit (vv. 22-32).
• A concluding vision of Israel’s abundant restoration and flourishing (vv. 33-38).

Theological Significance:

• The chapter emphasizes the sovereignty of God in salvation and restoration.
• God acts for the sake of His holy name, not because of any merit in Israel (v. 22).
• It introduces the idea of regeneration—a new heart and a new spirit, foundational to New Testament soteriology.
• It underscores God’s faithfulness to His covenant promises despite Israel‘s unfaithfulness.

Historical and Literary Context

Historical Background

Ezekiel prophesied during the Babylonian exile, around 593-571 BC. The prophet was among the first wave of captives taken to Babylon in 597 BC. By the time of Ezekiel 36, Jerusalem had fallen (586 BC), and the people were in deep despair. The land lay desolate, and the surrounding nations mocked Israel and their God.

This chapter was delivered to a disheartened people questioning their identity and God’s promises. In response, God reaffirms His covenantal faithfulness and reveals His ultimate plan—not only to restore the physical land but to cleanse and spiritually renew His people.

Literary Features

Ezekiel 36 is composed as a prophetic oracle combining indictment, judgment, and hope. The chapter uses vivid imagery of mountains, cleansing, heart transformation, and fruitful land. It follows a chiastic structure moving from external restoration (land and reputation) to internal transformation (new heart and Spirit), then back to external abundance (fruitfulness of the land and multiplication of the people).

Key literary devices include:

• Personification of the land (vv. 1-15)
• Contrast between Israel‘s past sins and God’s future grace
• Covenantal language, reflecting Deuteronomic blessings and curses

Key Themes and Doctrinal Points

1. God’s Sovereignty in Salvation

God repeatedly declares, “I will…” throughout the chapter (vv. 22-30). This points to the monergistic nature of salvation—God alone initiates and completes the work. Israel had defiled the land, but God, for His name’s sake, brings cleansing and renewal. This aligns with Romans 9-11, which reflects on God’s sovereign election and future plans for Israel.

2. The Holiness of God’s Name

The restoration is not ultimately for Israel‘s sake, but for God’s name (v. 22). God’s concern is with His reputation among the nations. This reflects a central biblical theme: God’s glory is the ultimate purpose of history (cf. Isaiah 48:11; Ezekiel 20:9, 14). In evangelical theology, God’s glory is the highest end of all His works.

3. Regeneration and the New Covenant

Ezekiel 36:26-27 is among the clearest Old Testament prophecies of the New Covenant (cf. Jeremiah 31:31-34). God promises to:

• Give a new heart (removal of spiritual deadness)
• Put His Spirit within (indwelling Holy Spirit)
• Cause obedience through internal transformation, not mere external conformity

This doctrine aligns with the New Testament teaching on regeneration (John 3:3-8; Titus 3:5) and justification by grace.

4. God’s Faithfulness to His Covenant People

Though Israel defiled the land and profaned God’s name, He will still restore them (vv. 24-28). This is not because of their merit, but because of God’s unchanging covenantal promises (cf. Genesis 15, 17; Deuteronomy 30). From a conservative evangelical perspective, this underscores the unconditional faithfulness of God and supports a futuristic hope for national Israel (cf. Romans 11:25-29).

5. Restoration of the Land

God promises to make the land “like the garden of Eden” (v. 35). The land itself becomes a symbol of God’s blessing and renewal. This points forward to eschatological fulfillment in the millennial kingdom and the ultimate new creation (Revelation 21-22), where physical and spiritual renewal are brought together under Christ.

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Here is the continuation of the Expository Bible Preaching, Sermon, and Study Guide on Ezekiel 36, with the remaining requested sections:

Verse-by-Verse Analysis (Key Sections)

Ezekiel 36:1-7 – A Rebuke to the Nations

“Son of man, prophesy to the mountains of Israel…”

• Explanation: God addresses the mountains, symbolic of the land itself. Once defiled by idol worship (cf. Ezekiel 6:13), these mountains had become objects of scorn by neighboring nations.
• Cross-reference: Ezekiel 35 (judgment against Edom), Psalm 83:4-12 (enemies of Israel seeking to destroy her).
• Doctrinal Insight: God’s justice includes holding other nations accountable for their treatment of Israel. His covenant with Abraham (Genesis 12:3) includes blessings and curses on those who bless or curse Israel.
• Application: God’s people may be mocked and oppressed, but He sees, He remembers, and He will vindicate.

Ezekiel 36:8-15 – The Land Will Be Fruitful Again

“But you, mountains of Israel, will produce branches and fruit for my people Israel…”

• Explanation: A direct reversal of the curse. The land will no longer be barren but bountiful, in anticipation of Israel’s return.
• Cross-reference: Leviticus 26:3-5; Deuteronomy 30:3-5.
• Doctrinal Insight: God’s blessings are both spiritual and physical; His covenant with Israel included land promises.
• Application: God brings restoration not just spiritually but tangibly. His blessings often touch every area of life.

Ezekiel 36:16-21 – Israel’s Sin and Its Consequences

“They defiled it by their conduct and their actions…”

• Explanation: Israel‘s idolatry and moral corruption led to exile. Their behavior “profaned” God’s name among the nations.
• Cross-reference: Isaiah 52:5; Romans 2:24 – “The name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.”
• Doctrinal Insight: Sin has consequences beyond ourselves. As God’s people, we represent Him, and disobedience dishonors His name.
• Application: Personal holiness matters because we are ambassadors of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20).

Ezekiel 36:22-23 – God Acts for His Holy Name

“It is not for your sake… but for the sake of my holy name…”

• Explanation: God restores Israel, not because they deserve it, but because His reputation is at stake.
• Cross-reference: Exodus 32:11-14; Deuteronomy 9:5-6.
• Doctrinal Insight: God’s glory is the supreme purpose of all He does. This aligns with soli Deo gloria—glory to God alone.
• Application: Even our salvation is ultimately about God’s glory, not our worthiness.

Ezekiel 36:24-27 – Promise of Regeneration

“I will sprinkle clean water on you… I will give you a new heart…”

• Explanation:
  • “Sprinkle clean water”: imagery from ceremonial cleansing (Numbers 19:17-19).
  • “New heart”: internal renewal replacing the stubborn, sinful heart.
  • “My Spirit in you”: promise of the indwelling Holy Spirit.
• Cross-reference:
  • Jeremiah 31:33 – Law written on the heart.
  • John 3:5 – “Born of water and the Spirit.”
  • Titus 3:5 – “Washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit.”
• Doctrinal Insight: Regeneration is a sovereign act of God. He transforms the inner nature, enabling obedience (cf. Philippians 2:13).
• Application: Preach the new birth as essential—not moral reform, but divine transformation.

Ezekiel 36:28-32 – Restoration and Repentance

“You will live in the land I gave your ancestors…”

• Explanation: Restoration involves a return to the land and a new relationship with God.
• Cross-reference: Romans 11:26-27 – God’s future plan for Israel‘s salvation.
• Doctrinal Insight: God’s covenant faithfulness remains intact. This supports a futuristic premillennial view that sees national Israel‘s restoration as literal.
• Application: God keeps His promises. Trust His Word even when circumstances seem hopeless.

Ezekiel 36:33-38 – Fruitfulness and Witness

“The land… will become like the garden of Eden…”

• Explanation: The renewed land becomes a testimony to God’s power and faithfulness.
• Cross-reference: Amos 9:13-15; Revelation 21:1-5 – ultimate restoration.
• Doctrinal Insight: The transformation of the land symbolizes the cosmic renewal God will bring through Christ.
• Application: God’s work in His people should draw the attention of the world to Him (Matthew 5:16).

Theological Implications and Connection to Jesus Christ

1. Jesus as the Fulfillment of the New Covenant (vv. 26-27)

• Jesus is the mediator of the New Covenant (Luke 22:20; Hebrews 8:6-13).
• The promise of a “new heart” and “new spirit” is fulfilled through Christ’s atonement and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit sent at Pentecost.
• John 7:38-39 and Romans 8:9-11 show that this indwelling is the hallmark of belonging to Christ.

2. The Cleansing Blood of Christ (v. 25)

• The “sprinkling with clean water” typifies justification by faith through Christ’s blood (Hebrews 9:13-14).
• 1 John 1:7 – “The blood of Jesus… cleanses us from all sin.”

3. God’s Glory Revealed in Jesus (v. 23)

• Jesus is the perfect revelation of God’s name and glory (John 1:14; John 17:6).
• In restoring sinners, God displays His justice and mercy—both of which are supremely seen in the cross (Romans 3:25-26).

4. The Greater Restoration Through Christ

• While the chapter looks forward to Israel’s national restoration, it also points to a greater, universal restoration through Jesus: the renewal of all creation (Romans 8:18-23; Revelation 21:1-5).
• Jesus is the Second Adam who brings a better Eden (cf. v. 35).

Connection to God the Father

• God the Father is portrayed as the One who initiates the entire process of restoration:
  • He judges in righteousness (vv. 17-19).
  • He acts for the sake of His holy name (vv. 21-23).
  • He sends the Spirit and restores the land (vv. 27, 36).
• This chapter reflects the Father’s heart of redemption: though grieved by Israel‘s sin, He remains faithful to His promises.
• John 3:16 shows the Father’s love in sending the Son to fulfill promises like Ezekiel 36.
• The Father’s will is to glorify His name by redeeming a people for Himself (cf. Ephesians 1:3-6).

Here is the final portion of the Expository Bible Preaching, Sermon, and Study Guide on Ezekiel 36, from a conservative evangelical perspective:

Connection to the Holy Spirit

Ezekiel 36:26-27 is one of the clearest Old Testament promises regarding the future work of the Holy Spirit. It anticipates the New Covenant ministry of the Spirit in salvation and sanctification.

Key Connections:

• Indwelling of the Spirit (v. 27): “And I will put my Spirit in you…”
  • Fulfilled in the New Testament through Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4) and every believer’s regeneration (Romans 8:9).
  • This is a personal, internal transformation not available under the Old Covenant.
  • Paul echoes this in Galatians 5:16–25 where the Spirit empowers believers to walk in obedience.
• The Spirit’s role in obedience: “…and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws.”
  • The Holy Spirit empowers what the law could not accomplish (Romans 8:3-4).
  • Not moralism, but spiritual enablement; believers are made new creations (2 Corinthians 5:17).
• The Spirit and the New Heart (v. 26): The “heart of flesh” represents spiritual receptivity and softness to God.
  • This connects to John 3:5-8, where Jesus teaches that one must be born “of water and the Spirit” to enter the kingdom.

The chapter teaches that true obedience flows from a transformed heart, and only the Holy Spirit can produce that transformation. This is a direct challenge to legalism and emphasizes the necessity of Spirit-filled living.

Sermon Outline and Flow

Title: “From Desolation to Restoration: The New Heart Only God Can Give”

Text: Ezekiel 36:16-38

Big Idea: God restores His people by His grace, for His glory, through His Spirit.

I. God Judges Justly – Because His People Profaned His Name (vv. 16-21)

• Explanation: Israel‘s defilement led to exile.
• Illustration: A company ambassador who misrepresents the brand—damaging public perception.
• Application: Your life is a witness—are you glorifying God, or causing others to question Him?

Transition: But even when God’s people fail, God’s glory remains central to His plan.

II. God Acts Graciously – For the Sake of His Holy Name (vv. 22-24)

• Explanation: Restoration is not earned; it’s for God’s reputation.
• Illustration: A parent who rescues a wayward child not because of what the child deserves, but because of love and the family name.
• Application: Salvation is never because we deserve it—it’s all of grace.

Transition: What kind of restoration does God give?

III. God Renews Deeply – By Giving a New Heart and Spirit (vv. 25-27)

• Explanation: Cleansing from sin, transformation of heart, indwelling of the Spirit.
• Illustration: Replacing a broken engine vs. repainting a damaged car—God does heart surgery, not cosmetic repair.
• Application: Have you experienced this heart change, or are you still trying to live the Christian life in your own strength?

Transition: What’s the result of this internal renewal?

IV. God Restores Completely – To Display His Glory (vv. 28-38)

• Explanation: The land is renewed, the people multiplied, and God is glorified.
• Illustration: A neighborhood in ruins turned into a flourishing garden—God’s work in your life should be evident.
• Application: God’s people are living testimonies that He restores what was broken.

Conclusion: A Call to Trust and Transformation

• Recap: God takes broken, sinful people and renews them through His Spirit, not for their sake but for His glory.
• Call to Action:
  • For the unbeliever: Surrender your dead heart—God alone can make you new.
  • For the believer: Live by the Spirit; let your life be evidence of God’s transforming grace.
  • For the church: Preach and model a gospel of heart change, not behavior modification.

Closing Verse: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation…” (2 Corinthians 5:17)

Illustrations and Examples

1. Heart Transplant Story

• A man with a failing heart needs a transplant to live. No matter how well he eats, exercises, or tries to stay positive, without a new heart, he cannot survive.
• Spiritual Parallel: God doesn’t just patch us up. He gives us a new heart. Salvation is not self-help—it’s heart replacement.

2. Restoration of a Historic Building

• A church in ruins is bought by a preservation group. They restore it brick by brick, respecting its original design, and it becomes a place of beauty again.
• Parallel: God doesn’t discard His people—He restores them to reflect His glory.

3. The Garden from Waste

• A barren lot, used as a dumping ground, is transformed by a community garden project. It now overflows with life and fruit.
• Application: When God restores, He makes the desolate fruitful. Your past doesn’t define your future when God steps in.

4. Misrepresenting a Brand

• An employee acting unethically in public while wearing the company logo tarnishes the whole organization’s name.
• Connection: When Christians live in sin, we profane God’s name. But when we live in holiness, we reflect His glory.

Application for Today’s Christian

Ezekiel 36 is not just an ancient prophecy—it speaks powerfully to the heart of Christian discipleship, stewardship, and faithful living today.

1. Discipleship: Walk in Newness of Life

• Spiritual Regeneration is at the core of true Christian living. God gives a new heart and places His Spirit within His people (vv. 26-27).
• Practical Application:
  • Ask: Have I truly been born again? (John 3:3)
  • Embrace daily spiritual disciplines (Bible reading, prayer, obedience) empowered by the Spirit, not self-effort.
  • Let your heart and life reflect a deep love for God’s Word and ways.

2. Stewardship: Honor God’s Name in All Things

• Israel was judged for profaning God’s name (v. 20). As Christians, we are called to live in a way that reflects His holiness (1 Peter 1:15-16).
• Practical Application:
  • Steward your speech, habits, finances, and time in a way that glorifies God.
  • Be mindful of your witness in public and private. You represent Christ in your workplace, home, and online.

3. Faith and Hope in Restoration

• This chapter reminds us that God is able to restore what is broken—whether relationships, communities, or lives (vv. 33-36).
• Practical Application:
  • Trust God’s timing and faithfulness even when life feels desolate.
  • Encourage others by sharing your own story of how God has renewed or is renewing areas of your life.

4. Spirit-Filled Living

• Christians must live by the Spirit, not by the flesh (Romans 8:5-9). The indwelling Holy Spirit is God’s agent for change.
• Practical Application:
  • Cultivate a daily reliance on the Holy Spirit for power over sin, courage to witness, and wisdom for daily decisions.
  • Ask the Spirit to convict, lead, and produce His fruit in your life (Galatians 5:22-23).

Connection to God’s Love

Ezekiel 36 is a profound revelation of the love, mercy, and redemptive heart of God—even in the face of human failure.

1. Love that Restores

• Despite Israel‘s repeated sins, God does not abandon His covenant people. He restores not because of their worthiness, but because of His love and glory.
• Romans 5:8: “God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

2. Love that Cleanses

• The promise to “sprinkle clean water” (v. 25) reveals a God who is not content to leave us stained. He purifies and washes away guilt.
• This foreshadows the cleansing blood of Christ and God’s loving commitment to forgive and make us new.

3. Love that Dwells Within

• God doesn’t just fix external behavior—He gives us a new heart and puts His Spirit within us (v. 27). This indwelling presence is the ultimate expression of God’s desire to be near His people (John 14:16-17).
• It’s not just restoration—it’s relationship.

4. Love That Keeps Promises

• The Lord acts not only out of justice but out of covenantal love (hesed)—faithful, loyal love that fulfills what He has promised.
• This chapter shows that God’s love is not based on our performance, but on His unchanging nature (Malachi 3:6).

Broader Biblical Themes

Ezekiel 36 connects deeply to the grand narrative of Scripture, from creation to new creation.

1. Creation and New Creation

• The land being made “like the garden of Eden” (v. 35) ties back to Genesis 1-2 and forward to Revelation 21-22.
• God is in the business of making all things new (Isaiah 65:17; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Revelation 21:5).

2. Covenant Faithfulness

• Ezekiel 36 reaffirms God’s loyalty to His Abrahamic and Mosaic covenants despite Israel‘s rebellion.
• The New Covenant (vv. 25-27) anticipates what is fulfilled in Jeremiah 31 and fully realized in Jesus Christ (Luke 22:20; Hebrews 8:6-13).

3. Redemption and Restoration

• The chapter illustrates that God does not discard His people when they fail. He redeems and restores them.
• This echoes the entire biblical storyline: from fall (Genesis 3), to redemption through Christ (Ephesians 1:7), to final restoration in glory (Romans 8:18-23).

4. Mission and God’s Glory

• God’s passion to sanctify His name among the nations (vv. 23, 36) connects with the missional heart of God seen throughout Scripture.
  • Exodus 9:16 – God raised Pharaoh up to show His power.
  • Psalm 96:3 – “Declare His glory among the nations.”
  • Revelation 7:9 – People from every nation worshiping the Lamb.

Ezekiel 36: A Preaching and Study Guide for the Church

Scripture Focus

Ezekiel 36:22-27 (NIV)
“Therefore say to the Israelites, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: It is not for your sake, people of Israel, that I am going to do these things, but for the sake of my holy name… I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean… I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you… And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws.’”

I. Foundation: Connecting Back to Genesis 1

In the beginning, God created everything good (Genesis 1:31). But when sin entered the world through Adam and Eve (Genesis 3), everything—hearts, nations, and creation—was broken. Ezekiel 36 shows us that God is not leaving the world in its broken condition. He promises to restore it, beginning with His people. Just as He formed the world out of chaos, He promises here to give new hearts and renew the land, pointing forward to full restoration in Christ.

II. Chapter Summary: What Is Ezekiel 36 About?

Ezekiel 36 is God’s message of hope and restoration. After years of rebellion and exile, Israel feels hopeless and ashamed. But God steps in with a promise: not only will He bring His people back to their land, He will also cleanse them, give them a new heart, and fill them with His Spirit.

• God speaks to the land of Israel and promises it will be fruitful again (vv. 1-15).
• He rebukes the nations who mocked and harmed Israel (vv. 3-7).
• He reminds Israel of their sin and why they were judged (vv. 16-21).
• God promises to restore Israel—not because they deserve it, but to uphold His holy name (vv. 22-24).
• Then comes the heart of the promise: new heart, new Spirit, full cleansing (vv. 25-27).
• The chapter ends with a vision of revival, fruitfulness, and God’s glory among the nations (vv. 28-38).

III. Historical and Literary Context

Ezekiel preached during Israel‘s exile in Babylon (6th century BC). Jerusalem had been destroyed. The people felt cut off from God and from the land He gave them. This chapter shifts the tone from judgment to future hope, promising that God has not forgotten His people.

Ezekiel 36 is written as prophetic poetry, rich in imagery and repetition. The repeated phrase, “I will…” shows that God alone is the author of this restoration.

IV. Key Themes and Doctrinal Truths

1. God’s Sovereignty

God acts on His own initiative to save and restore. “I will take you… I will sprinkle… I will give you a new heart…” (vv. 24-27).

2. Human Sin and Responsibility

Israel was exiled because they defiled the land with sin (vv. 17-18). God’s judgment was just.

3. Salvation by Grace

God restores not because of Israel‘s righteousness, but for the sake of His name (v. 22). This echoes salvation by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9).

4. The New Birth

The promise of a new heart and Spirit points to the spiritual rebirth Jesus spoke of in John 3:3-5.

5. God’s Glory Among the Nations

God is passionate about His name being honored throughout the world (v. 23).

V. Connection to Jesus Christ

• Jesus fulfills the promise of cleansing (v. 25). Through His blood, we are washed clean from sin (1 John 1:7).
• Jesus gives the Holy Spirit (v. 27). At Pentecost, He poured out the Spirit on His people (Acts 2:33).
• Jesus offers the new heart (v. 26). Anyone in Christ is a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17).
• Jesus is the ultimate restorer of Israel and the world (Revelation 21:5).

VI. Connection to the Father

The chapter reveals the Father’s heart:

• He disciplines His children out of love.
• He is faithful to His promises.
• He restores, forgives, and transforms.
• He cares about His name being glorified in all the earth.

VII. Connection to the Holy Spirit

• The Spirit gives life to dead hearts (v. 26).
• The Spirit empowers obedience (v. 27).
• The Spirit is God’s personal presence living within believers.

This was fulfilled in the New Testament and is the daily experience of every believer walking by the Spirit (Romans 8:9-14).

VIII. Practical Application for Today’s Christian

Discipleship

• Trust not in your own effort, but in the Spirit who lives within you.
• Practice daily repentance and surrender to God’s will.
• Let the new heart God has given shape your desires and decisions.

Stewardship

• Live in a way that honors God’s name before others.
• Manage your life—time, money, relationships—as someone restored by God.

Living the Faith

• Don’t settle for outward religion. Ask: Has God changed my heart?
• Be a witness to God’s restoration—share what God has done in your life.

IX. Reflection Questions

Use these for personal study, small group, or leadership training.

1. What does this chapter teach you about God’s character?
2. Why is it significant that God restores Israel “not for their sake” but for His name?
3. Have you experienced the “new heart” and the “new spirit”? How do you know?
4. What areas of your life still need restoration? How can you surrender those to God today?
5. How can we, as a church, live in a way that brings glory to God’s name in our community?
6. How do you see the Holy Spirit at work in your life today?
7. What practical steps can you take this week to walk more closely with the Spirit?
8. How does this chapter give you hope for your own life and for the world?