Ezekiel 36:3 — English NIRV 1996 - Copyrighted only for Website
"Ezekiel, prophesy. Say, 'The Lord and King says, "Your enemies destroyed you. They hunted you down from every side. So the rest of the nations took over your land. People talked about you. They told lies about you." ' "
What Does This Mean?
God tells Ezekiel to prophesy that because others have harmed Israel, making it seem like a possession for other nations, Israel has become a subject of ridicule and shame. God is speaking through Ezekiel to address the suffering of Israel.
Explained for Children
Imagine if your toys were taken and people made fun of you for it. God is saying that even though others have taken and mocked Israel, he still loves them and will help them.
Historical Background
Ezekiel, a prophet, wrote this around 593-571 BCE. He was speaking to the Israelites who were exiled in Babylon. At that time, Israel had been conquered and was a subject of ridicule among other nations.
Living It Out Today
This verse reminds us that when we face ridicule or loss, God sees and cares about our suffering. For example, if a person is bullied at school, they can know that God sees their pain and will bring healing and justice.
