Chi hta‸ pa taw, hkʼaw pui teˇ hpaˍ, iˉ kaˆ lawˬ kʼaˉ leh lawˬ hkʼo‸ teˇ hpaˍ, te luˬ te sheˆ ve hta‸ gʼa hkanˍ ve chehˇ kuiˬ teˇ hpaˍ, leh awˬ nu ve chaw ceuˬ teˇ hpaˍ te luˬ te sheˆ leh hkʼa mvuhˇ hkʼa na kʼoˆ laˇ ve hta‸ gʼa hkanˍ ve venˇ teˇ hpaˍ-oˬ, ngaˬ Gʼuiˬsha nawˬ hui hta‸ kʼoˆ laˇ chehˇ ve tawˇ hta‸ na sheˍ.
What Does This Mean?
God is speaking to the mountains, hills, rivers, and valleys of Israel, telling them that He sees their desolation and wants to restore them. The verse addresses the land and its cities that have been abandoned and ridiculed by other nations around them.
Explained for Children
Imagine your favorite playground is all alone and broken, and other kids make fun of it. But then, a friend comes and says, 'I see how sad you are, and I'm going to help you fix it up and make it great again.' That's what God is saying to the land of Israel.
Historical Background
Ezekiel, a prophet of the Lord, wrote this verse during the Babylonian exile around 593-571 BC. He was speaking to the land of Israel, which had been conquered and was desolate, to give hope to the exiled people that God would restore their land.
Living It Out Today
Imagine a community that has been neglected and forgotten, like an old neighborhood with abandoned buildings. This verse reminds us that God cares about such places and people, and He can bring restoration and new life to them.
God is speaking directly to the land of Israel, addressing its mountains, hills, rivers, and valleys.
Why are the cities and land described as 'desolate wastes'?
The land of Israel had been conquered by Babylon, and its cities and land were left abandoned and neglected, reflecting the judgment of God on the people's sin.
How does this verse connect to the larger message of Ezekiel?
Ezekiel's message includes both judgment and hope, with this verse focusing on God's promise to restore and renew the land and its people.
What can we learn from this verse about God's character?
This verse shows God's care for His creation and His people, emphasizing His sovereignty and the promise of restoration even in times of desolation.