Ezekiel 28:25

This is what the Lord GOD says: 'When I gather the house of Israel from the peoples among whom they have been scattered, I will show Myself holy among them in the sight of the nations. Then they will dwell in their own land, which I have given to My servant Jacob.

Study Bible

This is what the Lord GOD says:
This phrase emphasizes the authority and divine origin of the message. It is a common prophetic introduction, underscoring that the words are not from the prophet himself but from God. This establishes the seriousness and certainty of the prophecy.

‘When I gather the house of Israel from the peoples among whom they have been scattered,
This refers to the regathering of the Israelites, a recurring theme in prophetic literature. Historically, the Israelites were scattered due to invasions and exiles, notably by the Assyrians and Babylonians. This gathering is seen as a future event, often associated with the Messianic age, where God will restore Israel to its land. It reflects God's faithfulness to His covenant promises.

I will show Myself holy among them in the sight of the nations.
God's holiness is demonstrated through His actions, particularly in fulfilling His promises. The regathering of Israel serves as a testament to God's power and faithfulness, witnessed by other nations. This act of restoration is not just for Israel's benefit but also to reveal God's character to the world, aligning with the theme of God's glory being recognized universally.

Then they will dwell in their own land,
This promise of dwelling in their own land is significant, as land is a central aspect of God's covenant with Israel. It signifies peace, security, and divine blessing. Historically, the land of Israel is a tangible sign of God's promise to Abraham and his descendants.

which I have given to My servant Jacob.
The reference to Jacob connects the promise to the patriarchal covenant. Jacob, later named Israel, is the father of the twelve tribes. This phrase underscores the continuity of God's promises from the patriarchs to the future restoration of Israel. It highlights the unchanging nature of God's covenant and His commitment to fulfill it.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Lord GOD
The sovereign and holy God of Israel, who speaks through the prophet Ezekiel.

2. The House of Israel
Refers to the people of Israel, God's chosen nation, who have been scattered among other nations due to their disobedience.

3. The Nations
The various peoples and countries among whom the Israelites have been dispersed.

4. The Land
The promised land given to Jacob (Israel), which is a central theme in God's covenant with His people.

5. Jacob
The patriarch whose name was changed to Israel, representing the covenant relationship between God and His people.

Teaching Points

God's Faithfulness
God remains faithful to His promises, even when His people are unfaithful. This encourages believers to trust in God's unchanging nature.

Holiness of God
God's actions in gathering Israel demonstrate His holiness. Believers are called to reflect God's holiness in their lives.

Restoration and Hope
The promise of restoration for Israel offers hope for all believers that God can restore and redeem any situation.

Covenant Relationship
The land given to Jacob signifies God's covenant relationship with His people. Believers are reminded of their covenant relationship with God through Christ.

Witness to the Nations
God's work among His people serves as a testimony to the nations. Christians are called to be a light to the world, showcasing God's glory.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the promise of gathering Israel from the nations demonstrate God's faithfulness to His covenant?

2. In what ways can we reflect God's holiness in our daily lives, as He shows Himself holy among the nations?

3. How does the theme of restoration in Ezekiel 28:25 provide hope for personal or communal situations today?

4. What are some practical ways we can be a witness to the nations, reflecting God's work in our lives?

5. How does understanding the covenant relationship between God and Israel deepen our appreciation for our relationship with God through Jesus Christ?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 30:3-5
This passage speaks of God's promise to restore Israel from exile, similar to the gathering mentioned in Ezekiel 28:25.

Isaiah 11:12
This verse also discusses the gathering of the dispersed of Israel, highlighting God's faithfulness to His promises.

Jeremiah 23:3
Here, God promises to gather the remnant of His flock, which aligns with the theme of restoration in Ezekiel.

Ezekiel 36:24-28
This passage expands on the theme of gathering and restoration, including the promise of a new heart and spirit.

Romans 11:26-27
Paul speaks of the future salvation of Israel, connecting the Old Testament promises to New Testament fulfillment.