Ezekiel 39:27

When I bring them back from the peoples and gather them out of the lands of their enemies, I will show My holiness in them in the sight of many nations.

Study Bible

When I bring them back from the peoples
This phrase refers to the restoration of Israel after a period of exile. Historically, the Israelites were exiled to Babylon, but this prophecy extends beyond that event, suggesting a future regathering. The concept of God bringing His people back is a recurring theme in the Old Testament, seen in passages like Deuteronomy 30:3 and Jeremiah 29:14. It emphasizes God's sovereignty and faithfulness to His covenant promises.

and gather them out of the lands of their enemies
The gathering from enemy lands highlights the dispersion of Israel among hostile nations. This dispersion is a result of divine judgment due to Israel's disobedience, as seen in Leviticus 26:33. The act of gathering signifies God's mercy and the reversal of judgment. It also foreshadows the ultimate gathering of believers in the eschatological future, as seen in Matthew 24:31.

I will show My holiness in them
God's holiness is demonstrated through His people. This phrase indicates that the restoration of Israel will be a testament to God's holy nature. Holiness here implies separation and purity, reflecting God's character. The transformation of Israel will serve as a witness to God's sanctifying power, as seen in Ezekiel 36:23, where God promises to vindicate the holiness of His great name.

in the sight of many nations
The restoration and sanctification of Israel will be a public event, observed by many nations. This visibility underscores the universal scope of God's plan and His desire for all nations to recognize His sovereignty. It aligns with the prophetic vision in Isaiah 2:2-3, where nations are drawn to the mountain of the Lord. This public demonstration serves as a type of Christ, who is the ultimate revelation of God's holiness to the world, as seen in John 1:14.

Persons / Places / Events

1. God (Yahweh)
The sovereign Lord who promises to restore His people and demonstrate His holiness.

2. Israelites
The people of God who have been scattered among the nations due to their disobedience but are promised restoration.

3. Nations/Enemies
The foreign lands and peoples among whom the Israelites have been dispersed.

4. Restoration
The event of God bringing His people back to their land, signifying redemption and fulfillment of His promises.

5. Holiness of God
The divine attribute that God will manifest through the restoration of His people, demonstrating His power and faithfulness.

Teaching Points

God’s Faithfulness
God is faithful to His promises. Despite Israel's disobedience, He remains committed to their restoration, demonstrating His unwavering faithfulness.

Holiness as Witness
God’s holiness is revealed through His actions. The restoration of Israel serves as a testament to His holy nature and His power to fulfill His word.

Restoration and Redemption
The theme of restoration is central to God’s redemptive plan. Just as He restores Israel, He offers spiritual restoration to all who turn to Him.

God’s Sovereignty Over Nations
God’s ability to gather His people from among the nations underscores His sovereignty over all the earth. He orchestrates events to fulfill His divine purposes.

Living as a Testimony
Believers are called to live in a way that reflects God’s holiness, serving as a testimony to His transformative power in their lives.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the promise of restoration in Ezekiel 39:27 reflect God’s character and His relationship with His people?

2. In what ways can the restoration of Israel be seen as a foreshadowing of spiritual restoration available through Christ?

3. How does understanding God’s sovereignty over nations impact your view of current world events?

4. What are practical ways you can demonstrate God’s holiness in your daily life, serving as a witness to others?

5. How do the promises of restoration and redemption in the Old Testament encourage you in your personal faith journey?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 30:3-5
This passage speaks of God’s promise to restore Israel from captivity, similar to the promise in Ezekiel 39:27.

Isaiah 11:12
Describes God gathering the dispersed of Israel, aligning with the theme of restoration.

Jeremiah 32:37-41
God’s promise to bring His people back and establish an everlasting covenant, reflecting His faithfulness.

Ezekiel 36:23
God’s intention to sanctify His name through the restoration of Israel, paralleling the theme of holiness in Ezekiel 39:27.

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