Ezekiel 39:28

Then they will know that I am the LORD their God, when I regather them to their own land, not leaving any of them behind after their exile among the nations.

Study Bible

Then they will know
This phrase emphasizes the recurring theme in Ezekiel that God's actions are ultimately for the purpose of revealing Himself to His people and the nations. The Hebrew word for "know" is "yada," which implies an intimate, experiential knowledge rather than mere intellectual understanding. This knowledge is transformative, leading to a deeper relationship with God. Historically, Israel's experiences, including exile and restoration, were meant to bring them to a place of recognizing God's sovereignty and faithfulness.

that I am the LORD their God
The declaration "I am the LORD" is a powerful assertion of God's identity and authority. The Hebrew name for God here is "YHWH," often rendered as "LORD" in English translations. This name is deeply significant, representing God's eternal, self-existent nature. The phrase underscores the covenant relationship between God and Israel, reminding them that He is not just any deity, but their personal, covenant-keeping God. This is a call back to the covenant promises made to the patriarchs, affirming that despite their unfaithfulness, God remains their God.

because I sent them into exile
The exile was a pivotal event in Israel's history, serving as both judgment and purification. The Hebrew word for "exile" is "galah," which means to uncover or reveal. This suggests that the exile was not just a punishment but a means of revealing Israel's need for repentance and dependence on God. Archaeological findings, such as the Babylonian Chronicles, corroborate the historical reality of the exile, providing context for understanding its impact on the Jewish people and their faith.

among the nations
This phrase highlights the dispersion of Israel among various peoples, which was both a consequence of their disobedience and a means of demonstrating God's power and justice to the world. The scattering among the nations fulfilled prophetic warnings and served as a testimony to God's holiness. It also set the stage for the eventual gathering and restoration, showcasing God's redemptive plan not only for Israel but for all nations.

and then gathered them back to their own land
The gathering back to their land is a promise of restoration and hope. The Hebrew word "kibbutz" for "gathered" conveys the idea of collecting or assembling, often used in the context of harvest. This imagery suggests a fruitful and purposeful return, orchestrated by God. Historically, the return from Babylonian exile under leaders like Zerubbabel, Ezra, and Nehemiah is a partial fulfillment of this promise, pointing to God's faithfulness in restoring His people.

I will leave none of them behind
This assurance speaks to the completeness and thoroughness of God's restoration. The promise that none will be left behind reflects God's meticulous care and commitment to His people. It echoes the shepherd imagery found throughout Scripture, where God is portrayed as the Good Shepherd who seeks out every lost sheep. This phrase reassures believers of God's unwavering dedication to His covenant promises and His ability to fulfill them entirely.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who demonstrates His sovereignty and faithfulness through His actions.

2. Israelites
The people of God who were sent into exile due to their disobedience but are promised restoration.

3. Exile
The period when the Israelites were scattered among the nations as a consequence of their sin.

4. Nations
The foreign lands where the Israelites were dispersed during their exile.

5. Their own land
Refers to the land of Israel, the promised land to which God promises to gather His people back.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty and Faithfulness
God is in control of history, and His promises are sure. He is faithful to His covenant, even when His people are unfaithful.

The Purpose of Discipline
Exile was a form of divine discipline meant to bring Israel back to repentance. God's discipline is always redemptive, not punitive.

Hope of Restoration
No matter how far we stray, God offers hope and restoration. He promises to gather His people and leave none behind.

Identity and Belonging
Our identity is rooted in being God's people. Despite circumstances, we belong to Him, and He will bring us back to our spiritual home.

God's Global Plan
The scattering and regathering of Israel point to God's larger plan for the nations, ultimately fulfilled in Christ.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does understanding God's sovereignty in sending Israel into exile impact your view of current personal or global challenges?

2. In what ways can the promise of restoration in Ezekiel 39:28 encourage you in your spiritual journey today?

3. How does the theme of divine discipline and restoration in Ezekiel 39:28 relate to Hebrews 12:5-11, which discusses God's discipline?

4. What practical steps can you take to ensure that you remain faithful to God, knowing that He is faithful to His promises?

5. How can the promise of God leaving "none of them behind" inspire you to reach out to those who feel distant from God?

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 39:28.

Jeremiah 29:14
God promises to bring back His people from all the nations where He has driven them, echoing the theme of restoration.

Isaiah 11:11-12
Describes the gathering of the remnant of Israel from the four corners of the earth, reinforcing the theme of regathering.

Romans 11:26-27
Paul speaks of the future salvation of Israel, which aligns with the prophetic promise of restoration.

Zechariah 10:6
God promises to strengthen and restore His people, similar to the assurance given in Ezekiel.