Ezekiel 36:38

38 As the holy sheep, as the sheep of Jerusalem in her solemn feasts; so shall the waste cities be filled with flocks of men; and they shall know that I am the LORD.

Ezekiel 36:38 Meaning and Commentary

Ezekiel 36:38

As the holy flock, as the flock of Jerusalem in her solemn
feasts
Like flocks of sheep, which were consecrated and set apart for holy uses, for sacrifices; even like the flocks of sheep, which were brought to Jerusalem to be offered in sacrifice at the three solemn festivals in the year; especially at the passover, when the Jews came from all parts of the country to slay and eat their passover; and every family had a lamb, which in all must be a great number: we read of thirty thousand lambs and three thousand bullocks given at one time for this service by King Josiah, besides what was given by the princes, ( 2 Chronicles 35:7-9 ) . The Targum is,

``as the holy people, as a people that is cleansed, and comes to Jerusalem at the feasts of the passover:''

or, "as the flock of the Holy Ones" ^F17; either of the holy God, Father, Son, and Spirit; or of holy men, who are made holy or sanctified by the Spirit of God: so shall the waste cities be filled with flocks of men;
or with men that are like sheep for meekness, harmlessness, patience, cleanness, society, and usefulness; and not with such as are comparable to unclean beasts, or beasts of prey; so it denotes both the quantity of persons that shall inhabit Judea, and dwelt both in the cities and churches there, and the quality of them.

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FOOTNOTES:

F17 (Myvdq Nauk) "sicut oves sanctorum", Vatablus, Gussetius, Starckius.

Ezekiel 36:38 In-Context

36 And the Gentiles that are left round about you shall know that I the LORD built the ruined places and planted that which was desolate; I the LORD have spoken it, and I will do it.

37 Thus hath the Lord GOD said; I will yet be enquired of by the house of Israel, to do it for them; I will multiply men like flocks.

38 As the holy sheep, as the sheep of Jerusalem in her solemn feasts; so shall the waste cities be filled with flocks of men; and they shall know that I am the LORD.