Ezekiel 36:8

8 “But the mountains of Israel will produce heavy crops of fruit for my people—for they will be coming home again soon!

Ezekiel 36:8 Meaning and Commentary

Ezekiel 36:8

But ye, O mountains of Israel
Literally understood, as appears by what follows; for though they could not hear what was said, the proprietors of them could, now in captivity; and the efficacy of the word should be seen on them, producing the following effects: ye shall shoot forth your branches;
that is, the trees that grew upon them should; the vines, and the olive trees, planted on hills and mountains, as was usual, as appears from the mount of Olives, and other places: and yield your fruit to my people of Israel;
not only put forth branches, but bear fruit; and which should be given to the right owners, the people of Israel, and not to the Heathens, who had claimed the ancient mountains for their possession: for they are at hand to come;
the Israelites; either by repentance, as Kimchi; or by a return from the Babylonish captivity, which was about forty or fifty years after this prophecy; and which was but a shadow and figure of their restoration in the latter day, yet to come; which might be said to be at hand, or near, with respect to God, with whom two or three thousand years are as nothing. The Targum is,

``for the day of my redemption is near to come.''

Ezekiel 36:8 In-Context

6 “Therefore, prophesy to the hills and mountains, the ravines and valleys of Israel. This is what the Sovereign LORD says: I am furious that you have suffered shame before the surrounding nations.

7 Therefore, this is what the Sovereign LORD says: I have taken a solemn oath that those nations will soon have their own shame to endure.

8 “But the mountains of Israel will produce heavy crops of fruit for my people—for they will be coming home again soon!

9 See, I care about you, and I will pay attention to you. Your ground will be plowed and your crops planted.

10 I will greatly increase the population of Israel, and the ruined cities will be rebuilt and filled with people.