Ezekiel 36:35

And they shall say, This land that was desolate, is become like the garden of Eden, and the waste and desolate and ruined cities, are become fenced, and are inhabited. Ezekiel 36:35 (KJV)

The book of Ezekiel is a prophetic work in the Old Testament that records the visions and messages given to the prophet Ezekiel. In this chapter God addresses the mountains, hills, rivers, and valleys of Israel, declaring a sweeping restoration of the land and its people.

The language of the verse paints a picture of a land that was once desolate, waste, and ruined. By comparing the restored land to the garden of Eden, the text uses a powerful metaphor of complete transformation, suggesting a return to a state of abundance, beauty, and perfection that mirrors the original paradise.

God’s promise emphasizes both physical and spiritual renewal. The desolate cities are described as becoming fenced and inhabited, indicating security, settlement, and fertility. This transformation demonstrates God’s faithfulness and His ability to bring life and beauty out of devastation, offering a tangible blessing to the nation.

Historically, after the Babylonian exile, the people of Israel began a gradual return under the leadership of figures such as Ezra and Nehemiah. Cities were rebuilt, fields were cultivated, and the land regained productivity. While this period represents a partial fulfillment of the prophetic vision, the complete Eden‑like restoration remains a future expectation.

Many interpreters also see a messianic dimension in the passage. Through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, believers experience spiritual restoration that points forward to the ultimate renewal described in Revelation 21:1, when the new heavens and new earth will embody the fullness of God’s promised restoration.

In conclusion, Ezekiel 36:35 proclaims God’s covenantal promise to turn a desolate, ruined land into a flourishing, Eden‑like inheritance. The verse affirms God’s enduring faithfulness, invites hope in both historical and future fulfillment, and encourages believers today to trust in God’s power to bring restoration and blessing into their own lives.