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)

Context

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 immediate setting is the Babylonian captivity, when the land had been laid waste and the cities ruined because of the people’s disobedience and idolatry.

Meaning

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. The ruined cities become fenced and inhabited, indicating security, settlement, and fertility. The speakers are likely the neighboring nations or travelers who had observed the land’s former desolation and now witness its restoration, as the following verse clarifies that they will know the Lord has done this work.

Biblical connections

God’s promise emphasizes both physical and spiritual renewal. Historically, after the Babylonian exile, the people of Israel began a gradual return under leaders 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: through Jesus Christ, believers experience spiritual restoration that points forward to the ultimate renewal of all things.

Application

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.