Ezekiel 36:37

Ezekiel 36:37, in plain English

God will listen to the prayers and cries of Israel and do for them something even more wonderful: He'll multiply their people like a vast flock, so they become numerous again.

Why it's here

The exiles didn't just need a home—they needed hope for the future. Many had died in captivity; the population was diminished. God is promising that not only will the survivors return, but their descendants will multiply. The nation will grow again, strong and numerous.

Who's speaking

God, through Ezekiel, expanding the scope of restoration

Where it sits in the story

This echoes God's promise to Abraham that his descendants would be as numerous as the stars. What exile seemed to end—the growth and prosperity of Israel—God promises to restore and even exceed.

The scholarly reading

God will respond to Israel's prayers once restoration is complete, multiplying their population dramatically—expanding the community far beyond mere return to pre-exile numbers.

Language and setting

The Hebrew *wǝšāmaʿtî* (I will hear) suggests that restoration creates the conditions for authentic prayer; exiles in despair could not truly pray, but restored Israel can supplicate God from a position of covenant relationship. The comparison to 'a flock' (*ṣōʾn*) emphasizes not merely growth but divinely ordered, shepherded increase—God is not merely removing obstacles but actively multiplying His people.

Voice

YHWH through Ezekiel, describing the multiplication that follows restoration

Significance

This verse opens the final promise sequence, moving beyond return and restoration toward expansion. The Abrahamic promise of multiplication (Genesis 15:5, 'look toward heaven and count the stars... so shall your descendants be') resurfaces here, now applied to post-exilic restoration. This anticipates the New Testament's spiritual application of these promises to the church as the 'flock of God' (1 Peter 5:2-3).

35Then they will say, ‘This land that was desolate has become like the garden of Eden. The cities that were once ruined, desolate, and destroyed are now fortified and inhabited.’

36Then the nations around you that remain will know that I, the LORD, have rebuilt what was destroyed, and I have replanted what was desolate. I, the LORD, have spoken, and I will do it.

37This is what the Lord GOD says: Once again I will hear the plea of the house of Israel and do for them this: I will multiply their people like a flock.

38Like the numerous flocks for sacrifices at Jerusalem during her appointed feasts, so the ruined cities will be filled with flocks of people. Then they will know that I am the LORD.”

Read all of Ezekiel 36 — I will sprinkle clean water on you. I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you. Not for your sake — for the sake of my holy name.