Ezekiel 36: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Ezekiel 36 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

Yahweh commands Ezekiel to prophesy to the mountains of Israel. The nations spoke against Israel, claiming the land for themselves (vv. 1-5). Yahweh promises restoration to the mountains, hills, and valleys that have been desolate (vv. 6-15). He will multiply people and animals in Israel and clean the land from defilement (vv. 9-11).

Key verse

“I will also give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit within you. I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you a heart of flesh.”
Ezekiel 36:26 (WEB)

Outline

Ezekiel 36:1–5 Prophecy to the Mountains of Israel
Ezekiel 36:6–15 God’s Promises of Restoration
Ezekiel 36:16–21 The Reasons for Judgment
Ezekiel 36:22–32 God’s Intent for His Name
Ezekiel 36:33–38 Future Abundance and Inhabitance

Discussion questions

In v6, what does Yahweh say to the mountains of Israel regarding shame?
What will Yahweh do for Israel in v10 after the waste places are built?
Yahweh's promise of a new heart in v26: how does this connect to Israel's past actions?
The phrase 'my holy name' in v22: why is this significant for the house of Israel?
When have you felt the need for renewal, as described in v25, in your own life?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Ezekiel 36: 2 Corinthians 5, Hebrews 8, Psalm 51.

Before next time: read Ezekiel 37.