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"I will also enable you to dwell in the cities"

Text: Ezekiel 36:33

CLEANSING AND ENABLING

The matter of cleansing of the sins of Israel must first be done. Only after the work of cleansing has been done will God enable Israel to dwell in the land. The order of God’s plan must be carefully understood.

“Thus says the Lord God:
‘On the day that I cleanse you from all your iniquities,
I will also enable you to dwell in the cities,
and the ruins shall be rebuilt.
The desolate land shall be tilled
instead of lying desolate in the sight of all who pass by.
So they will say,
‘This land that was desolate has become like the garden of Eden;
and the wasted, desolate, and ruined cities
are now fortified and inhabited.’
Then the nations which are left all around you
shall know that I, the Lord,
have rebuilt the ruined places and planted what was desolate.
I, the Lord, have spoken it, and I will do it.'”
Ezekiel 36:33-36

1. When Israel remained unrepentant.

a) The nation continued to be weak.

b) It would suffer subjugation and oppression.

2. God had to address the problem of their iniquities first.

a) The nation needs to be cleansed thoroughly.

b) It must show remorse and repentance.

3. After the cleansing process:

a) God will enable Israel to rebuild the nation.

b) The ruined cities would be restored.

c) People would inhabit the land again.

4. A great transformation will take place.

a) The land would no longer lie desolate.

b) The remarks of passers-by.

i) “This land that was desolate has become like the garden of Eden.”

ii) “And the wasted, desolate, and ruined cities are now fortified and inhabited.”

5. Acknowledgment of God’s hand of blessing.

a) The neighbouring nations would take note of the transformation.

b) They would take note that God Himself had done this great work of transforming the land.

i) The Lord had spoken of His plan to rebuild the nation of Israel.

ii) He has done what He had revealed as His plans for Israel.