hear the word of the LORD

Ezekiel 36:1-11





Son of man, prophesy to the mountains of Israel and say, 'O mountains of Israel, hear the word of the Lord.





This is what the Sovereign Lord says: The enemy said of you, "Aha! The ancient heights have become our possession."





Therefore prophesy and say, 'This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Because they ravaged and hounded you from every side so that you became the possession of the rest of the nations and the object of people's malicious talk and slander, therefore, O mountains of Israel, hear the word of the Sovereign Lord:





This is what the Sovereign Lord says to the mountains and hills, to the ravines and valleys, to the desolate ruins and the deserted towns that have been plundered and ridiculed by the rest of the nations around you-





this is what the Sovereign Lord says: In my burning zeal I have spoken against the rest of the nations, and against all Edom, for with glee and with malice in their hearts they made my land their own possession so that they might plunder its pastureland.'





Therefore prophesy concerning the land of Israel and say to the mountains and hills, to the ravins and valleys: "This is what te Sovereign Lord says:





I speak in my jealous wrath because you have suffered the scorn of the nations. Therefore this is what the Sovereign Lord says: I swear with uplifted hand that the nations around you will also suffer scorn.





"But you, O mountain of Israel, will produce branches and fruit for my people Israel, for they will soon come home.

I am concerned for you and will look on you with favor;

you will be plowed and sown,

and I will multiply the number of people upon you,

even the whole house of Israel.

The towns will be inhabited and the ruins rebuilt.

I will increase the number of men and animals upon you,

and they will be fruitful and become numerous.

I will settle people on you as in the past and will make you prosper more than before.

Then you will know that I am the Lord.