Exile is not God’s last word for his people. Babylon will never become a permanent home away from home. Israel is not about to fade into the history books. It is God’s intention to bring about for his elect both geographical salvation (36:1–15) and spiritual salvation (36:16–38)—in that order. Ezekiel is told to prophesy to the mountains of Israel and to share the good news with them. This contrasts vividly with chapter 6, where Ezekiel is told to prophesy to the mountains of Israel and share with them the bad news—Israel will be scattered.

The enemies who have taunted Israel and attempted to move into her turf, especially Edom, will find themselves rebuffed. So committed is God to this that he swears with uplifted hand (36:7) to see that it is so. Verses 1–7 describe what God will do wi…