Question 1

What does God mean by doing this for His holy name and not for Israel’s sake?

Accepted Answer

When God says He acts for His holy name and not for Israel’s sake, He is reminding them that they have not earned this mercy. They had profaned His name among the nations by their sin and by being driven out of their land. God chooses to restore them to show who He is: holy, faithful, and merciful. His reputation among the nations is at stake. By saving and changing a people who do not deserve it, He shows that His grace and faithfulness are stronger than their failure.

Question 2

What does it mean that God will sprinkle clean water and make them clean?

Accepted Answer

The picture of God sprinkling clean water points to Him washing away their sins and idols. Their hearts and lives had been marked by uncleanness and false worship. God promises a cleansing that removes their filthiness and breaks the hold of their idols. It is not about them washing themselves, but about God acting on them. This points to a deep, inner cleansing that prepares them for the new heart and new spirit He then promises, so they can truly belong to Him.

Question 3

What is the new heart and new spirit that God promises to give?

Accepted Answer

The new heart and new spirit describe a deep change inside a person. Their old heart is called a stony heart, hard and unresponsive to God. God promises to take that away and give a heart of flesh, soft and willing to listen. He gives a new spirit so that their desires and attitudes are changed. This is more than outward reform. It is God making people who once resisted Him now want to walk in His ways. It is His work, not something they produce on their own.

Question 4

What does it mean that God will put His Spirit within them?

Accepted Answer

When God says, “I will put my Spirit within you,” He is promising His own presence living in His people. This is how the new heart and new spirit are possible. His Spirit changes their will and gives strength to walk in His statutes and keep His judgments. Obedience is no longer just a heavy rule from the outside, but something they are moved to do from within. This promise points ahead to God’s Spirit given to His people so they can truly live for Him.

Question 5

How are the land and the people restored in this passage?

Accepted Answer

God promises both spiritual and physical restoration. Spiritually, He cleanses them from their uncleanness and idols, gives them a new heart, and puts His Spirit within them. Physically, He brings them back from the nations to their own land, ends famine, and blesses the fields and trees with fruit. Ruined cities are rebuilt and inhabited. People who pass by say that the land looks like the garden of Eden. All this shows that the Lord is the one who rebuilds and plants what was desolate.

Question 6

Why will Israel remember their evil ways and loathe themselves?

Accepted Answer

After God cleanses and restores them, the people will look back and see how evil their ways were. They will “loathe” themselves, meaning they will feel deep sorrow and shame for their sins and abominations. This is not self-hatred without hope, but true repentance. They now see their sin in the light of God’s mercy. Knowing that He restored them not because they deserved it, but for His name, makes them humble. It leads them to hate their sin and be ashamed of their past pride.

Question 7

What does this passage teach about God’s character?

Accepted Answer

This passage shows God as holy, faithful, and gracious. He cares deeply about His name and will not overlook sin, which is why Israel was scattered. Yet He also shows compassion by restoring them. He takes the initiative to cleanse, to give a new heart, and to send His Spirit. He cares for their daily needs by removing famine and blessing the land. He keeps His word: “I the Lord have spoken it, and I will do it.” Through changed people and a renewed land, He makes Himself known.

Question 8

What was happening with Israel when God gave this promise of restoration?

Accepted Answer

Israel had been driven out of their land because of their sin, including idolatry and violence. They were living among foreign nations, and even there their condition made God’s name look weak or dishonored. In that setting of shame, loss, and judgment, God spoke this promise. He explained why they were scattered, and then promised to gather them again, cleanse them, and rebuild their ruined places. The promise comes right into the middle of their brokenness and points forward to a new beginning.

Question 9

How should believers today think about the promises of a new heart and Spirit here?

Accepted Answer

Believers today can see in these words how God works in those He saves. The passage shows that real change starts with God, not with human effort. He cleanses, gives a new heart, and puts His Spirit within. While the promise was first spoken to Israel in their situation, it matches how God works in everyone He brings to Himself. It encourages people not to trust in their own strength, but to ask God to change their hearts and to thank Him when they see new desires to obey Him.

Question 10

Why does God say He will yet be enquired of by the house of Israel to do this?

Accepted Answer

At the end of the passage, God says He will still be asked by the house of Israel to do what He promised. This shows that His sure promises do not remove the need for prayer, but stir it up. He plans to increase them like a flock and fill the waste cities with people, yet He also wants them to seek Him about it. Their asking is part of how He brings about what He has already said. It teaches that God’s people should pray in line with His promises, not instead of them.

Ezekiel 36:22

Therefore say unto the house of Israel, Thus saith the Lord God; I do not this for your sakes, O house of Israel, but for mine holy name’s sake, which ye have profaned among the heathen, whither ye went.

A New Heart and a New Spirit

Israel to Be Renewed for His Name’s Sake

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Ezekiel 36:22

Therefore say unto the house of Israel, Thus saith the Lord God; I do not this for your sakes, O house of Israel, but for mine holy name’s sake, which ye have profaned among the heathen, whither ye went.

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A New Heart and a New Spirit

Israel to Be Renewed for His Name’s Sake

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