16 And the word of Jehovah came unto me, saying, 17 Son of man, when the house of Israel dwelt in their own land, they defiled it by their way and by their doings: their way was before me as the uncleanness of a woman in her separation. 18 And I poured out my fury upon them for the blood that they had shed upon the land, and because they had defiled it with their idols. 19 And I scattered them among the nations, and they were dispersed through the countries: according to their way and according to their doings I judged them. 20 And when they came to the nations whither they went, they profaned my holy name, when it was said of them, These are the people of Jehovah, and they are gone forth out of his land. 21 But I had pity for my holy name, which the house of Israel had profaned among the nations whither they went. 22 Therefore say unto the house of Israel, Thus saith the Lord Jehovah: I do not this for your sakes, O house of Israel, but for my holy name, which ye have profaned among the nations whither ye went. 23 And I will hallow my great name, which was profaned among the nations, which ye have profaned in the midst of them; and the nations shall know that I [am] Jehovah, saith the Lord Jehovah, when I shall be hallowed in you before their eyes. 24 And I will take you from among the nations, and gather you out of all the countries, and will bring you into your own land.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Ezekiel 36:16-24
Commentary on Ezekiel 36:16-24
(Read Ezekiel 36:16-24)
The restoration of that people, being typical of our redemption by Christ, shows that the end aimed at in our salvation is the glory of God. The sin of a people defiles their land; renders it abominable to God, and uncomfortable to themselves. God's holy name is his great name; his holiness is his greatness, nor does any thing else make a man truly great.