Definition: Therefore, ye mountains of Israel, hear the word of the Lord GOD; Thus saith the Lord GOD to the mountains, and to the hills, to the rivers, and to the valleys, to the desolate wastes, and to the cities that are forsaken, which became a prey and derision to the residue of the heathen that [are] round about;

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezekiel 36:4. It’s a really interesting and symbolic passage – it’s not just about mountains! Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying God is actively sending instructions to the mountains, hills, rivers, and even forgotten places to change themselves. It’s like God is giving them a message to become something new and better. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Ezekiel 36:4 Therefore, ye mountains of Israel, hear the word of the Lord GOD…” – This tells us who is speaking – God Himself. He’s addressing Israel , specifically the people of Israel. “…Thus saith the Lord GOD to the mountains, and to the hills, to the rivers, and to the valleys, to the desolate wastes, and to the cities that are forsaken…” – This is the core of the message. God is speaking directly to these places – the mountains, hills, rivers, valleys, and even forgotten areas. It’s a very broad range of land. “…which became a prey and derision to the residue of the heathen that are round about.” - This is the crucial part. "Residue of the heathen" means the people who were around these places – the rest of the world, the non-Israelites. God is saying: “These areas, which were previously filled with indifference and scorn, have now been changed by your presence.” It’s like a bad situation has turned into something good. So, what does it mean in a broader sense? This verse speaks to a few important ideas: God's Active Involvement: God isn’t just watching things happen; He is actively working to improve the world around Him. Transformation and Renewal: The mountains are being transformed – becoming beautiful, fertile, and perhaps even a symbol of hope and restoration. This suggests that God wants to bring about positive change in the world. It's a Powerful Message: It’s a message of hope and renewal . It reminds us that God is powerful enough to shape our environment – and our lives – for good. It implies that even things that seem desolate or abandoned can be transformed by God’s presence. --- Resources if you'd like to learn more: Bible Gateway: [https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/Ezekiel%3A4](https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/Ezekiel%3A4) - This site has a good explanation and translation of the verse. The Bible Project: [https://thebiblestory.com/ezekiel-36-4-interpretation/](https://thebiblestory.com/ezekiel-36-4-interpretation/) – They offer a visually engaging breakdown of the verse’s meaning. Do you have any specific questions about this verse that you'd like me to answer? For example, would you like me to: Explain it in a different way? Connect it to other parts of the Bible?