Definition: But ye, O mountains of Israel, ye shall shoot forth your branches, and yield your fruit to my people of Israel; for they are at hand to come.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Ezekiel 36:8. It's a really interesting and symbolic verse! Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse is about God wanting to restore something that has been damaged or neglected. It’s saying, “God wants to bring back the good things He created for His people.” Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Ezekiel 36:8” : This refers to a specific event in Ezekiel’s vision – he saw God speaking to him and instructing him to focus on the mountains of Israel. "But ye, O mountains of Israel..." : This is a direct address to the Israelites (the people of Israel). “Ye” is a plural pronoun used here to refer to all of them. It’s like saying "You, all of you." "...ye shall shoot forth your branches..." : Think of it as "you will grow and flourish." This means they need to become healthier, stronger, and more fruitful – just like trees grow and produce fruit. "...and yield your fruit to my people of Israel..." : This is the crucial part! “Yield” means to give something up or to produce a result. "Fruit" here symbolizes blessings, prosperity, goodness, and a good life for their people. “My people of Israel” refers specifically to the Israelites – God wants to bring back what they've lost. "...for they are at hand to come." : This is the key message! “They are at hand” means they are coming – soon . It’s a promise of a future time when God will restore and bless them again. It implies a return to a time of abundance and goodness. Overall Meaning & Context: This verse speaks about a time of restoration and renewal for the Israelites after a period of hardship or neglect. It's a message of hope and that God is working to bring back what He has lost, with the ultimate goal of fulfilling His promises to his people. In short, it’s a call to action – for the Israelites to grow and produce good things so they can be blessed again. Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Give you some examples of what "fruit" could mean in a biblical context?