Ezekiel 36:11Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

And I will increase your numbers, both of people and livestock, and they shall flourish and expand, and I will restore you as before, and I will be gracious to you as in the summer that has passed; and they shall recognize that I am the Lord. It is not the mountains that will comprehend this, but rather those who inhabit them. This occurred after the return from Babylon, and the evidence is clear; for the cities of Palestine, now thriving with people, are being rebuilt and are renowned for their beauty. However, the only city that remains in ruins is the one where the Jews, in their vehement rebellion against their Lord and Redeemer, committed this audacity—the act of the cross—which, while securing salvation for all humanity, led to their own condemnation. The Lord promised that all Israel would return, and He fulfilled this promise; for He permitted all to return to Cyprus, but those burdened by persistent disobedience resisted His command and chose their own homeland over others.