Claiming Victory Over Our Enemies
"Thus saith the Lord GOD; Because the enemy hath said against you, Aha, even the ancient high places are our's in possession:" - Ezekiel 36:2
In the ancient world, cities were often defined by their high places—citadels that stood as symbols of strength and power. In Ezekiel 36:2, we find the Lord speaking directly to the Israelites through His prophet Ezekiel, declaring, "Thus saith the Lord GOD; Because the enemy hath said against you, Aha, even the ancient high places are our's in possession." This statement resonates not just in its historical context, but also in our contemporary walk of faith, reminding us of the struggles and victories we face in our spiritual lives.
The circumstances surrounding this verse are deeply rooted in the social and political turmoil that the Israelites experienced. They had suffered defeat and exile, leading their captors to mock and declare ownership over their sacred places. The "high places" that once represented their worship, strength, and identity were now in the hands of those who reveled in their disgrace. Yet it is within this context of despair that God speaks assurance and restoration.
God acknowledges the taunts of the enemy. This acknowledgment is crucial for us as believers. Our struggles, disappointments, and setbacks do not go unnoticed by God. He sees the adversity we face, the mocking voices that taunt us, and the situations that seem overwhelming. When the enemy shouts, "Aha!" at our failures, we can take comfort in knowing that God is aware of our battles.
In spiritual warfare, the adversary often employs mockery and deceit to rob us of our faith and assurance. We may feel as if our high places—those personal victories, relationships, dreams, and even our relationship with God—are being claimed by the enemy. But let us remember that our God is a restorer. He does not turn a blind eye to enemy advances; instead, He promises to reclaim and restore what rightfully belongs to us as His children.
The verse holds a promise of vindication. When God states, "Because the enemy hath said against you," He recognizes that we are not alone in our battles. He is intimately aware of our plight. And just as He defended the Israelites, God also stands ready to defend us against the accusations and assaults of our spiritual enemies. This assurance empowers us to confront these battles with a renewed sense of hope.
Furthermore, it is vital to acknowledge the power of words. The enemy’s declarations come to influence our perceptions, clouding the truth of God’s promises. When challenges arise, when life’s problems seem insurmountable, we must refuse to accept the lies that suggest we are defeated. Instead, let us cling to Scripture—God’s Word—that reassures us of His unfailing love and strength. Romans 8:31 eloquently reminds us, "What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?"
As we contemplate this powerful verse from Ezekiel, let us also engage in prayer, beseeching God to fortify us against the whispers of defeat. When the high places of our lives seem overtaken by negativity, doubt, or despair, we should seek His guidance and strength to reclaim our spiritual inheritance.
Restoration is often a journey, one that can involve both waiting and active participation in our healing. Just as God promised to restore the fortunes of Israel, He also promises to restore our hope when we trust Him to act on our behalf. When the enemy proclaims our defeat, let us instead proclaim our victory through Christ, who assures us with His sacrifice and promises us an eternal place with Him.
Thus, as we move forward in faith, emboldened by the truth of Ezekiel 36:2, let us turn our eyes away from the high places the enemy thinks he possesses. Instead, let us look to God, who holds all authority and can reclaim our high places for His glory. We are not defeated; rather, we are victorious in the name of our Lord, who fights for us and ensures that all that was lost can be redeemed.
Want to reflect more on Ezekiel 36:2?
Continue your spiritual journey with Bible Chat — an AI-powered tool for exploring God's Word through conversation. Ask questions, discover connections, and deepen your understanding.
Get Our Apps
Ezekiel 36:2 Artwork
Ezekiel 36:2 - "Thus saith the Lord GOD; Because the enemy hath said against you, Aha, even the ancient high places are our's in possession:"
"Thus saith the Lord GOD; Because the enemy hath said against you, Aha, even the ancient high places are our's in possession:" - Ezekiel 36:2
Ezekiel 36:16 - "¶ Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,"
Ezekiel 36:36 - "Then the heathen that are left round about you shall know that I the LORD build the ruined places, and plant that that was desolate: I the LORD have spoken it, and I will do it."
"A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh." - Ezekiel 36:26
Ezekiel 36:34 - "And the desolate land shall be tilled, whereas it lay desolate in the sight of all that passed by."
Ezekiel 36:9 - "For, behold, I am for you, and I will turn unto you, and ye shall be tilled and sown:"
Ezekiel 27:36 - "The merchants among the people shall hiss at thee; thou shalt be a terror, and never shalt be any more."
Ezekiel 36:30 - "And I will multiply the fruit of the tree, and the increase of the field, that ye shall receive no more reproach of famine among the heathen."
Ezekiel 36:28 - "And ye shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers; and ye shall be my people, and I will be your God."
Ezekiel 20:36 - "Like as I pleaded with your fathers in the wilderness of the land of Egypt, so will I plead with you, saith the Lord GOD."
Ezekiel 36:21 - "¶ But I had pity for mine holy name, which the house of Israel had profaned among the heathen, whither they went."
Ezekiel 36:14 - "Therefore thou shalt devour men no more, neither bereave thy nations any more, saith the Lord GOD."
Ezekiel 36:1 - "Also, thou son of man, prophesy unto the mountains of Israel, and say, Ye mountains of Israel, hear the word of the LORD:"
Ezekiel 36:35 - "And they shall say, This land that was desolate is become like the garden of Eden; and the waste and desolate and ruined cities are become fenced, and are inhabited."
Ezekiel 36:24 - "For I will take you from among the heathen, and gather you out of all countries, and will bring you into your own land."
Ezekiel 36:19 - "And I scattered them among the heathen, and they were dispersed through the countries: according to their way and according to their doings I judged them."
Ezekiel 36:29 - "I will also save you from all your uncleannesses: and I will call for the corn, and will increase it, and lay no famine upon you."
"¶ Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying," - Ezekiel 36:16
Ezekiel 36:18 - "Wherefore I poured my fury upon them for the blood that they had shed upon the land, and for their idols wherewith they had polluted it:"
Ezekiel 36:10 - "And I will multiply men upon you, all the house of Israel, even all of it: and the cities shall be inhabited, and the wastes shall be builded:"
Ezekiel 40:36 - "The little chambers thereof, the posts thereof, and the arches thereof, and the windows to it round about: the length was fifty cubits, and the breadth five and twenty cubits."
Ezekiel 36:13 - "Thus saith the Lord GOD; Because they say unto you, Thou land devourest up men, and hast bereaved thy nations;"
Ezekiel 36:37 - "Thus saith the Lord GOD; I will yet for this be enquired of by the house of Israel, to do it for them; I will increase them with men like a flock."
Ezekiel 23:36 - "¶ The LORD said moreover unto me; Son of man, wilt thou judge Aholah and Aholibah? yea, declare unto them their abominations;"
Ezekiel 36:32 - "Not for your sakes do I this, saith the Lord GOD, be it known unto you: be ashamed and confounded for your own ways, O house of Israel."
Ezekiel 36:7 - "Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; I have lifted up mine hand, Surely the heathen that are about you, they shall bear their shame."
Ezekiel 36:27 - "And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them."
Ezekiel 36:17 - "Son of man, when the house of Israel dwelt in their own land, they defiled it by their own way and by their doings: their way was before me as the uncleanness of a removed woman."
Ezekiel 36:8 - "¶ 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."