Passage
Like the flock for holy offerings, like the flock at Jerusalem during her appointed times, so will the waste cities be filled with flocks of men. Then they will know that I am Yahweh.”’”
Ezekiel 36:38 (LSB)
Nearby Context
Ezekiel 36:36 Then the nations that remain all around you will know that I, Yahweh, have rebuilt the ruined places and planted that which was desolate; I, Yahweh, have spoken and will do it.”
Ezekiel 36:37 ‘Thus says Lord Yahweh, “This also I will let the house of Israel inquire of Me to do for them: I will increase their men like a flock.
Ezekiel 36:38 Like the flock for holy offerings, like the flock at Jerusalem during her appointed times, so will the waste cities be filled with flocks of men. Then they will know that I am Yahweh.”’”
Study Lenses
The verse centers on "like", "flock", "holy", "offerings", "jerusalem", and "during". It is saying that the verse draws attention to "like" and "flock", so its meaning should be read from those terms before moving to application.
The prior verse says "Thus says Lord Yahweh This also I...", giving immediate footing for "like" and "flock". In Ezekiel context, the local focus is covenant, worship, and faithfulness.
A plain takeaway is to answer the verse's own emphasis on "like" and "flock" with trust shaped by these words, not by a vague optimism outside the passage.