Therefore thus says the Lord GOD: I swear that the nations that are all around you shall themselves suffer reproach.
The prophet had been ordered to set his face towards the mountains of Israel and prophesy against them, Eze 6:2. Then God was coming forth to contend with his people; but now that God is returning in mercy to them he must speak good words and comfortable words to these mountains, Eze 36:1 and again Eze 36:4.
Commenting on Ezekiel 36:1-15
Therefore thus saith the Lord God,.... This being the case, the people of God being in distress, and under shame and disgrace, and the enemy insulting them, and triumphing over them: I have lifted up mine hand; solemnly swore; lifting up of the hand being a rite used by men when they swore, Gen 14:22, surely the Heathen that are about you, they shall bear...
lifted . . . mine hand--in token of an oath (Eze 20:5; Gen 14:22). they shall bear their shame--a perpetual shame; whereas the "shame" which Israel bore from these heathen was only for a time.