possessed.” Directly addressing the mocking taunt of the observers to Israel’s exile (v. 20), this promise declares that Yahweh will prove himself both faithful to his people and land, and competent to fulfill his patron responsibilities as understood by the nations. (b) The Transformation of Israel (36:25–28) But Yahweh’s efforts to rehabilitate his reputation will go far beyond merely reuniting people and land; he will also revitalize the relationship between himself and his people. Coming immediately