How does Ezekiel 34:28 connect to Psalm 23's theme of divine protection? Contextual Snapshot “They will no longer be prey to the nations, nor will the beasts of the earth devour them; they will live in safety, and no one will make them afraid.” “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want… Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” Ezekiel 34:28—Fourfold Pledge of Safety • No more prey to the nations • No devouring beasts • Dwelling in safety • Freedom from fear Each promise is rooted in the LORD’s role as Israel’s Shepherd (Ezekiel 34:11-16). Psalm 23—Personal Experience of the Same Shepherd • Provision: “I shall not want” (v.1) • Guidance: “He leads me beside still waters” (v.2) • Protection: “Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me” (v.4) • Fearlessness: “I will fear no evil” (v.4) Shared Shepherd Imagery – Shepherd identity: Ezekiel 34:11-15; Psalm 23:1 – Safe pasture: Ezekiel 34:14; Psalm 23:2 – Protection from predators: Ezekiel 34:28; Psalm 23:4 – Removal of fear: Ezekiel 34:28; Psalm 23:4 Both passages reveal the same divine Shepherd who gathers, feeds, and secures His flock. Theological Thread 1. Covenant Faithfulness • Leviticus 26:6—“I will grant peace in the land, and you will lie down without fear.” • Ezekiel reaffirms the covenant; David testifies to its reality. 2. Messianic Fulfillment • John 10:11—Jesus identifies Himself as “the good Shepherd,” fulfilling both texts. • Hebrews 13:20 calls Him “the great Shepherd of the sheep.” 3. Eschatological Security • Revelation 7:17—“The Lamb… will shepherd them… and God will wipe away every tear.” • Echoes Ezekiel’s future safety and Psalm 23’s everlasting dwelling (v.6). Practical Takeaways • Our protection is anchored in the Shepherd’s character, not our circumstances. • Fear dissipates when we trust His presence (“You are with me”). • The same promises of safety given to Israel are ours in Christ (Galatians 3:29). • Daily rest in His shepherding care by meditating on these parallel texts. |
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