What is the meaning of Ezekiel 34:28? They will no longer be prey for the nations - God speaks to Israel, promising that foreign powers will no longer dominate or exploit them. Throughout history they had been scattered and oppressed (2 Kings 17:6; 2 Chron 36:17). Here the Lord reverses that pattern. - This promise flows from the “covenant of peace” in the same chapter: “I will make a covenant of peace with them and rid the land of vicious beasts” (Ezekiel 34:25). - The prophecy looks forward to the physical regathering and restoration of Israel under Messiah’s rule (Ezekiel 36:24-28; Isaiah 60:12). When Christ reigns, the nations will be blessed through Israel rather than preying upon her (Zechariah 8:22-23). The beasts of the earth will not consume them - The expression includes literal protection from wild animals (Leviticus 26:6) and figuratively points to protection from brutal rulers who act like beasts (Daniel 7:3-7). - God’s shepherd-care guarantees safety: “I will banish the beasts from the land, so that they may dwell securely in the wilderness” (Ezekiel 34:25). - Hosea 2:18 pictures the same future: “I will make a covenant for them on that day with the beasts of the field… and I will abolish the bow, the sword, and war from the land.” Creation itself will be brought into harmony under Christ (Romans 8:21). They will dwell securely - Security is the hallmark of the messianic kingdom. “Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell securely” (Jeremiah 23:6). - This is more than a feeling; it is a concrete condition resulting from God’s presence (Ezekiel 48:35) and His unwavering protection (Psalm 4:8). - Zechariah 14:11 promises, “People will live in it, and there will no longer be a curse of destruction; Jerusalem will dwell securely.” The prophecy is literal: real people in a restored land, living in lasting peace. No one will frighten them - All causes of fear—war, oppression, persecution—are removed. “In righteousness you will be established… you will have nothing to fear” (Isaiah 54:14). - Zephaniah 3:13 echoes, “They will eat and lie down with no one to make them tremble.” - Luke 1:74 ties this theme to the coming of Christ: “that we, being delivered from the hand of our enemies, might serve Him without fear.” Perfect love realized in God’s kingdom casts out fear. summary Ezekiel 34:28 foretells a time when Israel, once scattered and vulnerable, will experience complete deliverance, safety, and peace under the personal rule of the Good Shepherd. Nations will no longer oppress, predatory forces will be silenced, and God’s people will live securely, unafraid, in the land promised to them. The verse assures believers today that the Lord keeps every promise and that ultimate, tangible peace is guaranteed in His coming kingdom. |
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