Ezekiel 28:26

KJV

And they shall dwell safely therein, and shall build houses, and plant vineyards; yea, they shall dwell with confidence, when I have executed judgments upon all those that despise them round about them; and they shall know that I [am] the LORD their God.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they shall dwell {H3427} safely {H983} therein, and shall build {H1129} houses {H1004}, and plant {H5193} vineyards {H3754}; yea, they shall dwell {H3427} with confidence {H983}, when I have executed {H6213} judgments {H8201} upon all those that despise {H7590} them round about {H5439} them; and they shall know {H3045} that I am the LORD {H3068} their God {H430}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They will have security when they live there, building houses and planting vineyards; yes, they will live in safety, once I have executed judgments against all their contemptuous neighbors. Then they will know that I am ADONAI their God.'"

Berean Standard Bible

And there they will dwell securely, build houses, and plant vineyards. They will dwell securely when I execute judgments against all those around them who treat them with contempt. Then they will know that I am the LORD their God.’”

American Standard Version

And they shall dwell securely therein; yea, they shall build houses, and plant vineyards, and shall dwell securely, when I have executed judgments upon all those that do them despite round about them; and they shall know that I am Jehovah their God.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 28:26 presents a powerful vision of Israel's future restoration and security, a direct consequence of God's sovereign judgment upon their hostile surrounding nations. This verse paints a vivid picture of a people dwelling in profound peace and confidence, re-establishing their lives through building and planting, culminating in a deep, experiential knowledge of the LORD as their faithful God. It encapsulates the eschatological hope of a secure dwelling for God's covenant people, founded upon divine justice and leading to intimate communion with their Creator.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 28:26 serves as a climactic counterpoint to the preceding prophecies of judgment, particularly against Tyre and Sidon (Ezekiel 28:1-26). The chapter opens with a scathing indictment of Tyre's king, who, in his pride and self-sufficiency, declared himself a god (Ezekiel 28:2). This hubris, rooted in commercial prosperity and perceived invincibility, is met with divine condemnation and a promise of utter destruction. Following this, a lamentation for the king of Tyre (Ezekiel 28:11-19) further underscores the fall from a state of perfection due to iniquity. The prophecy then briefly turns to Sidon (Ezekiel 28:20-23), promising judgment to demonstrate God's holiness. Verse 26, therefore, provides a stark and hopeful contrast, shifting from the downfall of proud Gentile nations to the promised restoration and secure dwelling of Israel, highlighting God's ultimate faithfulness to His covenant people amidst the chaos of international politics and judgment. It is part of a larger prophetic arc in Ezekiel that moves from judgment on Israel and the nations to the glorious promise of Israel's spiritual and physical restoration, culminating in the vision of the new temple and land.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecies in Ezekiel were delivered during the Babylonian exile, a period of immense national trauma for Israel. The people had been dispossessed of their land, their temple destroyed, and their national identity severely challenged. Surrounding nations, like Tyre and Sidon, often took advantage of Israel's vulnerability, sometimes actively participating in their oppression or gloating over their downfall (cf. [Ezekiel 25:6](/ezekiel/25-6 "Ezekiel 25:6 - Moab's Gloating")). In the ancient Near East, security, the ability to build houses, and plant vineyards were fundamental indicators of peace, stability, and divine blessing. Conversely, exile, displacement, and the inability to cultivate one's land were signs of judgment and national defeat. The promise in Ezekiel 28:26 directly addresses these deep-seated anxieties of the exiles, offering a vision of a future where they are not only back in their land but are also protected from external threats, free to rebuild their lives and enjoy the fruit of their labor without fear. This vision of undisturbed peace and prosperity was the ultimate aspiration for any ancient society, signifying the favor and protection of their deity.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes prevalent in Ezekiel and the broader prophetic literature. First, it underscores **Divine Sovereignty and Justice**, demonstrating that God is not only sovereign over Israel but also over all nations, executing His righteous judgment on those who oppose His people and His purposes. Second, it highlights **Covenant Faithfulness and Restoration**, affirming God's unwavering commitment to His covenant with Israel, promising their return to the land and a secure dwelling despite their past unfaithfulness and current exile. This theme is echoed in other prophetic books, such as [Isaiah 43:5-6](/isaiah/43-5 "Isaiah 43:5-6 - God Gathers Israel") and [Jeremiah 30:3](/jeremiah/30-3 "Jeremiah 30:3 - Return from Exile"). Third, the phrase "build houses, and plant vineyards" speaks to **Eschatological Peace and Prosperity**, a recurring motif in prophetic visions of the messianic age, where God's people live in undisturbed shalom, enjoying the fruit of their labor (e.g., [Isaiah 65:21-23](/isaiah/65-21 "Isaiah 65:21-23 - Building and Planting in Peace")). Finally, the declaration "they shall know that I am the LORD their God" emphasizes the theme of **Experiential Knowledge of God**, which is the ultimate goal of God's redemptive work. Through these acts of judgment and restoration, God reveals His true identity and power, leading His people into a deeper, more intimate understanding and acknowledgment of His unique divine authority and covenant relationship, a theme frequently repeated throughout the book of [Ezekiel](/ezekiel/1 "The Book of Ezekiel").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **dwell (Hebrew, _yâshab'_ H3427):** This primitive root primarily means "to sit down," but broadly implies "to dwell," "to remain," or "to settle." In this context, it conveys a sense of permanent, undisturbed habitation, contrasting sharply with the transient, insecure existence of exiles. It speaks not merely of physical presence but of established, secure residency.
* **confidence (Hebrew, _beṭach'_ H983):** Derived from a root meaning "to trust," this word signifies safety, security, and assurance. It's more than just the absence of danger; it implies an inner state of trust and freedom from fear. The repetition of "dwell safely" and "dwell with confidence" emphasizes a profound, divinely-granted inner and outer security.
* **know (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ'_ H3045):** This verb denotes a deep, experiential knowledge, not merely intellectual assent. It implies recognition, understanding, and an intimate relationship. When applied to knowing God, it refers to a transformative, covenantal understanding of His character, power, and faithfulness, demonstrated through His actions in history. It is the ultimate outcome of God's redemptive work.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they shall dwell safely therein, and shall build houses, and plant vineyards;":** This clause paints a picture of profound peace and stability. "Dwell safely" (literally "sit in security") implies freedom from fear and threat. The ability to "build houses" and "plant vineyards" signifies long-term investment in the land, a stark contrast to the insecurity of exile where one could not settle or enjoy the fruit of their labor. These actions are fundamental markers of a settled, prosperous, and secure society, indicating a complete reversal of their previous state of displacement and oppression.
* **"yea, they shall dwell with confidence, when I have executed judgments upon all those that despise them round about them;":** This reiterates the theme of secure dwelling, emphasizing "confidence" (inner assurance) as a key component of their peace. Crucially, this security is not self-generated but is contingent upon God's active intervention. The phrase "when I have executed judgments" highlights divine justice as the prerequisite for Israel's peace. God will deal definitively with the surrounding nations who "despise" Israel, meaning those who treated them with contempt, gloated over their suffering, and actively opposed them. This underscores God's role as the protector and vindicator of His people.
* **"and they shall know that I [am] the LORD their God.":** This is the ultimate theological climax and purpose of God's actions. The judgments on the nations and the restoration of Israel are not ends in themselves but means to a greater end: that Israel (and by extension, the nations) would come to "know" God in a deep, experiential way. The divine self-revelation "I am the LORD their God" (Hebrew: *ani YHWH Elohehem*) is a powerful covenant formula, affirming God's unique identity, His sovereign power (YHWH), and His intimate, covenantal relationship with Israel (their God). This knowledge is born out of observing God's mighty acts of judgment and salvation.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 28:26 employs several significant literary devices. **Imagery** is central, with vivid descriptions of "building houses" and "planting vineyards" evoking a pastoral ideal of peace, prosperity, and settled life, directly contrasting the desolation of exile. The **Repetition** of "dwell safely" and "dwell with confidence" serves to emphasize the profound and multifaceted nature of the security God promises—both external protection and internal assurance. The phrase "I am the LORD their God" is a powerful **Covenant Formula** or **Divine Recognition Formula**, frequently used throughout Ezekiel and other prophetic books to underscore God's sovereign identity and His unique relationship with His people, a relationship that is reaffirmed and deepened through His acts of judgment and salvation. Finally, the verse functions as a dramatic **Contrast** to the preceding prophecies of judgment against Tyre and Sidon, highlighting God's dual nature as both a just judge of the wicked and a faithful redeemer of His covenant people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 28:26 stands as a testament to God's unwavering faithfulness and His ultimate plan for His people. It connects deeply with the broader biblical narrative of divine justice, where God actively intervenes in history to right wrongs and establish His righteous rule. This verse foreshadows the eschatological hope of a future age where peace is not merely the absence of war but a holistic well-being (*shalom*) rooted in God's presence and protection. It reiterates the truth that true security comes not from human strength or alliances, but from God alone, who both judges the proud and restores the humble. The ultimate goal of God's redemptive work, as seen here, is a profound, experiential knowledge of His identity and character, leading to a renewed and intimate covenant relationship.

* [Isaiah 32:18](/isaiah/32-18 "Isaiah 32:18 - Dwelling in Peaceful Habitations")
* [Jeremiah 31:33-34](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33-34 - The New Covenant and Knowing God")
* [Zechariah 8:4-5](/zechariah/8-4 "Zechariah 8:4-5 - Old Men and Women in the Streets of Jerusalem")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 28:26 offers profound comfort and challenge to believers today. In a world often marked by insecurity, conflict, and uncertainty, this verse reminds us that our ultimate safety and peace are found in the sovereign hand of God. Just as He promised to execute judgment on Israel's oppressors to secure His people, so too can we trust that God is actively working in history to bring about His righteous purposes, even amidst global turmoil. Our "building houses" and "planting vineyards" in life—our daily work, our relationships, our ministries—can be undertaken with confidence, knowing that God is our ultimate protector and provider. This confidence is not naive optimism but a deep, Spirit-given assurance that transcends circumstances, rooted in our experiential knowledge of God as "the LORD our God." It calls us to trust His timing for justice and to rest in His unfailing love, knowing that He is meticulously working all things for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the promise of God's judgment on oppressors bring you confidence in a world where injustice often seems to prevail?**
* **In what areas of your life are you currently seeking "safety" or "confidence"? How might the truth that God is "the LORD your God" shift your perspective and actions?**
* **What does it mean for you, experientially, to "know that I am the LORD your God" in your daily walk? How can you deepen this knowledge?**
* **How does the imagery of "building houses and planting vineyards" encourage you to invest in your present circumstances with hope, even when the future seems uncertain?**

### FAQ
**Is this prophecy of Israel's restoration fulfilled?**

Answer: The fulfillment of Ezekiel 28:26 is understood in multiple layers. Historically, there was a partial return from Babylonian exile, where some Jews did return to the land and began to rebuild (e.g., under Ezra and Nehemiah). However, this historical return did not fully embody the complete and undisturbed security, prosperity, and universal knowledge of God envisioned in this and other prophetic passages. The prophecy points to an ultimate, eschatological fulfillment, often seen by theologians as finding its consummation in the millennial reign of Christ or the eternal state, where God's people truly dwell in perfect safety and know Him fully, with all enemies subdued. Many also see a spiritual fulfillment in the Church, where believers experience spiritual security in Christ, but the literal, national aspect for Israel remains a point of theological discussion concerning future events.

**What does "know that I am the LORD their God" mean for us today?**

Answer: For believers today, "knowing that I am the LORD their God" signifies a profound, personal, and transformative relationship with God. It's not merely intellectual assent to His existence but an experiential understanding of His character, power, and faithfulness, revealed supremely in Jesus Christ. This knowledge comes through His Word, through the work of the Holy Spirit, and through observing His hand at work in our lives and in the world. It means acknowledging His sovereignty, trusting His promises, and living in obedience to His will. It's a dynamic, deepening relationship that provides true security and purpose, knowing that the God who judges evil and restores His people is our God, intimately involved in our lives. This deep knowledge is a hallmark of the [New Covenant](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33-34 - The New Covenant"), where God's law is written on hearts, and all will know Him.

**How does God's judgment on enemies relate to His love?**

Answer: God's judgment, as seen in Ezekiel 28:26, is an expression of His perfect justice and holiness, which are integral to His love. While it may seem harsh, God's judgment on those who "despise" His people and oppose His righteous order is necessary to protect the innocent, vindicate His name, and ultimately establish true peace and righteousness. It demonstrates His unwavering commitment to His covenant promises and His people. Without justice for evil, God's love would be incomplete, as it would fail to address the suffering caused by sin and oppression. Therefore, God's judgment is not a contradiction of His love but a demonstration of His comprehensive character, ensuring that His love can ultimately flourish in a world free from the destructive forces of sin and rebellion. It clears the way for the [peace and security](/isaiah/60-18 "Isaiah 60:18 - Violence Shall No More Be Heard") that His people are meant to enjoy.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 28:26 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ and His Kingdom. While the prophecy speaks of a physical restoration for Israel, its deepest spiritual realities are realized in the new covenant established through Christ. The "safety" and "confidence" promised here are supremely found in Christ, who is our true refuge and the source of our eternal security. He is the one who has "executed judgments" not only upon hostile nations but, more significantly, upon sin and death themselves through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, thereby disarming the principalities and powers (cf. [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities")). Through Him, believers are enabled to "build houses" (spiritually, as living stones in God's temple, cf. [1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones")) and "plant vineyards" (bearing fruit for His glory, cf. [John 15:5](/john/15-5 "John 15:5 - Abiding in the Vine")). The ultimate "dwelling with confidence" is found in the peace Christ gives, a peace that the world cannot give (cf. [John 14:27](/john/14-27 "John 14:27 - Christ's Peace")). Most significantly, the promise "they shall know that I am the LORD their God" is fully realized in Christ, who is the perfect revelation of God (cf. [John 14:9](/john/14-9 "John 14:9 - Seeing Jesus is Seeing the Father")) and through whom the Holy Spirit enables believers to intimately know the Father. In Him, we receive the Spirit who writes God's law on our hearts, fulfilling the New Covenant promise that "all will know me, from the least of them to the greatest" (cf. [Hebrews 8:10-12](/hebrews/8-10 "Hebrews 8:10-12 - The New Covenant")). Thus, Ezekiel 28:26 points forward to the comprehensive peace, security, and intimate knowledge of God that is uniquely found in salvation through Jesus Christ and will be consummated in His eternal Kingdom (cf. [Revelation 21:3-4](/revelation/21-3 "Revelation 21:3-4 - God Dwells with His People")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Ezekiel 28:24

And there shall be no more a pricking brier unto the house of Israel, nor [any] grieving thorn of all [that are] round about them, that despised them; and they shall know that I [am] the Lord GOD.

Ezekiel 28:22

And say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I [am] against thee, O Zidon; and I will be glorified in the midst of thee: and they shall know that I [am] the LORD, when I shall have executed judgments in her, and shall be sanctified in her.

Ezekiel 34:25

And I will make with them a covenant of peace, and will cause the evil beasts to cease out of the land: and they shall dwell safely in the wilderness, and sleep in the woods.

Ezekiel 34:28

And they shall no more be a prey to the heathen, neither shall the beast of the land devour them; but they shall dwell safely, and none shall make [them] afraid.

Ezekiel 38:8

After many days thou shalt be visited: in the latter years thou shalt come into the land [that is] brought back from the sword, [and is] gathered out of many people, against the mountains of Israel, which have been always waste: but it is brought forth out of the nations, and they shall dwell safely all of them.

Amos 9:13

Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that the plowman shall overtake the reaper, and the treader of grapes him that soweth seed; and the mountains shall drop sweet wine, and all the hills shall melt.

Amos 9:14

And I will bring again the captivity of my people of Israel, and they shall build the waste cities, and inhabit [them]; and they shall plant vineyards, and drink the wine thereof; they shall also make gardens, and eat the fruit of them.