Ezekiel 28:26

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.

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}.

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.'"

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.’”

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

Ezekiel 28:26 (KJV) speaks to the future restoration and security of the people of Israel after a period of divine judgment on their surrounding enemies. This verse paints a picture of profound peace, stability, and a deep understanding of God's sovereignty.

Context

Ezekiel 28 is primarily a prophecy against Tyre and Sidon, powerful Phoenician city-states known for their wealth and pride. The preceding verses detail God's judgment upon these nations for their arrogance and their role in despising Israel. Verse 26 then shifts focus, providing a hopeful contrast: once these judgments are complete, God's people, Israel, will experience a period of unparalleled security and prosperity in their own land. This prophecy is part of a larger theme in Ezekiel concerning God's faithfulness to His covenant people and His ultimate plan for their restoration and the recognition of His glory by all nations.

Key Themes

  • Security and Prosperity: The phrases "dwell safely," "build houses," and "plant vineyards" vividly describe a time of peace, stability, and material blessing. This is the antithesis of exile and oppression, representing a full return to normalcy and thriving life under God's protection. This imagery of peace and prosperity is also found in other prophetic books, such as Isaiah 65:21, which speaks of building houses and planting vineyards.
  • Divine Judgment: The verse explicitly states that this peace will come "when I have executed judgments upon all those that despise them round about them." This highlights God's unwavering justice against oppressors and His commitment to defending His people. This theme of God's just judgment is a cornerstone of biblical prophecy, seen in verses like Psalm 9:7, where the Lord is described as enthroned to execute judgment.
  • Knowledge of God: The ultimate outcome of these events is that "they shall know that I [am] the LORD their God." This is a recurring declaration of divine revelation throughout Ezekiel, signifying a profound, experiential understanding of God's true identity, power, and faithfulness. This deep spiritual recognition is a hallmark of God's work in His people, as emphasized in passages like Ezekiel 36:23 regarding the sanctification of God's name.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "safely" or "confidence" (betach or labetach) implies a sense of security, trust, and freedom from fear. It is not merely the absence of danger but a deep inner assurance. The declaration "I am the LORD their God" (Hebrew: ani YHWH Elohehem) is a powerful covenant formula, emphasizing God's unique identity as the sovereign, covenant-keeping God who is intimately involved with His people.

Practical Application

Ezekiel 28:26 offers enduring hope and a powerful reminder of God's character. For believers today, it underscores several truths:

  • God's Faithfulness: Despite periods of judgment or hardship, God remains faithful to His promises to His people. His ultimate plan involves their peace, restoration, and security.
  • Divine Justice: We can trust that God will ultimately deal with injustice and oppression. His judgments, though sometimes delayed, are certain and lead to the vindication of His people.
  • Ultimate Security in God: True and lasting security comes from God alone. When God is acknowledged as "the LORD their God," there is a profound confidence that transcends earthly circumstances. This verse points to a future where God's people live securely, not because of their own strength, but because of His protective hand and the fulfillment of His promises.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified 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.