Ezekiel 34:13

And I will bring them out from the people, and gather them from the countries, and will bring them to their own land, and feed them upon the mountains of Israel by the rivers, and in all the inhabited places of the country.

And I will bring them out {H3318} from the people {H5971}, and gather {H6908} them from the countries {H776}, and will bring {H935} them to their own land {H127}, and feed {H7462} them upon the mountains {H2022} of Israel {H3478} by the rivers {H650}, and in all the inhabited places {H4186} of the country {H776}.

I will bring them back from those peoples, gather them from those countries and return them to their own land. Then I will let them feed on the mountains of Isra'el, by the streams and in all the livable places of the land.

I will bring them out from the peoples, gather them from the countries, and bring them into their own land. I will feed them on the mountains of Israel, in the ravines, and in all the settlements of the land.

And I will bring them out from the peoples, and gather them from the countries, and will bring them into their own land; and I will feed them upon the mountains of Israel, by the watercourses, and in all the inhabited places of the country.

Commentary

Ezekiel 34:13 is a powerful declaration of God's unwavering commitment to His people, Israel, promising their restoration and flourishing after a period of dispersion. It stands as a beacon of hope, contrasting divine faithfulness with human failure.

Context

Chapter 34 of Ezekiel is a profound prophetic discourse where God condemns the corrupt and self-serving leaders of Israel (likened to negligent shepherds) who have scattered and exploited His flock. In response, God declares that He Himself will intervene and act as the true Shepherd of His people. Verses 11-16 lay out God's active role in seeking out, rescuing, and tending to His sheep. Verse 13 specifically details the initial phase of this divine shepherding: the physical re-gathering of the scattered exiles back to their homeland, the land of Israel, and His promise of provision there.

Key Themes

  • Divine Restoration and Re-gathering: The verse explicitly states God's active role in bringing His people "out from the people, and gather them from the countries." This refers primarily to the exiles scattered during the Babylonian captivity and subsequent diasporas, promising a literal return to their ancestral land. This theme is central to many prophetic books, emphasizing God's covenant faithfulness even when His people have strayed. For a similar promise, see Ezekiel 36:24.
  • God's Provision and Care: The phrase "and feed them upon the mountains of Israel by the rivers, and in all the inhabited places of the country" highlights God's commitment to provide sustenance, security, and prosperity for His restored flock. The "mountains of Israel" symbolize the heartland of the nation, indicating a comprehensive and abundant provision throughout the land. This is not just physical food but spiritual and communal flourishing under God's direct care.
  • The True Shepherd: Although not explicitly naming Himself as "Shepherd" in this verse, the actions described (gathering, bringing, feeding) are quintessential functions of a good shepherd. This sets the stage for the powerful imagery of God as the ultimate Shepherd, which culminates in the promise of a righteous King, David's descendant, who will truly shepherd them (Ezekiel 34:23-24). This foreshadows the coming of Jesus, the Good Shepherd.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew verb translated "feed them" is ra'ah (Χ¨ΦΈΧ’ΦΈΧ”), which means more than simply providing food. It encompasses the full spectrum of a shepherd's duties: to pasture, tend, guide, protect, and govern. Thus, God promises not just physical provision but comprehensive care, leadership, and security for His people in their homeland.

Practical Application

Ezekiel 34:13 offers profound reassurance for believers today:

  • God's Faithfulness: It underscores God's unwavering faithfulness to His promises, even when human leaders fail or His people are scattered. He is actively involved in the lives of His people.
  • Hope in Dispersion: For those feeling lost, scattered, or in a spiritual wilderness, this verse reminds us that God is actively seeking to gather His own and bring them to a place of peace and provision.
  • Divine Leadership: It highlights God's ultimate authority and compassionate leadership. When human systems or leaders disappoint, we can trust in the Lord's perfect shepherding.
  • Future Hope: Beyond its immediate fulfillment in the return from Babylonian exile, this prophecy points to a future, ultimate gathering and restoration of Israel, and spiritually, to Christ's ongoing work of gathering His church from all nations and leading them to eternal security and flourishing.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated β€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Ezekiel 28:25

    Thus saith the Lord GOD; When I shall have gathered the house of Israel from the people among whom they are scattered, and shall be sanctified in them in the sight of the heathen, then shall they dwell in their land that I have given to my servant Jacob.

  • 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.

  • Ezekiel 11:17

    Therefore say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; I will even gather you from the people, and assemble you out of the countries where ye have been scattered, and I will give you the land of Israel.

  • Isaiah 11:11

    And it shall come to pass in that day, [that] the Lord shall set his hand again the second time to recover the remnant of his people, which shall be left, from Assyria, and from Egypt, and from Pathros, and from Cush, and from Elam, and from Shinar, and from Hamath, and from the islands of the sea.

  • Isaiah 11:16

    And there shall be an highway for the remnant of his people, which shall be left, from Assyria; like as it was to Israel in the day that he came up out of the land of Egypt.

  • Zephaniah 3:19

    Behold, at that time I will undo all that afflict thee: and I will save her that halteth, and gather her that was driven out; and I will get them praise and fame in every land where they have been put to shame.

  • Zephaniah 3:20

    At that time will I bring you [again], even in the time that I gather you: for I will make you a name and a praise among all people of the earth, when I turn back your captivity before your eyes, saith the LORD.