Ezekiel 34:14

KJV

I will feed them in a good pasture, and upon the high mountains of Israel shall their fold be: there shall they lie in a good fold, and [in] a fat pasture shall they feed upon the mountains of Israel.

KJV (with Strong's)

I will feed {H7462} them in a good {H2896} pasture {H4829}, and upon the high {H4791} mountains {H2022} of Israel {H3478} shall their fold {H5116} be: there shall they lie {H7257} in a good {H2896} fold {H5116}, and in a fat {H8082} pasture {H4829} shall they feed {H7462} upon the mountains {H2022} of Israel {H3478}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I will have them feed in good pastures; their grazing ground will be on the high mountains of Isra'el. They will rest in good grazing grounds and feed in rich pastures on Isra'el's mountains.

Berean Standard Bible

I will feed them in good pasture, and the lofty mountains of Israel will be their grazing land. There they will lie down in a good grazing land; they will feed in rich pasture on the mountains of Israel.

American Standard Version

I will feed them with good pasture; and upon the mountains of the height of Israel shall their fold be: there shall they lie down in a good fold; and on fat pasture shall they feed upon the mountains of Israel.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 34:14 is a profound declaration of God's unwavering commitment to His people, Israel, portraying Him as the ultimate Shepherd who will personally provide abundant sustenance, security, and peaceful rest. This verse paints an idyllic picture of divine care, emphasizing lavish provision and a secure dwelling place, serving as a powerful contrast to the failed human leadership and a promise of future restoration under God's direct, benevolent oversight.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 34 marks a pivotal shift in the prophet's message, moving from pronouncements of judgment against Israel and surrounding nations to promises of restoration. Immediately preceding this verse, God condemns the self-serving "shepherds" (leaders) of Israel—kings, priests, and prophets—for neglecting, exploiting, and scattering His flock (Ezekiel 34:1-10). In stark contrast, God declares, "Behold, I myself will search for my sheep and will seek them out" (Ezekiel 34:11). Verse 14 specifically details the lavish provision and secure dwelling God will offer, following His promise in [Ezekiel 34:13](/ezekiel/34-13 "Ezekiel 34:13 - God Gathers His Flock") to gather His scattered sheep from all the lands where they were dispersed and bring them back to their own land. This verse, therefore, is a key component of God's self-declaration as the true and faithful Shepherd.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Ezekiel was written during the Babylonian exile (c. 593-571 BC), a period of immense national trauma for Israel. The people had been deported from their homeland, Jerusalem and its Temple lay in ruins, and their leadership (both political and religious) had proven utterly inadequate, leading them astray and failing to protect them. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the shepherd was a common metaphor for a ruler or king, responsible for the welfare and protection of his people, his "flock." The "mountains of Israel" refer to the geographical heartland of Judah, the promised land, which at the time of Ezekiel's prophecy was desolate. God's promise to feed them there and establish their fold "upon the high mountains" speaks to a future re-establishment in their secure, elevated homeland, free from the threats that led to their current predicament.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes found in Ezekiel and the broader prophetic tradition. The most prominent is **Divine Provision and Care**, where God is depicted as the ultimate source of sustenance, offering not just adequacy but "good" and "fat" pastures, signifying abundance and luxuriant nourishment for both physical and spiritual well-being. Closely related is the theme of **Security and Rest**, as the sheep will "lie in a good fold" upon the "high mountains of Israel," symbolizing a secure, peaceful dwelling place free from danger and anxiety. This imagery directly contrasts with their scattered and vulnerable state under human leaders. The verse also underscores **God as the True Shepherd**, setting Him apart from the failed human leadership and echoing ancient Near Eastern and biblical traditions of divine kingship and care, famously articulated in [Psalm 23:1](/psalms/23-1 "Psalm 23:1 - The Lord is My Shepherd"). Finally, it contributes to the theme of **Restoration of Israel**, pointing to a future, ultimate re-gathering and flourishing of God's covenant people in their land, under His direct, benevolent rule, a promise that culminates in the Messianic hope of [Ezekiel 34:23-24](/ezekiel/34-23 "Ezekiel 34:23-24 - The One Shepherd, David").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **feed (Hebrew, _râʻâh'_):** From a primitive root meaning "to tend a flock; i.e. pasture it; intransitively, to graze (literally or figuratively); generally to rule; by extension, to associate with (as a friend)." This word emphasizes God's active, personal role as a shepherd who not only provides sustenance but also guides, protects, and rules His flock with intimate care, akin to a friend. It highlights the relational aspect of His provision.
* **pasture (Hebrew, _mirʻeh'_):** From the root _râʻâh_ (to feed), this noun refers to "pasture (the place or the act); also the haunt of wild animals." In this context, it denotes the rich, fertile grazing ground where the sheep are nourished, signifying a place of abundant provision and flourishing. The repetition of "pasture" underscores the centrality of sustenance.
* **fold (Hebrew, _nâveh'_):** This word signifies "a home, of God (temple), men (residence), flocks (pasture), or wild animals (den); comely, dwelling (place), fold, habitation, pleasant place, sheepcote, stable, tarried." Here, it specifically refers to a sheepfold, a secure enclosure where sheep find safety and rest. Its use emphasizes the divine provision of a secure, pleasant, and permanent dwelling place for the flock.
* **fat (Hebrew, _shâmên'_):** Meaning "greasy, i.e. gross; figuratively, rich; fat, lusty, plenteous." When applied to pasture, it conveys a sense of luxuriant growth, high nutritional value, and abundance. It signifies that God's provision is not merely adequate but exceedingly generous, rich, and deeply nourishing, ensuring the thriving of His flock.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I will feed them in a good pasture":** This opening clause immediately establishes God's direct, personal involvement ("I will feed") and His benevolent intent. The "good pasture" signifies not just sufficient provision, but a place of quality, health, and flourishing, indicating God's desire for His people's well-being.
* **"and upon the high mountains of Israel shall their fold be":** This phrase describes the location and nature of the flock's dwelling. The "high mountains of Israel" symbolize the secure, elevated, and divinely appointed homeland, a place of safety and prominence. Their "fold" (a secure enclosure) being there emphasizes protection, stability, and a permanent, safe residence.
* **"there shall they lie in a good fold":** This reiterates the security and comfort provided. To "lie" implies rest, peace, and freedom from fear or threat. The "good fold" reinforces the quality and suitability of the dwelling place, ensuring the sheep's undisturbed repose.
* **"and in a fat pasture shall they feed upon the mountains of Israel":** This concluding clause reinforces and intensifies the promise of provision. "Fat pasture" emphasizes the richness, abundance, and luxuriant nature of the sustenance, going beyond mere adequacy to lavish generosity. The repetition of "upon the mountains of Israel" firmly grounds this divine provision and security within the context of their restored homeland.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 34:14 is rich in **Imagery**, particularly the pastoral imagery of a shepherd and his flock, which serves as an extended **Metaphor** for God's relationship with Israel. This metaphor highlights God's tender care, protective nature, and abundant provision, directly contrasting with the destructive actions of the human "shepherds." **Repetition** is also a key device, with phrases like "good pasture," "good fold," and "mountains of Israel" appearing multiple times. This repetition serves to emphasize and reinforce the certainty and comprehensive nature of God's promises of provision, security, and restoration. The "high mountains of Israel" function as **Symbolism**, representing not just a geographical location but a place of divine protection, elevation, and the secure, restored homeland of God's covenant people. The verse's vivid descriptions evoke a sense of peace, abundance, and safety, creating a powerful and comforting picture for a people in exile.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 34:14 stands as a profound testament to God's covenant faithfulness and His character as a benevolent, active, and sovereign Shepherd. It underscores the biblical truth that God is the ultimate provider and protector of His people, contrasting His perfect care with the failures of human leadership. This promise of abundant provision, secure dwelling, and peaceful rest speaks to God's desire for His people's holistic well-being—physical, spiritual, and communal. It is a promise rooted in His covenant with Israel, assuring them of a future restoration where they will once again dwell securely in their land under His direct, compassionate rule, fulfilling the ancient promises made to Abraham.

* [Psalm 23:2](/psalms/23-2 "Psalm 23:2 - He Leads Me Beside Still Waters")
* [Isaiah 40:11](/isaiah/40-11 "Isaiah 40:11 - God Tends His Flock Like a Shepherd")
* [Jeremiah 23:3-4](/jeremiah/23-3 "Jeremiah 23:3-4 - God Will Gather His Flock")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 34:14 offers timeless comfort and profound assurance for believers today. In a world often characterized by instability, scarcity, and unreliable leadership, this verse reminds us that our ultimate security and provision come from God alone. It encourages us to surrender our anxieties and fears, trusting that the Lord, our Good Shepherd, will always lead us to "good" and "fat" pastures—places of spiritual nourishment, peace, and abundance found in His Word, His presence, and His community. Just as the sheep find rest in a secure fold, we are invited to find our rest and refuge in God's unfailing care, knowing that He actively watches over us, provides for our needs, and protects us from harm. This promise fosters a deep sense of peace and gratitude, calling us to live in faithful dependence on Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you most need God to act as your "Shepherd" and provide for you?**
* **How does the imagery of "good pasture" and "fat pasture" challenge you to seek spiritual nourishment from God's Word and presence, rather than worldly sources?**
* **What does it mean for you personally to "lie in a good fold" under God's care, and how can you cultivate that sense of rest and security daily?**
* **How does trusting God as your Shepherd impact your response to the uncertainties and challenges of life?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the "mountains of Israel" in this verse?**

Answer: The "mountains of Israel" (Hebrew: _harey Yisrael_) refer to the central highlands of the land of Judah, the ancestral homeland of the Israelites. In Ezekiel's time, these mountains were desolate due to the Babylonian invasion and exile. Their significance in [Ezekiel 34:14](/ezekiel/34-14 "Ezekiel 34:14 - God's Promise of Provision") is multifaceted: they represent the promised land itself, the place of covenant fulfillment; their "high" nature (Hebrew: _mârôwm_) implies security, elevation, and prominence, making them an ideal, defensible "fold" or dwelling place for the flock. Thus, God's promise to feed His people "upon the high mountains of Israel" signifies a complete and secure restoration to their divinely appointed homeland, a place where they will flourish under His direct protection, contrasting sharply with their current scattered and vulnerable state in exile.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 34:14, with its rich imagery of God as the Shepherd providing abundant pasture and secure rest, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Jesus Himself declared, "I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep" ([John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - Jesus, the Good Shepherd")). He is the true Shepherd who not only leads His sheep to "good pasture" but is, in fact, the very "door of the sheep" ([John 10:7](/john/10-7 "John 10:7 - Jesus, the Door")), through whom His sheep find salvation and "have life, and that they might have it more abundantly" ([John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - Abundant Life Through Jesus")). The "fat pasture" and "good fold" of Ezekiel 34:14 are realized in the spiritual nourishment found in Christ's teaching and presence, and the secure, eternal rest offered to those who believe in Him. He gathers His scattered flock, not just from the nations of earth, but from the lostness of sin, bringing them into His fold, the Church, where they are sustained by His grace and truth. The promise of dwelling securely on the "mountains of Israel" points forward to the new heavens and new earth, where God's people will dwell eternally with Him in perfect peace and security, under the reign of the Lamb ([Revelation 7:17](/revelation/7-17 "Revelation 7:17 - The Lamb Will Shepherd Them")). Jesus is the fulfillment of God's promise to raise up "one shepherd, my servant David" ([Ezekiel 34:23](/ezekiel/34-23 "Ezekiel 34:23 - The One Shepherd, David")), establishing an everlasting covenant of peace and providing His flock with true, eternal pasture and rest.

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

John 10:9

I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.

Jeremiah 31:25

For I have satiated the weary soul, and I have replenished every sorrowful soul.

Psalms 23:1

¶ A Psalm of David. The LORD [is] my shepherd; I shall not want.

Psalms 23:2

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

Isaiah 30:23

Then shall he give the rain of thy seed, that thou shalt sow the ground withal; and bread of the increase of the earth, and it shall be fat and plenteous: in that day shall thy cattle feed in large pastures.

Isaiah 30:24

The oxen likewise and the young asses that ear the ground shall eat clean provender, which hath been winnowed with the shovel and with the fan.

Ezekiel 34:27

And the tree of the field shall yield her fruit, and the earth shall yield her increase, and they shall be safe in their land, and shall know that I [am] the LORD, when I have broken the bands of their yoke, and delivered them out of the hand of those that served themselves of them.