Ezekiel 34:25

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And I will make {H3772} with them a covenant {H1285} of peace {H7965}, and will cause the evil {H7451} beasts {H2416} to cease {H7673} out of the land {H776}: and they shall dwell {H3427} safely {H983} in the wilderness {H4057}, and sleep {H3462} in the woods {H3293}{H3264}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I will make a covenant of peace with them; I will rid the land of wild animals; and they will live securely in the desert and sleep in the forests.

Berean Standard Bible

I will make with them a covenant of peace and rid the land of wild animals, so that they may dwell securely in the wilderness and sleep in the forest.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 34:25 presents a profound divine promise of comprehensive restoration and security for God's people, delivered in the wake of His condemnation of negligent and self-serving leaders. It declares the establishment of a "covenant of peace," through which God Himself will sovereignly intervene to eliminate all threats, allowing His flock to dwell in unprecedented safety and tranquility. This security is so absolute that they will find rest even in traditionally vulnerable environments like the wilderness and woods, painting a vivid picture of holistic well-being and divine protection under God's direct, compassionate care.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 34 marks a dramatic shift in the prophetic discourse from judgment to restoration, specifically focusing on the theme of divine shepherding. The preceding verses ([Ezekiel 34:1-10](/ezekiel/34-1 "Ezekiel 34:1-10 - Indictment of Unfaithful Shepherds")) contain a severe indictment against the corrupt human "shepherds" (leaders) of Israel who exploited, neglected, and scattered God's flock. In stark contrast, God declares His personal intention to intervene: "Behold, I myself will search for My sheep and seek them out" ([Ezekiel 34:11](/ezekiel/34-11 "Ezekiel 34:11 - God as the True Shepherd")). He promises to gather the dispersed, heal the injured, strengthen the weak, and feed them with justice. Verse 25, therefore, serves as a capstone promise within this section, detailing the secure and peaceful environment that will characterize this divinely-led restoration, solidifying the blessings of God's direct, merciful reign over His people. It is part of a larger vision of a renewed covenant and a new Davidic king.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy of Ezekiel was delivered during the Babylonian exile (6th century BCE), a period of immense national trauma, dispersion, and acute vulnerability for the people of Judah. They were far from their homeland, under foreign domination, and often preyed upon by surrounding nations, which are metaphorically represented as "evil beasts." The concept of a "covenant of peace" would have resonated deeply with a people who had experienced generations of war, displacement, and internal strife. Living "safely in the wilderness" and "sleeping in the woods" would have been utterly counter-cultural and miraculous imagery. The wilderness was typically a place of danger, inhabited by wild animals and bandits, while woods offered concealment but also potential threats. This imagery underscores the radical nature of God's promised protection, transforming places of fear and vulnerability into havens of rest and security.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Ezekiel and broader biblical theology. The primary theme is **Divine Restoration and Covenantal Faithfulness**, where God actively intervenes to restore His people after judgment, establishing a new, unbreakable covenant. This "covenant of peace" (Hebrew: *b'rith shalom*) signifies not merely the absence of conflict, but a holistic state of **Shalom**—completeness, well-being, prosperity, health, and security, flowing from a right relationship with God. It also highlights **Divine Protection and Security**, as God promises to remove all threats, both literal "evil beasts" and symbolic oppressive forces. This leads to the theme of **Rest and Tranquility**, depicting a future where God's people can live without fear, even in vulnerable settings, a stark contrast to their current exiled state. This vision ultimately points towards the **Messianic Hope**, where such perfect peace and security will be fully realized under the rule of the promised Davidic King, as hinted at in [Ezekiel 34:23-24](/ezekiel/34-23 "Ezekiel 34:23-24 - The Davidic Shepherd").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **covenant (Hebrew, _bᵉrîyth_):** From a root meaning "to cut" (H3772, _kârath_), referencing ancient covenant-making rituals that often involved cutting animals and passing between the pieces. A *bᵉrîyth* is a solemn, binding agreement, compact, or league. Here, it is initiated by God, signifying His unilateral commitment and faithfulness to His promises, establishing a relationship of mutual obligation and blessing.
* **peace (Hebrew, _shâlôwm_):** Far more comprehensive than merely the absence of war, *shâlôwm* (H7965) denotes wholeness, completeness, soundness, welfare, prosperity, health, and tranquility. It encompasses a state of well-being in all aspects of life—spiritual, physical, social, and material—resulting from harmony with God and His creation. This "covenant of peace" therefore promises a holistic restoration of well-being.
* **evil beasts (Hebrew, _raʻ_ H7451, _chay_ H2416):** *Chay* refers to living things, often "wild beasts," while *raʻ* means "bad" or "evil." Together, *chayyah ra'ah* literally means "evil beasts" or "harmful animals." In prophetic literature, however, these often symbolize destructive forces, hostile nations, oppressive rulers, or even internal dangers that threaten God's people, preying upon the vulnerable flock. God's promise to "cause them to cease" signifies the complete removal of all threats to His people's security.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I will make with them a covenant of peace":** This opening clause establishes the divine initiative and the nature of the promised relationship. God Himself, not human leaders, will inaugurate this new agreement. The "covenant of peace" is the foundation of the promised restoration, ensuring a state of comprehensive well-being and security that originates from God's steadfast love and faithfulness. This covenant is unilateral, grounded in God's character and commitment.
* **"and will cause the evil beasts to cease out of the land":** This clause specifies a key benefit of the covenant: the complete and sovereign elimination of external threats. "Evil beasts" can be interpreted literally as dangerous wild animals, but more profoundly, they represent any destructive forces—whether foreign invaders, oppressive regimes, internal corruption, or spiritual adversaries—that prey upon the vulnerable. God's direct intervention guarantees their removal, creating an environment of absolute safety for His people.
* **"and they shall dwell safely in the wilderness, and sleep in the woods":** This final clause vividly illustrates the profound security and tranquility that will result from God's covenant and protection. The "wilderness" (H4057, _midbâr_) and "woods" (H3293, _yaʻar_, H3264, _yâʻôwr_) were traditionally places of extreme danger, vulnerability, and exposure to wild animals or human threats. To "dwell safely" (H3427, _yâshab_ and H983, _beṭach_) and "sleep" (H3462, _yâshên_) in such places signifies an unprecedented state of peace, trust, and freedom from fear, indicating a complete reversal of their previous insecure and scattered existence. It speaks to a restoration so complete that even the most perilous environments become havens of rest.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 34:25 employs several powerful **literary devices** to convey its message of hope and restoration. **Symbolism** is prominent, particularly with "evil beasts" which represent not only literal predators but also the broader spectrum of dangers, oppressions, and hostile powers that threatened Israel. The "wilderness" and "woods" also function symbolically, transforming from places of peril into unexpected havens of peace, emphasizing the miraculous and supernatural nature of God's protection. The phrase "covenant of peace" uses **covenantal language** to evoke the rich history of God's relationship with His people, while imbuing it with the comprehensive concept of **Shalom**, signifying holistic well-being. The vivid imagery of dwelling safely and sleeping soundly in traditionally dangerous places creates a strong sense of **hyperbole**, underscoring the absolute and supernatural security God promises, painting a picture of an idyllic, secure future.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 34:25 is a cornerstone prophecy, deeply interwoven with the broader biblical narrative of God's redemptive plan. It expresses God's unwavering commitment to His people's ultimate well-being, moving beyond mere political or military security to a profound, holistic peace (*shalom*) rooted in His covenant. This promise of a "covenant of peace" anticipates the New Covenant, where God's law is written on hearts, and His people truly know Him. It speaks to a future where divine protection eradicates all threats, allowing humanity to live in harmony with creation and with God, reminiscent of Edenic peace. This vision of a secure, flourishing community under God's direct care finds its ultimate fulfillment in the Messianic age, where the true Shepherd, Jesus Christ, brings everlasting peace and security to His flock.

* [Isaiah 11:6-9](/isaiah/11-6 "Isaiah 11:6-9 - The Peaceable Kingdom")
* [Hosea 2:18](/hosea/2-18 "Hosea 2:18 - Covenant with Creation and Peace")
* [Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31 "Jeremiah 31:31-34 - The New Covenant")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 34:25 offers profound comfort and hope for believers today. In a world often characterized by anxiety, conflict, and uncertainty, this verse reminds us that God's desire for His people is one of profound peace and security. Just as He promised to remove the "evil beasts" and provide safe dwelling for ancient Israel, so too does He offer spiritual and emotional refuge from the "beasts" of our modern age—whether they be fear, stress, spiritual attacks, relational conflicts, or societal pressures. We are invited to trust in His sovereign care, knowing that the ultimate Shepherd watches over us with unwavering faithfulness. This promise encourages us to find our rest and safety not in fleeting worldly circumstances, but in the unwavering covenantal faithfulness of God, allowing us to "sleep in the woods" of life's challenges, confident in His protective presence and the peace that surpasses all understanding. Embracing this truth empowers us to live with courage and serenity, knowing our ultimate security rests in Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "evil beasts" or threats in your life currently prevent you from experiencing true peace and security?**
* **How does the promise of God's "covenant of peace" challenge your understanding of what true well-being (*shalom*) entails?**
* **In what "wilderness" or "woods" (vulnerable places) in your life do you need to trust God to provide safety and rest?**
* **How can embracing God as your ultimate Shepherd transform your anxieties into a deeper sense of security and peace?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the "covenant of peace" in this verse?**

Answer: The "covenant of peace" (Hebrew: *b'rith shalom*) is central to Ezekiel 34:25. It signifies a solemn, binding agreement initiated by God Himself, promising a comprehensive state of well-being and security for His people. *Shalom* encompasses far more than just the absence of conflict; it means wholeness, completeness, prosperity, health, and tranquility in all aspects of life—spiritual, physical, and relational. This covenant assures that God will actively establish and maintain a secure and flourishing environment for His flock, contrasting sharply with their previous state of dispersion and vulnerability under unfaithful human leadership. It's a promise of holistic restoration and divine favor, signifying God's unwavering commitment to His people's welfare.

**Who or what are the "evil beasts" that God promises to remove?**

Answer: The "evil beasts" (Hebrew: *chayyah ra'ah*) can be interpreted on multiple levels. Literally, they refer to dangerous wild animals that posed a threat to shepherds and their flocks in ancient Israel. However, in prophetic literature, they often symbolize more profound dangers: hostile nations, oppressive empires, or internal forces that preyed upon and scattered God's people. In the broader context of Ezekiel 34, where negligent human shepherds are condemned, the "evil beasts" can also represent the destructive consequences of poor leadership or even the spiritual forces of evil. God's promise to "cause them to cease" signifies His complete and sovereign removal of all threats to His people's well-being, ensuring their absolute security. This foreshadows the ultimate triumph over all evil, as seen in passages like [Revelation 20:1-3](/revelation/20-1 "Revelation 20:1-3 - Satan Bound").

**How does Ezekiel 34:25 relate to the New Testament and the person of Jesus Christ?**

Answer: Ezekiel 34:25 finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "covenant of peace" foreshadows the New Covenant established through Christ's blood, which brings true peace and reconciliation between God and humanity ([Hebrews 8:6-13](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6-13 - The New Covenant")). Jesus identifies Himself as the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep, fulfilling God's promise to personally shepherd His flock ([John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - Jesus the Good Shepherd")). He is the one who overcomes the "evil beasts" of sin, death, and the devil, granting His followers true security and rest from all spiritual threats ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). Through Christ, believers experience the promised *shalom*, enabling them to dwell safely and find rest even amidst the "wilderness" and "woods" of a fallen world, knowing their ultimate security is found in Him.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 34:25, with its profound promise of a "covenant of peace" and divine protection, finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the true and faithful Shepherd, the "one Shepherd" prophesied in [Ezekiel 34:23](/ezekiel/34-23 "Ezekiel 34:23 - The Davidic Shepherd"). Through His sacrificial death on the cross, Jesus inaugurated the New Covenant, which is indeed the ultimate "covenant of peace" ([Luke 22:20](/luke/22-20 "Luke 22:20 - The New Covenant in His Blood")). His blood established a peace that reconciles humanity to God, breaking down the wall of hostility ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Our Peace")). Furthermore, Jesus has definitively "caused the evil beasts to cease" by triumphing over sin, death, and the powers of darkness ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). He disarmed the spiritual forces that prey on humanity, granting His followers true freedom and security. Consequently, those who are in Christ can now "dwell safely" and "sleep in the woods," experiencing a profound spiritual peace and rest that transcends worldly circumstances ([John 14:27](/john/14-27 "John 14:27 - Jesus Gives Peace")). His finished work ensures that even in the most vulnerable "wilderness" of life, believers are secure under the care of the Good Shepherd, who has conquered all threats and guarantees eternal *shalom* for His flock.

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

Isaiah 11:6

The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them.

Isaiah 11:9

They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.

Ezekiel 37:26

Moreover I will make a covenant of peace with them; it shall be an everlasting covenant with them: and I will place them, and multiply them, and will set my sanctuary in the midst of them for evermore.

Leviticus 26:6

And I will give peace in the land, and ye shall lie down, and none shall make [you] afraid: and I will rid evil beasts out of the land, neither shall the sword go through your land.

Isaiah 35:9

No lion shall be there, nor [any] ravenous beast shall go up thereon, it shall not be found there; but the redeemed shall walk [there]:

Jeremiah 33:16

In those days shall Judah be saved, and Jerusalem shall dwell safely: and this [is the name] wherewith she shall be called, The LORD our righteousness.

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.