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.

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}.

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.

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.

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.

Context

Ezekiel 34:25 is part of a profound prophetic passage in the book of Ezekiel, following God's strong condemnation of the unfaithful leaders ("shepherds") of Israel who neglected and exploited His flock. In contrast to these corrupt leaders, God declares His intention to personally intervene and shepherd His people. The broader context of Ezekiel 34 reveals God's condemnation of negligent shepherds and His promise to personally shepherd His flock, gather the scattered, heal the sick, and strengthen the weak. Verse 25 then introduces a key element of this promised restoration: a divine covenant that ensures peace and security for His people.

Key Themes

  • The Covenant of Peace: The central promise here is God's establishment of a "covenant of peace" (Hebrew: b'rith shalom). This is not merely the absence of conflict, but a holistic state of well-being, wholeness, prosperity, and security that comes from God's presence and blessing. This echoes the everlasting covenant of peace mentioned elsewhere in prophecy, highlighting God's unwavering commitment to His people's welfare.
  • Divine Protection and Security: God promises to "cause the evil beasts to cease out of the land." These "evil beasts" (Hebrew: chayyah ra'ah) can be understood literally as dangerous wild animals, but prophetically, they often symbolize hostile nations, oppressive forces, or even internal dangers that threaten the people of God. The cessation of these threats signifies complete divine protection.
  • Rest and Safety: The result of this covenant and protection is that "they shall dwell safely in the wilderness, and sleep in the woods." This imagery depicts an ideal state of profound security, where even in vulnerable or desolate places like the wilderness or woods, God's people can rest without fear. It speaks to a restoration of trust and tranquility.

Linguistic Nuances

The term "covenant of peace," or b'rith shalom, is significant. While b'rith means "covenant" or "treaty," shalom encompasses much more than just peace; it signifies completeness, soundness, welfare, prosperity, and tranquility. It's a comprehensive well-being that flows from a right relationship with God. The phrase "evil beasts," chayyah ra'ah, can literally mean predatory animals, but in prophetic literature, it often extends to symbolize destructive human powers or spiritual forces that prey on the innocent.

Significance and Application

Ezekiel 34:25 offers a powerful vision of God's restorative work. Historically, it pointed to the return of the exiles to the land and the establishment of a more secure future under God's care. Prophetically, it finds its ultimate fulfillment in the Messianic age, where God's people experience true and lasting peace under the reign of the righteous King. Ultimately, this vision of security finds its deepest fulfillment in the reign of Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd.

For believers today, this verse provides immense comfort and hope. It reminds us that God desires to establish a covenant of peace with His people, offering spiritual security and protection from the "evil beasts" of this world—whether they be physical dangers, spiritual attacks, or the anxieties of life. We can find true rest and safety in His presence, knowing that He is our ultimate Shepherd who watches over us and grants us peace that surpasses understanding (Philippians 4:7).

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

Add TrulyRandomVerse to your Home Screen for quick access!

← Back