Ezekiel 34:27

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the tree {H6086} of the field {H7704} shall yield {H5414} her fruit {H6529}, and the earth {H776} shall yield {H5414} her increase {H2981}, and they shall be safe {H983} in their land {H127}, and shall know {H3045} that I am the LORD {H3068}, when I have broken {H7665} the bands {H4133} of their yoke {H5923}, and delivered {H5337} them out of the hand {H3027} of those that served {H5647} themselves of them.

Complete Jewish Bible

The trees in the field will bear their fruit and the soil its produce, and they will be secure in their land. Then they will know that I am ADONAI, when I break the bars of their yoke and rescue them from the power of those who turned them into slaves.

Berean Standard Bible

The trees of the field will give their fruit, and the land will yield its produce; My flock will be secure in their land. Then they will know that I am the LORD, when I have broken the bars of their yoke and delivered them from the hands that enslaved them.

American Standard Version

And the tree of the field shall yield its fruit, and the earth shall yield its increase, and they shall be secure in their land; and they shall know that I am Jehovah, when I have broken the bars of their yoke, and have delivered them out of the hand of those that made bondmen of them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 34:27 is a profound declaration of God's future restoration and blessing for His people, delivered within a broader prophecy condemning unfaithful leaders and promising divine intervention. This verse vividly portrays a time of unparalleled agricultural abundance, secure dwelling, and complete liberation from all forms of oppression. It culminates in the climactic revelation of God's identity, ensuring His people will experientially know Him as the sovereign LORD through His mighty acts of provision and deliverance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 34 stands as a pivotal chapter in the prophet's message, transitioning from prophecies of judgment against Israel and surrounding nations to a renewed focus on restoration. The chapter opens with a scathing indictment of the corrupt "shepherds" (leaders) of Israel who have exploited and scattered God's flock. In stark contrast, the Lord Himself pledges to become the true Shepherd, seeking out His lost sheep, binding up the injured, and strengthening the weak. Verses 25-31 describe the establishment of a "covenant of peace" and the return of prosperity and security to the land, under the leadership of a new Davidic shepherd, a clear messianic reference found in [Ezekiel 34:23](/ezekiel/34-23 "Ezekiel 34:23 - The One Shepherd, My Servant David"). Ezekiel 34:27 specifically details the tangible blessings of this restored relationship and secure environment, emphasizing the reversal of past suffering.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** This prophecy was delivered during the Babylonian exile (circa 593-571 BC), a period of immense national trauma for Judah. The people had lost their land, their temple, and their political autonomy, enduring foreign domination and internal disarray. The imagery of "yoke" (H5923, *ʻôl*) and being "served themselves of them" (H5647, *ʻâbad*) directly reflects their experience of servitude and exploitation under foreign powers, particularly Babylon. For an agrarian society, the promise of the "tree of the field" yielding fruit and the "earth" yielding "increase" (H2981, *yᵉbûwl*) was a deep assurance of divine provision, reversing the curses of famine and scarcity often associated with covenant disobedience (e.g., [Leviticus 26:18-20](/leviticus/26-18-20 "Leviticus 26:18-20 - Consequences of Disobedience")). The promise of safety in their "land" (H127, *ʼădâmâh*) spoke directly to their longing for return and secure dwelling after forced displacement.

* **Key Themes:** Ezekiel 34:27 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Ezekiel and the broader prophetic tradition. First, it underscores **Divine Sovereignty and Faithfulness**, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to His covenant people despite their failures and the failures of their human leaders. He alone is capable of bringing about such comprehensive restoration. Second, the verse highlights **Abundant Provision**, using vivid agricultural imagery to depict a reversal of scarcity and a return to Edenic-like prosperity, symbolizing God's holistic care for His people. This echoes earlier promises of blessing for obedience found in texts like [Deuteronomy 28:1-14](/deuteronomy/28-1-14 "Deuteronomy 28:1-14 - Blessings for Obedience"). Third, it emphasizes **Deliverance and Security**, promising liberation from all forms of oppression and a secure dwelling, a theme central to God's redemptive plan for Israel (e.g., [Jeremiah 23:3-4](/jeremiah/23-3-4 "Jeremiah 23:3-4 - God Gathers His Flock")). Finally, and perhaps most profoundly, the declaration "and shall know that I [am] the LORD" (H3045, *yâdaʻ* and H3068, *Yᵉhôvâh*) is a recurring motif in Ezekiel, signifying an **Experiential Knowledge of God**. This is not mere intellectual assent but a deep, transformative understanding of God's character and power, forged through His mighty acts of judgment and restoration, as seen throughout the book of [Ezekiel](/ezekiel/1 "The Book of Ezekiel").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **know (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ_):** This verb (H3045) is central to Ezekiel's theology, appearing over 70 times. It signifies not merely intellectual understanding, but a deep, experiential, and relational knowledge. When God declares that His people "shall know that I am the LORD," it implies that through His acts of judgment and, crucially here, His acts of deliverance and restoration, His true nature, power, and faithfulness will be undeniably revealed and intimately apprehended by His people. It is a knowledge gained through direct encounter and observation of His sovereign work.
* **yield (Hebrew, _nâthan'_):** The verb (H5414) is a primitive root meaning "to give," used with immense latitude of application, including "to put" or "to make." In this context, it describes the active bestowing of blessing by the natural world under divine orchestration. The "tree" and "earth" do not produce fruit and increase by their own inherent power, but because God "gives" them the capacity and the conditions to do so. This highlights God as the ultimate source of all provision and abundance, actively granting prosperity to His land and people.
* **yoke (Hebrew, _ʻôl'_):** This noun (H5923) refers to a literal wooden bar placed on the neck of an animal for plowing or drawing loads, or on humans as a symbol of servitude and oppression. Coupled with "bands" (H4133, *môwṭâh*, also referring to parts of a yoke or burdens), it powerfully symbolizes the heavy burden of foreign domination, slavery, and exploitation that Israel had endured. God's promise to "break" (H7665, *shâbar*) these bands signifies a complete and decisive liberation from all forms of bondage, both physical and metaphorical, that had constrained His people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the tree of the field shall yield her fruit":** This clause initiates the promise of agricultural abundance, signaling a dramatic reversal of the desolation experienced during exile. It paints a picture of a land restored to fertility, where even the wild "trees of the field" (H6086, *ʻêts* and H7704, *sâdeh*) produce abundantly, symbolizing God's comprehensive blessing upon the natural world that supports His people.
* **"and the earth shall yield her increase":** Reinforcing the previous clause, this emphasizes the general productivity of the "earth" (H776, *ʼerets*), specifically its "increase" (H2981, *yᵉbûwl*), referring to all its produce. This signifies a reversal of the curses of famine and scarcity, promising a time of overflowing provision and prosperity that will sustain the restored community.
* **"and they shall be safe in their land":** This clause shifts from material provision to security. The Hebrew word for "safe" (H983, *beṭach*) implies not merely physical security but also a deep sense of confidence, trust, and freedom from anxiety. It promises a secure dwelling for the people in their own "land" (H127, *ʼădâmâh*), free from external threats and internal strife, restoring their peace and stability.
* **"and shall know that I [am] the LORD":** This is the theological climax of the verse. It declares the ultimate purpose of God's acts of deliverance and provision: that His people will come to a deep, experiential understanding of His identity as "the LORD" (H3068, *Yᵉhôvâh*), the self-existent, covenant-keeping God. Their experience of His faithfulness will solidify their knowledge of His sovereign power and unique deity, leading to true worship and allegiance.
* **"when I have broken the bands of their yoke":** This specifies the condition and means by which the safety and knowledge of God will be realized. God Himself will actively intervene to "break" (H7665, *shâbar*) the "bands" (H4133, *môwṭâh*) of their "yoke" (H5923, *ʻôl*). This powerful imagery denotes a decisive and complete liberation from the burdens of servitude and oppression, whether political, economic, or spiritual, that had previously enslaved them.
* **"and delivered them out of the hand of those that served themselves of them":** This final clause clarifies the nature of the oppression and the extent of God's deliverance. To be "delivered" (H5337, *nâtsal*) "out of the hand" (H3027, *yâd*, signifying power or control) of those who "served themselves of them" (H5647, *ʻâbad*, implying exploitation or enslavement) speaks to liberation from those who had unjustly profited from or subjugated God's people, ensuring their complete freedom and autonomy.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 34:27 employs several potent **Literary Devices** to convey its message of hope and restoration. **Imagery** is prominent, particularly the agricultural images of "tree of the field" yielding "fruit" and the "earth" yielding "increase," which evoke a vivid picture of fertility, abundance, and divine blessing. This stands in stark contrast to the desolation often associated with judgment. The **Metaphor** of the "yoke" and its "bands" powerfully symbolizes the oppression and servitude endured by Israel, making God's act of "breaking" it a clear and impactful representation of liberation. The phrase "know that I am the LORD" is a recurring **Motto** or **Divine Oracle Formula** throughout Ezekiel, serving as a theological refrain that emphasizes the revelatory purpose behind God's actions, whether in judgment or salvation. The repetition of "shall yield" (H5414, *nâthan*) in the first two clauses uses **Anaphora** to underscore the certainty and generosity of God's provision. The entire verse functions as a **Promise**, a divine guarantee of future well-being and a deeper relationship with God, delivered with authoritative prophetic voice.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 34:27 encapsulates the profound theological truth that God's restoration is holistic, encompassing physical provision, secure dwelling, and a deepened spiritual relationship. It highlights His unwavering commitment to His covenant people, demonstrating that His ultimate goal in both judgment and salvation is to reveal His true identity as the sovereign LORD. This promise of a land yielding its increase and a people living in safety under God's protective hand foreshadows the ultimate peace and abundance found in God's eschatological kingdom. The breaking of the yoke signifies God's power to liberate from all forms of bondage, leading His people into a freedom where they can truly know and worship Him, establishing a secure and prosperous future.

* [Isaiah 32:18](/isaiah/32-18 "Isaiah 32:18 - Dwelling in Secure Habitations")
* [Joel 2:23-26](/joel/2-23-26 "Joel 2:23-26 - Restoration of Harvest and Knowing God")
* [Psalm 107:14](/psalms/107-14 "Psalm 107:14 - Breaking Chains of Bondage")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 34:27 offers profound encouragement and a framework for understanding God's character and His ongoing work in our lives today. While its immediate context speaks to the physical restoration of Israel, its spiritual principles are timeless. It reminds us that our God is a God of abundant provision, capable of meeting our every need, even in times of scarcity or uncertainty. He is also the great Deliverer, able to break any "yoke" that binds us—be it sin, addiction, fear, or oppressive circumstances—and lead us into true freedom and security. Most importantly, this verse calls us to a deeper, experiential "knowing" of God. As we witness His faithfulness in providing for us and delivering us, our understanding of His power, love, and sovereignty grows, leading to a more profound trust and a life lived in His peace. This intimate knowledge transforms our perspective, enabling us to rest in His unfailing care, confident that He is indeed our LORD and our ultimate source of security and well-being.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you currently experiencing a "yoke" or burden that you need God to break?**
* **How has God demonstrated His abundant provision in your life, even in unexpected ways?**
* **What does it mean for you to "know that I am the LORD" experientially, and how can you cultivate a deeper, more intimate knowledge of Him?**
* **How does the promise of safety and security in God's presence impact your daily anxieties and fears?**

### FAQ
**What does "know that I am the LORD" mean in the context of Ezekiel?**

Answer: In the book of Ezekiel, the phrase "know that I am the LORD" (Hebrew: *yada' ki 'ani YHWH*) is a recurring theological motif that signifies a deep, experiential, and transformative recognition of God's identity and sovereignty. It's not merely intellectual assent but a knowledge gained through witnessing God's powerful acts, whether in judgment (e.g., [Ezekiel 6:7](/ezekiel/6-7 "Ezekiel 6:7 - Knowing the Lord through Judgment")) or, as in this verse, in acts of salvation and restoration. Through His faithfulness in breaking yokes and providing abundance, God reveals His unique, covenant-keeping nature, compelling His people to acknowledge Him as the one true God, distinct from all false idols and human powers. This knowledge is forged in the crucible of divine action and human experience.

**How does this verse relate to believers today, given its original context with Israel?**

Answer: While Ezekiel 34:27 primarily addresses the physical and spiritual restoration of the nation of Israel after the Babylonian exile, its underlying principles are profoundly applicable to believers today. Spiritually, we too can experience "yokes" of sin, spiritual bondage, or oppressive circumstances from which God promises to deliver us. The imagery of abundant provision reminds us that God is our ultimate Provider, capable of meeting all our needs, as affirmed in the New Testament (e.g., [Philippians 4:19](/philippians/4-19 "Philippians 4:19 - God Supplies All Your Needs")). Moreover, the central theme of "knowing that I am the LORD" continues to be vital for Christians. Our faith journey is one of continually growing in an experiential knowledge of God's character, power, and faithfulness as He works in our lives, delivering us and providing for us, leading to a life of secure trust in His unfailing love, as promised in [Romans 8:37-39](/romans/8-37-39 "Romans 8:37-39 - More Than Conquerors Through Christ")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 34:27 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the True Shepherd of God's flock. While Ezekiel prophesied a future Davidic shepherd (cf. [Ezekiel 34:23](/ezekiel/34-23 "Ezekiel 34:23 - The One Shepherd, My Servant David")), John's Gospel reveals Jesus as the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep (cf. [John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - Jesus, the Good Shepherd")). The promise of the land yielding its fruit and increase is spiritually fulfilled in Christ, who offers not merely physical abundance but "life, and have it more abundantly" (cf. [John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - Jesus Gives Abundant Life")). He is the source of all spiritual provision, nourishing His sheep with living water and the bread of life (cf. [John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")). Furthermore, Jesus is the one who truly "breaks the bands of their yoke." Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, He broke the yoke of sin and the power of death, setting us free from spiritual slavery (cf. [John 8:36](/john/8-36 "John 8:36 - The Son Sets You Free"); [Galatians 5:1](/galatians/5-1 "Galatians 5:1 - Freedom in Christ")). He delivered us "out of the hand of those that served themselves of them" – specifically, out of the dominion of darkness and the power of Satan (cf. [Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13-14 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Delivered from Darkness into Light")). Ultimately, it is through Christ that we truly "know that I am the LORD." Jesus Himself declared, "This is eternal life, that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent" (cf. [John 17:3](/john/17-3 "John 17:3 - Eternal Life is Knowing God")). In Him, God's character, power, and redemptive plan are fully revealed, leading us into a secure and abundant life rooted in an intimate relationship with the Father through the Son.

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

Jeremiah 30:8

For it shall come to pass in that day, saith the LORD of hosts, [that] I will break his yoke from off thy neck, and will burst thy bonds, and strangers shall no more serve themselves of him:

Leviticus 26:13

I [am] the LORD your God, which brought you forth out of the land of Egypt, that ye should not be their bondmen; and I have broken the bands of your yoke, and made you go upright.

Leviticus 26:4

Then I will give you rain in due season, and the land shall yield her increase, and the trees of the field shall yield their fruit.

Psalms 92:12

The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon.

Psalms 92:14

They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing;

Isaiah 52:2

Shake thyself from the dust; arise, [and] sit down, O Jerusalem: loose thyself from the bands of thy neck, O captive daughter of Zion.

Isaiah 52:3

For thus saith the LORD, Ye have sold yourselves for nought; and ye shall be redeemed without money.