Ezekiel 34:27

Commentary on Ezekiel 34:27 (KJV)

Ezekiel 34:27 is a powerful declaration of God's future blessings and restoration for His people, emphasizing divine provision and deliverance from oppression. It paints a vivid picture of security and abundance under God's watchful care.

Context

This verse is part of a larger prophecy in Ezekiel chapter 34, where God condemns the unfaithful shepherds of Israel (their corrupt leaders) who neglected and exploited His flock. In contrast, God Himself promises to act as the true and faithful Shepherd. Following the devastation of the Babylonian exile, this passage offers hope for a time when God would gather His scattered flock, provide for them, and establish a secure dwelling. It speaks to a future of spiritual and physical renewal for the covenant people, ultimately pointing to the messianic reign of the one Shepherd, David (a type of Christ).

Key Themes

• Abundant Provision: The imagery of the "tree of the field shall yield her fruit, and the earth shall yield her increase" signifies a time of unparalleled agricultural prosperity and divine blessing. This speaks to God's ability to provide abundantly for His people, reversing the curses of scarcity and famine often associated with disobedience, and fulfilling promises of a land flowing with milk and honey. This echoes the blessings promised in Leviticus 26:4-5.
• Deliverance and Security: The promise that "they shall be safe in their land" highlights a future free from fear, invasion, and oppression. God's action to "broken the bands of their yoke" and delivered them "out of the hand of those that served themselves of them" (exploited or enslaved them) points to a complete liberation from all forms of bondage. This powerful imagery of breaking the yoke signifies freedom from servitude and external domination, promising lasting peace and security.
• Experiential Knowledge of God: The profound declaration, "and shall know that I am the LORD," is a recurring motif throughout the book of Ezekiel. It signifies not just intellectual understanding, but a deep, experiential recognition of God's power, faithfulness, and sovereignty. Through His mighty acts of deliverance and provision, His people will truly come to understand who He is. This intimate knowledge is a hallmark of God's new covenant promises.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "know that I am the LORD" (Hebrew: yada' ki 'ani YHWH) is central to Ezekiel's prophecy. The verb yada' implies a knowledge gained through personal experience and relationship, not just intellectual assent. It underscores that God's actions of judgment and restoration are ultimately for the purpose of revealing His true identity and character—His covenant name, YHWH—to humanity and His people. It's about recognizing His absolute sovereignty and unique deity.

Practical Application

Ezekiel 34:27 offers profound encouragement for believers today, even though its primary fulfillment points to Israel's restoration and the Messianic age:

• It reminds us that God is our ultimate Provider, capable of meeting all our needs, both physical and spiritual, even in times of scarcity or difficulty. We can trust in His promise of abundant provision.
• It assures us of God's power to deliver us from spiritual yokes, addictions, or oppressive circumstances. Just as He broke the literal yokes of Israel, He can free us from anything that binds us and prevents us from living in His freedom.
• Fundamentally, this verse calls us to a deeper, experiential "knowing" of God. As we witness His faithfulness and deliverance in our lives, our understanding of His character and sovereignty grows, strengthening our faith and trust in Him. This leads to a life lived in greater security and peace, knowing that the Lord is indeed our Shepherd and Protector.