Ezekiel 34:28

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they shall no more be a prey {H957} to the heathen {H1471}, neither shall the beast {H2416} of the land {H776} devour {H398} them; but they shall dwell {H3427} safely {H983}, and none shall make them afraid {H2729}.

Complete Jewish Bible

No longer will they be prey for the Goyim, nor will the wild animals devour them; but they will live securely, with no one to make them afraid.

Berean Standard Bible

They will no longer be prey for the nations, and the beasts of the earth will not consume them. They will dwell securely, and no one will frighten them.

American Standard Version

And they shall no more be a prey to the nations, neither shall the beasts of the earth devour them; but they shall dwell securely, and none shall make them afraid.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 34:28 stands as a profound prophetic declaration of God's unwavering commitment to His people, promising an era of unprecedented security and peace following a period of dispersion and exploitation. This verse, embedded within a larger oracle condemning unfaithful leadership and proclaiming God as the true Shepherd, assures Israel that they will no longer be victims of external oppression or internal threats. Instead, under divine protection, they will inhabit their land with a profound sense of safety and freedom from fear, marking a complete reversal of their past suffering and a testament to God's restorative power.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 34 is a pivotal chapter within the book, shifting from prophecies of judgment against Judah and surrounding nations to a powerful message of hope and restoration for God's people. The preceding verses (Ezekiel 34:1-10) vehemently condemn the corrupt "shepherds" (leaders) of Israel who have neglected, exploited, and scattered the flock. In stark contrast, God declares Himself the true and faithful Shepherd who will personally seek out His lost sheep, gather them from all the lands where they were scattered, and bring them back to their own land (Ezekiel 34:11-16). This divine intervention leads directly to the promises of security and flourishing, including a [covenant of peace](/ezekiel/34-25 "Ezekiel 34:25 - The Covenant of Peace") and abundant provision (Ezekiel 34:25-27), with verse 28 serving as a powerful capstone to these assurances of safety and freedom from all threats.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Book of Ezekiel was written during the Babylonian exile (c. 593-571 BC), a period of profound national trauma for Judah. The people had been forcibly removed from their homeland, their temple destroyed, and their monarchy dismantled. They were scattered among foreign nations, vulnerable to exploitation and oppression, much like sheep without a shepherd. The "heathen" (Gentile nations) represented the dominant imperial powers (like Babylon) that had conquered and plundered them, while "beasts of the land" could symbolize internal societal breakdown, lawlessness, or even the predatory nature of oppressive rulers within their own ranks. In this context of deep insecurity and despair, God's promise in Ezekiel 34:28 offered a radical vision of a future where these vulnerabilities would be entirely removed, and His people would live in undisturbed peace and safety, a concept deeply longed for by an exiled populace.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Ezekiel and the broader prophetic tradition. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Protection and Sovereignty**, asserting God's ultimate power to safeguard His people from all forms of harm, whether external or internal. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Restoration and Reversal**, promising a complete turnaround from the suffering of exile to a state of profound security and flourishing, echoing the hope for a new kingdom where God's presence brings [shalom](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - Prince of Peace"). Thirdly, it reinforces the **Covenant Faithfulness of God**, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to His promises despite Israel's unfaithfulness. Finally, while immediately addressing the physical return from exile, the language of ultimate security and a shepherd who brings peace also carries strong **Messianic undertones**, pointing towards the ultimate fulfillment of these promises in the person and work of [Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - Jesus, the Good Shepherd"), who grants His followers a peace that the world cannot give, and a future where [there will be no more tears or fear](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Tears or Fear").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Prey (Hebrew, _baz'_):** From H957, meaning "plunder" or "spoil." This word emphasizes that Israel would no longer be victims of exploitation, robbery, or violent seizure by others. It signifies an end to their vulnerability to being treated as mere spoils of war or resources to be consumed by stronger entities.
* **Heathen (Hebrew, _gôwy'_):** From H1471, referring to a "foreign nation" or "Gentile." In this context, it specifically denotes the non-Israelite nations, often portrayed in prophetic literature as hostile oppressors or instruments of God's judgment. The promise means an end to the subjugation and threat posed by these external powers.
* **Safely (Hebrew, _beṭach'_):** From H983, meaning "safety," "security," or "trust." Often used adverbially, as here, it conveys a deep sense of confidence, assurance, and freedom from anxiety or threat. It implies not just physical protection but also a psychological and spiritual state of well-being and undisturbed peace.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they shall no more be a prey to the heathen,"**: This clause declares an end to Israel's vulnerability and exploitation by foreign nations. Historically, Israel had often been conquered, plundered, and subjugated by surrounding empires. This promise signifies a future state where they would be secure from such external aggression, no longer serving as easy targets or spoils for their enemies.
* **"neither shall the beast of the land devour them;"**: This extends the promise of protection to internal threats. "Beast of the land" (Hebrew: _chayyat ha'aretz_) can refer literally to wild animals, but in prophetic contexts, it often symbolizes destructive forces, oppressive rulers, or internal societal chaos that preys upon the populace. This clause assures protection from both literal dangers within their territory and metaphorical "wild" elements that could destabilize their society or exploit its members.
* **"but they shall dwell safely, and none shall make [them] afraid."**: This final clause encapsulates the positive outcome of God's protection. "Dwell safely" speaks to a profound sense of security, stability, and well-being in their own land. The phrase "none shall make them afraid" emphasizes a complete absence of fear, anxiety, or terror, indicating a state of perfect peace and undisturbed rest, a stark contrast to their previous state of dispersion and vulnerability.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 34:28 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message of hope and restoration. **Antithesis** is prominent, contrasting the past state of being "a prey to the heathen" and "devoured by the beast" with the future state of dwelling "safely" and having "none shall make them afraid." This sharp contrast highlights the radical transformation God promises. **Symbolism** is also at play, particularly with "the beast of the land," which, while literally referring to wild animals, prophetically symbolizes destructive forces, oppressive human powers, or internal chaos that preys on the vulnerable. The "heathen" symbolize the external, hostile nations. The entire verse functions as a **Prophetic Promise**, a divine declaration of a future reality, intended to instill hope and assurance in a people experiencing profound despair.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse resonates deeply with the biblical narrative of God's covenant faithfulness and His ultimate plan for His people. It underscores the divine attribute of being a protective Shepherd who actively intervenes to secure the well-being of His flock. The promise of dwelling safely and without fear speaks to the concept of _shalom_—a comprehensive peace that encompasses security, prosperity, and wholeness, which is a hallmark of God's intended kingdom. It demonstrates that true security comes not from human strength or political alliances, but from God's direct intervention and His unwavering commitment to His covenant. This security is not merely physical but extends to a profound spiritual peace, a freedom from anxiety that only divine providence can provide.

* [Isaiah 32:18](/isaiah/32-18 "Isaiah 32:18 - Dwelling in Secure Habitations")
* [Jeremiah 23:4](/jeremiah/23-4 "Jeremiah 23:4 - Good Shepherds and No Fear")
* [Psalm 23:1-4](/psalm/23-1 "Psalm 23 - The Lord is My Shepherd")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 34:28 offers profound comfort and challenge for believers today. In a world often characterized by fear, uncertainty, and various "beasts" of anxiety, economic instability, social unrest, or spiritual attacks, this verse reminds us of God's unchanging nature as our vigilant and protective Shepherd. It encourages us to shift our trust from fleeting worldly securities to the unshakeable promise of divine care. We are called to rest in the assurance that God actively guards His people, desiring for us to live in a state of spiritual and emotional safety, free from paralyzing fear. This does not mean an absence of trials, but an unwavering confidence that even in the midst of them, God is with us, working for our ultimate good and leading us to a place of lasting peace. It inspires us to live boldly, knowing that our ultimate security is found in Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "heathen" or "beasts" (external pressures, internal anxieties, spiritual attacks) currently threaten your sense of peace and security?**
* **How does understanding God as the protective Shepherd in Ezekiel 34:28 encourage you to release those fears to Him?**
* **In what practical ways can you "dwell safely" in God's presence, even when circumstances around you are uncertain or frightening?**

### FAQ
**Who are the "heathen" and "beast of the land" in Ezekiel 34:28?**

Answer: In the immediate historical context of Ezekiel, the "heathen" (Hebrew: _goyim_) primarily referred to the foreign nations and empires, such as Babylon, that had conquered, exiled, and oppressed Israel. They were the external enemies who plundered and exploited God's people. The "beast of the land" (Hebrew: _chayyat ha'aretz_) literally means wild animals, but in prophetic literature, it often carries a symbolic meaning. It can represent destructive forces, internal corruption, or oppressive rulers within Israel itself, or even the general chaos and lawlessness that can devour a vulnerable society. Therefore, the verse promises protection from both external geopolitical threats and internal societal dangers.

**How does this prophecy relate to God's people today?**

Answer: While Ezekiel 34:28 had a specific historical fulfillment in the post-exilic return and restoration of Israel, its theological principles extend to God's people in all ages. For Christians, this prophecy points to the spiritual security and peace found in Christ. We are no longer "prey" to the dominion of darkness or the "beast" of sin and death, because Jesus has delivered us (see [Colossians 1:13](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13 - Delivered from the Dominion of Darkness")). We "dwell safely" in Him, experiencing a peace that transcends understanding (see [Philippians 4:7](/philippians/4-7 "Philippians 4:7 - The Peace of God")). This verse assures believers that God is our ultimate protector against all spiritual and existential threats, and that in His presence, we can live without ultimate fear, even amidst worldly turmoil.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 34:28 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the true and perfect Shepherd of God's flock. While the prophecy spoke of a physical restoration for Israel, its deepest spiritual reality is realized in the New Covenant established through Christ. He is the [Good Shepherd](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - Jesus, the Good Shepherd") who lays down His life for His sheep, delivering them from the ultimate "prey" of sin and the "beast" of death and the devil (see [Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Jesus Destroys the Devil")). Through His atoning work, believers are brought into a secure relationship with God, where they "dwell safely" in His presence, experiencing a peace that the world cannot give (see [John 14:27](/john/14-27 "John 14:27 - Jesus' Gift of Peace")). In Christ, "none shall make them afraid," for His perfect love casts out all fear (see [1 John 4:18](/1_john/4-18 "1 John 4:18 - Perfect Love Casts Out Fear")), and nothing can separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord (see [Romans 8:38-39](/romans/8-38 "Romans 8:38-39 - Nothing Can Separate Us from God's Love")). He is the embodiment of the promised security, offering eternal refuge and undisturbed peace to all who follow Him.

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 46:27

But fear not thou, O my servant Jacob, and be not dismayed, O Israel: for, behold, I will save thee from afar off, and thy seed from the land of their captivity; and Jacob shall return, and be in rest and at ease, and none shall make [him] afraid.

Jeremiah 30:10

¶ Therefore fear thou not, O my servant Jacob, saith the LORD; neither be dismayed, O Israel: for, lo, I will save thee from afar, and thy seed from the land of their captivity; and Jacob shall return, and shall be in rest, and be quiet, and none shall make [him] afraid.

Ezekiel 39:26

After that they have borne their shame, and all their trespasses whereby they have trespassed against me, when they dwelt safely in their land, and none made [them] afraid.

Ezekiel 34:8

[As] I live, saith the Lord GOD, surely because my flock became a prey, and my flock became meat to every beast of the field, because [there was] no shepherd, neither did my shepherds search for my flock, but the shepherds fed themselves, and fed not my flock;

Ezekiel 36:15

Neither will I cause [men] to hear in thee the shame of the heathen any more, neither shalt thou bear the reproach of the people any more, neither shalt thou cause thy nations to fall any more, saith the Lord GOD.

Ezekiel 34:29

And I will raise up for them a plant of renown, and they shall be no more consumed with hunger in the land, neither bear the shame of the heathen any more.

Ezekiel 36:4

Therefore, ye mountains of Israel, hear the word of the Lord GOD; Thus saith the Lord GOD to the mountains, and to the hills, to the rivers, and to the valleys, to the desolate wastes, and to the cities that are forsaken, which became a prey and derision to the residue of the heathen that [are] round about;