Ezekiel 36:14

KJV

Therefore thou shalt devour men no more, neither bereave thy nations any more, saith the Lord GOD.

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore thou shalt devour {H398} men {H120} no more, neither bereave {H7921}{H3782} thy nations {H1471} any more, saith {H5002} the Lord {H136} GOD {H3069}.

Complete Jewish Bible

therefore you will no longer devour people, and you will not make your nations childless any more," says Adonai ELOHIM.

Berean Standard Bible

therefore you will no longer devour men or deprive your nation of its children, declares the Lord GOD.

American Standard Version

therefore thou shalt devour men no more, neither bereave thy nation any more, saith the Lord Jehovah;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 36:14 delivers a profound divine promise to the land of Israel, declaring a definitive end to its long period of desolation and its metaphorical "devouring" and "bereaving" of its inhabitants. This verse, situated within a broader prophecy of restoration, signifies God's sovereign intervention to reverse the devastating consequences of Israel's sin and exile, transforming a barren and scorned land into one that will once again sustain and multiply its people, all for the sake of God's holy name and unwavering covenant faithfulness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 36:14 is situated within a profound prophecy of restoration addressed directly to the "mountains of Israel" (Ezekiel 36:1). The preceding verses ([Ezekiel 36:1-13](/ezekiel/36-1-13 "Ezekiel 36:1-13 - The Desolation of the Land")) graphically portray the land's desolate state, its reproach among the surrounding nations, and its inability to sustain its population. It describes the land as having been "trodden down" (Ezekiel 36:2) and "a prey and derision to the residue of the heathen" (Ezekiel 36:4). The land had become a "devourer" of its people, unable to hold them due to famine, war, and exile, leading to a cycle of depopulation. Verse 14 marks a pivotal turning point, as God, having acknowledged the land's suffering and shame, now declares a definitive end to this destructive cycle, promising a future of fruitfulness and security. This promise is not based on Israel's merit but on God's commitment to vindicate His holy name, which had been profaned among the nations because of Israel's exile (as further elaborated in [Ezekiel 36:22-23](/ezekiel/36-22-23 "Ezekiel 36:22-23 - God Acts for His Holy Name")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy in Ezekiel 36 was delivered during the Babylonian exile (c. 593-571 BC), a period when the land of Israel lay desolate, its cities ruined, and its people scattered. The "devouring" and "bereaving" of the land reflect the severe covenant curses described in the Torah for disobedience, such as famine, pestilence, and the sword (e.g., [Leviticus 26:26](/leviticus/26-26 "Leviticus 26:26 - The Curse of Famine") and [Deuteronomy 28:48](/deuteronomy/28-48 "Deuteronomy 28:48 - Curse of Servitude and Hunger")). Culturally, the fertility of the land was intrinsically linked to the well-being and prosperity of the people. A land that "devoured" its inhabitants was a land under divine judgment, incapable of fulfilling its purpose as a place of blessing. The surrounding nations, particularly Edom, rejoiced in Israel's downfall, viewing it as evidence of the weakness of Israel's God (Ezekiel 36:2). God's promise to reverse this condition was therefore a profound declaration of His sovereignty over history and His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant, even when His people had failed.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Ezekiel and the broader prophetic tradition. First, it underscores **Divine Restoration**, showcasing God's unparalleled power to bring life and flourishing out of utter desolation. It is a promise of complete renewal for both the physical land and its future inhabitants, reversing the effects of judgment. Second, it highlights the **Cessation of Suffering**, declaring an end to the cycles of death, famine, and exile that had plagued Israel due to their sin. This signifies a future of security, abundance, and peace for the repatriated people. Third, the declaration "saith the Lord GOD" emphasizes **God's Unwavering Faithfulness** to His covenant promises, even in the face of Israel's profound unfaithfulness. His actions are ultimately for the glory of His own name, ensuring that His reputation among the nations is vindicated (as seen in [Ezekiel 36:22-23](/ezekiel/36-22-23 "God's Vindication of His Holy Name")). Finally, it speaks to the **Reversal of Shame**, transforming the land's reproach and barrenness into fruitfulness and honor, a testament to God's redemptive power. This prophecy lays the groundwork for the promise of a new heart and spirit for the people, enabling them to walk in God's statutes (see [Ezekiel 36:26-27](/ezekiel/36-26-27 "The Promise of a New Heart and Spirit")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **devour (Hebrew, _ʼâkal'_):** From H398, a primitive root meaning "to eat (literally or figuratively); [idiom] at all, burn up, consume, devour(-er, up), dine, eat(-er, up), feed (with), [idiom] freely, [idiom] in...wise(-deed, plenty), (lay) meat, [idiom] quite." In this context, when applied to the land, it metaphorically represents the land's failure to sustain life, leading to depopulation through famine, pestilence, and war. The land, instead of providing sustenance, seemed to "eat up" or consume its inhabitants, rendering it empty.
* **men (Hebrew, _ʼâdâm'_):** From H120, from אָדַם; ruddy i.e. a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.); [idiom] another, [phrase] hypocrite, [phrase] common sort, [idiom] low, man (mean, of low degree), person. Here, it emphasizes the loss of human life, highlighting the devastating impact of the land's "devouring" on the population of Israel. It underscores the severity of the demographic decline.
* **bereave (Hebrew, _shâkôl'_):** From H7921, a primitive root; properly, to miscarry, i.e. suffer abortion; by analogy, to bereave (literally or figuratively); bereave (of children), barren, cast calf (fruit, young), be (make) childless, deprive, destroy, [idiom] expect, lose children, miscarry, rob of children, spoil. When applied to the land and its "nations" (people groups), it vividly portrays the devastating loss of life, particularly the young, and the inability of the population to thrive and multiply. It speaks to a state of demographic collapse and a lack of future generations.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore thou shalt devour men no more":** The introductory "Therefore" connects this divine declaration directly to the preceding description of the land's desolation and God's recognition of its suffering. The land, personified, is addressed directly and promised an end to its destructive capacity. No longer will it be a place where its inhabitants perish through famine, war, or exile, leading to depopulation. This marks a definitive reversal of its cursed state, promising a return to its intended purpose of sustaining life.
* **"neither bereave thy nations any more":** This clause reinforces and expands upon the first, emphasizing the cessation of the land's role in causing the loss of its people. "Nations" here refers to the people groups or tribes within Israel. The imagery of "bereaving" underscores the tragic loss of life, particularly the young, and the inability of the population to multiply and flourish. God promises that the land will no longer be a place of demographic decline or a cause of its people becoming childless, ensuring future generations will thrive upon it.
* **"saith the Lord GOD":** This concluding phrase is a powerful divine oracle formula, underscoring the absolute authority, certainty, and irrevocability of the preceding promise. "The Lord GOD" (Hebrew: `Adonai YHWH`, from H136 and H3069) combines two sacred names of God, emphasizing His sovereign power and covenant faithfulness. This declaration is not a mere wish or possibility, but a guaranteed future event, rooted in the very character and unchangeable will of the Almighty.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 36:14 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of divine reversal and restoration. **Personification** is central, as the land of Israel is addressed directly as if it were a living entity capable of "devouring" and "bereaving." This imbues the land with a sense of agency and suffering, making God's promise of its cessation all the more impactful and vivid. The terms "devour" and "bereave" also function as **Metaphors**, representing the various means by which the land had been unable to sustain its population—famine, plague, war, and exile. These are not literal acts of consumption by the soil but figurative expressions of its desolation and the resulting depopulation. The repeated phrase "no more" introduces a stark **Contrast** to the land's previous state, highlighting the dramatic and complete nature of God's intervention and the finality of the judgment's reversal. Finally, the concluding **Divine Oracle Formula** ("saith the Lord GOD") serves as an authoritative stamp, emphasizing the divine origin and absolute certainty of the prophecy, transforming a descriptive statement into a binding promise from the sovereign Creator.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 36:14 stands as a profound testament to God's redemptive character and His unwavering commitment to His covenant people. Theologically, it reveals that even in the face of severe judgment for sin, God's ultimate purpose is restoration and life, not perpetual destruction. His actions are driven not by Israel's merit, but by His own holy name and His desire to display His glory among the nations. This promise of an end to the land's "devouring" and "bereaving" foreshadows a deeper spiritual restoration, where God would provide a new heart and spirit, enabling His people to truly live in covenant obedience. It speaks to the divine reversal of all that sin has broken, offering hope for a future where God's presence brings abundant life and flourishing, demonstrating His ultimate victory over the consequences of human rebellion.

* [Leviticus 26:40-42](/leviticus/26-40-42 "Leviticus 26:40-42 - Confession and Remembering the Covenant")
* [Jeremiah 32:41](/jeremiah/32-41 "Jeremiah 32:41 - God's Joy in Doing Good")
* [Isaiah 62:4](/isaiah/62-4 "Isaiah 62:4 - No Longer Desolate")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 36:14, though spoken to an ancient land, carries timeless spiritual truths for believers today. It reminds us that God is a God of restoration, capable of bringing life and fruitfulness to the most desolate and barren areas of our lives, whether they be personal struggles, broken relationships, spiritual dryness, or the lingering effects of past failures. Just as the land of Israel experienced a reversal of its shame and suffering, we can trust that God desires to heal and restore what sin and its consequences have "devoured" or "bereaved" in us. This verse calls us to hope, to believe in God's power to transform seemingly irreversible situations, and to rely not on our own merit, but on His steadfast love and faithfulness, which are ultimately for the glory of His name. It encourages us to look beyond immediate circumstances to the greater redemptive plan of God, knowing that His promises are certain and His desire is for our flourishing, empowering us to live lives that bear witness to His life-giving power.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What areas of your life currently feel "devoured" or "bereaved," lacking fruitfulness or experiencing significant loss?**
* **How does the promise of God's restoration in Ezekiel 36:14 encourage you to trust Him with these seemingly barren or hopeless areas?**
* **In what ways might God be acting for the sake of His "holy name" in your current circumstances, even when you don't immediately perceive His work?**
* **How does understanding God's unwavering faithfulness to ancient Israel strengthen your faith in His promises for your own life and the future of His people?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean for the land to "devour men" or "bereave nations"?**

Answer: These are powerful personifications of the land's desolate state and its inability to sustain life. To "devour men" (from Hebrew `H398` `ʼâkal` for "devour" and `H120` `ʼâdâm` for "men") means that the land was so barren and afflicted by famine, war, and pestilence that it effectively "consumed" or led to the death and scattering of its inhabitants. It couldn't hold or nourish them, leading to depopulation. To "bereave thy nations" (from Hebrew `H7921` `shâkôl` for "bereave" and `H1471` `gôwy` for "nations" or people groups) means that the land caused its people to become childless or suffer significant loss of life, particularly of the young, leading to a demographic decline and the inability to thrive and multiply. These phrases vividly describe the devastating impact of divine judgment on the land and its population during the Babylonian exile, a direct consequence of Israel's disobedience to God's covenant (see [Leviticus 26](/leviticus/26 "Leviticus 26 - Blessings and Curses") for curses related to covenant disobedience).

**Why was the land of Israel in such a desolate state that it was described this way?**

Answer: The desolation of the land was a direct consequence of Israel's prolonged idolatry, unfaithfulness, and disobedience to God's covenant. The prophets, including Ezekiel, consistently linked the land's suffering to the sins of its inhabitants. God had warned through Moses that if Israel broke His covenant, the land would become desolate, its produce would fail, and its people would be scattered (e.g., [Deuteronomy 28:15-68](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses for Obedience and Disobedience")). The Babylonian exile and the subsequent desolation of the land were God's righteous judgment, intended to purify His people and demonstrate His sovereignty to both Israel and the surrounding nations, proving that He is the one true God who keeps His word.

**Is this prophecy only for ancient Israel, or does it have relevance for believers today?**

Answer: While the immediate historical context of Ezekiel 36:14 is the physical land of Israel and its people during the exile, the underlying theological principles and the nature of God revealed in this verse have profound relevance for believers today. The prophecy demonstrates God's power to bring restoration out of desolation, His faithfulness even when His people are unfaithful, and His desire to act for the glory of His own name. Spiritually, we can apply this to areas in our lives that feel "devoured" by sin, brokenness, or despair. God promises to bring life, fruitfulness, and healing, often through the work of the Holy Spirit in our hearts, as foreshadowed in the broader prophecy of a new heart and spirit (e.g., [Ezekiel 36:26-27](/ezekiel/36-26-27 "Ezekiel 36:26-27 - The New Heart and Spirit")). It offers hope that God can reverse seemingly irreversible situations and restore what has been lost, bringing spiritual vitality where there was once barrenness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 36:14, with its promise of the land no longer "devouring men" or "bereaving nations," finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The physical restoration of the land of Israel foreshadows the spiritual restoration of humanity and creation through the New Covenant. Just as the land was cursed due to sin, humanity was under the curse of sin, leading to spiritual death and barrenness. Christ, the true [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), bore the curse of sin on the cross, thereby ending the "devouring" power of sin and death over those who believe in Him. Through His sacrifice and resurrection, He inaugurates a new creation (as seen in [2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")), where spiritual barrenness is replaced by abundant life and fruitfulness through the indwelling Holy Spirit. The promise of a "new heart and a new spirit" in [Ezekiel 36:26](/ezekiel/36-26 "Ezekiel 36:26 - The Promise of a New Heart") is realized in Christ, who empowers believers to walk in God's statutes and bear the fruit of righteousness (as described in [Galatians 5:22-23](/galatians/5-22-23 "Galatians 5:22-23 - The Fruit of the Spirit")). Ultimately, the vision of a land that sustains life without loss points forward to the new heavens and new earth (revealed in [Revelation 21:1-5](/revelation/21-1-5 "Revelation 21:1-5 - The New Heaven and New Earth")), where death, sorrow, and barrenness are no more, and God dwells perfectly with His people, ensuring eternal flourishing and a complete end to all "devouring" and "bereaving."

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

Amos 9:15

And I will plant them upon their land, and they shall no more be pulled up out of their land which I have given them, saith the LORD thy God.

Ezekiel 37:25

And they shall dwell in the land that I have given unto Jacob my servant, wherein your fathers have dwelt; and they shall dwell therein, [even] they, and their children, and their children's children for ever: and my servant David [shall be] their prince for ever.

Ezekiel 37:28

And the heathen shall know that I the LORD do sanctify Israel, when my sanctuary shall be in the midst of them for evermore.

Isaiah 60:21

Thy people also [shall be] all righteous: they shall inherit the land for ever, the branch of my planting, the work of my hands, that I may be glorified.