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.

Moreover I will make {H3772} a covenant {H1285} of peace {H7965} with them; it shall be an everlasting {H5769} covenant {H1285} with them: and I will place {H5414} them, and multiply {H7235} them, and will set {H5414} my sanctuary {H4720} in the midst {H8432} of them for evermore {H5769}.

I will make a covenant of peace with them, an everlasting covenant. I will give to them, increase their numbers, and set my sanctuary among them forever.

And I will make a covenant of peace with them; it will be an everlasting covenant. I will establish them and multiply them, and I will set My sanctuary among them forever.

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.

Commentary on Ezekiel 37:26 (KJV)

Ezekiel 37:26 is a powerful promise of restoration and future blessing for the nation of Israel, following the vivid prophecy of the valley of dry bones and the reunification of the two kingdoms (Judah and Israel) under one shepherd. This verse outlines key components of God's renewed relationship with His people in the messianic age.

Context

This verse appears at the conclusion of Ezekiel chapter 37, which begins with the dramatic vision of dry bones coming to life, symbolizing the spiritual and national resurrection of Israel from exile and despair. Following this, the prophecy of the two sticks joining together illustrates the future reunification of the divided kingdoms of Israel and Judah. Verses 24 and 25 describe the people living in the land given to their fathers, serving the Lord and their king, David (a reference to the Messiah), and living in security forever. Verse 26 then elaborates on the nature of the covenant that will underpin this restored state.

Key Themes

  • Covenant of Peace: God promises a "covenant of peace" (Hebrew: bᵉrîṯ shālôm). This is more than just an absence of conflict; it signifies wholeness, well-being, security, and prosperity in their relationship with God and in their land. It contrasts sharply with the judgment and turmoil they experienced due to their unfaithfulness. This concept is echoed in other prophetic books promising future security and blessing, as seen in the covenant of peace described in Isaiah 54:10.
  • Everlasting Covenant: The covenant is declared to be "an everlasting covenant." Unlike previous covenants which were broken by Israel's sin, this future covenant is permanent and unbreakable, secured by God's faithfulness. This points towards the enduring nature of God's ultimate plan for His people and foreshadows the new and everlasting covenant mentioned in Jeremiah 32:40 and later established through Christ.
  • Divine Presence: God promises, "I will set my sanctuary in the midst of them for evermore." This signifies God's dwelling among His people, a central theme throughout scripture, from the tabernacle and temple to the ultimate fulfillment in the person of Jesus Christ and the indwelling Holy Spirit, and finally in the new heavens and new earth where God will dwell with men, and they shall be his people.
  • Multiplication and Blessing: The promise "I will place them, and multiply them" echoes the ancient promises made to Abraham regarding the increase of his descendants and their inheritance of the land. It signifies a return to fruitfulness and blessing after the scattering and diminishment caused by exile. This promise is foundational to God's covenant with Abraham, who was told his seed would be multiplied as the stars of heaven.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "covenant of peace," bᵉrîṯ shālôm, emphasizes not just reconciliation but comprehensive well-being. The term shālôm is rich, encompassing peace, harmony, completeness, and prosperity. "Everlasting covenant," bᵉrîṯ ‘ôlām, stresses the eternal duration and permanence of this divine agreement. The "sanctuary," miqdāš, refers to a holy place where God is present, highlighting the renewed intimacy of God's relationship with His people.

Reflection

Ezekiel 37:26 offers a glimpse into God's ultimate plan for restoration and fellowship. It assures us of God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, despite human failure. While rooted in promises to Israel, these themes resonate deeply with the New Testament understanding of the new covenant established through Jesus Christ, who is our peace and through whom God dwells in believers by the Spirit. The promise of God's presence is the ultimate source of peace and security for all who are in covenant relationship with Him.

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 55:3

    Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, [even] the sure mercies of David.

  • Jeremiah 30:19

    And out of them shall proceed thanksgiving and the voice of them that make merry: and I will multiply them, and they shall not be few; I will also glorify them, and they shall not be small.

  • 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.

  • Ezekiel 43:7

    ¶ And he said unto me, Son of man, the place of my throne, and the place of the soles of my feet, where I will dwell in the midst of the children of Israel for ever, and my holy name, shall the house of Israel no more defile, [neither] they, nor their kings, by their whoredom, nor by the carcases of their kings in their high places.

  • Leviticus 26:11

    And I will set my tabernacle among you: and my soul shall not abhor you.

  • Leviticus 26:12

    And I will walk among you, and will be your God, and ye shall be my people.

  • Ezekiel 16:62

    And I will establish my covenant with thee; and thou shalt know that I [am] the LORD:
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