Ezekiel 39:26

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

After that they have borne {H5375} their shame {H3639}, and all their trespasses {H4604} whereby they have trespassed {H4603} against me, when they dwelt {H3427} safely {H983} in their land {H127}, and none made them afraid {H2729}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They will bear their shame and all their [guilt from] breaking faith with me, once they are living securely in their land, with no one to make them afraid.

Berean Standard Bible

They will forget their disgrace and all the treachery they committed against Me, when they dwell securely in their land, with no one to frighten them.

American Standard Version

And they shall bear their shame, and all their trespasses whereby they have trespassed against me, when they shall dwell securely in their land, and none shall make them afraid;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 39:26 serves as a pivotal statement within Ezekiel's prophecies concerning Israel's restoration, looking beyond the immediate judgment on Gog and Magog to reflect on the nation's past and future. It articulates a divine promise that after Israel has fully experienced and borne the consequences of their historical shame and repeated acts of unfaithfulness against God, they will once again dwell securely in their land, free from fear. This verse underscores God's righteous judgment on sin while simultaneously pointing to His unwavering commitment to a future of peace, safety, and renewed covenant relationship for His people, demonstrating His ultimate sovereignty over their destiny.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 39:26 is situated within the latter portion of the book of Ezekiel, specifically following the dramatic and comprehensive prophecies detailing the defeat of Gog and Magog in chapters 38 and 39. These chapters describe a climactic battle where God intervenes decisively to protect His people and demonstrate His holiness to the nations. Following this grand display of divine power and justice, the narrative shifts from external threats to internal spiritual realities. Verses 21-29 of chapter 39, where our verse resides, transition from the judgment of foreign powers to a profound reflection on Israel's past exile and future restoration. This section explains *why* Israel was exiled (due to their unfaithfulness) and *how* God will restore them, emphasizing His glory and faithfulness as the driving force behind these events. The promise of future security in verse 26 directly contrasts with their past vulnerability and the shame of exile, setting the stage for the glorious visions of restoration in subsequent chapters, such as the vision of the [dry bones](/ezekiel/37 "Ezekiel 37 - The Valley of Dry Bones") and the [new temple](/ezekiel/40 "Ezekiel 40 - The Vision of the New Temple").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Ezekiel was written during the Babylonian exile (c. 593-571 BC), a period of profound national humiliation and theological crisis for the Israelites. They had been forcibly removed from their land, their temple destroyed, and their king dethroned, seemingly contradicting God's covenant promises of an enduring kingdom and secure dwelling. This exile was understood by the prophets as divine judgment for centuries of idolatry, covenant breaking, and social injustice, particularly highlighted in earlier chapters of Ezekiel (e.g., [Ezekiel 8](/ezekiel/8 "Ezekiel 8 - Abominations in the Temple")). The concept of "shame" (Hebrew: *kᵉlimmâh*) was deeply significant in ancient Near Eastern cultures, where public disgrace and loss of honor were considered devastating. For Israel, exile was the ultimate public shame, a tangible sign of their failure to uphold their covenant with Yahweh. The promise of dwelling "safely in their land" directly addresses their deepest longings for security, autonomy, and restoration of honor, which were core components of the covenant blessings promised in the Torah (e.g., [Leviticus 26:5-6](/leviticus/26-5 "Leviticus 26:5-6 - Promises of Security")).

* **Key Themes:** Ezekiel 39:26 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Ezekiel. Firstly, it powerfully underscores the theme of **Divine Justice and Consequences of Sin**. Israel's "shame" and "trespasses" are explicitly stated as the reason for their suffering and exile, affirming God's righteous judgment against their unfaithfulness (e.g., [Ezekiel 36:17-19](/ezekiel/36-17 "Ezekiel 36:17-19 - Israel's Defilement and Exile")). Secondly, it highlights the theme of **God's Sovereignty and Glory**. The phrase "against me" emphasizes that their sin was ultimately against God Himself, and His subsequent actions, both in judgment and restoration, are for the sake of His holy name (e.g., [Ezekiel 36:22-23](/ezekiel/36-22 "Ezekiel 36:22-23 - God's Name Vindicated")). Thirdly, and most importantly, the verse anticipates the theme of **Future Restoration and Unshakeable Security**. The "After that" clause signals a turning point, pointing to a time when God will bring His people back to their land and establish them in a state of unprecedented safety and peace, a stark contrast to their past vulnerability and a fulfillment of the promises found throughout the prophetic literature (e.g., [Jeremiah 23:6](/jeremiah/23-6 "Jeremiah 23:6 - Righteous Branch and Security")). This future security is not earned by Israel but is a gracious gift of God, enabled by His faithfulness to His covenant.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Shame (Hebrew, _kᵉlimmâh'_):** From H3639, this word signifies disgrace, confusion, dishonour, and reproach. In the context of Ezekiel, it refers to the public humiliation and national disgrace that Israel experienced through their exile. It was not merely an internal feeling but a visible manifestation of their covenant failure and God's righteous judgment, a stark contrast to the honor and glory intended for His chosen people.
* **Trespasses (Hebrew, _maʻal'_):** From H4604, this term denotes treachery or sin. It is derived from a root (H4603, *mâʻal*) meaning "to cover up" or "to act covertly, i.e., treacherously." This highlights the nature of Israel's sin as a breach of trust and loyalty against God, often implying a sacrilegious act or unfaithfulness to the covenant, which had profound consequences for their relationship with Him.
* **Dwelt (Hebrew, _yâshab'_):** From H3427, this primitive root means "to sit down," and by implication, "to dwell," "to remain," or "to settle." When combined with "safely" (*beṭach*), as it is here, it conveys a profound sense of secure, confident, and undisturbed habitation. It speaks of a settled existence free from the anxieties and threats that plagued Israel in their history, a divinely granted state of peace.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"After that they have borne their shame,"**: This opening clause establishes a temporal condition, indicating that a period of suffering and public humiliation must first be fully experienced. "Borne" (H5375, *nâsâʼ*) implies carrying a burden or enduring a consequence. The "shame" (H3639, *kᵉlimmâh*) refers to the disgrace of their exile and the public exposure of their unfaithfulness, which was a direct result of their sin.
* **"and all their trespasses whereby they have trespassed against me,"**: This elaborates on the nature and extent of the "shame." It specifies that the shame is due to "all their trespasses" (H4604, *maʻal*), emphasizing the comprehensive nature of their unfaithfulness. The repetition "trespasses whereby they have trespassed" (H4603, *mâʻal*) underscores the deliberate and pervasive nature of their covenant violations. Crucially, these trespasses were "against me" (God), highlighting the personal offense against the divine covenant partner.
* **"when they dwelt safely in their land,"**: This clause introduces a contrasting past condition, recalling a time when Israel was supposed to dwell securely in the land God had given them. The phrase "dwelt safely" (H3427, *yâshab* H983, *beṭach*) signifies a state of secure habitation, confidence, and freedom from fear, a blessing promised under the Mosaic covenant that was often forfeited due to disobedience. This clause sets up the contrast with their present exile and anticipates a future restoration of this ideal state.
* **"and none made [them] afraid."**: This final clause reinforces the previous one, emphasizing the complete absence of external threats or internal anxieties. It paints a picture of comprehensive peace and security, a state of ideal well-being that was characteristic of covenant blessings and is now promised as a future reality after the period of judgment and shame has concluded.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 39:26 employs several significant literary devices to convey its powerful message. The most prominent is **Contrast**, setting the past state of "shame" and "trespasses" against the future promise of dwelling "safely in their land, and none made them afraid." This stark juxtaposition highlights the transformative nature of God's redemptive work. The phrase "trespasses whereby they have trespassed" utilizes **Repetition** (specifically, **Polyptoton**, using different forms of the same root word) to emphasize the pervasive and deliberate nature of Israel's unfaithfulness, underscoring the gravity of their sin. The verse also employs **Temporal Clauses** ("After that," "when") to structure the divine promise, indicating a clear sequence of events: judgment must precede restoration. Finally, the reference to sin being "against me" (God) is an example of **Anthropomorphism**, attributing human-like characteristics (being offended) to God, which serves to emphasize the personal and relational betrayal inherent in Israel's covenant breaking.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 39:26 masterfully weaves together themes of divine justice, human accountability, and God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises. It asserts that while God justly allows His people to experience the consequences of their rebellion, His ultimate purpose is not punitive destruction but redemptive restoration. The "shame" and "trespasses" are not merely historical facts but theological realities that necessitate divine intervention for reconciliation. The promise of dwelling "safely" in the land, free from fear, signifies a profound spiritual and physical renewal, a state of *shalom* that only God can provide after He has dealt with sin. This future security is not earned by Israel's merit but flows from God's commitment to vindicate His holy name and fulfill His covenant, transforming a people who bore shame into a people who experience His secure presence.

* [Deuteronomy 28:15-68](/deuteronomy/28-15 "Deuteronomy 28:15-68 - Curses for Disobedience")
* [Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31 "Jeremiah 31:31-34 - The New Covenant")
* [Micah 4:4](/micah/4-4 "Micah 4:4 - Dwelling in Safety")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 39:26 offers a powerful message of hope and divine faithfulness that resonates deeply with believers today. It reminds us that our sin, like Israel's, has real and often painful consequences, leading to spiritual "shame" or a sense of separation from God. Yet, the "After that" clause is a profound beacon of grace. It assures us that even after we have experienced the deserved repercussions of our failings, God's redemptive plan is still active. He is faithful to bring about restoration, peace, and security, not based on our merit, but on His steadfast love and covenant promises. This verse calls us to acknowledge our own "trespasses," to bear any necessary shame with humility, and then to look forward with confident hope to the God who can transform our deepest fears and insecurities into a profound sense of dwelling "safely" in His presence. It encourages us to trust in His sovereign hand, knowing that He works all things, even our past mistakes and their consequences, for His glory and our ultimate good.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways have I experienced the "shame" or consequences of my own "trespasses" against God?**
* **How does the concept of God allowing His people to "bear their shame" inform my understanding of divine justice and discipline?**
* **What does "dwelling safely" mean in a spiritual sense for me today, and how does God provide that security?**
* **How does this verse encourage me to trust in God's faithfulness for future restoration, even after periods of personal or corporate brokenness?**

### FAQ
**What does "borne their shame" mean in this context?**

Answer: "Borne their shame" refers to Israel's experience of public disgrace and humiliation, primarily through their exile to Babylon. This shame was a direct consequence of their unfaithfulness and idolatry, which were considered acts of "trespass" or betrayal against God. In ancient Near Eastern culture, public shame was a profound punishment, signifying a loss of honor and a visible manifestation of divine judgment. Thus, Israel "bearing their shame" meant enduring the full, painful reality of their national humiliation and the suffering that resulted from their sin.

**How does this verse relate to God's justice and mercy?**

Answer: Ezekiel 39:26 beautifully illustrates the interplay of God's justice and mercy. His justice is evident in that Israel *must* "bear their shame" and the consequences of their "trespasses." God does not overlook sin; there are real repercussions for covenant breaking. However, His mercy is profoundly revealed in the "After that" clause. The judgment is not the end; it is a prelude to restoration. God's ultimate intention is to bring His people back to a state of dwelling "safely in their land, and none made them afraid." This demonstrates that His justice serves His redemptive purposes, ultimately leading to a display of His faithfulness and mercy for His people and for the vindication of His holy name (as seen in [Ezekiel 36:22-23](/ezekiel/36-22 "Ezekiel 36:22-23 - God's Name Vindicated")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 39:26, with its promise of a future where Israel bears their shame no more and dwells safely, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Humanity, like ancient Israel, has "trespassed against" God, bearing the universal "shame" of sin and separation from Him (as described in [Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All Have Sinned")). However, Jesus, the perfect Lamb of God, uniquely bore *our* shame and trespasses on the cross. He became sin for us, enduring the ultimate public humiliation and divine judgment so that we might be reconciled to God (as powerfully depicted in [2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). Through His atoning sacrifice, the true "shame" of sin is removed from those who believe, and we are granted a security far greater than any physical dwelling in a land. We are brought into a new covenant relationship where we "dwell safely" in Christ, free from the fear of condemnation and the ultimate enemy, death (as celebrated in [Romans 8:1-2](/romans/8-1 "Romans 8:1-2 - No Condemnation in Christ Jesus") and [Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Christ Frees from Fear of Death")). The peace and safety promised to Israel in their land foreshadow the spiritual peace and eternal security found in union with Christ, who is our true "dwelling place" and refuge ([Psalm 90:1](/psalm/90-1 "Psalm 90:1 - God Our Dwelling Place")).

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

1 Kings 4:25

And Judah and Israel dwelt safely, every man under his vine and under his fig tree, from Dan even to Beersheba, all the days of Solomon.

Micah 4:4

But they shall sit every man under his vine and under his fig tree; and none shall make [them] afraid: for the mouth of the LORD of hosts hath spoken [it].

Ezekiel 16:63

That thou mayest remember, and be confounded, and never open thy mouth any more because of thy shame, when I am pacified toward thee for all that thou hast done, saith the Lord GOD.

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.

Isaiah 17:2

The cities of Aroer [are] forsaken: they shall be for flocks, which shall lie down, and none shall make [them] afraid.

Jeremiah 30:11

For I [am] with thee, saith the LORD, to save thee: though I make a full end of all nations whither I have scattered thee, yet will I not make a full end of thee: but I will correct thee in measure, and will not leave thee altogether unpunished.

Leviticus 26:5

And your threshing shall reach unto the vintage, and the vintage shall reach unto the sowing time: and ye shall eat your bread to the full, and dwell in your land safely.