Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 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.
25. a covenant of peace ] a covenant securing everlasting peace and therefore implying the removal of all that would injure or disturb them. In Hos 2:20 the sense is somewhat different: Jehovah makes a covenant for them with the beasts of the field, that they shall not hurt. In Hos. “beasts” is used literally (cf. Isa 11:6), here figuratively, meaning foes, heathen assailants, though the figure of the flock is still maintained (Lev 26:6). The “wilderness” is the uncultivated pasture land as distinguished from that under tillage, covered with crops or fruit-trees (Carmel). Even in the “woods,” the parts covered with bush, the haunts of wild beasts, the flock shall sleep safely.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
Eze 34:25-26
I will make with them a covenant of peace.
Gods covenant with His people, and their assured safety in the wilderness
I. The Kings charter. Observe, the text does not say, We will make a covenant with one another, God and man; it says, I will make them a covenant; originating in the electing love of God.
II. The exercise of the royal prerogative–I will cause the evil beasts to cease out of the land. Satan cares not how many churches or chapels are built, provided the things of the Kings charter are never talked of. But, says Jehovah, I will cause the evil beasts to cease out of the land. Hells powers are vanquished. Who is He that said, He spoiled principalities and powers, and made a show of them openly? Who is He that is said to have destroyed death, and him that bad the power of death, that is, the devil, and thereby delivered them, who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage? Who is he of whom it was predicted, that He should bruise the serpents head? Even the second Person in the glorious Trinity, who in this covenant of peace became Himself the peace of the Church.
III. The position, which this Kings dominion occupies in His world in the wilderness. What is the wilderness? A place haunted by every description of evil beast; a place uncultivated, trackless, and dangerous. If you can picture to yourselves, for a moment, what that wilderness was to the tribes of Israel literally, you may draw the inference, and a very fair one, that just such the world through which we pass is to a believer spiritually. It is a wilderness; but God has a Church in it, and that is the mercy. Of Christ it is said, that He was with His Church in the wilderness. He had, then, His Church in the wilderness, His spiritual family; and so He has now,–a Church, a little flock, an encamped land, a chosen family, brought out of Egypt by miracles of grace, and travelling towards Canaan, the constant object of His love. Such is the portion of the Church–in the wilderness.
IV. The precious promise of tranquillity. Though the Church may occupy a position so frightful, so fearful, so alarming as that I have described, the text says, they shall dwell safely. What protection! And they shall sleep too; that is, they shall rest. Mark these two things
1. In these woods, solemn as they are,–and really they are more affecting than any language can describe,–they are encompassed with Deity–with all the attributes of Deity–encompassed with angelic guardians–encompassed, as we read in the Psalms, by the Angel of the Lord. Jesus encircles His Church with His own perfections and attributes. He guarantees her security in the wilderness; and this accounts for her dwelling safely.
2. Mark one thing more; they were to see the salvation of God. If you get a fair sight of it you will stand still. Faiths telescope will not bear much shaking about; and if you have a fair view of the salvation of God you will stand still. He works best when we do nothing; He displays His glory most when we most feel our need of it. He shines abroad, and even rides upon heaven for help when we cannot crawl on earth to ask for it. (J. Irons.)
Peace possible under all circumstances
If you have Christ in your heart, then life is possible, peace is possible, joy is possible, under all circumstances and in all places. Everything which the soul can desire it possesses. You will be like men that live in a beleaguered castle, and in the courtyard a sparkling spring, fed from some source high up in the mountains, and finding its way in there by underground channels which no besiegers can ever touch. (A. Maclaren.)
I will make them and the places round about My hill a blessing.
Gods gracious engagements with His Church
I. The description given of Gods Church. My hill.
1. The term denotes–
(1) Elevation. World is sunk, fallen, degraded. The Church is raised out of it, exalted, etc.
(2) Firmness and stability. Not an erection upon sand, endangered by every storm, etc., but upon the towering hill that has withstood the blasts of centuries.
(3) Visibility. It is a hill to be visible to all in every direction, its top pointing towards the skies.
(4) Healthfulness and purity. The mountain air pure, balmy, bracing the system, etc. Here souls are matured for the healthy regions of the celestial paradise.
2. But this is described as Gods hill.
(1) The Lord founded it.
(2) The place of His Divine residence.
(3) The scene of His glories (Psa 27:4).
(4) The object of His especial love.
II. The promises made to it. I will cause the shower to come down, etc.
1. The promise is general. Protection, provision, comfort, and prosperity, all included.
2. The promise includes abundance. Showers of blessings. Bounty of God infinite (2Ki 4:1; Mal 3:10).
3. The blessings are to be seasonable. Shower in his season. Not before necessary, not when it is too late; but at the crisis of need, etc. (Psa 107:1-43.)
4. The blessings are to promote a happy influence on all around. The Church is to spread the savour of grace through the whole earth.
Application–
1. Do we dwell in the Lords holy hill? (See Psa 15:1-5.)
2. Congratulate the children of Zion. Let them be joyful, etc.
3. Invite sinners all around to come and join themselves to the people of the Lord, etc. (J. Burns, D. D.)
The hill of Zion
I. An interesting place. The most interesting in the whole universe, and connected with the most pleasing, delightful, affecting associations. Consider wherein the Church resembles Mount Zion.
1. In point of elevation and grandeur. Believers are raised up together with Christ, and made to sit together with Him in heavenly places. They follow out sublime designs far above this world; and they are animated by lofty aspirations.
2. A mountain is an object of visibility and attraction. So is the Church; it stands not in a valley, but on a hill, visible, and calculated to excite attention. It is also an object of attraction. It occupies a conspicuous place, and millions have been attracted by it and drawn. It points upward to the skies.
3. A mountain is a place of strength and stability. So is the Church. It is not founded upon the sand. Century after century has passed away; empires have arisen and fallen in close succession; but this Hill of Zion remains in all its strength and glory.
II. An encouraging promise.
1. Its nature. A blessing. In this everything is included. It is not nominal, but real, solid, and substantial. The blessing God gives is suitable, sweet, sufficient, free, and lasting. It includes protection from evil, enjoyment of good, peace, prosperity.
2. Its abundance. Showers of blessings. This is like the Great Master. Ask as a sinner, He gives like God;–not a scanty portion, not drops, but showers (Deu 32:2; Psa 72:6; Mal 3:10; Rom 10:12). Think of the infinitude of God, and of the infinity of His love–and think of His power!–He is able to do exceedingly abundantly.
3. Its seasonableness. And I will cause the shower to come down in his season. We do not know the time when deliverance will come;–often out in our judgment of things, and imagine that all things are against us. Providence is like a piece of machinery, the wheels of which are to our view perplexing, and which we cannot understand.
4. Its extent. I will make them, etc. Oh! to be made a blessing! What an honour!–to be a blessing to the Church, to the cause of God, and to the generation in which we live. (E. Temple.)
The Church of Christ
I. Christs Church is to be a blessing. The object of God, in choosing a people before all worlds, was not only to save that people, but through them to confer essential benefits upon the whole human race. The Gospel was sent that it might first bless those that embrace it, and then expand, so as to make them a blessing to the whole human race.
1. Here is divinity. It is God the everlasting Jehovah speaking: He says, I will make them a blessing.
(1) God makes His people a blessing by helping them. What can we do without Gods help? We want Gods aid in every position; and once give us that assistance, and there is no telling with how little labour we may become a blessing.
(2) But there is constraint here. I will make them a blessing. I will give them to be a blessing; I will constrain them to be a blessing.
2. The personality of the blessing. I will make them a blessing. I will make each member of the Church a blessing. God never makes useless things; He has no superfluous workmanship. I care not what you are; you have somewhat to do. And oh! may God show you what it is, and then make you do it, by the wondrous compulsion of His providence and His grace.
3. The development of Gospel blessing. I will make them a blessing; but it does not end there. And the places round about My hill. Religion is an expansive thing. When it begins in the heart, at first it is like a tiny grain of mustard seed, but it gradually increases, and becomes a great tree, so that the birds of the air lodge in the branches thereof. A man cannot be religious to himself. What are the places round about our hill? I think they are, first, our agencies; secondly, our neighbourhood; thirdly, the churches adjacent to us.
II. Gods people are not only to be a blessing, but they are to be blessed.
1. Is it not sovereign, Divine mercy, for who can say I will give them showers except God?
2. It is needed grace. What would the ground do without showers? You may break the clods, you may sow your seeds, but what can you do without the rain! Ah! you may prepare your barn, and sharpen your sickles; but your sickles will be rusted before you have any wheat, unless there are showers. They are needed. So is the Divine blessing.
3. It is plenteous grace. It does not say, I will send them drops, but showers. It seldom rains, but it pours. So it is with grace. If God gives a blessing, He usually gives it in such a measure that there is not room enough to receive it.
4. It is seasonable grace. I will give them the shower in its season. There is nothing like seasonable grace. There are fruits, you know, that are best in their season, and they are not good at any other time; and there are graces that are good in their season, but we do not always require them. A person vexes and irritates me; I want grace just at that time to be patient. I have not got it, and I get angry; ten minutes after I am ever so patient; but I have not had grace in its season.
5. Here is a varied blessing. I will give thee showers of blessing. The word is in the plural. All kinds of blessings God will send. The rain is all of one kind when it comes; but grace is not all of one kind, or it does not produce the same effect. God sends showers of blessings. If He gives comforting grace, He will also give converting grace; if He makes the trumpet blow for the bankrupt sinner, He will also make it sound a shout of joy for the sinner that is pardoned and forgiven. (C. H. Spurgeon.)
There shall be showers of blessing.–
Showers of blessing
The word blessing belongs strictly to the vocabulary of religion. In prayer there is no petition which a Christian man so naturally offers for himself as that God should bless him, and when he is thinking affectionately of others, he naturally asks God to bless them. Even as he takes his daily bread, he invokes on it a blessing. What does it mean? Take the simplest case of all–that to which I have just alluded. Why, when we are about to partake of food, do we ask a blessing on it? It is an acknowledgment that, in addition to the natural property of food to sustain the bodily strength, there is needed a certain superintendence and favour of heaven to maintain the health of the body, and that Divine wisdom and strength are necessary to make a good use of health when we have it. In the same way when, in the morning, we ask God to bless the work of our hands during the day, as in Scripture He often promises to do to those who ask Him, it is an acknowledgment that, along with our skilful planning, and our conscientious performance, there is necessary a something else which we cannot define but which we refer to God, to give us good success. Men of the world call it good luck, but men of God and the Word of God call it Gods blessing. Even in temporal things there is a large element of unspeakable value for which there is no true and reverent name except the blessing of God. But it is in the spiritual domain that this word has its true scope. If in religion there is any reality at all, then it is the grandest of realities. It is not only an essence which can sweeten and enhance all the elements of life, but it is in itself so valuable that he who possesses it is rich though he be stripped of all the other possessions which are the accepted badges of happiness. It is the pearl of great price, which a man may well sell all he has to buy. It is the blessing of God, and we have only in silent and lowly awe to take it when it comes.
I. The copiousness of Gods blessing. There shall be showers of blessing. If the blessing of God is so essential to human welfare, it may be asked why so few are possessors of a thing so precious? It is not because it is difficult to get at. If the will and love of God could have free course there would be showers of blessing. The obstacle which hinders is in ourselves. Have you never, when enjoying any of the simple pleasures of nature, reflected with surprise on how little they are taken advantage of? There is not in nature a sublimer sight than the rising of the sun. There is no other which can suffuse the mind with deeper peace, yet multitudes live and die without ever seeing this great sight once; and the average man does not see it a score of times in a lifetime. The blessing of God is like this. It is so near, and yet it is so far on account of our negligence. What a peace, for example, is bred, and what a cool, firm grasp on life is given by the practice of spending a short time with God in prayer, and in the study of His Word, before beginning the work of the day. Yet how few cultivate this source of blessing. We are not straitened in God: we are straitened in our own hearts.
II. Its timeliness. I will cause the shower to come down in his season. This refers to the well-known fact that in Palestine rain fell only at certain seasons of the year. It was of the utmost consequence that at these seasons it should not fail. If it did not come, the drought meant loss or even ruin to the husbandman; but if it came copiously, it caused the fields to rejoice with abundant crops and made glad the heart of the husbandman. No doubt our text refers, in the first place, to this temporal blessing, but it has also a wider scope; blessing of every kind may be said to come in its season. God is not, indeed, bound to times and seasons, and sometimes His blessings come when they are least expected, resembling, in this respect, the sudden showers of rain to which we are accustomed in our own variable climate. But, as a rule, the blessing comes in the time of need, when the hearts of men are sighing and crying for it. Are you expecting a blessing today? Is your heart longing for it? Then this is a promise for you: I will cause the shower to come down in his season. You may be very near a great blessing which would change your spiritual existence from an invalid, backsliding condition into a life of joy, of power, and unfaltering progress. I once asked a friend why a mutual friend of ours, though a man of many accomplishments, did not succeed in the pulpit. Well, said he, giving a slight crack of finger and thumb, he just wants that. Yes, that was exactly it. It is this something extra, this little more, that makes everything exceptional and excellent. And many of us are just needing this to make us holy, happy, creditable Christians. Why should you not be baptized with power?
III. The diffusiveness of Gods blessing. I will make them and the places round about My hill a blessing. The happiness of some people is rather to be pitied than envied, because they are made happy by such questionable things. But blessedness is derived from a pure as well as an inexhaustible source. Yet this is not the best result of the blessing of God–that those on whom it falls are themselves blessed. It is a far nobler thing which is promised in our text, I will make them a blessing–they shall be the means of making others blessed. From of old this has been the noble prerogative of the people of God. In Christianity this element has come to the very front. What is it to be a Christian? Is it to be blessed? is it to be filled with the peace, the joy, the life, the power of God? No, it is to be so filled with these that the vessel runs over, and all that are round about get the benefit. This is a text to try our Christianity by. Has the sound of the Gospel not only reached us, but sounded out from us, as a testimony which has arrested and awakened others? It is a severe test. But some can stand it. There are Christian souls which move through the world surrounded with a halo of blessing. There are Christian homes which radiate happiness. There are Christian congregations which you cannot enter without feeling that the power of God is there, and streams of blessing flow out from them over the city, the country, and the world. (J. Stalker, D. D.)
Showers of blessing
I. This communication is needed by the world.
1. Contemplate the vast portion of the world, which is still destitute of the presence and the power of true religion.
2. Contemplate the tardiness with which true religion is now advancing among men.
II. This communication is promised by God.
1. The promise of God defines the nature of this communication. It consists in the influences of the Holy Spirit, made to affect the hearts and the consciences of men by the truth, which the Gospel embodies and displays.
2. The promise of God has also defined its extent. There are to be showers–impartations commensurate with the existing need, and designed absolutely and entirely to extinguish and terminate that need.
3. The purpose of God has also defined its results. There shall be showers of blessing.
III. This communication, which is needed by the world, and which is promised by God, must be sought by the Church.
1. The Church must seek for this communication by the removal of worldly confortuity.
2. The Church must seek for this communication by the cultivation of union and fraternal love.
3. The Church must seek this communication by the employment of vigorous and zealous exertions, in the practical distribution of the truth, which has been affirmed to be the instrument, through which the Spirit of God is to descend in blessing upon the world.
4. The Church must seek for this communication by the offering of fervent and importunate prayer. (J. Parsons, M. A.)
Showers of blessing,
This blessed promise may be claimed by–
I. The believer.
1. In the joy of the morning. Songs in the night, but blessings for the morning. A blessing is added strength.
2. In the heat of the noonday. As a reminder of Providence, and a remembrancer of the God who promised that the sun shall not smite thee by day, these cooling showers shall come.
3. In the weary evening. Do doubts assail, do fears annoy? Do sorrows gather, do tempests rise? There shall be showers of blessing, and dewy eve will be a time of surcease from grief and labour, turmoil and care, and He will give His beloved sleep.
4. In the desolate night. After all friends have gone, after even friendly twilight has withdrawn herself, in that dark and lonely hour, they shall fall upon him to season his meditations or perchance to lull to repose his wearied and inflamed orbs.
5. Ever, there shall be showers of blessing for the believer.
II. The backslider.
1. In the hour of thoughtfulness. When he considers his relations to God, and how strained they are.
2. In the hour of remembrance. The blessed Remembrancer, the good Spirit of Truth, will bring forsaken joys, discarded delights, and vanished experiences to his memory.
3. In the hour of penitence. Is it not recorded that God resisteth the proud but giveth grace to the humble? and humility is twin sister to penitence.
4. In the hour of return. When the prodigal son returned, the tears which bedewed the cheeks of reconciled father and repentant son were indeed showers of blessing.
III. The sinner. Blessed showers will come when–
1. He feels his need.
2. Loathes himself.
3. Cries to God.
4. Trusts in the Saviour. (J. B. Esenwein.)
Showers of blessing
I. All temporal and spiritual blessings, like showers, descend from above.
1. Showers am abundant. The great Creator does not give the rain stingily, but opens the windows of heaven, and pears down His blessings upon the dry and thirsty land. So spiritual blessings come upon the thirsty and longing hearts of men.
2. Showers are repeated and continued; for season after season descend the early and the latter rain, and by repeated showers the earth brings forth and buds, and gives seed to the sower and bread to the eater. So in the history of the Church, and of every individual believing soul, there has been given grace for grace, that there might be progress from strength to strength in the journey Zionward.
3. Showers are gratuitous; they come down freely from the clouds, without money and without price. We could not purchase them, for the silver and the gold belong to God, as well as the cattle upon a thousand hills. So all spiritual blessings are free; indeed, they are priceless, as well as peerless.
4. Showers are suitable; as they fall upon the earth they make it soft, and drop fatness into the soil, and become the occasion of beauty and bountifulness. So the blessings that crown our lives are suitable to our needs and adapted to minister to our well-being and joy. Especially is this true of spiritual blessings.
5. Showers are gentle. How softly, as a rule, they fall, feeding the roots of the mightiest trees, and yet not wounding the leaves or blossoms of the tiniest flowers. How gently our temporal blessings come to us, how softly the light streams over the earth to gladden our eyes, and how gently the tide of health flows into our system, to make us strong and fit for our ever-recurring toils of life. And the blessings that refresh our spirits and revive our faith, they fall gently upon us while we pray and praise, and nestle upon our hearts while we engage in Christian work and worship.
II. Temporal and spiritual blessings, like showers, require the cooperation of man; or the design with which they descend from above will be frustrated. We must cooperate with Providence in the temporal blessings sent us, or they will not answer the end designed. The human and the Divine must work hand in hand. This is equally true of the Church and of individual souls. God sends down showers of blessing, but there must be preparation for them and cooperation with them; then the wilderness and solitary place shall be glad, and the desert shall rejoice and blossom as the rose. Showers come when the land is thirsty, and when the vapours from the earth have ascended and formed themselves into thick clouds; and showers of blessing will come upon us when our hearts are thirsty, and cry out for the living God; when our prayer-like clouds of incense have ascended to Heaven for the downcoming of the Holy Ghost. (F. W. Brown.)
Showers of blessing
1. Here is sovereign mercy–I will give them the shower in its season.
2. Is it not sovereign, Divine mercy?–for who can say, I will give them showers, except God? There is only one voice which can speak to the clouds, and bid them beget the rain. Who sendeth down the rain upon the earth? Do not I, the Lord? So, grace is the gift of God, and is not to be created by man.
3. It is also needed grace. What would the ground do without showers? You may break the clods, you may sow your seeds, but what can you do without the rain? As absolutely needful is the Divine blessing. In vain you labour, until God the plenteous shower bestows, and sends salvation down.
4. Then it is plenteous grace. There shall be showers. It does not say, I will send them drops, but showers. So it is with grace. If God gives a blessing, He usually gives it in such a measure that there is not room enough to receive it. Plenteous grace! Ah! we want plenteous grace to keep us humble, to make us prayerful, to make us holy; plenteous grace to make us zealous, to preserve us through this fife, and at last to land us in heaven. We cannot do without saturating showers of grace.
5. Again, it is seasonable grace. I will cause the shower to come down in his season. What is thy season this morning? Is it the season of drought? Then that is the season for showers. Is it a season of great heaviness and black clouds? Then that is the season for showers. As thy days, so shall thy strength be.
6. And here is a varied blessing. I will give thee showers of blessing. The word is in the plural. All kinds of blessings God will send. All Gods blessings go together, like links in a golden chain. If He gives converting grace, He will also give comforting grace. He will send showers of blessing. Look up today, O parched plant, and open thy leaves and flowers for a heavenly watering! (C. H. Spurgeon.)
Showers of blessing sent from God
I. The blessings bestowed on the peculiar people of God are blessings of unspeakable value.
1. Their origin, and the glory and the grace of their author (Jam 1:17; Eph 1:3).
2. The price paid for their purchase (1Pe 1:18-19; 2Co 8:9).
3. Our indispensable need of them (Rev 3:17).
4. The peculiar and transcendent happiness which the possession of them ensures (Rev 3:18; Psa 4:7; Php 4:7; 1Co 2:9).
II. The precious blessings bestowed on the people of God are incalculably numerous.
1. Can you calculate the number of showers that fall to refresh, to fructify, and to bless the earth, in the course of the revolving seasons? nay, I will ask further, can you calculate the number of drops of which each shower is composed? Then may you calculate the number of blessings bestowed on the people of God.
2. Can you tell how numerous, or, rather, innumerable, the wants of Gods people are?
III. The blessings peculiar to Gods people are all most opportunely bestowed. I will cause the shower to come down in his season. To the young, to the middle-aged, and to the old, they come just as their various and peculiar circumstances render necessary. To the poor, to the afflicted, to the tempted, and to the dying, how seasonable are the supplies of all those blessings especially requisite for them! The promise in each individual case is fully and happily realised (Deu 33:25).
IV. The blessings bestowed on Gods people are all the result of Divine agency.
1. Who but the blessed God could have devised that wondrous plan of grace, by which the blessings of the everlasting covenant are secured to His people? (Rom 3:24-26; Rom 11:33.)
2. Who but a Divine person could have paid the price by which these blessings have been purchased? (Rom 8:3; Rom 8:34; Joh 1:1, compared with verse 14.)
3. The actual application of these blessings, too, is all of God (Php 2:13). Who gives the new heart? (Eze 36:26.) Who gives pardon? (Isa 43:25.) Who sanctifies them? (Exo 31:13; 1Th 5:23.) Who completes the work of their redemption? (Php 1:6; Rev 3:21.)
Application–
1. It is no presumption to expect great and manifold blessings from the great and manifold grace of God (Rev 3:21).
2. What a happy people must the people of God be! (Deu 33:29.)
3. To God alone we should ascribe the glory and praise of all our blessings (Psa 115:1).
4. We should be encouraged, from the receipt of common mercies, to expect special blessings from God.
5. The wickedest of men may yet be blessed of God (Isa 55:1-3). (A. Thomson, D. D.)
Conditions necessary for showers
An Irish gentleman remarked in my hearing that he had always noticed that when it rained there were clouds about, and so all the air was in right order for the descent of rain. We have noticed the same, and it so happens that the clouds and general constitution of the atmosphere have much to do with the value of moisture for the herbs. It is no good watering them in the sun, the circumstances do not benefit them. So with revivals. Certain things done under certain circumstances become abundantly useful, but if you have not similar circumstances, you may use the same machinery, but mischief instead of good will follow. Begin yourself with the Master, and then go outward to His service, but plans of action must be secondary. (C. H. Spurgeon.)
Fuente: Biblical Illustrator Edited by Joseph S. Exell
Verse 25. I will make with them a covenant of peace] The original is emphatic: vecharatti lahem berith shalom, “And I will cut with them the peace covenant;” that is, a covenant sacrifice, procuring and establishing peace between God and man, and between man and his fellows. I need not tell the reader that the cutting refers to the ancient mode of making covenants. The blood was poured out; the animal was divided from mouth to tail, exactly in two; the divisions placed opposite to each other; the contracting parties entered into the space, going in at each end, and met in the middle, and there took the covenant oath. He is the Prince of peace, and through him come glory to God in the highest, and peace and good will to men upon earth.
And will cause the evil beasts to cease] These false and ravenous pastors. Christ purges them out of his Church, and destroys that power by which they lorded it over God’s heritage.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
Will make; renew and confirm to them.
A covenant of peace; a covenant of promises, which contain and shall bring peace; in the Hebrew dialect,
all good. This, as it refers to the state of this people after their return, comprehends that outward peace and prosperity that God gave them, but it hath a higher and more excellent import, better mercies of this covenant established on better promises, i.e. best, because spiritual and eternal.
Evil beasts: during the Babylonish captivity evil beasts had exceedingly increased, through seventy years desolation in Judea, but on the replanting and increasing of men these were diminished, and destroyed at last; thus literally. But mystically, under the bondage of Satan, worse beasts destroyed men; these Christ, who turns back that captivity, will destroy.
Safely; without danger and without fear: see Eze 28:26.
In the wilderness; in which both wild and hurtful beasts, and wilder, more hurtful robbers, did haunt. There is somewhat of an hyperbole here; after the temporal redemption from Babylon, they should have such safety as they should account very great after such long and great troubles; in the spiritual redemption they should have greater safety, when, delivered from the hand of enemies, they serve God in holiness before him all their days.
In the woods, places where venomous and devouring creatures usually lurk, yet there shall ye venture confidently to sleep, and without much danger.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
25. covenant of peace . . . evilbeasts . . . to cease . . . dwell safelyThe original promiseof the law (Le 26:6) shall berealized for the first time fully under Messiah (Isa 11:6-9;Isa 35:9; Hos 2:18).
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
And I will make with them a covenant of peace,…., Such the covenant of grace is, made with Christ from everlasting; in which Jehovah proposed terms of peace, and which Christ undertook to answer, and became the peacemaker; and from this article concerning the peace and reconciliation of men the covenant is so called; see Isa 54:10, this the Lord promises to make known to his people his flock, to show them their interest in it, and to make it good unto them; for otherwise it was made with Christ, and with them in Christ from all eternity. The Septuagint and Arabic versions read,
“I will make with David a covenant of peace:”
and will cause the evil beasts to cease out of the land; which was literally fulfilled when the Jews returned from Babylon; during their captivity, the land being uninhabited, evil beasts increased in it, and possessed it; but upon their return these ceased, being either destroyed, or driven away: but figuratively these design wicked men, who, for the malignity of their nature, manners, and conversation, are called evil beasts, as the Cretians were, Tit 1:12, particularly false teachers may be designed; those grievous wolves that spare not, but wrong the flock; but now shall be no more, being either forced to quit their place, or truly converted; so that the wolf shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard lie down with the kid; which will be the peaceable and comfortable state of the church in the latter day; when there will be none to hurt and destroy in the Lord’s holy mountain,
Isa 11:6:
and they shall dwell safely in the wilderness, and sleep in the woods; not only in their houses, but in the fields, and even in the wilderness, and in the woods, where wild beasts used to resort; but now being clear of all, and under the protection of such a Shepherd and Prince as David the servant of the Lord, they shall have no dread upon their mind, no fear of any danger; but dwell in the utmost security, lie down and sleep in peace and safety, the Lord sustaining them; and whom they shall serve without fear of any enemy all their days, in righteousness and holiness, being delivered out of the hands of them all.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
“And I will make with them a covenant of peace, and will cause evil beasts to cease out of the land, and they will dwell securely in the wilderness and sleep in the woods. And I will make them and the places around my hill a blessing, and I will cause the shower to come down in its season. There will be showers of blessing. And the tree of the field will yield its fruit, and the earth will yield her increase, and they will be secure in their land.”
‘A covenant of peace.’ That is a situation where they are surrounded with all the blessings of God’s promises in union with Him, because He and they are at one (Eph 2:13-15; Col 3:15), and they are walking with Him in obedience. There will be peace between man and God.
The picture is one of peace, contentment and blessing. It is Ezekiel’s idea of a perfect life based on an agricultural environment, and presented to people who thought in terms of such an environment. Wild animals will be no more (they were clearly a constant problem in the past), it will be safe to sleep anywhere, whether wilderness or wood, the rains will fall abundantly in due season, and trees and earth will be abundantly fruitful And all this is promised finally to the people of God ‘around My hill’.
‘My hill.’ In view of the fact that Ezekiel never mentions Jerusalem after its destruction and thinks rather in terms of Israel and its mountains we should probably see ‘My hill’ as referring to the whole mountain range which was the backbone of Israel (regularly elsewhere called ‘the mountain’) spoken of in this way to bring out its smallness, almost like a pet name. This is a most unusual use which suggests that the insignificance is intended. The word used here is regularly used in parallel with ‘mountain’, signifying smaller heights, and is only once used of Jerusalem, and then in parallel with ‘Mount’ as a synonym for it (Isa 10:32). Mount Zion was not thought of as ‘a hill’, indeed it was exalted above the hills (Isa 2:2; Mic 4:1).
Should we however see it as signifying Jerusalem, it is surely in the context to be seen as the new eschatological, everlasting Jerusalem, which in Revelation is in ‘the new earth’. In Eze 37:26-28 this same covenant is put in the context of eternity. (As we shall see later, Ezekiel pointedly ignores Jerusalem by name. It is peripheral to his main theme).
The same picture is presented differently in Revelation 21-22, also symbolically, because the great reality is beyond men’s minds to comprehend. But the basic thought is the same. Redeemed man will have all that he needs, will know a glory beyond telling, and will be at peace and dwell securely in the presence of God. There will be no more tears, no more crying, no more lack, for all these things will be done away (Rev 21:4). It is a picture of what men think of as ‘Heaven’ (signifying by that the final ideal existence with God) depicted in earthly terms.
Fuente: Commentary Series on the Bible by Peter Pett
Eze 34:25. I will make with them a covenant of peace The Lord Jesus Christ has procured for us a perfect peace. He is the peace predicted by Micah, ch. Eze 5:5. Peace to men was announced at his birth: his Gospel is the Gospel of peace: he himself is the God and King of peace: in short, he it is who pacifieth all things, and who reconciles us to his heavenly Father through his blood. By the evil beasts are meant the persecutors of the church, seducers and seduced; the impious and heretical. See Calmet.
Fuente: Commentary on the Holy Bible by Thomas Coke
Eze 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.
Ver. 25. And I will make with them a covenant of peace. ] Pactum pacis, pacis omnimodae Jer 31:13 Isa 11:10 Joh 14:27
And will cause the evil beasts.
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: Eze 34:25-31
25I will make a covenant of peace with them and eliminate harmful beasts from the land so that they may live securely in the wilderness and sleep in the woods. 26I will make them and the places around My hill a blessing. And I will cause showers to come down in their season; they will be showers of blessing. 27Also the tree of the field will yield its fruit and the earth will yield its increase, and they will be secure on their land. Then they will know that I am the LORD, when I have broken the bars of their yoke and have delivered them from the hand of those who enslaved them. 28They will no longer be a prey to the nations, and the beasts of the earth will not devour them; but they will live securely, and no one will make them afraid. 29I will establish for them a renowned planting place, and they will not again be victims of famine in the land, and they will not endure the insults of the nations anymore. 30Then they will know that I, the LORD their God, am with them, and that they, the house of Israel, are My people, declares the Lord GOD. 31As for you, My sheep, the sheep of My pasture, you are men, and I am your God, declares the Lord GOD.
Eze 34:25 I will make a covenant of peace This term peace is the Hebrew Shalom (BDB 1022, cf. Eze 37:24-28; Eze 39:25-29; Lev 26:6). It must be remembered that all covenants have obligations (see Special Topic: COVENANT ). Free creatures have options!
Is this covenant of peace the same as the new covenant of Jer 31:31-34? Eze 36:22-38 (like these texts) describes a new way that YHWH will relate to His covenant people, a way characterized by (1) a new heart and a new mind and (2) YHWH’s personal action on their behalf. A new covenant initially focuses on God’s graciousness in redemption, still desires a righteous people to draw the nations to Himself!
eliminate harmful beasts from the land As is so often the case, Ezekiel is influenced by Leviticus 26 (i.e., Lev 26:22) and Deuteronomy (i.e., Deu 32:24). The curses of disobedience are reversed into the blessing of covenant fidelity. The blessing was always YHWH’s intent. He wanted to attract the nations to Himself by blessing Israel (see Special Topic: YHWH’s ETERNAL REDEMPTIVE PLAN ).
The prophecy of the new age is Isa 11:6-9; Isa 65:25, which includes animals and shows the original intent of Eden (i.e., a place of fellowship between God and humanity, and humanity and the animal kingdom). The Bible starts with an Edenic setting and also ends the same way (cf. Revelation 21-22). Heaven is depicted as a recreated Garden of Eden. Animals are part of this depiction!
so that they may live securely This was part of the promises of Deuteronomy, which Ezekiel restates (cf. Eze 28:26; Eze 34:27-28; Eze 38:8; Eze 38:11; Eze 38:14; Eze 39:26; Jer 33:16). Their security is because of the presence of God!
Eze 34:26 My hill This is a reference to Jerusalem and specifically the temple mount (cf. Eze 20:40-49). God’s hill is a contrast to the worship of the fertility gods of Canaan on the natural and manmade hills.
The prophecy, which is typical of the prophets, refers to a restored Jerusalem. Must this be taken literally? This is a central issue in dispensational theology. I have come to a different conclusion. Here are the introductory notes from my commentary on Revelation.
SPECIAL TOPIC: CRUCIAL INTRODUCTORY ARTICLE
I will cause showers Moisture at the appropriate time and in expected amounts was part of the covenant blessings of Lev 26:4 and Deu 28:12. These were agricultural people living in an arid climate. Society was based on the regular and expected cycles of the seasons! God controls the cycle and the seasons (i.e., Lev 25:21).
The phrase showers of blessings reflects the agricultural nature of God’s promised blessings (cf. Deuteronomy 28).
Eze 34:27 a tree of the field will yield its fruit This refers to the covenant abundance (cf. Deuteronomy 27; Hos 2:22; Joe 3:18; Amo 9:13-14; Zec 8:12).
I have broken the bars of their yoke This is an idiom of oppression first used in Lev 26:13. So much of Ezekiel’s vocabulary and theology comes from Leviticus 26 and Deuteronomy 27-29.
Eze 34:28-29 The nations will no longer dominate God’s people. This is the result of the original covenant coming into reality!
Eze 34:29
NASBa renowned planting
NKJVa garden of renown
NRSV, NJBa splendid vegetation
TEVfertile fields
JPSOAa planting of renown
NIVa land of renown
REBtheir crops renowned
PESHITTAa plantation of peace
LXXa plant of peace
The word planting (BDB 642) can mean the plant itself or where it is planted. So the text is referring to (1) God’s people’s crops and herds being very productive (i.e., evidence covenant restored, which is the fruitfulness and safety described in Eze 34:25-27) or (2) God’s people going back to Palestine (evidence covenant restored). The LXX and Peshitta reverse two consonants in the PREPOSITION plus the NOUN renown/name (BDB 1027) and change it to peace (BDB 1023, see Special Topic: Peace [shalom] ) to link up with Eze 34:25 (i.e., I will make a covenant of peace).
This imagery goes back to Eze 17:22-24 and the opposite of Eze 19:10-14 (cf. Isa 60:21; Isa 61:3). One of the titles for the Messiah is Branch (see Special Topic: The Branch of the Lord , cf. Isa 4:2). There is a mixing of metaphors here.
1. the cosmic tree (i.e., Ezekiel 31)
2. Israel as a plant (or planting place, which is parallel to Eze 34:26 a)
3. the Messiah as a shoot or branch from a stump (cf. Isa 11:2; Isa 11:10; Isa 53:2; Rom 15:12)
Eze 34:30 I the LORD their God am with them These are Covenant terms which show that the Covenant has been restored in the midst of the destruction of the temple! There is no more significant statement than I am with them (i.e., Emmanuel).
Eze 34:31 This covenant language about God as Shepherd (cf. John 10) and His people as sheep is also found in Psalms 23; Psa 78:52; Psa 80:1; Isa 40:11; Jer 31:10). This is such a wonderful metaphor of personal presence, care, protection, and provision!
you are men, and I am your God This is not meant to be an emphasis on transcendence, but on the special creation of humanity (cf. Gen 1:26-27; Gen 2:7-8). The LXX omits you are men and it is followed by RSV, REB, NAB. Because men are mentioned in parallel texts in this literary unit of Ezekiel (i.e., Eze 36:37-38), it seems best to stay with the MT.
Fuente: You Can Understand the Bible: Study Guide Commentary Series by Bob Utley
a covenant of peace. Compare Eze 37:2,
wilderness = a place of pasture. Compare Psa 65:12. Not a barren place or desert, unless so stated or implied.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
Eze 34:25-31
Eze 34:25-31
“And I will make with them a covenant of peace, and will cause evil beasts to cease out of the land; and they shall dwell securely in the wilderness, and sleep in the woods. And I will make them and the places round about my hill a blessing; and I will cause the shower to come down in its season; there shall be showers of blessing. And the tree of the field shall yield its fruit, and the earth shall yield its increase, and they shall be secure in their land; and they shall know that I am Jehovah, when I have broken the bars of their yoke, and have delivered them out of the hand of those that made bondmen of them. 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. And I will raise up unto them a plantation for renown, and they shall be no more consumed with famine in the land, neither bear the shame of the nations any more. And they shall know that I, Jehovah their God, and they, the house of Israel, are my people, saith the Lord Jehovah. And ye my sheep, the sheep of my pasture, are men, and I am your God, saith the Lord Jehovah.”
THE COVENANT OF PEACE
“They shall dwell securely in the wilderness …” (Eze 34:25). Throughout the Bible, the wilderness wanderings of Israel are interpreted as typical of the church in the wilderness of her probation in this dispensation. This is another indication that the New Covenant is in view here.
All of the wonderful blessings of this paragraph are here prophesied to come to pass when that “covenant of peace” becomes effective. And what is that covenant of peace? It can be nothing else except the New Covenant prophesied by Jeremiah (Jer 31:31-35). Plumptre discerned this; “The same thought underlies both that passage and this. “`The covenant of peace’; the new age is to be marked by a new covenant.
The covenant of peace came from Jesus Christ. He said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be fearful” (Joh 14:27). There is nothing to compare with this in the Old Testament.
How about all of those blessings, enumerated here in terminology that would have been appreciated and helpful to the generation which received this prophecy? Of course, the racial Israel did no doubt enjoy many physical and temporal blessings upon their return to Palestine; but most of the wonderful things God promised them never happened, due to their unbelief and disobedience (See Jer 18:7-10). Nevertheless, the material and physical benefits here recounted most certainly must be interpreted as symbolical of spiritual blessing in Christ.
And I will raise up unto them a plantation of renown …” (Eze 34:29). This, of course, is a glimpse of the world-wide renown and glory of Jesus Christ the Messiah and his followers. Oh yes, there are many divisions, aberrations, animosities, and all kinds of other differences to be seen and deplored among those who seek to love and honor the Great Servant David, the Messiah, the Lord Jesus Christ; but over and beyond all of that disfiguration of Jesus’ spiritual body, accomplished through the devices of the evil one, there still shines the eternal glory of the Bright and Morning Star, the Sun of Righteousness who is risen with healing in His wings!
More great and beautiful buildings have been constructed in his name and to his honor in the last twenty years than were erected in all of the past history of mankind to all of the kings and tyrants who ever lived on earth. Every Lord’s Day throughout the world, people of all races, tongues, and nations gather in millions of places to sing songs unto Him who is the Author and Finisher of our faith, the first and the last, the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end, who is forever and ever Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Shepherds and Sheep – Eze 34:1-31
Open It
1. What have you noticed about the changes in peoples lives when they add the responsibility of a child?
2. Why do you think it is common for powerful politicians to live a substantially more comfortable life than the people they govern?
Explore It
3. Why was God angry with the “shepherds” of Israel? (Eze 34:1-2)
4. What comforts and privileges were the rulers taking for themselves? (Eze 34:3)
5. What needs of the common people were being overlooked by their leaders? (Eze 34:4)
6. In what condition did God find “His sheep” at this point in Israels history? (Eze 34:5-6)
7. What did God promise to do on behalf of the helpless sheep? (Eze 34:7-10)
8. How does God describe His care for the flock (that is, His people)? (Eze 34:11-16)
9. Why did God find it necessary to judge some of the sheep? (Eze 34:17-19)
10. How would the weak and strong sheep fare under Gods one shepherd? (Eze 34:20-24)
11. What are the various forms of deliverance and blessing promised to Gods people? (Eze 34:25-29)
12. What undeniable conclusion would Israel draw from Gods activity on their behalf? (Eze 34:30)
13. How did God describe His relationship to Israel? (Eze 34:31)
Get It
14. What responsibilities go along with the privileges of leadership?
15. How do you think church leaders should demonstrate concern for the problems of the less fortunate in the community of faith?
16. How does God view selfishness and inconsiderateness among His people?
17. Why do you think God emphasizes that He will take ultimate responsibility for the weak and helpless?
18. What will become of selfish and irresponsible leaders?
19. What is appealing about the kind of care God gives His sheep?
Apply It
20. Which practical needs in your immediate circle of influence might God want to use you to meet?
21. What safeguard would you suggest to help Christian leaders remember the least of Gods sheep?
Fuente: Old and New Testaments Restoration Commentary
I will make: Eze 37:26, Isa 55:3, Jer 31:31-33, Zec 6:13, Heb 13:20
and will: Lev 26:6, Job 5:22, Isa 11:6-9, Isa 35:9, Hos 2:18-23
and they: Eze 34:28, Psa 4:8, Jer 23:6, Jer 33:16
Reciprocal: Gen 9:2 – General Lev 25:18 – and ye Lev 25:19 – General Lev 26:5 – dwell Deu 12:10 – ye dwell Deu 33:28 – Israel Psa 25:13 – His soul Psa 127:2 – for so he Isa 27:5 – and he Isa 32:18 – General Isa 35:2 – the excellency Isa 54:13 – great Jer 30:10 – and shall Jer 32:37 – I will cause Jer 46:27 – and be Jer 50:6 – have forgotten Eze 5:17 – and evil Eze 28:26 – and they shall dwell Eze 38:8 – and they shall Mic 4:4 – none Mal 2:5 – covenant Luk 1:71 – we Luk 1:74 – that we Luk 9:12 – for Eph 2:14 – our
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
Eze 34:25. Covenant of peace is the one that Paul writes about in Heb 8:8-12, which he cited from Jer 31:31. Evil beasts is figurative and refers to the spiritual protection that the Lord will provide for the citizens of the new kingdom. Sleep in the woods (or forest) is a figure to indicate the safety that was to be enjoyed by the people of tlie kingdom of Christ.
Fuente: Combined Bible Commentary
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 {l} dwell safely in the wilderness, and sleep in the woods.
(l) This declares that under Christ the flock would be truly delivered from sin and hell, and so be safely preserved in the Church where they would never perish.
Fuente: Geneva Bible Notes
The covenant of peace 34:25-31
"The themes of regathering as sheep and of covenant merge in Eze 34:25-31." [Note: Merrill, p. 377.]
Fuente: Expository Notes of Dr. Constable (Old and New Testaments)
The Lord also promised to make a covenant of peace (i.e., resulting in peace) with Israel (cf. Eze 16:60; Eze 37:26-28; Eze 38:11-13; Eze 39:25-29; Isa 54:10). This is probably a reference to the New Covenant that God promised to make with Israel in the future (Jer 31:31-34).
Some commentators believed that this covenant is not the same as the New Covenant. [Note: E.g., Block, The Book . . . 48, p. 301; and Alexander, "Ezekiel," p. 914.] Alexander believed that the Jews would enter into the covenant of peace when Israel accepts the New Covenant. [Note: Ibid.] My view, and that of others, is that the New Covenant was inaugurated at the Cross and now governs all believers. When Israel repents as a nation, she will enter into the benefits of this covenant that God has specified for Israel, including dwelling in peace in her land. [Note: Cf. Dyer, in The Old . . ., p. 688.]
"The word peace [Heb. shalom] is used to describe the harmony that exists when covenant obligations are being fulfilled and the relationship is sound. It is not a negative concept, implying absence of conflict or worry or noise, as we use it, but a thoroughly positive state in which all is functioning well." [Note: Taylor, p. 224.]
The provisions of this covenant that Ezekiel mentioned here included, first, removing threats to the Israelites’ safety from the land so they could even live at peace in its formerly dangerous parts, for example, the wilderness and woods (cf. Joh 10:27-29).