Ezekiel 34:25

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְכָרַתִּ֤י
And I will make
to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt
#2
לָהֶם֙
H0
#3
בְּרִ֣ית
with them a covenant
a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)
#4
שָׁל֔וֹם
of peace
safe, i.e., (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e., health, prosperity, peace
#5
וְהִשְׁבַּתִּ֥י
to cease
to repose, i.e., desist from exertion; used in many implied relations (causative, figurative or specific)
#6
חַיָּֽה
beasts
alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin
#7
רָעָ֖ה
and will cause the evil
bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)
#8
מִן
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
#9
הָאָ֑רֶץ
out of the land
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#10
וְיָשְׁב֤וּ
and they shall dwell
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
#11
בַמִּדְבָּר֙
in the wilderness
a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert
#12
לָבֶ֔טַח
safely
properly, a place of refuge; abstract, safety, both the fact (security) and the feeling (trust); often (adverb with or without preposition) safely
#13
וְיָשְׁנ֖וּ
and sleep
properly, to be slack or languid, i.e., (by implication) sleep (figuratively, to die); also to grow old, stale or inveterate
#14
בַּיְּעָרִֽים׃
in the woods
a copse of bushes; hence, a forest; hence, honey in the comb (as hived in trees)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Ezekiel, this passage highlights covenant through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of covenant connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about covenant, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Ezekiel.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood covenant. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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