Ezekiel 34:28
And they shall no more be a prey to the heathen, neither shall the beast of the land devour them; but they shall dwell safely, and none shall make them afraid.
Original Language Analysis
וְלֹא
H3808
וְלֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
1 of 13
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יִהְי֨וּ
H1961
יִהְי֨וּ
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
2 of 13
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
ע֥וֹד
H5750
ע֥וֹד
Strong's:
H5750
Word #:
3 of 13
properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more
לַגּוֹיִ֔ם
to the heathen
H1471
לַגּוֹיִ֔ם
to the heathen
Strong's:
H1471
Word #:
5 of 13
a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts
וְחַיַּ֥ת
neither shall the beast
H2416
וְחַיַּ֥ת
neither shall the beast
Strong's:
H2416
Word #:
6 of 13
alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin
לֹ֣א
H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
8 of 13
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
וְיָשְׁב֥וּ
them but they shall dwell
H3427
וְיָשְׁב֥וּ
them but they shall dwell
Strong's:
H3427
Word #:
10 of 13
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
לָבֶ֖טַח
safely
H983
לָבֶ֖טַח
safely
Strong's:
H983
Word #:
11 of 13
properly, a place of refuge; abstract, safety, both the fact (security) and the feeling (trust); often (adverb with or without preposition) safely
וְאֵ֥ין
H369
Cross References
Jeremiah 46:27But fear not thou, O my servant Jacob, and be not dismayed, O Israel: for, behold, I will save thee from afar off, and thy seed from the land of their captivity; and Jacob shall return, and be in rest and at ease, and none shall make him afraid.Jeremiah 30:10Therefore fear thou not, O my servant Jacob, saith the LORD; neither be dismayed, O Israel: for, lo, I will save thee from afar, and thy seed from the land of their captivity; and Jacob shall return, and shall be in rest, and be quiet, and none shall make him afraid.Ezekiel 39:26After 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.Ezekiel 34:8As I live, saith the Lord GOD, surely because my flock became a prey, and my flock became meat to every beast of the field, because there was no shepherd, neither did my shepherds search for my flock, but the shepherds fed themselves, and fed not my flock;Ezekiel 36:15Neither will I cause men to hear in thee the shame of the heathen any more, neither shalt thou bear the reproach of the people any more, neither shalt thou cause thy nations to fall any more, saith the Lord GOD.Ezekiel 34:29And I will raise up for them a plant of renown, and they shall be no more consumed with hunger in the land, neither bear the shame of the heathen any more.
Historical Context
Throughout history, Israel faced constant threats from surrounding nations and natural dangers. The promise (586 BC) of permanent security seemed impossible during exile. The return brought temporary improvement but not complete fulfillment. True security came through Christ defeating sin, death, and Satan. Believers experience spiritual security now—eternally saved—and will experience complete security in new creation. The promise demonstrates that earthly security is type and shadow of eternal safety in God's presence.
Questions for Reflection
- How does present spiritual security in Christ relate to future complete safety in new creation?
- What practical difference does knowing "none shall make them afraid" make in daily life?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
"And they shall no more be a prey to the heathen, neither shall the beast of the land devour them; but they shall dwell safely, and none shall make them afraid." God promises comprehensive security from both human enemies and natural dangers. The phrase "none shall make them afraid" depicts perfect peace and safety. This finds ultimate fulfillment not in earthly circumstances but in eternal security. Nothing can separate believers from Christ's love (Romans 8:38-39). The new creation will have no danger, fear, or threat. Present spiritual security anticipates future physical perfection.