They shall not build, and another inhabit; they shall not plant, and another eat: for as the days of a tree are the days of my people, and mine elect shall long enjoy the work of their hands.
The promise continues: "They shall not build, and another inhabit; they shall not plant, and another eat." This emphatically restates verse 21's promise—complete security without dispossession. Then comes the comparison: "for as the days of a tree are the days of my people, and mine elect shall long enjoy the work of their hands." Trees live for centuries or millennia (oaks, cedars), suggesting dramatic lifespan extension. The term "mine elect" (bechirai) explicitly identifies these promises as for God's chosen people—the remnant according to election. "Long enjoy" (yebalu) means wearing out or using fully—comprehensive, sustained enjoyment. From a Reformed perspective, the explicit reference to "the elect" confirms these promises are for those sovereignly chosen by God (Ephesians 1:4-5, 2 Thessalonians 2:13). The security isn't based on human effort but divine election—God ensures His chosen people inherit and enjoy what He has prepared. The tree imagery suggests deep rootedness, stability, and longevity—characteristics of those firmly planted in God's grace (Psalm 1:3, 92:12-14).
Historical Context
The exile's horror included watching enemies inhabit their homes and consume their produce (Lamentations 5:2-3). The return began reversing this, but complete security eluded them under Persian, Greek, and Roman domination. The promises ultimately apply to spiritual realities. Christ secured an inheritance that cannot fade or be taken away (1 Peter 1:3-5). The elect will eternally enjoy what Christ has prepared (John 14:2-3, Revelation 21:1-7). Their enjoyment is not transitory but eternal, secured by God's sovereign purpose and Christ's accomplished redemption.
Questions for Reflection
What does the explicit reference to 'my elect' teach about who inherits these promises?
How does the tree imagery describe the stability and longevity of the redeemed?
In what ways do the elect 'long enjoy the work of their hands' both now and eternally?
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Analysis & Commentary
The promise continues: "They shall not build, and another inhabit; they shall not plant, and another eat." This emphatically restates verse 21's promise—complete security without dispossession. Then comes the comparison: "for as the days of a tree are the days of my people, and mine elect shall long enjoy the work of their hands." Trees live for centuries or millennia (oaks, cedars), suggesting dramatic lifespan extension. The term "mine elect" (bechirai) explicitly identifies these promises as for God's chosen people—the remnant according to election. "Long enjoy" (yebalu) means wearing out or using fully—comprehensive, sustained enjoyment. From a Reformed perspective, the explicit reference to "the elect" confirms these promises are for those sovereignly chosen by God (Ephesians 1:4-5, 2 Thessalonians 2:13). The security isn't based on human effort but divine election—God ensures His chosen people inherit and enjoy what He has prepared. The tree imagery suggests deep rootedness, stability, and longevity—characteristics of those firmly planted in God's grace (Psalm 1:3, 92:12-14).