Ezekiel 34 9

Ezekiel 34:9 kjv

Therefore, O ye shepherds, hear the word of the LORD;

Ezekiel 34:9 nkjv

therefore, O shepherds, hear the word of the LORD!

Ezekiel 34:9 niv

therefore, you shepherds, hear the word of the LORD:

Ezekiel 34:9 esv

therefore, you shepherds, hear the word of the LORD:

Ezekiel 34:9 nlt

Therefore, you shepherds, hear the word of the LORD.

Ezekiel 34 verses

Ezekiel 34 9 Meaning

The people shall not be food for the nations, nor shall the beasts of the earth devour them; they shall dwell securely, and none shall make them afraid.

Ezekiel 34 9 Context

Ezekiel 34 addresses the failure of the shepherds (leaders) of Israel, who have exploited and scattered the sheep (the people). God declares that He will hold these false shepherds accountable and will Himself become the true Shepherd of His people. Verse 9 is a direct statement of God's protective intervention following the condemnation of the corrupt leaders. It promises security and deliverance from external threats – being consumed by other nations or wild animals, which symbolizes complete destruction and subjugation. This is part of a broader prophecy of restoration and future hope for Israel, pointing towards a time when God Himself will lead and protect His people, culminating in the Messianic reign.

Ezekiel 34 9 Word Analysis

• וְלֹא (vĕlō) - "and not"

  • Connects the preceding statement of non-devouring with the following negation.

• תֹּֽאכַל (tōxal) - "shall eat" / "shall devour" (feminine singular future)

  • The root meaning of "to eat" can extend to complete consumption or destruction.
  • This verb is active, emphasizing the agency of the nations in devouring.

• בְּשַׂ֣ר (bĕśar) - "flesh" / "meat"

  • Refers to the people's physical bodies, signifying their vulnerability.
  • In this context, it signifies the people themselves as the object of consumption.

• עַמִּ֤ים (ʿammîm) - "peoples" / "nations"

  • Refers to gentile nations surrounding Israel.
  • Highlights the external threats that have historically oppressed and sought to destroy Israel.

• וּבְהֵמ֣וֹת (uvhēmōt) - "and beasts"

  • Includes wild animals, representing a primal and uncontrolled danger.
  • These, like the nations, also pose a threat to Israel's existence.

• אֶ֣רֶץ (’ērēṣ) - "land" / "earth"

  • Refers to the wild animals inhabiting the land, contrasting with secure dwelling.

• וּבְהֵמ֣וֹת (uvhēmōt) - "and beasts"

  • Connects to the predatory nature of the animal kingdom.
  • Symbolizes forces that can indiscriminately destroy.

• תֹּֽאכַ֤לְהֵ֑ן (tōxalhēn) - "devour them" (feminine plural future)

  • The suffix "hem" (them) refers back to the "amim" (peoples) and "bhemehot" (beasts), confirming the object of consumption.
  • Emphasizes that both human and natural predatory forces are kept at bay.

• וְלֹא (vĕlō) - "and not"

  • A second negation, reinforcing the complete absence of fear.

• יְֽהַלְּח֔וּן (yĕhaləḥûṇ) - "they shall cause fear" / "they shall make afraid" (Hiphil conjugation of לה"ח)

  • The Hiphil stem indicates causation – someone or something else causes them to fear. This verse says none shall cause them fear.
  • The primary meaning is to cause fright or terror. This prohibition speaks to a state of psychological and physical security.

• וְלֹא (vĕlō) - "and not"

  • Third negation in the sequence, emphasizing comprehensive security.

• אִ֖֛ישׁ (’îš) - "a man" / "any"

  • Generalizes the prohibition to any individual or entity.
  • Implies total protection from human agents of fear.

• יְֽרַחֲצ֖וּן (yĕraḥăṣûṇ) - "they shall cause to tremble" / "they shall make afraid" (related to חָרַד - to tremble)

  • Similar in meaning to the previous verb, reinforcing the idea of complete freedom from intimidation and terror.
  • This implies an internal state of peace and safety.

• Group Analysis:

  • The parallel structure of "nations" and "beasts" signifies that all potential devourers and causes of fear are excluded.
  • The triple "and not" (וְלֹא) intensifies the promise of security.
  • The final clauses "and none shall make them afraid" and "none shall make them tremble" emphasize a complete absence of threat, both external and internal.

Ezekiel 34 9 Bonus Section

The assurance provided in Ezekiel 34:9 speaks to a fundamental human need for security, which can only be fully met by God. The contrast between the sheep being vulnerable and God making them secure is striking. The image of "flesh" being devoured by "nations" and "beasts" vividly portrays complete annihilation and humiliation. By removing these threats and eliminating fear, God establishes a new reality of safety and well-being for His people. This promise resonates with the ultimate redemption found in the New Covenant, where believers are no longer subject to the dominion of sin, death, or hostile forces but are eternally secure in Christ. The repetition of the negation "and not" (וְלֹא) serves to underline the absolute nature of God's protective commitment.

Ezekiel 34 9 Commentary

This verse offers a powerful assurance of divine protection for God's people. It highlights that under God's shepherding, the sheep (Israel) will be free from being consumed by external enemies (represented by nations and beasts) and will live in a state of complete security, free from fear or terror inflicted by any human agent. This security is not merely physical but also psychological, a profound peace resulting from God's direct care and governance. The emphasis is on God's active role in safeguarding His flock from all forms of destruction and dread. This prophetic declaration points forward to a restored Israel and, ultimately, to the security believers find in Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd, who protects and nourishes His sheep eternally.