Then 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. Then they will knowThis phrase emphasizes the certainty and assurance of God's revelation to His people. The Hebrew root for "know" is "yada," which implies an intimate, experiential knowledge rather than mere intellectual awareness. In the context of Ezekiel, this knowledge is not just about recognizing God's existence but understanding His character, His faithfulness, and His covenantal promises. Historically, Israel's journey was marked by cycles of forgetting and remembering God. This phrase assures that through God's actions, His people will come to a profound realization of His sovereignty and love. that I, the LORD their God
The use of "I, the LORD" underscores the personal nature of God's relationship with His people. The Hebrew name for God here is "YHWH," often rendered as "LORD" in English translations. This name is deeply significant, representing God's eternal, self-existent nature and His covenantal faithfulness. The phrase "their God" highlights the special relationship between God and Israel, a bond established through the covenants with Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and later, through Moses. It is a reminder of God's unchanging commitment to His people despite their unfaithfulness. am with them
This phrase is a powerful declaration of God's presence. The Hebrew word "im" means "with," indicating not just proximity but active involvement and support. Throughout the Bible, God's presence is a source of comfort, guidance, and protection. For the Israelites, this assurance was crucial, especially during times of exile and hardship. It echoes the promise given to Joshua ("I will be with you wherever you go") and is ultimately fulfilled in the New Testament with the coming of Emmanuel, "God with us." and that they, the house of Israel
The term "house of Israel" refers to the collective identity of the Israelites as God's chosen people. It encompasses all the tribes and signifies unity under God's covenant. Historically, the house of Israel experienced division and exile, but this phrase reaffirms their identity and God's intention to restore and unify them. It serves as a reminder of their heritage and the promises made to their forefathers. are My people
This declaration is a reaffirmation of the covenant relationship between God and Israel. The phrase "My people" is deeply rooted in the covenant language found throughout the Old Testament. It signifies belonging, protection, and a special status among the nations. Despite Israel's repeated failures, God's declaration here is one of grace and restoration, emphasizing His unwavering commitment to His covenant promises. declares the Lord GOD
The phrase "declares the Lord GOD" is a solemn affirmation of the authority and truth of the message. The Hebrew word for "declares" is "ne'um," often used by prophets to introduce divine pronouncements. "Lord GOD" combines "Adonai" (Lord) and "YHWH" (GOD), emphasizing both God's sovereignty and His covenantal name. This closing statement assures the listener of the reliability and divine origin of the promise, reinforcing the hope and assurance found in God's unchanging word. Persons / Places / Events 1. The LORD (Yahweh)The covenant-keeping God of Israel, who promises His presence and protection. 2. The House of IsraelThe chosen people of God, often referred to as His flock, whom He promises to shepherd and care for. 3. EzekielA prophet during the Babylonian exile, who delivers God's messages of judgment and restoration. 4. Babylonian ExileThe period when the Israelites were taken captive by Babylon, a time of judgment but also of promised restoration. 5. The Shepherds of IsraelEarlier in Ezekiel 34, these are the leaders who failed to care for God's people, leading to God's promise to shepherd them Himself. Teaching Points God's FaithfulnessGod remains faithful to His promises, even when His people are unfaithful. This assurance should encourage believers to trust in His steadfast love and commitment. The Presence of GodThe promise of God's presence is central to the believer's life. Recognizing that God is with us provides comfort and strength in times of trouble. Identity as God's PeopleUnderstanding our identity as God's people should shape our actions and attitudes. We are called to live in a way that reflects our relationship with Him. The Role of ShepherdsLeaders in the church are called to shepherd God’s people faithfully, following the example of Christ, the Good Shepherd. Restoration and HopeGod's promise of restoration offers hope. No matter the current circumstances, God’s ultimate plan is to restore and renew His people. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the promise of God's presence in Ezekiel 34:30 impact your daily life and decisions? 2. In what ways can you identify with the "house of Israel" as described in this passage? 3. How does the imagery of God as a shepherd in Ezekiel 34 relate to Jesus' teachings in John 10? 4. What responsibilities do church leaders have today in light of the failures of the shepherds in Ezekiel 34? 5. How can the promise of restoration in Ezekiel 34:30 encourage you in times of personal or communal exile? Connections to Other Scriptures Psalm 23This psalm portrays God as the Shepherd, providing and caring for His people, similar to the promise in Ezekiel 34. John 10Jesus refers to Himself as the Good Shepherd, echoing the themes of God’s care and presence with His people. Jeremiah 31This chapter speaks of the new covenant and God’s promise to be with His people, paralleling the restoration themes in Ezekiel. Revelation 21The promise of God dwelling with His people is fulfilled in the new heaven and new earth, reflecting the ultimate restoration. Hebrews 13Encourages believers with the assurance of God’s presence, similar to the promise in Ezekiel 34:30. People David, EzekielPlaces JerusalemTopics Affirmation, Declares, Says, Sovereign, ThusDictionary of Bible Themes Ezekiel 34:25-31 1335 blessing Ezekiel 34:26-31 1330 God, the provider Ezekiel 34:30-31 1352 covenant, the new Library The Church of Christ
This, then, is the meaning of the text; that God would make Jerusalem and the places round about his hill a blessing. I shall not, however, use it so this morning, but I shall use it in a more confined sense--or, perhaps, in a more enlarged sense--as it applies to the church of Jesus Christ, and to this particular church with which you and I stand connected. "I will make them and the places round about my hill a blessing; and I will cause the shower to come down in his season; there shall be showers …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 1: 1855That None Should Enter on a Place of Government who Practise not in Life what they have Learnt by Study.
There are some also who investigate spiritual precepts with cunning care, but what they penetrate with their understanding they trample on in their lives: all at once they teach the things which not by practice but by study they have learnt; and what in words they preach by their manners they impugn. Whence it comes to pass that when the shepherd walks through steep places, the flock follows to the precipice. Hence it is that the Lord through the prophet complains of the contemptible knowledge …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great Discourse on the Good Shepherd.
(Jerusalem, December, a.d. 29.) ^D John X. 1-21. ^d 1 Verily, verily, I say to you [unto the parties whom he was addressing in the last section], He that entereth not by the door into the fold of the sheep, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. [In this section Jesus proceeds to contrast his own care for humanity with that manifested by the Pharisees, who had just cast out the beggar. Old Testament prophecies were full of declarations that false shepherds would arise to …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel The Good Shepherd' and his one Flock' - Last Discourse at the Feast of Tabernacles.
The closing words which Jesus had spoken to those Pharisees who followed HIm breathe the sadness of expected near judgment, rather than the hopefulness of expostulation. And the Discourse which followed, ere He once more left Jerusalem, is of the same character. It seems, as if Jesus could not part from the City in holy anger, but ever, and only, with tears. All the topics of the former Discourses are now resumed and applied. They are not in any way softened or modified, but uttered in accents of …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah The Everlasting Covenant of the Spirit
"They shall be My people, and l will be their God. And I will make an everlasting covenant with them, that I will not turn away from them, to do them good; but I will put My fear in their hearts, that they shall not depart from Me."--JER. xxxii. 38, 40. "A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in My statutes, and ye …
Andrew Murray—The Two Covenants How to Make Use of Christ as the Life when the Soul is Dead as to Duty.
Sometimes the believer will be under such a distemper, as that he will be as unfit and unable for discharging of any commanded duty, as dead men, or one in a swoon, is to work or go a journey. And it were good to know how Christ should be made use of as the Life, to the end the diseased soul may be delivered from this. For this cause we shall consider those four things: 1. See what are the several steps and degrees of this distemper. 2. Consider whence it cometh, or what are the causes or occasions …
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life The Shepherd of Our Souls.
"I am the good Shepherd: the good Shepherd giveth His life for the sheep."--John x. 11. Our Lord here appropriates to Himself the title under which He had been foretold by the Prophets. "David My servant shall be king over them," says Almighty God by the mouth of Ezekiel: "and they all shall have one Shepherd." And in the book of Zechariah, "Awake, O sword, against My Shepherd, and against the man that is My fellow, saith the Lord of Hosts; smite the Shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered." …
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VIII Covenanting Predicted in Prophecy.
The fact of Covenanting, under the Old Testament dispensations, being approved of God, gives a proof that it was proper then, which is accompanied by the voice of prophecy, affording evidence that even in periods then future it should no less be proper. The argument for the service that is afforded by prophecy is peculiar, and, though corresponding with evidence from other sources, is independent. Because that God willed to make known truth through his servants the prophets, we should receive it …
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting The Extent of Messiah's Spiritual Kingdom
The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of His Christ, and He shall reign for ever and ever! T he Kingdom of our Lord in the heart, and in the world, is frequently compared to a building or house, of which He Himself is both the Foundation and the Architect (Isaiah 28:16 and 54:11, 12) . A building advances by degrees (I Corinthians 3:9; Ephesians 2:20-22) , and while it is in an unfinished state, a stranger cannot, by viewing its present appearance, form an accurate judgment …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2 The Eighth Commandment
Thou shalt not steal.' Exod 20: 15. AS the holiness of God sets him against uncleanness, in the command Thou shalt not commit adultery;' so the justice of God sets him against rapine and robbery, in the command, Thou shalt not steal.' The thing forbidden in this commandment, is meddling with another man's property. The civil lawyers define furtum, stealth or theft to be the laying hands unjustly on that which is another's;' the invading another's right. I. The causes of theft. [1] The internal causes …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments That the Ruler Should Be, through Humility, a Companion of Good Livers, But, through the Zeal of Righteousness, Rigid against the vices of Evildoers.
The ruler should be, through humility, a companion of good livers, and, through the zeal of righteousness, rigid against the vices of evil-doers; so that in nothing he prefer himself to the good, and yet, when the fault of the bad requires it, he be at once conscious of the power of his priority; to the end that, while among his subordinates who live well he waives his rank and accounts them as his equals, he may not fear to execute the laws of rectitude towards the perverse. For, as I remember to …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great Covenanting Provided for in the Everlasting Covenant.
The duty of Covenanting is founded on the law of nature; but it also stands among the arrangements of Divine mercy made from everlasting. The promulgation of the law, enjoining it on man in innocence as a duty, was due to God's necessary dominion over the creatures of his power. The revelation of it as a service obligatory on men in a state of sin, arose from his unmerited grace. In the one display, we contemplate the authority of the righteous moral Governor of the universe; in the other, we see …
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting Jesus Makes his First Disciples.
(Bethany Beyond Jordan, Spring a.d. 27.) ^D John I. 35-51. ^d 35 Again on the morrow [John's direct testimony bore fruit on the second day] John was standing, and two of his disciples [An audience of two. A small field; but a large harvest]; 36 and he looked [Gazed intently. The word is used at Mark xiv. 67; Luke xxii. 61 Mark x. 21, 27. John looked searchingly at that face, which, so far as any record shows, he was never to see on earth again. The more intently we look upon Jesus, the more powerfully …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel Second Great Group of Parables.
(Probably in Peræa.) Subdivision B. Parable of the Lost Sheep. ^C Luke XV. 3-7. ^c 3 And he spake unto them this parable [Jesus had spoken this parable before. See pp. 434, 435.] saying, 4 What man of you [man is emphatic; it is made so to convey the meaning that if man would so act, how much more would God so act], having an hundred sheep [a large flock], and having lost one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness [the place of pasture, and hence the proper place to leave …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel Ezekiel
To a modern taste, Ezekiel does not appeal anything like so powerfully as Isaiah or Jeremiah. He has neither the majesty of the one nor the tenderness and passion of the other. There is much in him that is fantastic, and much that is ritualistic. His imaginations border sometimes on the grotesque and sometimes on the mechanical. Yet he is a historical figure of the first importance; it was very largely from him that Judaism received the ecclesiastical impulse by which for centuries it was powerfully …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Ezekiel 34:30 NIVEzekiel 34:30 NLTEzekiel 34:30 ESVEzekiel 34:30 NASBEzekiel 34:30 KJV
Ezekiel 34:30 Commentaries
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