After God had dealt with Israel, His people, He
would not only restore but also renew their relationship with Him. Ezekiel
34:25-21 said this would be a covenant of peace. Here God assertively promised
that their relationship with Him would be a harmonious and blessed one. They
would know that He would be with them. He would be their good shepherd and
they, His sheep. They would know that they are His people and He, their
God.
The two terms of assertion, “I will” and “they will” are repeated
several times throughout these seven verses. These terms convey a sense of
certainty. God was personally guaranteeing positive experiences. God guarantees
that they will have peace, security, protection, and blessings in abundance.
In verse 25, they were guaranteed peace and security. God went on
to elaborate in verses 27-28. He promised that the harmful wild beasts, meaning
their oppressors would be eliminated and the yoke of their enemies over them
would be broken. They would be free from oppression and fear, thus ensuring
them a fear-free and secure life.
In verse 26, they were guaranteed the blessings of abundance.
Their land would be fruitful. How would this promise come about? In verse 29,
God said, “I will establish for them a renowned planting place, and they
will not again be victims of famine in the land, and they will
not endure the insults of the nations anymore.” In other words, they would
have agricultural prosperity.
Peace, security, protection, and abundance are guaranteed to us
too. Why? Because Jesus is not our Good Shepherd. He is also our reigning King.
When we place ourselves under the shadow of His mighty wings, these blessings
become a reality. He is our refuge and our strength and a very present help in
times of trouble. In Psalm 23, we are promised that when God is our good
shepherd, we will have a life without lack, a life without fear, and a life without
end.
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