Hosea 8
KingCommentsHosea 8:1
The LORD Judges
The LORD will also repay the injustice that has taken place in the midst of the sheep of His flock (Ezekiel 34:17). There is, on the one hand, the weak “sheep” and, on the other hand, there are the strong “rams” and “male goats”. The rams and the male goats are those who helped the leaders oppress the sheep, their weak fellow sheep, the vulnerable. The LORD will judge the rams and the male goats. They deserve that judgment doubly because they are guilty in two respects with respect to the sheep. First, they themselves feed in the good pasture (Ezekiel 34:18). The weak sheep have to settle for second best.
However, it does not stop with the feeding in the good pastures. Whatever remains as second choice is trodden down by the rams and the male goats with their feet, so that it becomes spoiled and unconsumable. This applies to both food and water (Ezekiel 34:19). Thus, the leaders and their followers are always working to benefit themselves at the expense of the weak and poor, while leaving nothing for them.
The LORD will stand up for the weak and poor (Ezekiel 34:20). The weak are pushed away from their safe environment by the strong (Ezekiel 34:21). In the flock, the law of the strongest applies. In addition to destroying what is edible, the strong also push the weak out of the flock. Any security and safety is taken away from them. They are prey to the wild beasts, which are the hostile nations (Ezekiel 34:22; Ezekiel 34:28).
But the LORD will put a stop to that behavior. He will stand up for His sheep and deliver them and protect them. He judges “between one sheep and another”, which means that He judges completely justly and indiscriminately. And only His judgment counts.
Hosea 8:2
The LORD Judges
The LORD will also repay the injustice that has taken place in the midst of the sheep of His flock (Ezekiel 34:17). There is, on the one hand, the weak “sheep” and, on the other hand, there are the strong “rams” and “male goats”. The rams and the male goats are those who helped the leaders oppress the sheep, their weak fellow sheep, the vulnerable. The LORD will judge the rams and the male goats. They deserve that judgment doubly because they are guilty in two respects with respect to the sheep. First, they themselves feed in the good pasture (Ezekiel 34:18). The weak sheep have to settle for second best.
However, it does not stop with the feeding in the good pastures. Whatever remains as second choice is trodden down by the rams and the male goats with their feet, so that it becomes spoiled and unconsumable. This applies to both food and water (Ezekiel 34:19). Thus, the leaders and their followers are always working to benefit themselves at the expense of the weak and poor, while leaving nothing for them.
The LORD will stand up for the weak and poor (Ezekiel 34:20). The weak are pushed away from their safe environment by the strong (Ezekiel 34:21). In the flock, the law of the strongest applies. In addition to destroying what is edible, the strong also push the weak out of the flock. Any security and safety is taken away from them. They are prey to the wild beasts, which are the hostile nations (Ezekiel 34:22; Ezekiel 34:28).
But the LORD will put a stop to that behavior. He will stand up for His sheep and deliver them and protect them. He judges “between one sheep and another”, which means that He judges completely justly and indiscriminately. And only His judgment counts.
Hosea 8:3
The LORD Judges
The LORD will also repay the injustice that has taken place in the midst of the sheep of His flock (Ezekiel 34:17). There is, on the one hand, the weak “sheep” and, on the other hand, there are the strong “rams” and “male goats”. The rams and the male goats are those who helped the leaders oppress the sheep, their weak fellow sheep, the vulnerable. The LORD will judge the rams and the male goats. They deserve that judgment doubly because they are guilty in two respects with respect to the sheep. First, they themselves feed in the good pasture (Ezekiel 34:18). The weak sheep have to settle for second best.
However, it does not stop with the feeding in the good pastures. Whatever remains as second choice is trodden down by the rams and the male goats with their feet, so that it becomes spoiled and unconsumable. This applies to both food and water (Ezekiel 34:19). Thus, the leaders and their followers are always working to benefit themselves at the expense of the weak and poor, while leaving nothing for them.
The LORD will stand up for the weak and poor (Ezekiel 34:20). The weak are pushed away from their safe environment by the strong (Ezekiel 34:21). In the flock, the law of the strongest applies. In addition to destroying what is edible, the strong also push the weak out of the flock. Any security and safety is taken away from them. They are prey to the wild beasts, which are the hostile nations (Ezekiel 34:22; Ezekiel 34:28).
But the LORD will put a stop to that behavior. He will stand up for His sheep and deliver them and protect them. He judges “between one sheep and another”, which means that He judges completely justly and indiscriminately. And only His judgment counts.
Hosea 8:4
The LORD Judges
The LORD will also repay the injustice that has taken place in the midst of the sheep of His flock (Ezekiel 34:17). There is, on the one hand, the weak “sheep” and, on the other hand, there are the strong “rams” and “male goats”. The rams and the male goats are those who helped the leaders oppress the sheep, their weak fellow sheep, the vulnerable. The LORD will judge the rams and the male goats. They deserve that judgment doubly because they are guilty in two respects with respect to the sheep. First, they themselves feed in the good pasture (Ezekiel 34:18). The weak sheep have to settle for second best.
However, it does not stop with the feeding in the good pastures. Whatever remains as second choice is trodden down by the rams and the male goats with their feet, so that it becomes spoiled and unconsumable. This applies to both food and water (Ezekiel 34:19). Thus, the leaders and their followers are always working to benefit themselves at the expense of the weak and poor, while leaving nothing for them.
The LORD will stand up for the weak and poor (Ezekiel 34:20). The weak are pushed away from their safe environment by the strong (Ezekiel 34:21). In the flock, the law of the strongest applies. In addition to destroying what is edible, the strong also push the weak out of the flock. Any security and safety is taken away from them. They are prey to the wild beasts, which are the hostile nations (Ezekiel 34:22; Ezekiel 34:28).
But the LORD will put a stop to that behavior. He will stand up for His sheep and deliver them and protect them. He judges “between one sheep and another”, which means that He judges completely justly and indiscriminately. And only His judgment counts.
Hosea 8:5
The LORD Judges
The LORD will also repay the injustice that has taken place in the midst of the sheep of His flock (Ezekiel 34:17). There is, on the one hand, the weak “sheep” and, on the other hand, there are the strong “rams” and “male goats”. The rams and the male goats are those who helped the leaders oppress the sheep, their weak fellow sheep, the vulnerable. The LORD will judge the rams and the male goats. They deserve that judgment doubly because they are guilty in two respects with respect to the sheep. First, they themselves feed in the good pasture (Ezekiel 34:18). The weak sheep have to settle for second best.
However, it does not stop with the feeding in the good pastures. Whatever remains as second choice is trodden down by the rams and the male goats with their feet, so that it becomes spoiled and unconsumable. This applies to both food and water (Ezekiel 34:19). Thus, the leaders and their followers are always working to benefit themselves at the expense of the weak and poor, while leaving nothing for them.
The LORD will stand up for the weak and poor (Ezekiel 34:20). The weak are pushed away from their safe environment by the strong (Ezekiel 34:21). In the flock, the law of the strongest applies. In addition to destroying what is edible, the strong also push the weak out of the flock. Any security and safety is taken away from them. They are prey to the wild beasts, which are the hostile nations (Ezekiel 34:22; Ezekiel 34:28).
But the LORD will put a stop to that behavior. He will stand up for His sheep and deliver them and protect them. He judges “between one sheep and another”, which means that He judges completely justly and indiscriminately. And only His judgment counts.
Hosea 8:6
Promise of the One Shepherd
This last section describes the millennial realm of peace under the Messiah, Who is here called “My servant David” (Ezekiel 34:23). The LORD will raise up His Shepherd and entrust Him with His sheep. He is “the Chief Shepherd” Who is coming back (1 Peter 5:4). He will care for the sheep and lead them. The LORD and His Shepherd have an equal care for the sheep. They are also essentially the same Person. The LORD is their God and the Servant is their Prince (Ezekiel 34:24; cf. 2 Samuel 5:2b). So it is, for the LORD has declared it.
The LORD confirms His verbal promise with a covenant (Ezekiel 34:25). This gives His sheep even more security. He makes with them “a covenant of peace”, a covenant that flows from the all-encompassing new covenant that characterizes the millennial realm of peace (Jeremiah 31:31-34). That covenant also ensures security. The harmful beasts, symbols of false leaders and hostile nations (Ezekiel 34:28), will be removed from the land by Him. Unconcerned they will live in the wilderness and undisturbed they will be able to sleep in the woods. Everything speaks of rest and peace, safety and security.
There is also an abundance of blessing that comes over His people and over the area where they live (Ezekiel 34:26). “My hill” is Mount Zion, and the places around it is Israel. Through the rain that He gives, the trees will give their fruit and the land will give its yield (Ezekiel 34:27; cf. Hosea 2:21-22; Joel 2:23-27). Once again, the LORD speaks of them being secure on their land without care. They will have rest and also freedom, for the LORD has removed their oppressors from them. Thus they will know that He is the LORD.
Nor will there be any more change for the worse in that situation (Ezekiel 34:28). The enemies will no longer find prey in them; they will no longer be devoured. There will be no more fear. Safe, untroubled and fearless, they will enjoy all the blessings that the LORD gives them in rich measure. The guarantee of an unruffled peace lies in “a plant of renown” [Darby Translation] that is the Lord Jesus, their Messiah, whom the LORD will cause “to raise up” [Darby Translation] on their behalf (Ezekiel 34:29). The word “raise up” in this verse is the same word in Hebrew as “set over” in Ezekiel 34:23, which also talks about the Messiah (cf. Isaiah 60:1). He will drive out the hunger and the reproach.
When that situation has arrived, they will know that the LORD is with them (Ezekiel 34:30). Always the statement, that people will know that He is the LORD, has been a threatening statement because it has always been related to the judgment that He executes. Now this statement is in connection with blessing. Knowing that He is the LORD is the basis of blessing for His people. They will also know that they are His people. That connection is a strong assurance that no more calamity can strike them.
However, they, His sheep, the sheep of His pasture (Ezekiel 34:31; Psalms 100:3), will always need to have the consciousness that they are only men, weak and mortal, and that their salvation and blessing is only in Him, their God. With this powerful reminder, the description of future blessing concludes.
Hosea 8:7
Promise of the One Shepherd
This last section describes the millennial realm of peace under the Messiah, Who is here called “My servant David” (Ezekiel 34:23). The LORD will raise up His Shepherd and entrust Him with His sheep. He is “the Chief Shepherd” Who is coming back (1 Peter 5:4). He will care for the sheep and lead them. The LORD and His Shepherd have an equal care for the sheep. They are also essentially the same Person. The LORD is their God and the Servant is their Prince (Ezekiel 34:24; cf. 2 Samuel 5:2b). So it is, for the LORD has declared it.
The LORD confirms His verbal promise with a covenant (Ezekiel 34:25). This gives His sheep even more security. He makes with them “a covenant of peace”, a covenant that flows from the all-encompassing new covenant that characterizes the millennial realm of peace (Jeremiah 31:31-34). That covenant also ensures security. The harmful beasts, symbols of false leaders and hostile nations (Ezekiel 34:28), will be removed from the land by Him. Unconcerned they will live in the wilderness and undisturbed they will be able to sleep in the woods. Everything speaks of rest and peace, safety and security.
There is also an abundance of blessing that comes over His people and over the area where they live (Ezekiel 34:26). “My hill” is Mount Zion, and the places around it is Israel. Through the rain that He gives, the trees will give their fruit and the land will give its yield (Ezekiel 34:27; cf. Hosea 2:21-22; Joel 2:23-27). Once again, the LORD speaks of them being secure on their land without care. They will have rest and also freedom, for the LORD has removed their oppressors from them. Thus they will know that He is the LORD.
Nor will there be any more change for the worse in that situation (Ezekiel 34:28). The enemies will no longer find prey in them; they will no longer be devoured. There will be no more fear. Safe, untroubled and fearless, they will enjoy all the blessings that the LORD gives them in rich measure. The guarantee of an unruffled peace lies in “a plant of renown” [Darby Translation] that is the Lord Jesus, their Messiah, whom the LORD will cause “to raise up” [Darby Translation] on their behalf (Ezekiel 34:29). The word “raise up” in this verse is the same word in Hebrew as “set over” in Ezekiel 34:23, which also talks about the Messiah (cf. Isaiah 60:1). He will drive out the hunger and the reproach.
When that situation has arrived, they will know that the LORD is with them (Ezekiel 34:30). Always the statement, that people will know that He is the LORD, has been a threatening statement because it has always been related to the judgment that He executes. Now this statement is in connection with blessing. Knowing that He is the LORD is the basis of blessing for His people. They will also know that they are His people. That connection is a strong assurance that no more calamity can strike them.
However, they, His sheep, the sheep of His pasture (Ezekiel 34:31; Psalms 100:3), will always need to have the consciousness that they are only men, weak and mortal, and that their salvation and blessing is only in Him, their God. With this powerful reminder, the description of future blessing concludes.
Hosea 8:8
Promise of the One Shepherd
This last section describes the millennial realm of peace under the Messiah, Who is here called “My servant David” (Ezekiel 34:23). The LORD will raise up His Shepherd and entrust Him with His sheep. He is “the Chief Shepherd” Who is coming back (1 Peter 5:4). He will care for the sheep and lead them. The LORD and His Shepherd have an equal care for the sheep. They are also essentially the same Person. The LORD is their God and the Servant is their Prince (Ezekiel 34:24; cf. 2 Samuel 5:2b). So it is, for the LORD has declared it.
The LORD confirms His verbal promise with a covenant (Ezekiel 34:25). This gives His sheep even more security. He makes with them “a covenant of peace”, a covenant that flows from the all-encompassing new covenant that characterizes the millennial realm of peace (Jeremiah 31:31-34). That covenant also ensures security. The harmful beasts, symbols of false leaders and hostile nations (Ezekiel 34:28), will be removed from the land by Him. Unconcerned they will live in the wilderness and undisturbed they will be able to sleep in the woods. Everything speaks of rest and peace, safety and security.
There is also an abundance of blessing that comes over His people and over the area where they live (Ezekiel 34:26). “My hill” is Mount Zion, and the places around it is Israel. Through the rain that He gives, the trees will give their fruit and the land will give its yield (Ezekiel 34:27; cf. Hosea 2:21-22; Joel 2:23-27). Once again, the LORD speaks of them being secure on their land without care. They will have rest and also freedom, for the LORD has removed their oppressors from them. Thus they will know that He is the LORD.
Nor will there be any more change for the worse in that situation (Ezekiel 34:28). The enemies will no longer find prey in them; they will no longer be devoured. There will be no more fear. Safe, untroubled and fearless, they will enjoy all the blessings that the LORD gives them in rich measure. The guarantee of an unruffled peace lies in “a plant of renown” [Darby Translation] that is the Lord Jesus, their Messiah, whom the LORD will cause “to raise up” [Darby Translation] on their behalf (Ezekiel 34:29). The word “raise up” in this verse is the same word in Hebrew as “set over” in Ezekiel 34:23, which also talks about the Messiah (cf. Isaiah 60:1). He will drive out the hunger and the reproach.
When that situation has arrived, they will know that the LORD is with them (Ezekiel 34:30). Always the statement, that people will know that He is the LORD, has been a threatening statement because it has always been related to the judgment that He executes. Now this statement is in connection with blessing. Knowing that He is the LORD is the basis of blessing for His people. They will also know that they are His people. That connection is a strong assurance that no more calamity can strike them.
However, they, His sheep, the sheep of His pasture (Ezekiel 34:31; Psalms 100:3), will always need to have the consciousness that they are only men, weak and mortal, and that their salvation and blessing is only in Him, their God. With this powerful reminder, the description of future blessing concludes.
Hosea 8:9
Promise of the One Shepherd
This last section describes the millennial realm of peace under the Messiah, Who is here called “My servant David” (Ezekiel 34:23). The LORD will raise up His Shepherd and entrust Him with His sheep. He is “the Chief Shepherd” Who is coming back (1 Peter 5:4). He will care for the sheep and lead them. The LORD and His Shepherd have an equal care for the sheep. They are also essentially the same Person. The LORD is their God and the Servant is their Prince (Ezekiel 34:24; cf. 2 Samuel 5:2b). So it is, for the LORD has declared it.
The LORD confirms His verbal promise with a covenant (Ezekiel 34:25). This gives His sheep even more security. He makes with them “a covenant of peace”, a covenant that flows from the all-encompassing new covenant that characterizes the millennial realm of peace (Jeremiah 31:31-34). That covenant also ensures security. The harmful beasts, symbols of false leaders and hostile nations (Ezekiel 34:28), will be removed from the land by Him. Unconcerned they will live in the wilderness and undisturbed they will be able to sleep in the woods. Everything speaks of rest and peace, safety and security.
There is also an abundance of blessing that comes over His people and over the area where they live (Ezekiel 34:26). “My hill” is Mount Zion, and the places around it is Israel. Through the rain that He gives, the trees will give their fruit and the land will give its yield (Ezekiel 34:27; cf. Hosea 2:21-22; Joel 2:23-27). Once again, the LORD speaks of them being secure on their land without care. They will have rest and also freedom, for the LORD has removed their oppressors from them. Thus they will know that He is the LORD.
Nor will there be any more change for the worse in that situation (Ezekiel 34:28). The enemies will no longer find prey in them; they will no longer be devoured. There will be no more fear. Safe, untroubled and fearless, they will enjoy all the blessings that the LORD gives them in rich measure. The guarantee of an unruffled peace lies in “a plant of renown” [Darby Translation] that is the Lord Jesus, their Messiah, whom the LORD will cause “to raise up” [Darby Translation] on their behalf (Ezekiel 34:29). The word “raise up” in this verse is the same word in Hebrew as “set over” in Ezekiel 34:23, which also talks about the Messiah (cf. Isaiah 60:1). He will drive out the hunger and the reproach.
When that situation has arrived, they will know that the LORD is with them (Ezekiel 34:30). Always the statement, that people will know that He is the LORD, has been a threatening statement because it has always been related to the judgment that He executes. Now this statement is in connection with blessing. Knowing that He is the LORD is the basis of blessing for His people. They will also know that they are His people. That connection is a strong assurance that no more calamity can strike them.
However, they, His sheep, the sheep of His pasture (Ezekiel 34:31; Psalms 100:3), will always need to have the consciousness that they are only men, weak and mortal, and that their salvation and blessing is only in Him, their God. With this powerful reminder, the description of future blessing concludes.
Hosea 8:10
Promise of the One Shepherd
This last section describes the millennial realm of peace under the Messiah, Who is here called “My servant David” (Ezekiel 34:23). The LORD will raise up His Shepherd and entrust Him with His sheep. He is “the Chief Shepherd” Who is coming back (1 Peter 5:4). He will care for the sheep and lead them. The LORD and His Shepherd have an equal care for the sheep. They are also essentially the same Person. The LORD is their God and the Servant is their Prince (Ezekiel 34:24; cf. 2 Samuel 5:2b). So it is, for the LORD has declared it.
The LORD confirms His verbal promise with a covenant (Ezekiel 34:25). This gives His sheep even more security. He makes with them “a covenant of peace”, a covenant that flows from the all-encompassing new covenant that characterizes the millennial realm of peace (Jeremiah 31:31-34). That covenant also ensures security. The harmful beasts, symbols of false leaders and hostile nations (Ezekiel 34:28), will be removed from the land by Him. Unconcerned they will live in the wilderness and undisturbed they will be able to sleep in the woods. Everything speaks of rest and peace, safety and security.
There is also an abundance of blessing that comes over His people and over the area where they live (Ezekiel 34:26). “My hill” is Mount Zion, and the places around it is Israel. Through the rain that He gives, the trees will give their fruit and the land will give its yield (Ezekiel 34:27; cf. Hosea 2:21-22; Joel 2:23-27). Once again, the LORD speaks of them being secure on their land without care. They will have rest and also freedom, for the LORD has removed their oppressors from them. Thus they will know that He is the LORD.
Nor will there be any more change for the worse in that situation (Ezekiel 34:28). The enemies will no longer find prey in them; they will no longer be devoured. There will be no more fear. Safe, untroubled and fearless, they will enjoy all the blessings that the LORD gives them in rich measure. The guarantee of an unruffled peace lies in “a plant of renown” [Darby Translation] that is the Lord Jesus, their Messiah, whom the LORD will cause “to raise up” [Darby Translation] on their behalf (Ezekiel 34:29). The word “raise up” in this verse is the same word in Hebrew as “set over” in Ezekiel 34:23, which also talks about the Messiah (cf. Isaiah 60:1). He will drive out the hunger and the reproach.
When that situation has arrived, they will know that the LORD is with them (Ezekiel 34:30). Always the statement, that people will know that He is the LORD, has been a threatening statement because it has always been related to the judgment that He executes. Now this statement is in connection with blessing. Knowing that He is the LORD is the basis of blessing for His people. They will also know that they are His people. That connection is a strong assurance that no more calamity can strike them.
However, they, His sheep, the sheep of His pasture (Ezekiel 34:31; Psalms 100:3), will always need to have the consciousness that they are only men, weak and mortal, and that their salvation and blessing is only in Him, their God. With this powerful reminder, the description of future blessing concludes.
Hosea 8:11
Promise of the One Shepherd
This last section describes the millennial realm of peace under the Messiah, Who is here called “My servant David” (Ezekiel 34:23). The LORD will raise up His Shepherd and entrust Him with His sheep. He is “the Chief Shepherd” Who is coming back (1 Peter 5:4). He will care for the sheep and lead them. The LORD and His Shepherd have an equal care for the sheep. They are also essentially the same Person. The LORD is their God and the Servant is their Prince (Ezekiel 34:24; cf. 2 Samuel 5:2b). So it is, for the LORD has declared it.
The LORD confirms His verbal promise with a covenant (Ezekiel 34:25). This gives His sheep even more security. He makes with them “a covenant of peace”, a covenant that flows from the all-encompassing new covenant that characterizes the millennial realm of peace (Jeremiah 31:31-34). That covenant also ensures security. The harmful beasts, symbols of false leaders and hostile nations (Ezekiel 34:28), will be removed from the land by Him. Unconcerned they will live in the wilderness and undisturbed they will be able to sleep in the woods. Everything speaks of rest and peace, safety and security.
There is also an abundance of blessing that comes over His people and over the area where they live (Ezekiel 34:26). “My hill” is Mount Zion, and the places around it is Israel. Through the rain that He gives, the trees will give their fruit and the land will give its yield (Ezekiel 34:27; cf. Hosea 2:21-22; Joel 2:23-27). Once again, the LORD speaks of them being secure on their land without care. They will have rest and also freedom, for the LORD has removed their oppressors from them. Thus they will know that He is the LORD.
Nor will there be any more change for the worse in that situation (Ezekiel 34:28). The enemies will no longer find prey in them; they will no longer be devoured. There will be no more fear. Safe, untroubled and fearless, they will enjoy all the blessings that the LORD gives them in rich measure. The guarantee of an unruffled peace lies in “a plant of renown” [Darby Translation] that is the Lord Jesus, their Messiah, whom the LORD will cause “to raise up” [Darby Translation] on their behalf (Ezekiel 34:29). The word “raise up” in this verse is the same word in Hebrew as “set over” in Ezekiel 34:23, which also talks about the Messiah (cf. Isaiah 60:1). He will drive out the hunger and the reproach.
When that situation has arrived, they will know that the LORD is with them (Ezekiel 34:30). Always the statement, that people will know that He is the LORD, has been a threatening statement because it has always been related to the judgment that He executes. Now this statement is in connection with blessing. Knowing that He is the LORD is the basis of blessing for His people. They will also know that they are His people. That connection is a strong assurance that no more calamity can strike them.
However, they, His sheep, the sheep of His pasture (Ezekiel 34:31; Psalms 100:3), will always need to have the consciousness that they are only men, weak and mortal, and that their salvation and blessing is only in Him, their God. With this powerful reminder, the description of future blessing concludes.
Hosea 8:12
Promise of the One Shepherd
This last section describes the millennial realm of peace under the Messiah, Who is here called “My servant David” (Ezekiel 34:23). The LORD will raise up His Shepherd and entrust Him with His sheep. He is “the Chief Shepherd” Who is coming back (1 Peter 5:4). He will care for the sheep and lead them. The LORD and His Shepherd have an equal care for the sheep. They are also essentially the same Person. The LORD is their God and the Servant is their Prince (Ezekiel 34:24; cf. 2 Samuel 5:2b). So it is, for the LORD has declared it.
The LORD confirms His verbal promise with a covenant (Ezekiel 34:25). This gives His sheep even more security. He makes with them “a covenant of peace”, a covenant that flows from the all-encompassing new covenant that characterizes the millennial realm of peace (Jeremiah 31:31-34). That covenant also ensures security. The harmful beasts, symbols of false leaders and hostile nations (Ezekiel 34:28), will be removed from the land by Him. Unconcerned they will live in the wilderness and undisturbed they will be able to sleep in the woods. Everything speaks of rest and peace, safety and security.
There is also an abundance of blessing that comes over His people and over the area where they live (Ezekiel 34:26). “My hill” is Mount Zion, and the places around it is Israel. Through the rain that He gives, the trees will give their fruit and the land will give its yield (Ezekiel 34:27; cf. Hosea 2:21-22; Joel 2:23-27). Once again, the LORD speaks of them being secure on their land without care. They will have rest and also freedom, for the LORD has removed their oppressors from them. Thus they will know that He is the LORD.
Nor will there be any more change for the worse in that situation (Ezekiel 34:28). The enemies will no longer find prey in them; they will no longer be devoured. There will be no more fear. Safe, untroubled and fearless, they will enjoy all the blessings that the LORD gives them in rich measure. The guarantee of an unruffled peace lies in “a plant of renown” [Darby Translation] that is the Lord Jesus, their Messiah, whom the LORD will cause “to raise up” [Darby Translation] on their behalf (Ezekiel 34:29). The word “raise up” in this verse is the same word in Hebrew as “set over” in Ezekiel 34:23, which also talks about the Messiah (cf. Isaiah 60:1). He will drive out the hunger and the reproach.
When that situation has arrived, they will know that the LORD is with them (Ezekiel 34:30). Always the statement, that people will know that He is the LORD, has been a threatening statement because it has always been related to the judgment that He executes. Now this statement is in connection with blessing. Knowing that He is the LORD is the basis of blessing for His people. They will also know that they are His people. That connection is a strong assurance that no more calamity can strike them.
However, they, His sheep, the sheep of His pasture (Ezekiel 34:31; Psalms 100:3), will always need to have the consciousness that they are only men, weak and mortal, and that their salvation and blessing is only in Him, their God. With this powerful reminder, the description of future blessing concludes.
Hosea 8:13
Promise of the One Shepherd
This last section describes the millennial realm of peace under the Messiah, Who is here called “My servant David” (Ezekiel 34:23). The LORD will raise up His Shepherd and entrust Him with His sheep. He is “the Chief Shepherd” Who is coming back (1 Peter 5:4). He will care for the sheep and lead them. The LORD and His Shepherd have an equal care for the sheep. They are also essentially the same Person. The LORD is their God and the Servant is their Prince (Ezekiel 34:24; cf. 2 Samuel 5:2b). So it is, for the LORD has declared it.
The LORD confirms His verbal promise with a covenant (Ezekiel 34:25). This gives His sheep even more security. He makes with them “a covenant of peace”, a covenant that flows from the all-encompassing new covenant that characterizes the millennial realm of peace (Jeremiah 31:31-34). That covenant also ensures security. The harmful beasts, symbols of false leaders and hostile nations (Ezekiel 34:28), will be removed from the land by Him. Unconcerned they will live in the wilderness and undisturbed they will be able to sleep in the woods. Everything speaks of rest and peace, safety and security.
There is also an abundance of blessing that comes over His people and over the area where they live (Ezekiel 34:26). “My hill” is Mount Zion, and the places around it is Israel. Through the rain that He gives, the trees will give their fruit and the land will give its yield (Ezekiel 34:27; cf. Hosea 2:21-22; Joel 2:23-27). Once again, the LORD speaks of them being secure on their land without care. They will have rest and also freedom, for the LORD has removed their oppressors from them. Thus they will know that He is the LORD.
Nor will there be any more change for the worse in that situation (Ezekiel 34:28). The enemies will no longer find prey in them; they will no longer be devoured. There will be no more fear. Safe, untroubled and fearless, they will enjoy all the blessings that the LORD gives them in rich measure. The guarantee of an unruffled peace lies in “a plant of renown” [Darby Translation] that is the Lord Jesus, their Messiah, whom the LORD will cause “to raise up” [Darby Translation] on their behalf (Ezekiel 34:29). The word “raise up” in this verse is the same word in Hebrew as “set over” in Ezekiel 34:23, which also talks about the Messiah (cf. Isaiah 60:1). He will drive out the hunger and the reproach.
When that situation has arrived, they will know that the LORD is with them (Ezekiel 34:30). Always the statement, that people will know that He is the LORD, has been a threatening statement because it has always been related to the judgment that He executes. Now this statement is in connection with blessing. Knowing that He is the LORD is the basis of blessing for His people. They will also know that they are His people. That connection is a strong assurance that no more calamity can strike them.
However, they, His sheep, the sheep of His pasture (Ezekiel 34:31; Psalms 100:3), will always need to have the consciousness that they are only men, weak and mortal, and that their salvation and blessing is only in Him, their God. With this powerful reminder, the description of future blessing concludes.
Hosea 8:14
Promise of the One Shepherd
This last section describes the millennial realm of peace under the Messiah, Who is here called “My servant David” (Ezekiel 34:23). The LORD will raise up His Shepherd and entrust Him with His sheep. He is “the Chief Shepherd” Who is coming back (1 Peter 5:4). He will care for the sheep and lead them. The LORD and His Shepherd have an equal care for the sheep. They are also essentially the same Person. The LORD is their God and the Servant is their Prince (Ezekiel 34:24; cf. 2 Samuel 5:2b). So it is, for the LORD has declared it.
The LORD confirms His verbal promise with a covenant (Ezekiel 34:25). This gives His sheep even more security. He makes with them “a covenant of peace”, a covenant that flows from the all-encompassing new covenant that characterizes the millennial realm of peace (Jeremiah 31:31-34). That covenant also ensures security. The harmful beasts, symbols of false leaders and hostile nations (Ezekiel 34:28), will be removed from the land by Him. Unconcerned they will live in the wilderness and undisturbed they will be able to sleep in the woods. Everything speaks of rest and peace, safety and security.
There is also an abundance of blessing that comes over His people and over the area where they live (Ezekiel 34:26). “My hill” is Mount Zion, and the places around it is Israel. Through the rain that He gives, the trees will give their fruit and the land will give its yield (Ezekiel 34:27; cf. Hosea 2:21-22; Joel 2:23-27). Once again, the LORD speaks of them being secure on their land without care. They will have rest and also freedom, for the LORD has removed their oppressors from them. Thus they will know that He is the LORD.
Nor will there be any more change for the worse in that situation (Ezekiel 34:28). The enemies will no longer find prey in them; they will no longer be devoured. There will be no more fear. Safe, untroubled and fearless, they will enjoy all the blessings that the LORD gives them in rich measure. The guarantee of an unruffled peace lies in “a plant of renown” [Darby Translation] that is the Lord Jesus, their Messiah, whom the LORD will cause “to raise up” [Darby Translation] on their behalf (Ezekiel 34:29). The word “raise up” in this verse is the same word in Hebrew as “set over” in Ezekiel 34:23, which also talks about the Messiah (cf. Isaiah 60:1). He will drive out the hunger and the reproach.
When that situation has arrived, they will know that the LORD is with them (Ezekiel 34:30). Always the statement, that people will know that He is the LORD, has been a threatening statement because it has always been related to the judgment that He executes. Now this statement is in connection with blessing. Knowing that He is the LORD is the basis of blessing for His people. They will also know that they are His people. That connection is a strong assurance that no more calamity can strike them.
However, they, His sheep, the sheep of His pasture (Ezekiel 34:31; Psalms 100:3), will always need to have the consciousness that they are only men, weak and mortal, and that their salvation and blessing is only in Him, their God. With this powerful reminder, the description of future blessing concludes.