And I will make with them a covenant of peace, and will cause the evil beasts to cease out of the land: and they shall dwell safely in the wilderness, and sleep in the woods.

EZEKIEL 34:25KJV
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Ezekiel 34:25 (KJV)

What does Ezekiel 34:25 mean?

Ezekiel 34:25 describes God’s promise to make a “covenant of peace” with His people, ensuring their safety by removing dangerous animals from the land so they can live securely, even in wild or wooded places. This verse pictures a future where God’s people experience lasting peace and protection in their homeland.

In this part of the book, God is speaking through the prophet Ezekiel to the people of Israel, who have suffered under poor leadership and exile. The verse comes after God promises to be a true shepherd to His people, unlike the leaders who failed them. The “covenant of peace” signals a new beginning, where God Himself guarantees their well-being and safety in every part of their land.

The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 34:25

  • “Covenant” (בְּרִית, berit): This word means a binding agreement or promise. Here, it emphasizes that God is making a formal, lasting commitment to protect and bless His people.
  • “Peace” (שָׁלוֹם, shalom): More than just the absence of conflict, shalom means wholeness, safety, and well-being. God’s promise is not just to stop violence, but to bring a sense of complete security and flourishing.
  • “Cease” (שָׁבַת, shavat): This word means to cause something to stop or rest. God is not just reducing the threat from wild animals—He is putting an end to it entirely, so people can live without fear.
  • “Safely” (לָבֶטַח, lavetach): This word carries the sense of living in confidence and security, not just physical safety but also peace of mind.

Why Ezekiel 34:25 matters

  • This verse clarifies that God’s promise of peace is comprehensive, covering both spiritual and physical safety, even in places that would normally be dangerous.
  • The “covenant of peace” connects to the wider chapter, where God contrasts His faithful care with the failures of Israel’s previous leaders, showing that true security comes from God alone.
  • The verse helps correct the idea that God’s promises are only about spiritual blessings; here, the promise includes real-world safety and restoration of the land itself.

Where else these words appear

“sleep” Hebrew H3462 · used in 19 verses

  • Genesis 2:21 And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof;
  • 1 Kings 19:5 And as he lay and slept under a juniper tree, behold, then an angel touched him, and said unto him, Arise and eat.
  • Psalms 121:4 Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.

“safely” Hebrew H983 · used in 41 verses

  • Genesis 34:25 And it came to pass on the third day, when they were sore, that two of the sons of Jacob, Simeon and Levi, Dinah's brethren, took each man his sword, and came upon the city boldly, and slew all the males.
  • Psalms 4:8 I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety.
  • Jeremiah 49:31 Arise, get you up unto the wealthy nation, that dwelleth without care, saith the LORD, which have neither gates nor bars, which dwell alone.

“woods” Hebrew H3293 · used in 58 verses

  • Deuteronomy 19:5 As when a man goeth into the wood with his neighbour to hew wood, and his hand fetcheth a stroke with the axe to cut down the tree, and the head slippeth from the helve, and lighteth upon his neighbour, that he die; he shall flee unto one of those cities, and live:
  • Psalms 83:14 As the fire burneth a wood, and as the flame setteth the mountains on fire;
  • Isaiah 44:23 Sing, O ye heavens; for the LORD hath done it: shout, ye lower parts of the earth: break forth into singing, ye mountains, O forest, and every tree therein: for the LORD hath redeemed Jacob, and glorified himself in Israel.

“cease” Hebrew H7673 · used in 67 verses

  • Genesis 2:2 And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.
  • 2 Chronicles 36:21 To fulfil the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah, until the land had enjoyed her sabbaths: for as long as she lay desolate she kept sabbath, to fulfil threescore and ten years.
  • Jeremiah 48:33 And joy and gladness is taken from the plentiful field, and from the land of Moab; and I have caused wine to fail from the winepresses: none shall tread with shouting; their shouting shall be no shouting.