“And for the house of Israel there shall be no more a brier to prick or a thorn to hurt them among all their neighbors who have treated them with contempt. Then they will know that I am the Lord GOD.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The familiar imagery of "briers" and "thorns" isn't just about general trouble; it specifically points to neighbors who not only attacked but actively despised Israel, even influencing them towards sin. This promise signifies a future where these vexing, contemptuous influences are finally removed, allowing Israel to truly know God's presence and protection.
“And for the house of Israel there shall be no more a brier to prick or a thorn to hurt them among all their neighbors who have treated them with contempt. Then they will know that I am the Lord GOD.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse comes after Ezekiel's dramatic pronouncements against the king of Tyre, who had become arrogant and self-deifying. Now, turning to the nation of Israel, God promises a future where their surrounding enemies, who had previously inflicted pain and contempt, will be removed, allowing them to live in peace and security. This ultimately leads to their full knowledge and recognition of God's sovereign power.
Ever feel like difficult people are constantly pricking at you? God promises an end to those 'thorns' and 'briers' for His people.
In Ezekiel 28:24, God uses vivid imagery to describe the removal of troublesome nations surrounding Israel. These 'briers' and 'thorns' represent neighbors who not only caused pain and vexation but also led Israel into sin and idolatry.
Historical Context
This imagery echoes earlier warnings in Numbers 33:55, where God cautioned Israel that the inhabitants of the land would be 'thorns in your eyes and pricks in your sides.' Throughout their history, nations like the Canaanites, and later those like Moab, Ammon, and Edom, caused immense grief and spiritual compromise for Israel.
A Future Hope
However, this verse points to a future restoration where these hurtful neighbors will no longer plague God's people. It signifies a time of secure dwelling, free from the constant threat and temptation that these surrounding peoples represented. This freedom isn't just political; it's spiritual—an end to influences that would lead them away from God.
When God removes the things that hurt us, it’s not just about relief—it’s about revelation.
The removal of the 'briers' and 'thorns' is directly linked to a profound divine purpose: the recognition of God's sovereignty.
God's Action, Not Our Own
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Ezekiel 28:24 concludes with a powerful declaration: 'Then they will know that I am the Lord GOD.' This knowledge isn't earned through Israel's efforts but is the direct result of God's intervention. He is the one who actively removes the oppressors and brings His people into a place of peace and security.
The Purpose of Revelation
This act of deliverance serves as a powerful testimony. When the surrounding nations are gone and Israel dwells securely, their experience becomes a witness to God's power and faithfulness. It's a tangible demonstration that elevates their understanding and acknowledgment of who God truly is—the sovereign Lord who acts on behalf of His people and judges their enemies.
Understand the original words
sillon · Hebrew Noun
A metaphor for adversaries or sources of constant annoyance and harm who afflict God's people.
qots · Hebrew Noun
A metaphor for those who inflict pain or suffering; in this context, it represents the hostile neighbors of Israel.
sha'at nephesh · Hebrew Noun Phrase
An attitude or action of despising, treating with shame, or considering as worthless; it implies a lack of respect for what God values.
This promise echoes the historical struggles Israel faced with hostile neighbors in Canaan and during the divided monarchy, but points to a future, ultimate peace and security under God's reign.
c. 1400 BC
Israel enters Canaan
Following their Exodus from Egypt, the Israelites conquered and settled in Canaan, displacing or subjugating the existing inhabitants.
c. 13th-11th centuries BC
Period of the Judges
After Joshua's death, the Israelites struggled with remaining Canaanite peoples who often acted as 'thorns' and 'briers', causing them distress and leading them into idolatry.
9th Century BC
Jezebel's influence
Jezebel, from Sidon, married King Ahab of Israel and aggressively promoted Baal worship, becoming a significant 'thorn' to true worshipers of Yahweh.
597 BC
First Babylonian Deportation
King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon exiled many prominent Judeans, including King Jehoiachin and the prophet Ezekiel, to Babylon.
586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem
Nebuchadnezzar destroyed Jerusalem and its temple, exiling the remaining population to Babylon, ending the southern kingdom of Judah.
After 586 BC— this verse
Ezekiel prophesies in exile
Ezekiel delivered his prophecies to the exiles in Babylon, addressing their sins, the judgment of nations, and future restoration.
539 BC
Cyrus the Great conquers Babylon
The Persian Empire under Cyrus overthrew Babylon, paving the way for the Jewish exiles to eventually return to their homeland.
This passage describes God's command to the Israelites to drive out the inhabitants of the land, likening them to 'thorns in your eyes and thorns in your sides,' directly connecting to Ezekiel's imagery of troublesome neighbors.
Joshua 23:13This verse is a direct echo of Numbers, warning Israel that if they do not drive out their neighbors, these nations will become 'snare and trap, and the whip on your sides and thorns in your eyes,' reinforcing the consequence of coexisting with hostile peoples.
Isaiah 11:12This prophecy speaks of Israel being gathered from all nations and the 'adversaries of Judah shall be cut off,' presenting a future vision of peace and unity for God's people that parallels Ezekiel's promise of no more thorns.
2 Samuel 23:6This verse refers to 'sons of Belial' as being 'like thorns,' a metaphor that resonates with Ezekiel's description of hostile nations as thorns that 'prick' and 'grieve' Israel, highlighting the wicked nature of these adversaries.
Jeremiah 12:14Jeremiah describes God's judgment on the neighbors who attacked Judah, stating that 'all the evil neighbors who touch the inheritance that I have given my people Israel, I will pluck them up,' which mirrors Ezekiel's prophecy of removing the 'brier' and 'thorn' nations.
bensonEzekiel 28:24: "And there shall be no more a pricking brier unto the house of Israel, nor any grieving thorn of all that are round about them, that despised them; and they shall know that I am the Lord GOD."
Ezekiel 28:24-26 . There shall be no more a pricking brier — There shall no more be any nation that shall injure, and be a vexation to the house of Israel; for all their troublesome neighbours, who had been as so many thorns in their sides, shall be destroyed or repressed, and in consequenc…
pulpitEzekiel 28:24: "And there shall be no more a pricking brier unto the house of Israel, nor any grieving thorn of all that are round about them, that despised them; and they shall know that I am the Lord GOD."
Verse 24. - There shall be no more a pricking brier. There is a special appropriateness in Ezekiel's imagery. The words had been used in Numbers 33:55 of the Canaanites at large (comp. Joshua 22:13). Ezekiel applies them to the cities which were the most conspicuous survivors of the old Can…
The familiar imagery of "briers" and "thorns" isn't just about general trouble; it specifically points to neighbors who not only attacked but actively despised Israel, even influencing them towards sin. This promise signifies a future where these vexing, contemptuous influences are finally removed, allowing Israel to truly know God's presence and protection.
This verse comes after Ezekiel's dramatic pronouncements against the king of Tyre, who had become arrogant and self-deifying. Now, turning to the nation of Israel, God promises a future where their surrounding enemies, who had previously inflicted pain and contempt, will be removed, allowing them to live in peace and security. This ultimately leads to their full knowledge and recognition of God's sovereign power.
This verse comes after Ezekiel's dramatic pronouncements against the king of Tyre, who had become arrogant and self-deifying. Now, turning to the nation of Israel, God promises a future where their surrounding enemies, who had previously inflicted pain and contempt, will be removed, allowing them to live in peace and security. This ultimately leads to their full knowledge and recognition of God's sovereign power.
"“And for the house of Israel there shall be no more a brier to prick or a thorn to hurt them among all their neighbors who have treated them with contempt. Then they will know that I am the Lord GOD." — The familiar imagery of "briers" and "thorns" isn't just about general trouble; it specifically points to neighbors who not only attacked but actively despised Israel, even influencing them towards s…
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Last reviewed October 2026