This passage paints a picture of homecoming, not just to a physical land but to a place of true belonging and nourishment. Notice how the feeding isn't just on fertile ground, but specifically on the mountains of Israel and by the ravines, evoking imagery of natural beauty and abundance, much like the comforting Psalms. This reveals God's intention to restore not just a nation, but a whole way of life, filled with His presence and provision.
And I will bring them out from the peoples and gather them from the countries, and will bring them into their own land. And I will feed them on the mountains of Israel, by the ravines, and in all the inhabited places of the country.
English Standard Version (ESV)
After condemning the corrupt shepherds who have scattered and exploited God's flock, the Lord promises to personally gather his scattered sheep from all the nations where they've been dispersed. He declares he will bring them back to their own land, envisioning a time of abundant peace and nourishment, like sheep grazing on lush mountains and by flowing streams. This restoration is depicted as a new era of care and security under his direct leadership.
Imagine being lost, far from home, with no clear path forward. Ezekiel 34:13 paints a vivid picture of God's active rescue mission for His people, moving them from confusion and dispersion to safety and belonging.
This verse describes a powerful act of divine intervention: God Himself will gather His scattered sheep.
Bringing Them Home
He promises to "bring them out from the peoples and gather them from the countries." This speaks of a deliberate rescue, pulling them from wherever they've been lost or exiled. It's not just a passive waiting; God is actively involved in locating and collecting His own.
Restoration to Their Land
The ultimate destination is "their own land." This signifies a return to a place of security, inheritance, and divine favor. It’s a restoration of what was lost, a reclaiming of their identity and purpose under God's care.
God doesn't just bring His people back; He ensures they are well-cared for. Ezekiel 34:13 promises not just a return, but a place of nourishment and safety.
The promise continues with God's commitment to providing for His restored people.
God as Provider
"And I will feed them..." This imagery is deeply pastoral. God Himself is the ultimate caregiver, ensuring His flock is sustained. This isn't about mere survival, but about thriving.
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Rich and Safe Environments
The feeding grounds are described as "upon the mountains of Israel, by the ravines, and in all the inhabited places of the country." This paints a picture of abundant, fertile land with life-giving water sources. It signifies a place where they can safely graze, rest, and flourish, protected and well-nourished.
Understand the original words
erets · Hebrew Noun
A theological concept referring to the physical territory promised by God to the patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob) for His people; it represents a place of rest, security, and covenant blessing.
ra'ah · Hebrew Verb
Refers to the divine provision and care required for the spiritual life of believers; it signifies God satisfying the deepest needs of His people.
This prophecy of return and restoration speaks directly to the exiles in Babylon, offering hope amid despair. It vividly contrasts their current hardship with a future where God Himself will be their ultimate Shepherd, leading them back to a flourishing homeland.
c. 605 BC
First Babylonian Deportation
King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon deports some of the Jewish elite, including Daniel, to Babylon, marking the beginning of the exile.
586 BC
Destruction of Jerusalem and Temple
Babylonian forces destroy Jerusalem and the First Temple, exiling the majority of the remaining population to Babylon.
c. 570 BC— this verse
Ezekiel's Ministry
Ezekiel, a priest, prophesies to the exiles in Babylon, denouncing the corrupt shepherds of Israel and promising future restoration.
539 BC
Fall of Babylon to Persia
Cyrus the Great conquers Babylon, establishing the Persian Empire and creating a political climate favorable to Jewish return.
538 BC
Cyrus' Decree
Cyrus issues a decree allowing the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem and rebuild their Temple.
c. 536 BC
First Return of Exiles
A large contingent of Jews, led by Zerubbabel, returns to Jerusalem to begin rebuilding the Temple and the city.
This passage parallels Ezekiel's promise by declaring God's intention to gather the remnant of Israel from all the lands where they were scattered and bring them back to their own land.
Isaiah 40:11This verse offers a beautiful image of God as a shepherd, gently leading his flock, which directly aligns with the imagery of God feeding His people in Ezekiel 34, highlighting His tender care and personal attention.
Psalm 23:1-3This beloved psalm echoes the theme of God as a shepherd who provides and restores His people, leading them to green pastures and still waters, much like the 'fat pasture' mentioned in Ezekiel's prophecy.
John 10:11Jesus identifies Himself as the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep, connecting Ezekiel's prophecy of divine shepherding to the ultimate fulfillment in Christ's redemptive work.
Ezekiel 36:24This subsequent verse in Ezekiel reinforces the promise of gathering scattered people from the nations and bringing them back to their land, expanding on the theme of restoration and purification.
pulpitEzekiel 34:13: "And I will bring them out from the people, and gather them from the countries, and will bring them to their own land, and feed them upon the mountains of Israel by the rivers, and in all the inhabited places of the country."
Verses 13-15. - On the mountains of Israel by the rivers. The picture of the pleasant pasture-lands of Judah, almost, as it were, an expansion of Psalm 23, of the mountains which are not barren and stony, of the streams that flow calmly in the inhabited plac…
jfbEzekiel 34:13: "And I will bring them out from the people, and gather them from the countries, and will bring them to their own land, and feed them upon the mountains of Israel by the rivers, and in all the inhabited places of the country."
- And I will bring them out from the people, &c.—(Eze 28:25; 36:24; 37:21, 22; Isa 65:9, 10; Jer 23:3).
This passage paints a picture of homecoming, not just to a physical land but to a place of true belonging and nourishment. Notice how the feeding isn't just on fertile ground, but specifically on the mountains of Israel and by the ravines, evoking imagery of natural beauty and abundance, much like the comforting Psalms. This reveals God's intention to restore not just a nation, but a whole way of life, filled with His presence and provision.
After condemning the corrupt shepherds who have scattered and exploited God's flock, the Lord promises to personally gather his scattered sheep from all the nations where they've been dispersed. He declares he will bring them back to their own land, envisioning a time of abundant peace and nourishment, like sheep grazing on lush mountains and by flowing streams. This restoration is depicted as a new era of care and security under his direct leadership.
After condemning the corrupt shepherds who have scattered and exploited God's flock, the Lord promises to personally gather his scattered sheep from all the nations where they've been dispersed. He declares he will bring them back to their own land, envisioning a time of abundant peace and nourishment, like sheep grazing on lush mountains and by flowing streams. This restoration is depicted as a new era of care and security under his direct leadership.
"And I will bring them out from the peoples and gather them from the countries, and will bring them into their own land. And I will feed them on the mountains of Israel, by the ravines, and in all the inhabited places of the country." — This passage paints a picture of homecoming, not just to a physical land but to a place of true belonging and nourishment. Notice how the feeding isn't just on fertile ground, but specifically *on th…
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Last reviewed October 2026
