I will feed them with good pasture, and on the mountain heights of Israel shall be their grazing land. There they shall lie down in good grazing land, and on rich pasture they shall feed on the mountains of Israel.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse isn't just promising a nice meal; it's declaring that God Himself will elevate His people, settling them on the "high mountains of Israel," a place symbolic of His presence and national glory, transforming former high places of idolatry into a secure, rich pasture for His flock. This imagery highlights not just sustenance, but spiritual elevation and security found exclusively in God's provision.
I will feed them with good pasture, and on the mountain heights of Israel shall be their grazing land. There they shall lie down in good grazing land, and on rich pasture they shall feed on the mountains of Israel.
English Standard Version (ESV)
God is speaking to the unfaithful shepherds of Israel – the leaders who have exploited and scattered His people. He declares that He Himself will now step in to rescue His flock, seeking them out and bringing them back to their own land. This passage directly follows God's promise to deliver them from the places they were scattered and lead them home, setting the stage for His personal care and provision for them.
Imagine the relief of lost sheep finding not just safety, but a beautiful, elevated home. Ezekiel's prophecy paints a vivid picture of restoration and a unique sense of place.
In Ezekiel 34, God addresses the failures of the false shepherds (Israel's leaders) who neglected and scattered the sheep (God's people). This verse, however, is God's promise of His own shepherding.
A Divine Rescuing Mission
God declares, 'I will feed them...' This isn't a general promise, but a direct intervention. He moves them from the 'places where they were scattered' (verse 12) to a place of abundance and safety.
Elevated Dwelling
Notice the specific location: 'on the mountain heights of Israel.' This imagery suggests more than just physical safety. Historically, mountains could be places of worship and of national significance. God is promising His people not just sustenance, but a return to a place of spiritual elevation and a renewed connection with Him, marked by His presence and blessing.
What kind of 'food' are we talking about? It's far more than just sustenance; it's a feast that satisfies the deepest needs of the soul.
The prophecy emphasizes the quality and abundance of God's provision. It's not just 'pasture,' but 'good pasture' and 'rich pasture.'
Spiritual Nourishment
This imagery points to deep spiritual satisfaction. It signifies an environment where God's people can thrive, be nourished, and find rest. This is a direct contrast to the scattered, neglected state caused by the false shepherds.
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Abundance and Contentment
'There they shall lie down...' implies rest, security, and contentment. God promises not just provision but a complete environment for His flock to flourish, free from danger and want. This points to the fullness found in Christ and the ongoing blessings of His kingdom.
Understand the original words
mir'eh · Hebrew Noun
A place where the sheep eat; metaphorically, it represents the Word of God, spiritual nourishment, and the grace-filled environments God provides for His people to thrive.
Ezekiel's promise of good pasture and safe grazing on the mountains of Israel contrasts sharply with the trauma of exile and the scattering of God's people. It paints a vivid picture of God's personal care and future restoration after the devastating loss of their land and homeland.
722 BC
Fall of Samaria and the Northern Kingdom
The Assyrian Empire conquers the Northern Kingdom of Israel, leading to the exile of many of its inhabitants. This event scattered the 'sheep' of Israel, leaving them vulnerable and without proper leadership.
597 BC
First Deportation to Babylon
King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon conquers Jerusalem and deports a portion of the population, including royalty and skilled workers, to Babylon. This marks the beginning of the Babylonian exile for Judah.
586 BC— this verse
Destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple
Babylonian forces destroy Jerusalem and its magnificent Temple, further scattering the remaining Jewish people. This event represents a profound crisis of faith and national identity for the exiles.
c. 593 BC
Ezekiel's Prophetic Ministry Begins
Ezekiel, a priest, begins his prophetic ministry among the exiles in Babylon. His prophecies often address the failures of Israel's leaders and the future restoration of God's people.
c. 571 BC
Ezekiel's Prophecies Conclude
Ezekiel's recorded prophecies end, having delivered messages of judgment and hope to the exiled community. The message of restoration, including abundant pasture and safe grazing on the mountains of Israel, offers comfort and a future vision.
539 BC
Cyrus the Great Captures Babylon
The Persian Empire, under Cyrus, conquers Babylon. This political shift paves the way for the return of Jewish exiles to their homeland.
538 BC
Edict of Cyrus Allows Return
Cyrus issues a decree permitting the Jewish exiles to return to Judah and rebuild their Temple. This marks the beginning of the return and restoration period, fulfilling prophecies of God's care.
This Psalm paints a vivid picture of the Lord as a shepherd, leading his sheep to 'pools of standing water' and 'green pastures,' echoing Ezekiel's promise of good grazing land and emphasizing God's provision for His people.
Jeremiah 31:12This prophecy speaks of the redeemed being 'satisfied with fatness' and like a 'well-watered garden,' connecting to Ezekiel's imagery of abundant and rich pasture for God's flock.
John 10:11Jesus identifies Himself as the 'good shepherd' who lays down His life for the sheep, directly paralleling God's role as the ultimate shepherd in Ezekiel who personally cares for and provides for His flock.
Isaiah 40:11This verse describes the Lord as a shepherd who 'gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them,' and 'gently leads those that are with young,' highlighting the tender, nurturing care promised in Ezekiel's vision of divine shepherding.
jfbEzekiel 34:14: "I will feed them in a good pasture, and upon the high mountains of Israel shall their fold be: there shall they lie in a good fold, and in a fat pasture shall they feed upon the mountains of Israel."
- good pasture—(Ps 23:2).high mountains of Israel—In Eze 17:23; 20:40, the phrase is "the mountain of the height of Israel" in the singular number. The reason for the difference is: there Ezekiel spoke of the central seat of the kingdom, Mount Zion, where the people met for the wo…
cambridgeEzekiel 34:14: "I will feed them in a good pasture, and upon the high mountains of Israel shall their fold be: there shall they lie in a good fold, and in a fat pasture shall they feed upon the mountains of Israel."
14 . Jehovah first seeks out his sheep ( Ezekiel 34:11 ), then he delivers them out of the places where they are scattered ( Ezekiel 34:12 ), then he leads them into their own land ( Ezekiel 34:13 ), where he feeds them upon the mountain heights of Israel ( Ezekiel 34:14-15 ).
This verse isn't just promising a nice meal; it's declaring that God Himself will elevate His people, settling them on the "high mountains of Israel," a place symbolic of His presence and national glory, transforming former high places of idolatry into a secure, rich pasture for His flock. This imagery highlights not just sustenance, but spiritual elevation and security found exclusively in God's provision.
God is speaking to the unfaithful shepherds of Israel – the leaders who have exploited and scattered His people. He declares that He Himself will now step in to rescue His flock, seeking them out and bringing them back to their own land. This passage directly follows God's promise to deliver them from the places they were scattered and lead them home, setting the stage for His personal care and provision for them.
God is speaking to the unfaithful shepherds of Israel – the leaders who have exploited and scattered His people. He declares that He Himself will now step in to rescue His flock, seeking them out and bringing them back to their own land. This passage directly follows God's promise to deliver them from the places they were scattered and lead them home, setting the stage for His personal care and provision for them.
"I will feed them with good pasture, and on the mountain heights of Israel shall be their grazing land. There they shall lie down in good grazing land, and on rich pasture they shall feed on the mountains of Israel." — This verse isn't just promising a nice meal; it's declaring that God Himself will elevate His people, settling them on the "high mountains of Israel," a place symbolic of His presence and national gl…
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Last reviewed October 2026