And they shall dwell securely in it, and they shall build houses and plant vineyards. They shall dwell securely, when I execute judgments upon all their neighbors who have treated them with contempt. Then they will know that I am the LORD their God.
Ezekiel 28:26
This is a promise from God for Israel “when I gather the house of Israel from the peoples among whom they are scattered” (Ezekiel 28:25). There are four facets of this promise that reveal the gracious restorative power of God to us.
ONE: Israel will dwell secure. These re-gathered Jews will safely enjoy the life that God had always wanted for Israel in the Promised Land. No enemy is a threat. It is twice emphasized that their lives are secure. Since this has not been the case yet, (There are Jews scattered worldwide presently; Israel has had to defend her borders constantly since the modern formation of the state in 1948) this seems to be a promise yet to be fully realized, and not just a description of life after the exile.
TWO: They will build and plant. The nation of Israel will be industrious and productive. God would bless Israel with a prosperity and sufficiency that allows them to thrive. God will give the opportunity by protecting the nation. Israel would work safely and with effort. The nation will enjoy the blessing that their hard work and faith in God will bring to them.
THREE: Israel’s enemies will be judged. And this is the reason the Jews will dwell secure and have a thriving economy. God will put an end to all who have hated them. He will keep covenant with His chosen people. He will bring justice. He will silence and eliminate the threats of the enemy.
FOUR: God will be known by all. He will be known by His people. The world will see Israel thrive and know that it is God’s doing. God’s people will rejoice in Him. Redemptive restoration will bring worship of God among the people of the earth. The God Who calls a people to Himself will keep them, bless them, and show Himself to the world so that the world can worship Him.
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