THEOSISEphraem the Syrian
In the skies above, they will descend like rain. Upon their return, I will grant them all the blessings that have been promised.
Ezekiel 34:14Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers
I will feed them in the most fruitful pastures, and their pastures shall be in the high mountains of Israel: there shall they rest on the green grass, and be fed in fat pastures upon the mountains of Israel.
בְּמִרְעֶה־טּוֹב֙ אֶרְעֶ֣ה אֹתָ֔ם וּבְהָרֵ֥י מְרֽוֹם־יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל יִהְיֶ֣ה נְוֵהֶ֑ם שָׁ֤ם תִּרְבַּ֙צְנָה֙ בְּנָ֣וֶה טּ֔וֹב וּמִרְעֶ֥ה שָׁמֵ֛ן תִּרְעֶ֖ינָה אֶל־הָרֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃
The Church Fathers on this verse
3 Church Fathers comment on this verse
Jerome of Stridon
And not just on the hills, but also beside the rivers and throughout all the populated areas of the earth, in the lushest meadows, and on the high lands that are prophesied in detail by Isaiah and Micah, or on the elevated mountains of Israel. There, they will find rest on the verdant grass and will proclaim, ‘The Lord sustains me and lacks nothing for me. In a pastured place, You shall make me lie down; beside the waters, You will lead me’ (Ps. 22:1-2). They shall feed in the prosperous pastures of the mountains of Israel.
Theodoret of Cyrus
While it is acknowledged that the law is commendable and, as stated by the Apostle, the commandment is sacred, just, and beneficial (Rom. 7:12), God offers a new and better pasture, for they have already experienced a pasture under the law. What, then, is this superior pasture that transcends mere legal adherence? It becomes apparent through the teachings of the divine Gospel, which nourishes and enriches the flock of God, leading them to salvation. As further clarity is provided, it is stated that “On the high mountain of Israel shall be their splendour.” Despite referencing various mountains and wildernesses, the emphasis falls predominantly upon this particular high mountain, foretelling the blessings upon the flock.
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Blessed David also speaks of this exalted mountain, declaring, “The mountain of God is a mountain of fatness: a mountain of adoption, a mountain of fatness” (Psalm 67:16). He then addresses the envious mountains of Israel, asking, “Why do you not perceive the mountain of adoption?” (Psalm 67:17), implying that such envy is futile since it is God's will to reside there, for the Lord will dwell in it forever. Various commentators have guided us in interpretation, with Aquila asking why one would contend with the mountain of adoption and Theodotion querying why one would judge this mountain. Isaiah and Micah proclaim that “the mountain of the Lord shall be revealed in the last days,” with the house of the Lord atop the mountains, attracting all nations to it (Isaiah 2:2, Micah 4:1). In the sacred Gospel, the Lord asserts, “The hail cannot be hid on the top of the mountain standing” (Matt. 5:14). Therefore, the elevated and clear doctrine of the Gospel is also referred to as a mountain, upon which, as He promised, the flock will shine in splendour. He continues, “And their fences shall be fenced thereon.” This directly pertains to us, rather than to the Jews, who had a single enclosure—the temple in Jerusalem; whereas we are blessed with numerous churches across the globe. There, they shall rest and find nourishment, lying down in lush pastures on the mountains of Israel (15). “And I will feed my sheep.” This good and ample sustenance is provided through the words of God, as it is written, “Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the petitions of your heart” (Psalm 36:4). The mountains of Israel represent the prophetic scriptures, which previously nourished us, offering a means to ascend to a higher plane; for through the prophecies, we are elevated to the Gospel teachings they foretold. Our shepherd is none other than the Lord Himself, who proclaims, “I am the good shepherd” (John 10:11). Here, He anticipates His role, saying, “And I will feed my sheep. And I will rest my sheep, and they shall understand that I am the Lord.” As His shepherds, we find rest in His teachings, akin to green pastures, where we recognize His sovereignty.
Cross references
Passages read together with this verse.
- John 10:9I am the door. By me, if any man enter in, he shall be saved: and he shall go in and go out, and shall find pastures.
- Jer 31:25For I have inebriated the weary soul: and I have filled every hungry soul.
- Ps 23 (22):1
- Ps 23 (22):2
- Isa 30:23And rain shall be given to thy seed, wheresoever thou shalt sow in the land: and the bread of the corn of the land shall be most plentiful, and fat. The lamb in that day shall feed at large in thy possession:
- Isa 30:24And thy oxen, and the ass colts that till the ground, shall eat mingled provender as it was winnowed in the floor.
- Ezek 34:27And the tree of the field shall yield its fruit, and the earth shall yield her increase, and they shall be in their land without fear: and they shall know that I am the Lord, when I shall have broken the bonds of their yoke, and shall have delivered them out of the hand of those that rule over them.
- Isa 40:11He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather together the lambs with his arm, and shall take them up in his bosom, and he himself shall carry them that are with young.