Matthew Poole and continuators on Ezekiel 34:25

25 And I will make with them a covenant of peace, and will cause the evil beasts to cease out of the land: and they shall dwell safely in the wilderness, and sleep in the woods.

Renew, and confirm to them.

A Covenant of promises, which contain, and shall bring peace in Hebr. dialect, all good; this, as it refers to the state of this people after their return, comprehends that outward peace, and prosperity, that God gave them, but it hath an higher and more excellent import, better mercies of this Covenant established on better promises, i. e. best, because spiritual, and eternal.

During the Babylonish Captivity evil beasts had exceedingly increased through 70 years desolation in Iudea, but on the replanting and increasing of men, these were diminished, and destroyed at last, thus literally, but mystically under the bondage of Satan, worse Beasts destroyed men, these Christ, who turns back that Captivity, will destroy:

Without danger, and without fear, see chap. 28. ver. 26. let. n.

In which both wild, and hurtful beasts, and wilder, more hurtful Robbers, did haunt, there is somewhat of an Hyperbole here, after the temporeal redemption from Babylon they should have that safety, they should account very great after such long and great troubles, in the spiritual Redemption they should have greater safety, when delivered from the hand of Enemies, they serve God in Holiness before him all their dayes.

Places where venomous, and devouring Creatures usually lurk, yet there shall ye venture confidently to sleep, and without much danger.

Marginal references: Isa. 11.6. ad [illegible: 1 letter] chap. 37.[illegible: 1 letter]. Hos. 2.18.