יחזקאל, פרק ל״ד, פסוק י״ד

Through the peaceful imagery of a shepherd tending to a flock, a vision emerges of the future return of the Israelites to their homeland. God promises that the people will finally reach their rightful place, where He will provide them with both abundant sustenance and absolute rest [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. The repeated descriptions of rich grazing lands emphasize the immense scale of the goodness God will shower upon them [מצודת דוד].

A careful distinction is made between the different daily needs of the flock. During the day, the animals require a fertile area to eat, while at night, or during the heat of the day, they need a secure place to lie down and rest [מצודת ציון]. For a resting place to be truly peaceful, it must offer complete protection from threats like wild animals and thieves [מלבי״ם].

The promise is that this secure location will be on the high mountains of Israel. Typically, high mountains offer safe shelter for the night but lack fertile grass, forcing a flock to descend into the valleys each day to find food. However, a miraculous reality is promised here: the people will enjoy both the absolute security of the high mountains and rich, plentiful food in the exact same location, never needing to wander down into the vulnerable valleys to survive [מלבי״ם]. These towering heights are specifically identified with Jerusalem. Recognized as the highest point in the land, Jerusalem will serve as the ultimate, secure home for the Israelites in the future [רד״ק].