A Prophecy against Israel’s Shepherds 1Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying, 2“Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel. Prophesy and tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Woe to the shepherds of Israel, who only feed themselves! Should not the shepherds feed their flock? 3You eat the fat, wear the wool, and butcher the fattened sheep, but you do not feed the flock. 4You have not strengthened the weak, healed the sick, bound up the injured, brought back the strays, or searched for the lost. Instead, you have ruled them with violence and cruelty. 5They were scattered for lack of a shepherd, and when they were scattered they became food for all the wild beasts. 6My flock went astray on all the mountains and every high hill. They were scattered over the face of all the earth, with no one to search for them or seek them out.’ 7Therefore, you shepherds, hear the word of the LORD: 8‘As surely as I live, declares the Lord GOD, because My flock lacks a shepherd and has become prey and food for every wild beast, and because My shepherds did not search for My flock but fed themselves instead, 9therefore, you shepherds, hear the word of the LORD!’ 10This is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Behold, I am against the shepherds, and I will demand from them My flock and remove them from tending the flock, so that they can no longer feed themselves. For I will deliver My flock from their mouths, and it will no longer be food for them.’ The Good Shepherd 11For this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Behold, I Myself will search for My flock and seek them out. 12As a shepherd looks for his scattered sheep when he is among the flock, so I will look for My flock. I will rescue them from all the places to which they were scattered on a day of clouds and darkness. 13I will bring them out from the peoples, gather them from the countries, and bring them into their own land. I will feed them on the mountains of Israel, in the ravines, and in all the settlements of the land. 14I will feed them in good pasture, and the lofty mountains of Israel will be their grazing land. There they will lie down in a good grazing land; they will feed in rich pasture on the mountains of Israel. 15I will tend My flock and make them lie down, declares the Lord GOD. 16I will seek the lost, bring back the strays, bind up the broken, and strengthen the weak; but the sleek and strong I will destroy. I will shepherd them with justice.’ 17This is what the Lord GOD says to you, My flock: ‘I will judge between one sheep and another, between the rams and the goats. 18Is it not enough for you to feed on the good pasture? Must you also trample the rest of the pasture with your feet? Is it not enough for you to drink the clear waters? Must you also muddy the rest with your feet? 19Why must My flock feed on what your feet have trampled, and drink what your feet have muddied?’ 20Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says to them: ‘Behold, I Myself will judge between the fat sheep and the lean sheep. 21Since you shove with flank and shoulder, butting all the weak ones with your horns until you have scattered them abroad, 22I will save My flock, and they will no longer be prey. I will judge between one sheep and another. 23I will appoint over them one shepherd, My servant David, and he will feed them. He will feed them and be their shepherd. 24I, the LORD, will be their God, and My servant David will be a prince among them. I, the LORD, have spoken. The Covenant of Peace 25I will make with them a covenant of peace and rid the land of wild animals, so that they may dwell securely in the wilderness and sleep in the forest. 26I will make them and the places around My hill a blessing. I will send down showers in season—showers of blessing. 27The trees of the field will give their fruit, and the land will yield its produce; My flock will be secure in their land. Then they will know that I am the LORD, when I have broken the bars of their yoke and delivered them from the hands that enslaved them. 28They will no longer be prey for the nations, and the beasts of the earth will not consume them. They will dwell securely, and no one will frighten them. 29And I will raise up for them a garden of renown, and they will no longer be victims of famine in the land or bear the scorn of the nations. 30Then they will know that I, the LORD their God, am with them, and that they, the house of Israel, are My people,’ declares the Lord GOD. 31‘You are My flock, the sheep of My pasture, My people, and I am your God,’ declares the Lord GOD.” Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub  Ezekiel 34 Summary A Prophecy against Israel's ShepherdsVerses 1–10 – God Denounces Self-Serving Shepherds Verses 11–16 – The LORD Becomes Shepherd to the Flock Verses 17–24 – Judgment among the Sheep; Promise of a Davidic Shepherd Verses 25–31 – Covenant of Peace and Blessing of the Land Ezekiel 34 is a profound chapter in the Book of Ezekiel where God, through his prophet, rebukes the leaders of Israel for their selfishness and neglect of the people they were chosen to guide and protect. The chapter then turns to God's promise to become the shepherd of His people, ensuring their safety, care, and restoration. This powerful message underlines God's unfailing love, His commitment to justice, and the hope of redemption and restoration. Historical Background of Ezekiel’s Audience Ezekiel prophesied to exiles in Babylon after Jerusalem fell in 586 BC. The people had seen kings, princes, priests, and prophets fail spectacularly. With the temple in ruins and the monarchy collapsed, God exposed the spiritual bankruptcy of the nation’s leadership and offered hope beyond it. The Shepherd Metaphor in the Ancient Near East Kings routinely styled themselves shepherds. In Mesopotamian inscriptions Hammurabi and other rulers boasted of “pasturing the black-headed people.” Archaeological digs at Mari and Nuzi mention royal “flocks” that symbolized citizens as well as animals. Ezekiel’s listeners would instantly understand that bad shepherds were negligent rulers. Who Were the Faulty Shepherds? • Kings like Jehoiakim and Zedekiah who exploited their subjects (Jeremiah 22:13–17). • Priests who profaned the temple (Ezekiel 22:26). • False prophets who cried “Peace” when judgment was near (Jeremiah 6:13–14). Jeremiah’s parallel indictment—“Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of My pasture!” (Jeremiah 23:1)—confirms Ezekiel’s target. God Steps In: Verses 11–16 “I Myself will search for My sheep and seek them out” (v. 11). The verbs pile up: seek, rescue, bring, feed, bind, strengthen. Psalm 23 and Isaiah 40:11 echo the same gentle care. Jesus later adopts this language: “The Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost” (Luke 19:10). Judging Between Fat and Lean Sheep (17–24) Oppression was not only top-down; stronger citizens crushed weaker ones. God promises to “judge between one sheep and another.” The picture recalls Matthew 25:32 where the Son of Man “separates the sheep from the goats.” Divine justice is thorough: leaders, bullies, and freeloaders all answer to the Chief Shepherd. The Coming Davidic Shepherd “I will set up over them One Shepherd, My servant David” (v. 23). Since King David had been dead nearly four centuries, the promise points ahead to a descendant who embodies David’s heart—fulfilled in Christ, the “root and offspring of David” (Revelation 22:16). Jesus identifies Himself: “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep” (John 10:11). Covenant of Peace and Agricultural Imagery (25–31) Leviticus 26:6 and Isaiah 54:10 speak of a similar covenant, tying obedience to security and rainfall. Archaeological pollen studies in the Judean hills show ancient cycles of reforestation when war ceased and people rebuilt terraces; the imagery of fruitful trees and safe pastures is concrete, not dreamy. Connections to the New Testament • John 10 echoes Ezekiel 34 word for word: care for the sheep, judgment on hirelings, one flock under one shepherd. • 1 Peter 5:2–4 urges elders to “shepherd the flock of God,” promising the “Chief Shepherd” will appear with reward. • Revelation 7:17 declares, “For the Lamb in the center of the throne will be their shepherd.” Archaeological Insights: Pasture, Wells, and Flocks Clay tablets from Ugarit list sheep counts and wool weights, confirming how rulers taxed shepherds. Excavations at Tel Beersheba uncovered wells 40 feet deep—lifelines in the Negev where flocks grazed. These finds illuminate God’s promise of “rain showers in season” (v. 26); water meant life for herders. Practical Lessons for Today’s Leaders • Feed, don’t fleece: leadership exists for the welfare of others. • Seek the lost: initiative is at the heart of shepherding. • Guard against internal bullying: the fat rams can be as dangerous as outside predators. • Trust the true Shepherd: no human can fill Christ’s place, but all can model His care. Literary Features Worth Noting Repetition of “I Myself” (vv. 11, 15, 20) drives home personal divine involvement. The chapter moves from accusation (you) to intervention (I) to restoration (they will know). The spiral structure presses the promise deeper with each turn. From Scattered to Secure Ezekiel 34 sweeps from the wreckage of failed leadership to the comfort of God’s own shepherding and the promise of a coming David. The flock ends the chapter safe, well-fed, and fearless—exactly what every sheep longs for under the faithful care of the Good Shepherd. Connections to Additional Scriptures John 10:11-15Jesus as the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep. Psalm 23 The Lord as our Shepherd, providing and guiding us. 1 Peter 5:2-4 Instructions for elders to shepherd God's flock willingly and eagerly. Teaching Points Condemnation of Unfaithful ShepherdsWoe to the shepherds of Israel who only feed themselves! Should not the shepherds feed the flock? (Ezekiel 34:2). God rebukes the leaders for their selfishness and neglect. The shepherds are accused of failing to strengthen the weak, heal the sick, bind up the injured, bring back the strays, or search for the lost (Ezekiel 34:4). Consequences of Neglect Because of the shepherds' failure, the sheep were scattered and became food for all the wild animals (Ezekiel 34:5). God holds the shepherds accountable for the scattering and loss of His flock (Ezekiel 34:10). God as the True Shepherd For this is what the Lord GOD says: Behold, I Myself will search for My flock and seek them out (Ezekiel 34:11). God promises to personally care for His people. God will gather His sheep, bring them to good pasture, and give them rest (Ezekiel 34:14-15). Promise of a Righteous Shepherd God promises to set over them one shepherd, His servant David, who will feed them and be their shepherd (Ezekiel 34:23). This prophecy points to the coming of Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd, who lays down His life for the sheep (John 10:11). Practical Applications Evaluate LeadershipReflect on the qualities of leadership in your church or community. Are leaders serving selflessly and caring for the needs of others? Embrace God's Care Trust in God's promise to be your Shepherd. In times of feeling lost or neglected, remember that God seeks you out and provides for you. Model Christ-like Leadership Whether in a formal position or in daily interactions, strive to emulate the Good Shepherd by caring for and serving others selflessly. People 1. Shepherds of IsraelThese are the leaders or rulers of Israel who are criticized for their failure to care for the people. They are described as self-serving, neglecting the needs of the flock. The Hebrew word used here is "רֹעִים" (ro'im), which means shepherds or pastors. 2. The Flock (Sheep of Israel) This refers to the people of Israel who are under the care of the shepherds. They are depicted as being neglected and scattered due to the failure of their leaders. The Hebrew word for flock is "צֹאן" (tso'n). 3. The LORD (Yahweh) God is portrayed as the true shepherd who will rescue and care for His flock. He promises to judge between the sheep and the shepherds and to gather His scattered people. The Hebrew name used is "יְהוָה" (YHWH), emphasizing His covenant relationship with Israel. 4. David In verse 23, God promises to set up "one shepherd, My servant David," over the people. This is often interpreted as a messianic prophecy pointing to Jesus Christ, who is seen as the fulfillment of the Davidic line and the ultimate shepherd. The Hebrew name "דָּוִד" (David) is used here. Places 1. Mountains of IsraelThe "mountains of Israel" are mentioned as places where the sheep (people of Israel) have been scattered. This term is often used in the Hebrew Bible to refer to the central highlands of the land of Israel, symbolizing the entire nation. In Hebrew, "mountains" is "הָרִים" (harim), which can denote both literal and metaphorical high places. 2. Clouds and Thick Darkness While not a physical location, "clouds and thick darkness" are used metaphorically to describe the conditions under which the sheep have been scattered. This imagery is often associated with divine judgment or presence in the Hebrew Bible. 3. Good Pasture The "good pasture" is a symbolic place where God promises to bring His flock. It represents a place of safety, provision, and rest. In Hebrew, "pasture" is "מִרְעֶה" (mir'eh), indicating a place of feeding and care. 4. High Mountains of Israel Similar to the "mountains of Israel," the "high mountains" are mentioned as places where the sheep will graze. This emphasizes the idea of elevation and prominence, often associated with divine presence and blessing. 5. Ravines and All the High Places These are mentioned as places where the sheep have been scattered and lost. "Ravines" (נַחֲלִים, nachalim) and "high places" (בָּמוֹת, bamot) often have connotations of danger and idolatry in the Hebrew Bible. Events 1. Condemnation of the Shepherds of IsraelGod speaks through Ezekiel to condemn the leaders of Israel, referred to as shepherds, for their failure to care for the people. They are accused of feeding themselves rather than the flock. ^Hebrew root^: The term "shepherds" (רֹעִים, ro'im) is used metaphorically for leaders. 2. Neglect of the Flock The shepherds are criticized for not strengthening the weak, healing the sick, or seeking the lost. Instead, they have ruled with harshness and force. ^Hebrew root^: The word "flock" (צֹאן, tson) symbolizes the people of Israel. 3. Scattering of the Sheep As a result of the shepherds' negligence, the sheep (people) have been scattered and become prey for wild animals. ^Hebrew root^: "Scattered" (נָפֹץ, nafots) indicates dispersion and vulnerability. 4. God's Promise to Rescue His Flock God declares that He Himself will search for His sheep and look after them, promising to rescue them from all the places they have been scattered. ^Hebrew root^: "Search" (דָּרַשׁ, darash) implies a diligent seeking. 5. Gathering and Restoring the Sheep God promises to gather His sheep from the nations and bring them back to their own land, where He will feed them on the mountains of Israel. ^Hebrew root^: "Gather" (קָבַץ, qavats) suggests a regathering or assembling. 6. Provision and Care God will provide good pasture and care for His flock, ensuring they lie down in safety. ^Hebrew root^: "Lie down" (רָבַץ, ravats) conveys rest and security. 7. Judgment Between Sheep God will judge between the sheep, separating the fat sheep from the lean, indicating a judgment among the people themselves. ^Hebrew root^: "Judge" (שָׁפַט, shaphat) involves making a decision or rendering justice. 8. Promise of a New Shepherd God promises to set over them one shepherd, His servant David, who will feed and care for them. This is often interpreted as a Messianic prophecy. ^Hebrew root^: "David" (דָּוִד, David) refers to the ideal king, symbolizing the Messiah. 9. Covenant of Peace God will establish a covenant of peace with His people, ensuring safety from wild beasts and prosperity in the land. ^Hebrew root^: "Peace" (שָׁלוֹם, shalom) encompasses well-being and completeness. 10. Blessings and Security The chapter concludes with promises of showers of blessing, fruitfulness, and security, affirming that the people will know the Lord is their God. ^Hebrew root^: "Blessing" (בְּרָכָה, berakah) signifies divine favor and abundance. Topics 1. Condemnation of the Shepherds of IsraelThe chapter begins with a strong rebuke against the leaders of Israel, referred to as shepherds, for their failure to care for the people. They are criticized for feeding themselves instead of the flock. ^“Woe to the shepherds of Israel, who only feed themselves! Should not the shepherds feed their flock?”^ (Ezekiel 34:2). The Hebrew word for "shepherds" (רֹעִים, ro'im) implies those who are supposed to guide and protect, yet they have neglected their duties. 2. Neglect and Abuse of the Flock The shepherds are accused of neglecting the weak, sick, and injured, and failing to bring back the strays. This neglect leads to the scattering of the flock. ^“You have not strengthened the weak, healed the sick, bound up the injured, brought back the strays, or searched for the lost.”^ (Ezekiel 34:4). The Hebrew root for "scattered" (פּוּץ, puts) indicates a forceful dispersion, highlighting the severity of their neglect. 3. God’s Judgment on the Shepherds God declares His intention to hold the shepherds accountable and to rescue His flock from their hands. ^“I am against the shepherds, and I will demand My flock from their hand and remove them from tending the flock.”^ (Ezekiel 34:10). The divine judgment emphasizes God's protective nature over His people. 4. God as the True Shepherd God promises to personally search for and care for His sheep, contrasting His faithful care with the negligence of the human shepherds. ^“For this is what the Lord GOD says: Behold, I Myself will search for My flock and seek them out.”^ (Ezekiel 34:11). The Hebrew verb for "search" (דָּרַשׁ, darash) conveys a diligent and intentional pursuit. 5. Restoration and Provision God promises to gather His scattered sheep, bring them to their own land, and provide for them. ^“I will bring them out from the peoples, gather them from the countries, and bring them into their own land.”^ (Ezekiel 34:13). This reflects the covenantal promise of restoration and blessing. 6. Judgment Between Sheep God will judge between the sheep themselves, addressing issues of injustice and exploitation within the flock. ^“I will judge between one sheep and another, and between rams and goats.”^ (Ezekiel 34:17). The Hebrew word for "judge" (שָׁפַט, shaphat) indicates a fair and righteous decision-making process. 7. The Promise of a Davidic Shepherd God promises to set over them one shepherd, His servant David, who will tend them. This is a messianic prophecy pointing to Jesus Christ. ^“I will place over them one shepherd, My servant David, and he will feed them.”^ (Ezekiel 34:23). The reference to "David" (דָּוִד, David) symbolizes the ideal king and foreshadows the coming of the Messiah. 8. Covenant of Peace God promises a covenant of peace, ensuring safety and prosperity for His people. ^“I will make with them a covenant of peace and rid the land of wild animals, so that they may dwell securely in the wilderness and sleep in the forest.”^ (Ezekiel 34:25). The Hebrew term for "peace" (שָׁלוֹם, shalom) encompasses completeness, welfare, and tranquility. 9. Blessings of Abundance The chapter concludes with promises of abundant blessings, including rain in season and fruitful land. ^“I will send down showers in season—showers of blessing.”^ (Ezekiel 34:26). The imagery of rain symbolizes divine favor and provision. Themes 1. Condemnation of Unfaithful ShepherdsEzekiel 34 begins with a strong rebuke against the leaders of Israel, described as shepherds who have failed in their duties. The shepherds are criticized for feeding themselves instead of the flock: "Woe to the shepherds of Israel, who only feed themselves! Should not the shepherds feed their flock?" (Ezekiel 34:2). The Hebrew word for "shepherds" (רֹעִים, ro'im) emphasizes their role as caretakers, which they have neglected. 2. Neglect and Exploitation of the Flock The passage highlights the neglect and exploitation of the people by their leaders. The shepherds are accused of not strengthening the weak, healing the sick, or binding up the injured: "You have not strengthened the weak, healed the sick, bound up the injured, brought back the strays, or sought the lost" (Ezekiel 34:4). This neglect leads to the scattering of the flock. 3. God as the True Shepherd In contrast to the unfaithful human shepherds, God declares Himself as the true shepherd who will care for His people: "For this is what the Lord GOD says: Behold, I Myself will search for My flock and seek them out" (Ezekiel 34:11). The Hebrew word for "seek" (דָּרַשׁ, darash) implies a diligent and caring pursuit. 4. Restoration and Gathering of the Flock God promises to gather His scattered flock from all the places they have been driven: "I will bring them out from the peoples, gather them from the countries, and bring them into their own land" (Ezekiel 34:13). This theme of restoration is central, emphasizing God's commitment to His people. 5. Provision and Security God assures the flock of provision and security under His care: "I will feed them in good pasture, and the lofty mountains of Israel will be their grazing land" (Ezekiel 34:14). The imagery of "good pasture" (מִרְעֶה טוֹב, mir'eh tov) signifies abundance and safety. 6. Judgment Between Sheep God will judge between the sheep themselves, addressing issues of injustice and oppression within the flock: "I will judge between one sheep and another, and between rams and goats" (Ezekiel 34:17). This theme underscores God's justice and fairness. 7. The Promise of a Davidic Shepherd God promises to set over His flock one shepherd, His servant David: "I will place over them one shepherd, My servant David, and he will feed them" (Ezekiel 34:23). This is a messianic prophecy pointing to Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd, as understood in Christian theology. 8. Covenant of Peace The chapter concludes with God's promise of a covenant of peace, ensuring safety and blessing for His people: "I will make with them a covenant of peace and rid the land of wild beasts" (Ezekiel 34:25). The Hebrew word for "peace" (שָׁלוֹם, shalom) encompasses wholeness and well-being. Answering Tough Questions 1. Ezekiel 34:2 – How can we verify historically or archaeologically that corrupt leaders were truly the “shepherds” described here? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. In the context of your own life, who or what would the "bad shepherds" represent? 2. How do you feel when you read about God’s judgment against the shepherds? 3. In what ways have you experienced God as your shepherd? 4. How do the themes of leadership responsibility and divine judgment apply in today's context? 5. Reflect on a time when you felt like a lost sheep. How did you experience God's pursuit during that period? 6. How can leaders today learn from the mistakes of the shepherds of Israel? 7. How does the image of God as a shepherd provide comfort in times of distress or confusion? 8. What can we learn from the judgments within the flock regarding our interactions with others? 9. What do you believe the future Messiah mentioned in Ezekiel 34:23-24 symbolizes? 10. How does God's promise of a covenant of peace resonate with you personally? 11. How can we apply the promises God made to the Israelites in Ezekiel 34 to our lives today? 12. In the modern world, how can we differentiate between leaders who are true shepherds from those who are not? 13. How does the metaphor of God as a shepherd influence your understanding of His character? 14. How can we, as members of a community or a society, prevent our leaders from becoming the "bad shepherds" described in this chapter? 15. How can the promises made in the covenant of peace guide us in our daily life choices and relationships? 16. How does Ezekiel 34 inspire you to approach challenges in your life? 17. How does the promise of restoration in this chapter resonate with current global issues? 18. What changes can you make in your life to emulate the qualities of the future Shepherd mentioned in this chapter? 19. Reflect on a situation where you felt God intervened as a shepherd in your life. 20. How does the portrayal of God's justice and mercy in this chapter affect your understanding of His character? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions |
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