What actions in Ezekiel 34:21 illustrate God's concern for justice and fairness? Setting the Scene Ezekiel 34 confronts unfaithful leaders—“the fat sheep”—who exploit the vulnerable. Verse 21 pinpoints their abusive conduct and sets up God’s promise to intervene. Key Actions Identified “Because you shove with flank and shoulder, butting all the weak ones with your horns until you have scattered them abroad.” (Ezekiel 34:21) • Shoving with flank and shoulder • Butting the weak with horns • Scattering the helpless far away Each verb paints a picture of deliberate, repeated oppression. Why These Actions Matter • They expose power used for self-advantage, not protection (cf. Jeremiah 23:1). • They highlight how the strong create distance between themselves and the needy, exactly opposite of God’s shepherd-heart (Ezekiel 34:16; Isaiah 40:11). • They trigger divine intervention: “I will save My flock” (Ezekiel 34:22). The Heart of God for Justice • God notices every shove, butt, and scattering—no abuse escapes His eye (Proverbs 22:22-23). • He pledges to judge the oppressors: “I will judge between one sheep and another” (Ezekiel 34:22). • He rescues the scattered and weak, embodying the justice described in Psalm 72:4 and fulfilled in the Good Shepherd, Jesus (John 10:11). Living It Out Today • Refuse to “shove” others—use influence to lift, not push down (Matthew 20:26-28). • Protect the weak; justice starts with practical care (James 1:27). • Trust that God still defends the scattered and will set all things right (Micah 6:8; Revelation 19:11). |
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