I 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.' I will seek the lostThe phrase "I will seek the lost" reflects God's proactive and compassionate nature. The Hebrew word for "seek" is "בקש" (baqash), which implies a diligent and intentional search. This mirrors the shepherd's role in ancient Israel, where shepherds would go to great lengths to find lost sheep. Spiritually, this signifies God's relentless pursuit of those who have strayed from His path, emphasizing His desire for restoration and reconciliation. bring back the strays
"Bring back the strays" highlights God's commitment to restoration. The Hebrew root "שוב" (shuv) means to return or restore. This phrase suggests not only a physical return but also a spiritual renewal. Historically, Israel often strayed from God's commandments, and this promise reassures them of God's willingness to restore them to their rightful place. It is a call to repentance and a promise of divine mercy. bind up the broken
The phrase "bind up the broken" uses the Hebrew word "חבש" (chavash), which means to bandage or heal. This imagery of healing is powerful, as it conveys God's tender care for those who are wounded, whether physically, emotionally, or spiritually. In the context of ancient shepherding, a shepherd would tend to injured sheep, ensuring their recovery. This reflects God's nurturing character and His desire to heal the brokenhearted. and strengthen the weak
"Strengthen the weak" involves the Hebrew word "חזק" (chazaq), meaning to make strong or firm. This promise is particularly comforting to those who feel powerless or vulnerable. In biblical times, the weak were often marginalized, but God promises to empower them. This phrase underscores God's justice and His commitment to uplifting those who are downtrodden, providing them with the strength to persevere. But the sleek and strong I will destroy
This phrase introduces a contrast with the previous promises. "Sleek and strong" refers to those who are self-sufficient and prideful, often at the expense of others. The Hebrew word "שמד" (shamad) for "destroy" indicates a complete removal or annihilation. This serves as a warning against arrogance and self-reliance, reminding believers that true strength comes from God, and those who oppress others will face His judgment. I will shepherd them with justice
"I will shepherd them with justice" encapsulates God's role as the ultimate shepherd. The Hebrew word "רעה" (ra'ah) for "shepherd" implies guidance, care, and protection. "Justice" is translated from "משפט" (mishpat), meaning fairness and righteousness. This assures that God's leadership is characterized by equity and moral integrity. In a world often marked by injustice, this promise offers hope that God will govern with fairness, ensuring that all are treated with dignity and respect. Persons / Places / Events 1. EzekielA prophet in the Old Testament, Ezekiel was called by God to deliver messages to the Israelites during their Babylonian exile. His prophecies often included visions and symbolic actions. 2. The Lost and StraysThese refer to the people of Israel who have wandered away from God's commandments and are spiritually lost. 3. The Broken and WeakThis group represents those who are suffering, either physically or spiritually, and are in need of healing and support. 4. The Sleek and StrongThese are the individuals who are self-reliant and prideful, often neglecting their dependence on God. 5. God as ShepherdThis imagery portrays God as a caring and just shepherd who tends to His flock, ensuring their well-being and correcting those who are wayward. Teaching Points God's Pursuit of the LostGod actively seeks those who have strayed from His path, demonstrating His love and desire for reconciliation. Healing and RestorationGod is committed to healing the broken and strengthening the weak, offering hope and restoration to those in need. Justice and AccountabilityWhile God is compassionate, He also holds the proud and self-sufficient accountable, ensuring justice within His flock. The Role of a ShepherdAs believers, we are called to emulate God's shepherding heart by caring for others, seeking the lost, and supporting the weak. Dependence on GodRecognize the danger of self-reliance and pride, and instead, cultivate a humble dependence on God's guidance and provision. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the imagery of God as a shepherd in Ezekiel 34:16 enhance our understanding of His character and relationship with His people? 2. In what ways can we actively participate in seeking and supporting the "lost" and "broken" in our communities? 3. How does the concept of justice in this verse challenge our understanding of God's love and discipline? 4. Reflect on a time when you felt spiritually "lost" or "weak." How did you experience God's shepherding care during that period? 5. How can the teachings of Jesus as the Good Shepherd in the New Testament deepen our application of Ezekiel 34:16 in our daily lives? Connections to Other Scriptures Psalm 23This psalm also uses the shepherd imagery to describe God's guidance and care for His people, emphasizing His provision and protection. Luke 15:4-7Jesus' parable of the lost sheep echoes the theme of seeking and saving the lost, highlighting God's relentless pursuit of those who have strayed. John 10:11-16Jesus identifies Himself as the Good Shepherd, who lays down His life for the sheep, further illustrating the fulfillment of God's promise to shepherd His people. Isaiah 40:11This verse describes God as a shepherd who gently leads and cares for His flock, reinforcing the nurturing aspect of His character. People David, EzekielPlaces JerusalemTopics Bands, Bind, Bring, Broken, Crippled, Destroy, Destruction, Driven, Fat, Feed, Flight, Flock, Ill, Injured, Judgment, Justice, Lost, Punishment, Scattered, Search, Seek, Shepherd, Sick, Sleek, Strayed, Strays, Strength, Strengthen, Strong, Theirs, Wandering, Watch, WeakDictionary of Bible Themes Ezekiel 34:16 5278 cripples
5360 justice, God
5858 fat
8136 knowing God, effects
8359 weakness, spiritual
8413 edification
8491 watchfulness, divine
8724 doubt, dealing with Ezekiel 34:7-24 7130 flock, God's Ezekiel 34:11-16 5409 metaphor
7141 people of God, OT Ezekiel 34:11-17 4684 sheep Ezekiel 34:11-24 1220 God, as shepherd Ezekiel 34:16-22 9210 judgment, God's Library The Church of Christ
This, then, is the meaning of the text; that God would make Jerusalem and the places round about his hill a blessing. I shall not, however, use it so this morning, but I shall use it in a more confined sense--or, perhaps, in a more enlarged sense--as it applies to the church of Jesus Christ, and to this particular church with which you and I stand connected. "I will make them and the places round about my hill a blessing; and I will cause the shower to come down in his season; there shall be showers …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 1: 1855That None Should Enter on a Place of Government who Practise not in Life what they have Learnt by Study.
There are some also who investigate spiritual precepts with cunning care, but what they penetrate with their understanding they trample on in their lives: all at once they teach the things which not by practice but by study they have learnt; and what in words they preach by their manners they impugn. Whence it comes to pass that when the shepherd walks through steep places, the flock follows to the precipice. Hence it is that the Lord through the prophet complains of the contemptible knowledge …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great Discourse on the Good Shepherd.
(Jerusalem, December, a.d. 29.) ^D John X. 1-21. ^d 1 Verily, verily, I say to you [unto the parties whom he was addressing in the last section], He that entereth not by the door into the fold of the sheep, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. [In this section Jesus proceeds to contrast his own care for humanity with that manifested by the Pharisees, who had just cast out the beggar. Old Testament prophecies were full of declarations that false shepherds would arise to …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel The Good Shepherd' and his one Flock' - Last Discourse at the Feast of Tabernacles.
The closing words which Jesus had spoken to those Pharisees who followed HIm breathe the sadness of expected near judgment, rather than the hopefulness of expostulation. And the Discourse which followed, ere He once more left Jerusalem, is of the same character. It seems, as if Jesus could not part from the City in holy anger, but ever, and only, with tears. All the topics of the former Discourses are now resumed and applied. They are not in any way softened or modified, but uttered in accents of …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah The Everlasting Covenant of the Spirit
"They shall be My people, and l will be their God. And I will make an everlasting covenant with them, that I will not turn away from them, to do them good; but I will put My fear in their hearts, that they shall not depart from Me."--JER. xxxii. 38, 40. "A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in My statutes, and ye …
Andrew Murray—The Two Covenants How to Make Use of Christ as the Life when the Soul is Dead as to Duty.
Sometimes the believer will be under such a distemper, as that he will be as unfit and unable for discharging of any commanded duty, as dead men, or one in a swoon, is to work or go a journey. And it were good to know how Christ should be made use of as the Life, to the end the diseased soul may be delivered from this. For this cause we shall consider those four things: 1. See what are the several steps and degrees of this distemper. 2. Consider whence it cometh, or what are the causes or occasions …
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life The Shepherd of Our Souls.
"I am the good Shepherd: the good Shepherd giveth His life for the sheep."--John x. 11. Our Lord here appropriates to Himself the title under which He had been foretold by the Prophets. "David My servant shall be king over them," says Almighty God by the mouth of Ezekiel: "and they all shall have one Shepherd." And in the book of Zechariah, "Awake, O sword, against My Shepherd, and against the man that is My fellow, saith the Lord of Hosts; smite the Shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered." …
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VIII Covenanting Predicted in Prophecy.
The fact of Covenanting, under the Old Testament dispensations, being approved of God, gives a proof that it was proper then, which is accompanied by the voice of prophecy, affording evidence that even in periods then future it should no less be proper. The argument for the service that is afforded by prophecy is peculiar, and, though corresponding with evidence from other sources, is independent. Because that God willed to make known truth through his servants the prophets, we should receive it …
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting The Extent of Messiah's Spiritual Kingdom
The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of His Christ, and He shall reign for ever and ever! T he Kingdom of our Lord in the heart, and in the world, is frequently compared to a building or house, of which He Himself is both the Foundation and the Architect (Isaiah 28:16 and 54:11, 12) . A building advances by degrees (I Corinthians 3:9; Ephesians 2:20-22) , and while it is in an unfinished state, a stranger cannot, by viewing its present appearance, form an accurate judgment …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2 The Eighth Commandment
Thou shalt not steal.' Exod 20: 15. AS the holiness of God sets him against uncleanness, in the command Thou shalt not commit adultery;' so the justice of God sets him against rapine and robbery, in the command, Thou shalt not steal.' The thing forbidden in this commandment, is meddling with another man's property. The civil lawyers define furtum, stealth or theft to be the laying hands unjustly on that which is another's;' the invading another's right. I. The causes of theft. [1] The internal causes …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments That the Ruler Should Be, through Humility, a Companion of Good Livers, But, through the Zeal of Righteousness, Rigid against the vices of Evildoers.
The ruler should be, through humility, a companion of good livers, and, through the zeal of righteousness, rigid against the vices of evil-doers; so that in nothing he prefer himself to the good, and yet, when the fault of the bad requires it, he be at once conscious of the power of his priority; to the end that, while among his subordinates who live well he waives his rank and accounts them as his equals, he may not fear to execute the laws of rectitude towards the perverse. For, as I remember to …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great Covenanting Provided for in the Everlasting Covenant.
The duty of Covenanting is founded on the law of nature; but it also stands among the arrangements of Divine mercy made from everlasting. The promulgation of the law, enjoining it on man in innocence as a duty, was due to God's necessary dominion over the creatures of his power. The revelation of it as a service obligatory on men in a state of sin, arose from his unmerited grace. In the one display, we contemplate the authority of the righteous moral Governor of the universe; in the other, we see …
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting Jesus Makes his First Disciples.
(Bethany Beyond Jordan, Spring a.d. 27.) ^D John I. 35-51. ^d 35 Again on the morrow [John's direct testimony bore fruit on the second day] John was standing, and two of his disciples [An audience of two. A small field; but a large harvest]; 36 and he looked [Gazed intently. The word is used at Mark xiv. 67; Luke xxii. 61 Mark x. 21, 27. John looked searchingly at that face, which, so far as any record shows, he was never to see on earth again. The more intently we look upon Jesus, the more powerfully …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel Second Great Group of Parables.
(Probably in Peræa.) Subdivision B. Parable of the Lost Sheep. ^C Luke XV. 3-7. ^c 3 And he spake unto them this parable [Jesus had spoken this parable before. See pp. 434, 435.] saying, 4 What man of you [man is emphatic; it is made so to convey the meaning that if man would so act, how much more would God so act], having an hundred sheep [a large flock], and having lost one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness [the place of pasture, and hence the proper place to leave …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel Ezekiel
To a modern taste, Ezekiel does not appeal anything like so powerfully as Isaiah or Jeremiah. He has neither the majesty of the one nor the tenderness and passion of the other. There is much in him that is fantastic, and much that is ritualistic. His imaginations border sometimes on the grotesque and sometimes on the mechanical. Yet he is a historical figure of the first importance; it was very largely from him that Judaism received the ecclesiastical impulse by which for centuries it was powerfully …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Ezekiel 34:16 NIVEzekiel 34:16 NLTEzekiel 34:16 ESVEzekiel 34:16 NASBEzekiel 34:16 KJV
Ezekiel 34:16 Commentaries
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