Why must My flock feed on what your feet have trampled, and drink what your feet have muddied?' Why must My flockThe phrase "My flock" emphasizes God's ownership and care for His people, Israel. In the Hebrew text, the word for "flock" is "צֹאנִי" (tzoni), which signifies a group under the care of a shepherd. This imagery is deeply rooted in the pastoral culture of ancient Israel, where shepherds were responsible for the well-being of their sheep. The use of "My" underscores God's personal relationship and covenant with His people, highlighting His role as the ultimate Shepherd who is concerned about their spiritual nourishment and protection. feed on what your feet have trampled and drink what your feet have muddied? Persons / Places / Events 1. EzekielA prophet during the Babylonian exile, Ezekiel is the author of the book and serves as God's mouthpiece to the Israelites, delivering messages of judgment and hope. 2. God The speaker in this passage, expressing His concern and anger over the mistreatment of His people by their leaders. 3. The Flock Symbolic of the people of Israel, who are being neglected and mistreated by their leaders, represented as sheep in this metaphor. 4. Shepherds of Israel The leaders and rulers of Israel, who are criticized for their failure to care for the people, allowing them to suffer and be exploited. 5. Babylonian Exile The historical context in which Ezekiel prophesied, a time when the Israelites were in captivity and their leadership was in disarray. Teaching Points The Responsibility of LeadershipLeaders are accountable to God for how they treat those under their care. They must not exploit or neglect their responsibilities. God's Care for His People God is deeply concerned about the well-being of His people and will intervene when they are mistreated. The Consequences of Negligence Neglecting one's duties, especially in leadership, leads to spiritual and physical harm to those who depend on them. The Call to Righteousness Believers are called to live righteously and ensure that their actions do not harm others, reflecting God's justice and care. Hope in Divine Intervention Even when human leaders fail, God promises to step in and provide for His people, offering hope and restoration. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the imagery of a shepherd and flock in Ezekiel 34:19 help us understand God's expectations for leaders?2. In what ways can we ensure that our actions do not "trample" or "muddy" the spiritual nourishment of others in our community? 3. How does the promise of God as the Good Shepherd in Psalm 23 and John 10 provide comfort and assurance in times of leadership failure? 4. What practical steps can we take to hold leaders accountable to their responsibilities, both in the church and in society? 5. How can we apply the lessons from Ezekiel 34:19 to our personal lives, ensuring that we are not contributing to the harm or neglect of others? Connections to Other Scriptures Psalm 23This psalm presents God as the Good Shepherd, contrasting with the negligent shepherds in Ezekiel 34. It highlights God's care and provision for His people. John 10 Jesus refers to Himself as the Good Shepherd, echoing the themes of Ezekiel 34 and emphasizing His role in caring for and protecting His flock. Jeremiah 23 Similar to Ezekiel 34, this passage condemns the leaders of Israel for failing to shepherd the people properly and promises a righteous Branch who will reign wisely.
People David, EzekielPlaces JerusalemTopics Consumeth, Dirty, Drink, Drinketh, Eat, Feed, Flock, Foul, Fouled, Grass, Muddied, Sheep, Stamped, Trampled, Tread, TroddenDictionary of Bible Themes Ezekiel 34:7-24Library The Church of ChristThis, 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: 1855 That None Should Enter on a Place of Government who Practise not in Life what they have Learnt by Study. Discourse on the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd' and his one Flock' - Last Discourse at the Feast of Tabernacles. The Everlasting Covenant of the Spirit How to Make Use of Christ as the Life when the Soul is Dead as to Duty. The Shepherd of Our Souls. Covenanting Predicted in Prophecy. The Extent of Messiah's Spiritual Kingdom The Eighth Commandment That the Ruler Should Be, through Humility, a Companion of Good Livers, But, through the Zeal of Righteousness, Rigid against the vices of Evildoers. Covenanting Provided for in the Everlasting Covenant. Jesus Makes his First Disciples. Second Great Group of Parables. Ezekiel Links Ezekiel 34:19 NIVEzekiel 34:19 NLT Ezekiel 34:19 ESV Ezekiel 34:19 NASB Ezekiel 34:19 KJV Ezekiel 34:19 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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