Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says to them: 'Behold, I Myself will judge between the fat sheep and the lean sheep. Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says to themThe phrase begins with "Therefore," indicating a conclusion or a response to previous statements. In the context of Ezekiel 34, God is addressing the failures of Israel's leaders, the shepherds, who have neglected their duties. "The Lord GOD" is a translation of the Hebrew "Adonai Yahweh," emphasizing God's sovereign authority and covenant relationship with Israel. This introduction underscores the seriousness and divine authority behind the forthcoming judgment. Behold, I Myself will judge between the fat sheep and the lean sheep Persons / Places / Events 1. The Lord GODThe sovereign and divine authority who speaks and acts in judgment. 2. Ezekiel The prophet through whom God delivers His message to the people of Israel. 3. Fat Sheep Symbolic of the leaders and those in power who have exploited others. 4. Lean Sheep Represent the oppressed and marginalized within the community. 5. Israel The nation to whom the prophecy is directed, specifically addressing their leaders and people. Teaching Points God's Justice is ImpartialGod Himself will judge between the fat and lean sheep, emphasizing His fairness and impartiality. Leadership Accountability Those in positions of power are held accountable for their treatment of others, especially the vulnerable. God's Care for the Oppressed The lean sheep symbolize those who are oppressed, and God promises to defend and vindicate them. Self-Examination Believers are encouraged to examine their own lives to ensure they are not acting as "fat sheep" in their relationships and responsibilities. Hope for Restoration God's judgment is not only punitive but also restorative, aiming to bring justice and healing to His people. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the imagery of "fat sheep" and "lean sheep" challenge our understanding of justice and leadership in today's context?2. In what ways can we ensure that we are acting as good shepherds in our own spheres of influence, reflecting God's care and justice? 3. How does the promise of God's judgment provide comfort to those who feel oppressed or marginalized? 4. What parallels can we draw between Ezekiel 34:20 and Jesus' teachings in the New Testament about caring for others? 5. How can we apply the principles of God's impartial justice in our daily interactions and decision-making processes? Connections to Other Scriptures Psalm 23The imagery of God as a shepherd, caring for His flock, contrasts with the neglectful leaders in Ezekiel 34. Matthew 25:31-46 Jesus' teaching on the separation of the sheep and goats parallels the judgment between the fat and lean sheep. John 10:11-16 Jesus as the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep, contrasting with the self-serving leaders. Jeremiah 23:1-4 A similar prophecy against the shepherds of Israel who have scattered and destroyed the sheep. Revelation 7:17 The Lamb as the Shepherd, guiding His people to springs of living water, reflecting God's ultimate care and justice.
People David, EzekielPlaces JerusalemTopics Behold, Cattle, Fat, Judge, Judged, Lean, Myself, Reason, Says, Sheep, Sovereign, Thin, Thus, TrulyDictionary of Bible Themes Ezekiel 34:20Library 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 34:20 NIVEzekiel 34:20 NLT Ezekiel 34:20 ESV Ezekiel 34:20 NASB Ezekiel 34:20 KJV Ezekiel 34:20 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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