You are My flock, the sheep of My pasture, My people, and I am your God,' declares the Lord GOD." You are My flockThe phrase "You are My flock" emphasizes the intimate relationship between God and His people. The Hebrew word for "flock" is "צֹאן" (tso'n), which is often used to describe a group of sheep under the care of a shepherd. This imagery is deeply rooted in the pastoral culture of ancient Israel, where shepherds were responsible for the protection, guidance, and nourishment of their sheep. In this context, God is portrayed as the divine Shepherd, highlighting His role as a caretaker and protector. This metaphor is consistent throughout Scripture, as seen in Psalm 23 and John 10, where Jesus refers to Himself as the Good Shepherd. It underscores the personal and communal relationship God desires with His people, emphasizing His commitment to their well-being. the sheep of My pasture
The term "the sheep of My pasture" further develops the shepherd-sheep metaphor. The Hebrew word for "pasture" is "מִרְעֶה" (mir'eh), which refers to a place of feeding and rest. This indicates that God provides not only protection but also sustenance and rest for His people. The imagery of pasture suggests abundance and peace, a place where the sheep can thrive under the shepherd's care. Historically, this reflects the Promised Land, a place of provision and blessing for Israel. Spiritually, it points to the abundant life God offers to His people, as seen in John 10:10, where Jesus speaks of giving life "to the full." My people
The phrase "My people" signifies a covenant relationship. In Hebrew, "עַמִּי" (ammi) is a term of endearment and possession, indicating that the people belong to God. This echoes the covenant language found throughout the Old Testament, where God repeatedly affirms His commitment to Israel as His chosen people (e.g., Exodus 6:7, Leviticus 26:12). It highlights the identity and purpose of God's people, called to live in obedience and faithfulness to Him. This covenant relationship is fulfilled in the New Testament through Jesus Christ, who establishes a new covenant with all believers, making them God's people (1 Peter 2:9-10). and I am your God
The declaration "and I am your God" reaffirms God's sovereignty and faithfulness. The Hebrew phrase "וַאֲנִי אֱלֹהֵיכֶם" (va'ani Eloheichem) is a powerful statement of God's identity and His exclusive relationship with His people. It is a reminder of the first commandment, where God declares, "I am the LORD your God" (Exodus 20:2). This phrase underscores God's authority, His role as the ultimate ruler, and His commitment to His people. It is a call to recognize and worship Him alone, rejecting idolatry and false gods. In the New Testament, this relationship is deepened through the revelation of God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, inviting believers into a personal and transformative relationship with Him. declares the Lord GOD
The concluding phrase "declares the Lord GOD" emphasizes the authority and certainty of the message. The Hebrew "נְאֻם אֲדֹנָי יְהוִה" (ne'um Adonai YHWH) is a solemn declaration, often used by prophets to convey the divine origin of their message. "Adonai" signifies God's lordship and mastery, while "YHWH" is the sacred, covenantal name of God, often rendered as "LORD" in English translations. This combination underscores the seriousness and reliability of God's promises. It assures the audience that the words spoken are not merely human opinions but the authoritative word of the Creator and Sustainer of all. This assurance is vital for believers, providing confidence in God's promises and His ultimate plan for redemption and restoration. Persons / Places / Events 1. EzekielA prophet during the Babylonian exile, Ezekiel was called by God to deliver messages of judgment and hope to the Israelites. 2. The FlockRepresents the people of Israel, often depicted as sheep in the Bible, symbolizing their need for guidance and protection. 3. The ShepherdGod is portrayed as the shepherd, emphasizing His role as protector and caretaker of His people. 4. The PastureSymbolizes the place of provision and safety that God provides for His people. 5. The Lord GODThe covenant name of God, Yahweh, highlighting His authority and relationship with His people. Teaching Points God's Ownership and CareGod claims ownership of His people, emphasizing His commitment to care for and protect them. As believers, we can find comfort in knowing we belong to God and are under His care. The Role of the ShepherdJust as God is the ultimate shepherd, spiritual leaders are called to reflect His care and guidance. This calls for integrity, compassion, and dedication in leadership roles. Identity as God's PeopleUnderstanding our identity as God's flock should influence how we live, encouraging us to trust in His provision and follow His guidance. Dependence on GodLike sheep, we are dependent on God for our needs and direction. This dependence should lead us to seek Him daily through prayer and scripture. Covenant RelationshipThe declaration "I am your God" highlights the covenant relationship between God and His people, reminding us of His faithfulness and our call to be faithful in return. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the imagery of God as a shepherd in Ezekiel 34:31 enhance your understanding of His character and care for you? 2. In what ways can you apply the concept of being part of God's flock in your daily life and decision-making? 3. How does the role of a shepherd, as described in Ezekiel and other scriptures, inform your understanding of spiritual leadership? 4. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's provision and guidance as your shepherd. How did it impact your faith journey? 5. How can you cultivate a deeper sense of dependence on God, recognizing Him as your shepherd and provider? Connections to Other Scriptures Psalm 23This psalm also depicts God as a shepherd, providing for and guiding His people, reinforcing the imagery used in Ezekiel 34:31. John 10Jesus refers to Himself as the Good Shepherd, drawing a direct line from the Old Testament imagery to His role in the New Testament. Isaiah 40:11Describes God as a shepherd who gathers and cares for His flock, similar to the message in Ezekiel. 1 Peter 5:2-4Encourages church leaders to shepherd the flock of God, reflecting the pastoral care God shows His people. Revelation 7:17Speaks of the Lamb shepherding His people, providing eternal care and guidance. People David, EzekielPlaces JerusalemTopics Affirmation, Declares, Flock, Grass-lands, Pasture, Says, Sheep, SovereignDictionary of Bible Themes Ezekiel 34:31 1220 God, as shepherd Ezekiel 34:25-31 1335 blessing Ezekiel 34:26-31 1330 God, the provider Ezekiel 34:30-31 1352 covenant, the new 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 34:31 NIVEzekiel 34:31 NLTEzekiel 34:31 ESVEzekiel 34:31 NASBEzekiel 34:31 KJV
Ezekiel 34:31 Commentaries
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