As surely as I live, declares the Lord GOD, because My flock lacks a shepherd and has become prey and food for every wild beast, and because My shepherds did not search for My flock but fed themselves instead, As surely as I liveThis phrase is a solemn oath, underscoring the certainty and seriousness of God's declaration. In Hebrew, it is "חַי־אָ֑נִי" (chai ani), which translates to "I live." This expression is often used in the Old Testament to affirm the truthfulness of God's words, emphasizing His eternal and unchanging nature. It serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and the assurance that His promises and judgments are reliable and will come to pass. declares the Lord GOD
The Hebrew term here is "נְאֻם אֲדֹנָי יְהוִה" (ne'um Adonai Yahweh). This phrase is a prophetic formula that authenticates the message as coming directly from God. It highlights the authority and divine origin of the prophecy. The use of both "Adonai" and "Yahweh" emphasizes God's lordship and covenant relationship with Israel, reinforcing the gravity of the message being delivered. because My flock
The term "flock" refers to the people of Israel, whom God views as His sheep. This metaphor is prevalent throughout Scripture, illustrating the relationship between God and His people as that of a shepherd to his sheep. It conveys care, guidance, and protection, but also implies responsibility and accountability on the part of the shepherds, or leaders, of Israel. lacks a shepherd
This phrase indicates a failure of leadership. In the historical context, the leaders of Israel, including kings and priests, were supposed to guide and protect the people, but they had neglected their duties. The absence of a shepherd suggests vulnerability and danger for the flock, as sheep without a shepherd are prone to wandering and falling prey to predators. and has become prey
The Hebrew word for "prey" is "בָּז" (baz), which implies being plundered or devoured. This reflects the dire situation of the Israelites, who, due to the negligence of their leaders, have become vulnerable to external threats and exploitation. It underscores the consequences of failed leadership and the resulting suffering of the people. and food for all the wild beasts
The "wild beasts" symbolize the hostile nations surrounding Israel that have taken advantage of its weakened state. This imagery is consistent with the prophetic literature, where foreign nations are often depicted as beasts that devour and destroy. It serves as a warning of the dangers that arise when God's people are not properly led and protected. because they lack a shepherd
The repetition of this phrase emphasizes the root cause of the problem: the absence of true, godly leadership. It is a call to accountability for those in positions of authority and a reminder of the essential role of shepherds in guiding and safeguarding the flock. This serves as a prophetic indictment of the leaders of Israel and a call to repentance and reform. Persons / Places / Events 1. The Lord GODThe sovereign and covenant-keeping God of Israel, who speaks with authority and judgment. 2. The FlockRepresents the people of Israel, God's chosen people, who are in need of guidance and protection. 3. ShepherdsSymbolic of the leaders of Israel, including kings, priests, and prophets, who were responsible for the spiritual and physical well-being of the people. 4. Wild BeastsMetaphorically represents the enemies and oppressors of Israel who take advantage of the people's vulnerability. 5. EzekielThe prophet through whom God delivers this message, serving as a watchman for the house of Israel. Teaching Points The Responsibility of LeadershipLeaders are accountable to God for the care and guidance of those entrusted to them. Neglect and self-interest lead to judgment. God's Compassion for His PeopleDespite the failure of human leaders, God remains committed to His people and will intervene to protect and restore them. The Danger of NeglectWhen leaders fail to fulfill their duties, the people suffer and become vulnerable to external threats. Christ as the Ultimate ShepherdJesus fulfills the role of the perfect Shepherd, providing an example for all leaders to follow. Call to Faithful ServiceBelievers are called to serve others selflessly, reflecting God's love and care in their communities. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the imagery of shepherds and sheep in Ezekiel 34:8 help us understand the relationship between leaders and those they lead? 2. In what ways can we identify "wild beasts" in our own lives or communities, and how can we seek God's protection against them? 3. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's shepherding care in your life. How did it impact your faith and trust in Him? 4. How can church leaders today ensure they are shepherding their congregations in a way that aligns with God's expectations? 5. What practical steps can you take to support and encourage the leaders in your church or community to be faithful shepherds? Connections to Other Scriptures Jeremiah 23:1-4This passage also addresses the failure of Israel's leaders to care for the people, promising that God Himself will gather the remnant and appoint faithful shepherds. John 10:11-15Jesus identifies Himself as the Good Shepherd, contrasting His sacrificial care with the neglect of hired hands. Psalm 23Highlights the Lord as the ultimate Shepherd who provides, guides, and protects His people. 1 Peter 5:2-4Encourages church leaders to shepherd God's flock willingly and eagerly, not for personal gain, reflecting the heart of a true shepherd. People David, EzekielPlaces JerusalemTopics Affirmation, Animals, Beast, Beasts, Cared, Declares, Didn't, Fed, Feed, Field, Flock, Forasmuch, Keeper, Keepers, Lack, Lacks, Meat, Plundered, Prey, Rather, Says, Search, Searched, Sheep, Shepherd, Shepherds, Sought, Sovereign, Surely, Themselves, Truly, Verily, Wild, YeaDictionary of Bible Themes Ezekiel 34:8 8827 selfishness Ezekiel 34:1-10 7786 shepherd, king and leader
9250 woe Ezekiel 34:7-10 1431 prophecy, OT methods Ezekiel 34:7-24 7130 flock, 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 34:8 NIVEzekiel 34:8 NLTEzekiel 34:8 ESVEzekiel 34:8 NASBEzekiel 34:8 KJV
Ezekiel 34:8 Commentaries
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