Ezekiel 34:2
“Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel; prophesy, and say to them, even to the shepherds, Thus says the Lord GOD: Ah, shepherds of Israel who have been feeding yourselves! Should not shepherds feed the sheep?
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The text's repeated command to "prophesy" underscores that this isn't just a gentle suggestion, but a divine indictment against leaders who exploit their people instead of caring for them. The core of God's accusation is revealed in the stark, almost rhetorical question: "Should not shepherds feed the sheep?" implying a profound betrayal of their God-given responsibility.
Ezekiel is commanded by God to deliver a harsh prophecy not against foreign enemies, but against the very leaders of Israel, whom God calls "shepherds." These leaders, both civil and religious, have been neglecting their duty to care for the people (the "flock") and instead have been exploiting them for personal gain and luxury. The prophecy sets up a stark contrast: a true shepherd cares for the sheep, but these leaders have only "fed themselves."
Understand the original words
ben-adam · Hebrew Noun phrase
A prophetic title often used for Ezekiel, emphasizing his humanity and his role as a messenger of God in contrast to the divine majesty of the LORD. It underscores the contrast between the limited human prophet and the infinite God.
ro'eh · Hebrew Noun
Individuals entrusted with the care, guidance, and protection of others, often referring to Israel's political and religious leaders. In a biblical context, it denotes a responsibility to act with selflessness, following the example of the LORD, the ultimate Shepherd.
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tson · Hebrew Noun
The covenant people of God, often depicted as helpless, dependent creatures in need of leadership, protection, and guidance. They represent those who belong to the LORD and are susceptible to both neglect by human leaders and attack by external threats.
ra'ah · Hebrew Verb
A failure of duty where leaders prioritize their own survival, comfort, and benefit over the needs of those they are called to lead. It is the antithesis of the selfless service required by God's representatives.
This passage also rebukes the leaders of Israel, calling them 'shepherds' who have scattered the flock, directly paralleling Ezekiel's prophecy against those who feed themselves instead of the sheep.
Zechariah 11:15-17Zechariah foretells the judgment on worthless shepherds who are more concerned with personal gain than the well-being of the flock, echoing Ezekiel's condemnation of selfish leadership.
John 10:11-13Jesus contrasts the 'good shepherd' who lays down his life for the sheep with the 'hired hand' who flees when danger comes, highlighting the difference between true care and self-serving neglect, which is the core issue in Ezekiel 34.
1 Peter 5:2-3Peter exhorts church leaders to 'shepherd the flock of God that is among you,' not by compulsion but willingly, 'not for shameful gain, but eagerly,' reinforcing the divine expectation of selfless care that Ezekiel condemns the corrupt shepherds for ignoring.
clarkeEzekiel 34:2: "Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, prophesy, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD unto the shepherds; Woe be to the shepherds of Israel that do feed themselves! should not the shepherds feed the flocks?"
Prophesy against the shepherds of Israel - The shepherds include, first, the priests and Levites; secondly, the kings, princes, and magistrates. The flock means the whole of the people. The fat and the wool, the tithes and offerings, the taxes and imposts…
pooleEzekiel 34:2: "Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, prophesy, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD unto the shepherds; Woe be to the shepherds of Israel that do feed themselves! should not the shepherds feed the flocks?"
The shepherds; the rulers of the people, both political, as kings, magicians, and princes, and also ecclesiastical, priests and prophets. Israel; the two tribes, and the few that out of the ten did adhere to the house of David. Prophesy; the command is re…
The text's repeated command to "prophesy" underscores that this isn't just a gentle suggestion, but a divine indictment against leaders who exploit their people instead of caring for them. The core of God's accusation is revealed in the stark, almost rhetorical question: "Should not shepherds feed the sheep?" implying a profound betrayal of their God-given responsibility.
Ezekiel is commanded by God to deliver a harsh prophecy not against foreign enemies, but against the very leaders of Israel, whom God calls "shepherds." These leaders, both civil and religious, have been neglecting their duty to care for the people (the "flock") and instead have been exploiting them for personal gain and luxury. The prophecy sets up a stark contrast: a true shepherd cares for the sheep, but these leaders have only "fed themselves."
Ezekiel is commanded by God to deliver a harsh prophecy not against foreign enemies, but against the very leaders of Israel, whom God calls "shepherds." These leaders, both civil and religious, have been neglecting their duty to care for the people (the "flock") and instead have been exploiting them for personal gain and luxury. The prophecy sets up a stark contrast: a true shepherd cares for the sheep, but these leaders have only "fed themselves."
"“Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel; prophesy, and say to them, even to the shepherds, Thus says the Lord GOD: Ah, shepherds of Israel who have been feeding yourselves! Should not shepherds feed the sheep?" — The text's repeated command to "prophesy" underscores that this isn't just a gentle suggestion, but a divine indictment against leaders who exploit their people instead of caring for them. The core o…
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