This passage reveals a subtle but powerful truth: the repeated command to "prophesy" isn't just about delivering a message, but about insisting on God's perspective. Ezekiel is told not just to prophesy against the shepherds, but to prophesy to them, emphasizing that their role as leaders is fundamentally about caring for the "flock"—the people—not feeding 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?
English Standard Version (ESV)
God calls Ezekiel to prophesy against the leaders of Israel, whom He compares to shepherds. These leaders, including kings, princes, priests, and prophets, have been exploiting and neglecting their people ("the flock") for their own gain, rather than caring for them. The core of God's message is a stark question: should shepherds feed themselves or their sheep?
When God calls leaders 'shepherds,' who exactly is He talking to? It's a title with deep roots, extending far beyond the church walls.
In Ezekiel's day, the 'shepherds' of Israel weren't just spiritual leaders. The term encompassed both civil rulers (kings, princes, magistrates) and ecclesiastical leaders (priests, prophets). Think of it like this: the kings were meant to protect and guide the nation like a shepherd guides a flock, while the priests were responsible for the spiritual well-being of the people.
This dual leadership role is why the title 'shepherd' was so fitting. Just as an ancient shepherd cared for the physical needs of his sheep – providing food, water, and protection – these leaders were entrusted with the welfare of God's people, both earthly and spiritual. The failure of these leaders was a betrayal of that sacred trust.
God delivers a harsh critique: 'Woe to the shepherds... who have been feeding yourselves!' What does this selfish 'feeding' look like, and why is it so offensive to God?
The core accusation against these shepherds is that they prioritized their own gain over the well-being of the people. Instead of nourishing the flock, they were consuming its resources for personal luxury and power.
This 'feeding themselves' involved several things:
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God's question, 'Should not shepherds feed the sheep?' is a rhetorical punch. It appeals to a universal sense of duty and fairness. A shepherd who feasts while the sheep starve is not a shepherd at all, but a predator.
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.
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 prophecy lands at a moment when the people of Judah have experienced catastrophic loss: their capital city destroyed, their Temple ruined, and their king deposed. It’s a direct indictment of the kings, priests, and leaders who, like negligent shepherds, failed to protect and nourish God’s people, leading them to this devastating end.
Late 8th century BC
Assyrian Conquests Intensify
The Assyrian Empire, a dominant military power, begins to exert significant pressure on the Northern Kingdom of Israel and the Southern Kingdom of Judah, leading to increased political instability and the rise of corrupt leadership.
c. 722 BC
Fall of Samaria and Northern Kingdom
The Assyrians conquer the Northern Kingdom of Israel, deporting many of its citizens. This event serves as a stark warning to the Southern Kingdom of Judah about the consequences of unfaithfulness and corrupt leadership.
605 BC
First Deportation to Babylon
Under Nebuchadnezzar II, the Babylonian Empire defeats the Egyptians and Assyrians at Carchemish. Jerusalem is besieged, and many prominent Judeans, including members of the royal family and educated elite, are taken into exile in Babylon.
597 BC
Second Deportation to Babylon
Following a revolt against Babylonian rule, Nebuchadnezzar lays siege to Jerusalem again. King Jehoiachin and thousands more Judeans are deported to Babylon, including the prophet Ezekiel himself.
586 BC— this verse
Destruction of Jerusalem and Temple
After a final rebellion, the Babylonians destroy Jerusalem and its magnificent Temple, ending the Davidic monarchy and scattering the remaining population, leaving the people feeling utterly abandoned.
c. 571 BC
Ezekiel's Ministry Continues in Exile
Ezekiel continues to prophesy to the exiles in Babylon, addressing their despair and the failures of their past leadership. This prophecy against the 'shepherds' is delivered during this period of profound national crisis and loss.
This passage directly echoes Ezekiel's message, condemning the shepherds (leaders) of Israel for scattering the flock and failing to care for them, setting the stage for God's intervention.
John 10:11-13Jesus contrasts the 'good shepherd' who lays down his life for the sheep with the 'hired hand' who cares only for himself and flees when danger comes, highlighting the selfish negligence condemned in Ezekiel.
1 Peter 5:2-4This New Testament passage instructs elders and leaders to 'shepherd the flock of God' willingly and eagerly, not for selfish gain, mirroring the responsibility Ezekiel's 'shepherds' failed to uphold.
Psalm 78:70-72This Psalm recounts God choosing David, a shepherd, to rule Israel, emphasizing that a true leader's heart should be as tender and caring towards God's people as a shepherd's is towards his flock.
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…
This passage reveals a subtle but powerful truth: the repeated command to "prophesy" isn't just about delivering a message, but about insisting on God's perspective. Ezekiel is told not just to prophesy against the shepherds, but to prophesy to them, emphasizing that their role as leaders is fundamentally about caring for the "flock"—the people—not feeding themselves.
God calls Ezekiel to prophesy against the leaders of Israel, whom He compares to shepherds. These leaders, including kings, princes, priests, and prophets, have been exploiting and neglecting their people ("the flock") for their own gain, rather than caring for them. The core of God's message is a stark question: should shepherds feed themselves or their sheep?
God calls Ezekiel to prophesy against the leaders of Israel, whom He compares to shepherds. These leaders, including kings, princes, priests, and prophets, have been exploiting and neglecting their people ("the flock") for their own gain, rather than caring for them. The core of God's message is a stark question: should shepherds feed themselves or their sheep?
"“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?" — This passage reveals a subtle but powerful truth: the repeated command to "prophesy" isn't just about delivering a message, but about insisting on God's perspective. Ezekiel is told not just to pro…
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Last reviewed October 2026
