Son of manבֶּן־אָדָם
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.
shepherdsרֹעֶה
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.
sheepצֹאן
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.
feeding yourselvesרָעָה
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.
weakנַחְלָה
nachlah · Hebrew Adjective/Noun
A state of physical or spiritual vulnerability, requiring assistance, support, and sustenance from those in positions of strength or authority. In Ezekiel, it highlights the leaders' failure to provide the spiritual or social care necessary for the community's restoration.
strayedתָּעָה
ta'ah · Hebrew Verb
A state of being lost, wandering, or separated from the community, safety, or the LORD's guidance. It implies a lack of direction and security, often resulting from the lack of faithful leadership or intentional rebellion.
scatteredפּוּץ
phuts · Hebrew Verb
The act of being dispersed, broken into pieces, or driven away from one's rightful place or community. It often serves as a judgment for disobedience or a result of leadership failure, signifying a loss of divine protection and unity.
wild beastsחַיָּה
chayyah · Hebrew Noun
Often symbolic of hostile nations or external powers that prey upon the people of God when their own leaders fail to protect them. These entities represent the dangers of the world that overtake the vulnerable when covenantal protection is absent.
sheepצֹאן
tson · Hebrew Noun
A metaphor for the people of God, representing those who are dependent, prone to straying, and in need of the care, protection, and guidance of the Divine Shepherd.
shepherdsרֹעֶה
ro'eh · Hebrew Noun
Those appointed as leaders or spiritual overseers of God's people; metaphorically, they are responsible for feeding, protecting, and leading the flock according to God's will.
the LORDיהוה
YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun
The personal, covenant name of God in the Old Testament, emphasizing His self-existence, faithfulness, and His active role in the history of His people.
Lord GODאֲדֹנָי יְהוִה
Adonai Yahweh · Hebrew Noun phrase
A title for God emphasizing His absolute authority, sovereignty, and rule over all creation and all people.
preyבַּז
baz · Hebrew Noun
An object or person seized and destroyed by a predator or enemy; in a spiritual sense, it denotes vulnerability and victimization due to a lack of proper spiritual covering or protection.
wild beastsחַיָּה
chayyah · Hebrew Noun
Animals living in the wild, often used in scripture to represent chaotic, demonic, or foreign powers that threaten the safety and spiritual well-being of God's people.
requireדָּרַשׁ
darash · Hebrew Verb
To demand an account or restitution; in a legal or covenantal context, God acts as the Judge who calls those entrusted with authority to answer for their negligence and stewardship.
rescueנָצַל
natsal · Hebrew Verb
To deliver or set free from danger, oppression, or captivity; it implies a forceful act of intervention by a greater power to snatch someone from the clutches of an enemy.