Ezekiel 34:10

Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I [am] against the shepherds; and I will require my flock at their hand, and cause them to cease from feeding the flock; neither shall the shepherds feed themselves any more; for I will deliver my flock from their mouth, that they may not be meat for them.

Thus saith {H559} the Lord {H136} GOD {H3069}; Behold, I am against the shepherds {H7462}; and I will require {H1875} my flock {H6629} at their hand {H3027}, and cause them to cease {H7673} from feeding {H7462} the flock {H6629}; neither shall the shepherds {H7462} feed {H7462} themselves any more; for I will deliver {H5337} my flock {H6629} from their mouth {H6310}, that they may not be meat {H402} for them.

Adonai ELOHIM says, "I am against the shepherds. I demand that they hand my sheep back to me. I will not allow them to feed the sheep, and they won't feed themselves either. I will rescue my sheep from their mouths; they will be food for them no longer."

This is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Behold, I am against the shepherds, and I will demand from them My flock and remove them from tending the flock, so that they can no longer feed themselves. For I will deliver My flock from their mouths, and it will no longer be food for them.’

Thus saith the Lord Jehovah, Behold, I am against the shepherds; and I will require my sheep at their hand, and cause them to cease from feeding the sheep; neither shall the shepherds feed themselves any more; and I will deliver my sheep from their mouth, that they may not be food for them.

Context

Ezekiel 34:10 is part of a powerful prophetic indictment against the corrupt leaders of Israel, who are metaphorically referred to as "shepherds." This prophecy was delivered during the Babylonian exile, a time when the people of Israel were suffering greatly due to the failures and abuses of their kings, priests, and elders. These leaders had neglected, exploited, and scattered God's "flock" (the people of Israel) rather than caring for them. The Lord God's declaration here signifies a divine intervention, a direct confrontation with those who had usurped their authority and misused their position for personal gain, leading to the nation's spiritual and physical ruin.

Key Themes

  • Divine Judgment on Corrupt Leadership: The verse explicitly states, "Behold, I [am] against the shepherds," indicating God's righteous anger and impending judgment upon those who failed in their sacred duty to lead and protect His people. This highlights the severe accountability of those in positions of spiritual or societal authority.
  • God's Protection of His People: The Lord God declares, "I will deliver my flock from their mouth, that they may not be meat for them." This underscores God's unwavering commitment to His people, promising to rescue them from the destructive practices of their wicked leaders. It emphasizes God's role as the ultimate protector and deliverer.
  • Accountability and Restoration: God will "require my flock at their hand," meaning He will hold the false shepherds accountable for their mismanagement and abuse. This judgment paves the way for God to gather and care for His scattered flock Himself, a theme that culminates in the promise of a true shepherd, often understood as a Messianic figure (see Ezekiel 34:23).

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "Lord GOD" (Hebrew: Adonai Yahweh) emphasizes God's absolute sovereignty and covenant faithfulness. The word "require" (Hebrew: דרש - darash) carries the strong sense of seeking, demanding, or holding someone accountable for something entrusted to them. It's not merely a request but a forceful demand for restitution and justice. The imagery of the flock being "meat for them" vividly portrays the exploitative nature of these leaders, who devoured the people for their own sustenance and profit, rather than nourishing and guarding them.

Related Scriptures

  • The imagery of God as the true Shepherd is central to the Old Testament, famously depicted in Psalm 23:1.
  • Jesus later identifies Himself as the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep, standing in stark contrast to the self-serving shepherds condemned by Ezekiel.
  • Similar condemnations of corrupt leaders can be found in Jeremiah 23:1-4, highlighting a recurring problem in Israel's history.
  • The New Testament also warns against false teachers and leaders who exploit the flock, as seen in Acts 20:29 and 2 Peter 2:3.

Practical Application

This verse serves as a timeless warning and a source of comfort. For those in positions of leadership, it is a sober reminder of the immense responsibility and accountability before God. True leadership, whether in the church, government, or family, is characterized by selfless service, protection, and nourishment of those entrusted to one's care, not by personal gain or exploitation. For believers, Ezekiel 34:10 offers profound comfort: even when human leaders fail, God Himself remains the ultimate, faithful Shepherd who will always protect His flock and ensure justice. It encourages discernment regarding those who claim to lead and fosters trust in God's sovereign care and His promise to deliver His people from harm.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Zechariah 10:3

    Mine anger was kindled against the shepherds, and I punished the goats: for the LORD of hosts hath visited his flock the house of Judah, and hath made them as his goodly horse in the battle.

  • Ezekiel 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?

  • Jeremiah 21:13

    Behold, I [am] against thee, O inhabitant of the valley, [and] rock of the plain, saith the LORD; which say, Who shall come down against us? or who shall enter into our habitations?

  • Ezekiel 13:8

    Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Because ye have spoken vanity, and seen lies, therefore, behold, I [am] against you, saith the Lord GOD.

  • Psalms 23:5

    Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

  • Psalms 72:12

    For he shall deliver the needy when he crieth; the poor also, and [him] that hath no helper.

  • Psalms 72:14

    He shall redeem their soul from deceit and violence: and precious shall their blood be in his sight.

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