Ezekiel 34:11

For thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I, [even] I, will both search my sheep, and seek them out.

For thus saith {H559} the Lord {H136} GOD {H3069}; Behold, I, even I, will both search {H1875} my sheep {H6629}, and seek them out {H1239}.

"'For here is what Adonai ELOHIM says: "I am taking over! I will search for my sheep and look after them, myself.

For this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Behold, I Myself will search for My flock and seek them out.

For thus saith the Lord Jehovah: Behold, I myself, even I, will search for my sheep, and will seek them out.

Commentary

Context

Ezekiel 34 opens with a strong prophetic denunciation against the corrupt and negligent leaders of Israel, who are metaphorically described as "shepherds" who have fed themselves instead of tending to the flock (Ezekiel 34:2). They have exploited, scattered, and failed to care for God's people, the "sheep." In response to their failures, Ezekiel 34:10 declares that the Lord GOD will remove these shepherds from their office. Verse 11 then introduces a profound promise: God Himself will assume the role of the true Shepherd, taking direct action to care for His flock.

Key Themes

  • Divine Initiative and Sovereignty: The emphatic repetition "I, [even] I" underscores God's personal commitment and sovereign determination to intervene directly. He does not delegate this crucial task but takes it upon Himself. This highlights His unique authority and capability.
  • God as the True Shepherd: In stark contrast to the failed human leaders, God presents Himself as the ideal shepherd who actively seeks out and cares for His sheep. This imagery is deeply rooted in ancient Near Eastern culture, where a shepherd's diligence was essential for the survival of the flock.
  • Compassion for the Lost and Scattered: The phrase "search my sheep, and seek them out" reveals God's tender compassion and relentless pursuit of those who are lost, strayed, or scattered. It implies a thorough and personal effort to find each one.
  • Promise of Restoration: This verse is a foundational promise of restoration for Israel. After the judgment on unfaithful leaders and the scattering of the people, God promises to gather and restore His flock, leading to a future of security and care.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "Lord GOD" in the King James Version translates the Hebrew combination Adonai Yahweh. Adonai signifies "Lord" or "Master," emphasizing God's sovereign authority, while Yahweh is the personal covenant name of God, revealing His faithfulness and self-existence. This combination powerfully conveys that the sovereign, covenant-keeping God is making this personal promise.

The verbs "search" (Hebrew: daqar, though more commonly baqar in this context, or a related root for investigation) and "seek them out" (Hebrew: biqqesh or baqar, implying diligent inquiry and search) convey a thorough, active, and persistent effort. God isn't merely waiting for the sheep to return; He is actively going after them.

Related Scriptures

Practical Application

Ezekiel 34:11 offers profound comfort and hope. For individuals who feel lost, abandoned, or neglected, this verse assures them of God's personal and active pursuit. It reminds us that our worth is not diminished by our wandering, and God's love compels Him to seek us out. It encourages believers to trust in God's unfailing care, even when human leaders or circumstances fail. This promise is a foundational truth for understanding God's relentless grace and His desire for every person to be found and restored to Him.

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Cross-References

  • Luke 19:10

    For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.

  • John 10:16

    And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, [and] one shepherd.

  • Isaiah 40:10

    Behold, the Lord GOD will come with strong [hand], and his arm shall rule for him: behold, his reward [is] with him, and his work before him.

  • Isaiah 40:11

    He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry [them] in his bosom, [and] shall gently lead those that are with young.

  • Jeremiah 31:8

    Behold, I will bring them from the north country, and gather them from the coasts of the earth, [and] with them the blind and the lame, the woman with child and her that travaileth with child together: a great company shall return thither.

  • Jeremiah 23:3

    And I will gather the remnant of my flock out of all countries whither I have driven them, and will bring them again to their folds; and they shall be fruitful and increase.

  • Psalms 80:1

    ¶ To the chief Musician upon Shoshannimeduth, A Psalm of Asaph. Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, thou that leadest Joseph like a flock; thou that dwellest [between] the cherubims, shine forth.