Ezekiel 34:16

I will seek that which was lost, and bring again that which was driven away, and will bind up [that which was] broken, and will strengthen that which was sick: but I will destroy the fat and the strong; I will feed them with judgment.

I will seek {H1245} that which was lost {H6}, and bring again {H7725} that which was driven away {H5080}, and will bind up {H2280} that which was broken {H7665}, and will strengthen {H2388} that which was sick {H2470}: but I will destroy {H8045} the fat {H8082} and the strong {H2389}; I will feed {H7462} them with judgment {H4941}.

"I will seek the lost, bring back the outcasts, bandage the broken, and strengthen the sick. But the fat and the strong I will destroy - I will feed them with judgment."

I will seek the lost, bring back the strays, bind up the broken, and strengthen the weak; but the sleek and strong I will destroy. I will shepherd them with justice.’

I will seek that which was lost, and will bring back that which was driven away, and will bind up that which was broken, and will strengthen that which was sick: but the fat and the strong I will destroy; I will feed them in justice.

Ezekiel 34:16 is a profound declaration from God, revealing His heart as the true Shepherd of His people, Israel. It stands in stark contrast to the failed and oppressive human leaders (shepherds) described earlier in the chapter.

Context

Chapter 34 of Ezekiel is a powerful prophetic indictment against the corrupt shepherds of Israel—its kings, priests, and prophets—who had neglected and exploited the flock (the people). Instead of feeding and caring for the sheep, they fed themselves. Consequently, the flock was scattered, sick, and lost. In response, the Lord God declares that He Himself will intervene and act as the ultimate Shepherd. This verse is part of God's promise to take direct action to restore and judge, demonstrating His divine sovereignty and unwavering care for His covenant people. This divine intervention foreshadows the coming of the Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ.

Key Themes

  • Divine Shepherding and Restoration: God promises to actively seek out, recover, and heal His lost and vulnerable sheep. This highlights His compassionate nature and His commitment to restoring what is broken. The imagery of "binding up that which was broken" speaks to deep healing and mending of spiritual and physical wounds.
  • Justice and Judgment: The verse also declares God's righteous judgment against those who abused their power. The "fat and the strong" represent the self-indulgent, oppressive leaders who prospered at the expense of the flock. God promises to "destroy" them, not necessarily annihilate, but to remove them from their position of power and "feed them with judgment"—meaning they will face the just consequences of their actions. This illustrates God's unwavering commitment to justice for the oppressed.
  • God's Active Intervention: Unlike human leaders, God does not remain passive. He actively seeks, gathers, heals, and strengthens, demonstrating His personal involvement in the lives of His people. This theme resonates with the parables of the lost in the New Testament, such as the lost sheep in Luke 15:4.

Linguistic Insights

  • The phrase "I will seek that which was lost" uses the Hebrew verb biqesh, which means to search diligently or require. It implies an active, intentional pursuit.
  • "Bind up [that which was] broken" comes from the Hebrew chabash, referring to binding a wound or mending something broken, signifying profound healing and restoration.
  • "The fat and the strong" (Hebrew: hash-shemenim v’ha-chaqim) metaphorically describes those who are well-fed and powerful, but selfishly so, without care for others. They are strong in their oppression.
  • "Feed them with judgment" (Hebrew: mishpat) means to give them what is due, to administer justice. It's not literal food, but the consequences of their unrighteousness.

Practical Application

For individuals today, Ezekiel 34:16 offers immense comfort and hope. If you feel lost, broken, driven away, or sick in spirit, this verse assures you that God Himself is seeking you, ready to heal and strengthen. He is the ultimate caregiver who understands your deepest needs. For leaders in any capacity—spiritual, civic, or familial—it serves as a solemn warning against self-serving leadership and a call to emulate God's compassionate and just shepherding. It reminds us that God holds all leaders accountable for their stewardship of those entrusted to their care, promising both restoration for the vulnerable and certain judgment for the oppressive.

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.

  • Luke 19:10

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

  • Isaiah 49:26

    And I will feed them that oppress thee with their own flesh; and they shall be drunken with their own blood, as with sweet wine: and all flesh shall know that I the LORD [am] thy Saviour and thy Redeemer, the mighty One of Jacob.

  • Ezekiel 34:4

    The diseased have ye not strengthened, neither have ye healed that which was sick, neither have ye bound up [that which was] broken, neither have ye brought again that which was driven away, neither have ye sought that which was lost; but with force and with cruelty have ye ruled them.

  • Ezekiel 34:11

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

  • Luke 5:31

    And Jesus answering said unto them, They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick.

  • Luke 5:32

    I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

  • Luke 15:4

    What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?

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