Ezekiel 34:16

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"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."

Berean Standard Bible

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.’

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 34:16 presents a powerful divine declaration from the Lord God, contrasting His faithful and compassionate shepherding with the neglect and exploitation of Israel's human leaders. It outlines God's active commitment to seek out, restore, and heal His vulnerable, scattered flock—the lost, driven away, broken, and sick among His people. Simultaneously, the verse pronounces a severe judgment upon the "fat and the strong," representing the self-serving and oppressive shepherds who have enriched themselves at the expense of the flock, promising to feed them with the just consequences of their unrighteousness. This dual promise underscores God's unwavering justice and His profound care for His covenant people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 34 stands as a pivotal chapter within the broader prophetic book, specifically following a series of oracles against foreign nations and preceding visions of Israel's restoration. The chapter opens with a scathing indictment against the "shepherds of Israel" ([Ezekiel 34:2-10](/ezekiel/34-2 "Ezekiel 34:2-10 - Indictment of Shepherds")), who are explicitly identified as the kings, priests, and prophets responsible for leading the nation. These human leaders are condemned for feeding themselves rather than the flock, allowing the sheep to be scattered, preyed upon, and neglected. In response to their failure, the Lord God declares, "Behold, I myself will search for My sheep and seek them out" ([Ezekiel 34:11](/ezekiel/34-11 "Ezekiel 34:11 - God's Promise to Shepherd His Flock")). This verse, Ezekiel 34:16, is a direct articulation of how God will fulfill that promise, detailing His restorative actions for the vulnerable and His punitive actions against the wicked shepherds. The chapter concludes with the promise of a "Shepherd" from the line of David ([Ezekiel 34:23](/ezekiel/34-23 "Ezekiel 34:23 - The Promise of David as Shepherd")), foreshadowing the Messiah.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy of Ezekiel was delivered during the Babylonian exile, a period of profound national crisis and spiritual despair for Israel. The people had been driven from their land, Jerusalem and its Temple destroyed, and their monarchy dismantled. This dire situation was perceived as a direct consequence of their disobedience and, crucially, the failure of their leaders to guide them in righteousness. The imagery of "shepherd" and "flock" was deeply embedded in ancient Near Eastern culture, where kings and rulers were often depicted as shepherds of their people, responsible for their welfare, protection, and provision. This metaphor was also prominent in Israelite thought, with figures like David being called from tending sheep to shepherd God's people ([2 Samuel 5:2](/2_samuel/5-2 "2 Samuel 5:2 - David as Shepherd of Israel")). Thus, Ezekiel's condemnation of the corrupt shepherds would have resonated powerfully with the exiles, highlighting the betrayal by their earthly leaders and emphasizing the unique, compassionate nature of God as the true Shepherd.
* **Key Themes:** Ezekiel 34:16 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Ezekiel and the prophetic tradition. Primarily, it underscores the theme of **Divine Shepherding and Restoration**. God's promise to seek, bring back, bind up, and strengthen demonstrates His active, compassionate involvement in the lives of His people, contrasting sharply with the passive or abusive human leadership. This theme is central to the hope offered to the exiles, assuring them of God's unwavering covenant faithfulness and His intention to gather and heal His scattered people ([Ezekiel 36:24-28](/ezekiel/36-24 "Ezekiel 36:24-28 - Restoration and New Covenant")). Secondly, the verse highlights **Justice and Judgment**. The "fat and the strong" represent the oppressive elite, and God's promise to "destroy" them and "feed them with judgment" affirms His righteous indignation against injustice and His commitment to hold accountable those who abuse their power. This divine justice is a recurring motif throughout Ezekiel, ensuring that both the wicked within Israel and the nations will face consequences for their actions ([Ezekiel 7:27](/ezekiel/7-27 "Ezekiel 7:27 - Justice for the Wicked")). Finally, the verse speaks to **God's Sovereignty and Intervention**, emphasizing that when human systems fail, God Himself will intervene directly to accomplish His purposes, demonstrating His ultimate authority over His people and their destiny. This divine initiative is a source of both comfort and warning, promising deliverance for the oppressed and retribution for the oppressor.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **seek (Hebrew, _bâqash'_):** This verb (H1245) denotes an active, diligent, and intentional pursuit. It's not a passive waiting but a determined search, often implying a deep desire or requirement. In this context, it highlights God's personal and earnest effort to find and recover His lost sheep, emphasizing His initiative and commitment.
* **bind up (Hebrew, _châbash'_):** This word (H2280) literally means to wrap firmly, as one would bind a wound, a turban, or a saddle. Figuratively, it conveys the idea of healing, mending, or providing firm support. Here, it speaks to God's profound restorative work, not merely patching up but thoroughly healing and stabilizing that which is broken, indicating deep care and complete restoration.
* **judgment (Hebrew, _mishpâṭ'_):** This term (H4941) is rich in meaning, referring to a verdict, a sentence, a formal decree, or abstractly, justice itself. It encompasses the act of judging, the place of judgment, and the consequences (penalty or privilege). When God promises to "feed them with judgment," it signifies that the "fat and the strong" will receive their just deserts, the full and appropriate consequences of their oppressive actions, administered by divine decree.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I will seek that which was lost":** This clause reveals God's compassionate initiative. He doesn't wait for the lost sheep to find their way back but actively goes out in search of them. This speaks to His redemptive heart and His personal investment in the recovery of those who have strayed or been led astray.
* **"and bring again that which was driven away":** This emphasizes God's role in gathering those who have been scattered, expelled, or forced out of the fold by the negligence or cruelty of the human shepherds. It promises a reversal of their exile and dispersion, a divine re-gathering.
* **"and will bind up [that which was] broken":** This imagery speaks to deep spiritual and physical healing. The "broken" refers to those who have been injured, wounded, or shattered by their experiences, perhaps by the harshness of their leaders or the trials of exile. God promises to mend and restore them completely, akin to a shepherd tending to a wounded lamb.
* **"and will strengthen that which was sick":** This extends the theme of restoration to those weakened by illness, affliction, or spiritual malaise. God commits to imparting strength and vitality, enabling the vulnerable to recover their health and resilience, ensuring their well-being and flourishing.
* **"but I will destroy the fat and the strong":** This marks a sharp pivot to divine judgment. The "fat and the strong" are those who prospered selfishly, gaining power and wealth at the expense of the vulnerable flock. "Destroy" here (H8045) implies desolation, bringing to nought, or overthrowing their oppressive rule, rather than necessarily annihilation. It signifies the removal of their power and influence.
* **"I will feed them with judgment.":** This concluding phrase is a powerful metaphor for divine retribution. Instead of the nourishing pasture they denied the flock, the oppressive shepherds will receive "judgment" (H4941). This means they will face the just and inevitable consequences of their actions, experiencing the full weight of God's righteous verdict against their unrighteousness.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 34:16 is rich in **Metaphor** and **Antithesis**. The entire passage operates on the extended **shepherd metaphor**, where God is the ideal Shepherd, Israel is His flock, and the corrupt leaders are failed shepherds. This pervasive imagery allows for a vivid portrayal of care and neglect, health and sickness, unity and scattering. The verse employs striking **Antithesis** by juxtaposing God's restorative actions for the vulnerable ("seek that which was lost," "bind up that which was broken") with His destructive judgment upon the oppressors ("destroy the fat and the strong"). This sharp contrast highlights God's dual nature as both merciful redeemer and righteous judge. Furthermore, the phrase "feed them with judgment" is a powerful instance of **Irony** and **Punishment fitting the Crime**. The self-serving shepherds "fed themselves" at the expense of the flock; now, they themselves will be "fed" not with sustenance, but with the very justice they denied others. This serves as a stark warning and a promise of divine retribution.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 34:16 profoundly articulates God's character as both a compassionate caregiver and a righteous judge. It reveals His unwavering commitment to His covenant people, even when their human leaders fail them. The passage emphasizes that true leadership, whether divine or human, is characterized by selfless service, protection, and nourishment of the flock, not by exploitation or self-enrichment. God's direct intervention underscores His sovereignty and His active role in bringing about justice and restoration, ensuring that the vulnerable are cared for and the oppressors are held accountable. This vision of divine shepherding provides immense hope for those who feel lost, broken, or oppressed, assuring them that God sees their plight and will personally intervene on their behalf.

* [Psalm 23:1-6](/psalms/23-1 "Psalm 23 - The Lord is My Shepherd")
* [Isaiah 40:11](/isaiah/40-11 "Isaiah 40:11 - God's Gentle Shepherding")
* [Matthew 18:12-14](/matthew/18-12 "Matthew 18:12-14 - The Parable of the Lost Sheep")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 34:16 offers a profound mirror for both personal spiritual health and the nature of leadership within any community. For individuals, this verse is a wellspring of comfort and hope. If you feel spiritually lost, broken by life's trials, driven away by circumstances or others' failures, or weakened by sin and despair, God declares His personal commitment to seek you out, heal your wounds, and restore your strength. He is not a distant deity but an active, compassionate Shepherd who intimately knows your condition and yearns for your wholeness. This should inspire deep trust and a willingness to surrender to His restorative care. For those in positions of leadership—whether in the church, family, workplace, or community—this verse serves as a sobering call to accountability. It challenges us to examine our motivations: are we feeding ourselves or faithfully nurturing those entrusted to our care? True leadership, modeled by God Himself, is sacrificial, protective, and focused on the well-being of the flock, not personal gain. The promise of judgment for the "fat and the strong" reminds us that all authority is stewardship, and God holds us accountable for how we exercise it, demanding justice and compassion for the vulnerable.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you feel "lost," "driven away," "broken," or "sick"? How does God's promise to seek, bind up, and strengthen speak to your current needs?**
* **If you are in a position of leadership, how does the contrast between God's shepherding and the "fat and strong" shepherds challenge your approach to leadership?**
* **How does the promise of God's judgment against the oppressive "fat and strong" leaders affirm your belief in divine justice?**
* **What practical steps can you take this week to allow God, the true Shepherd, to minister to a specific area of brokenness or weakness in your life?**

### FAQ
**What does "destroy the fat and the strong" mean in this context?**

Answer: In Ezekiel 34:16, "destroy" (Hebrew: H8045, _shâmad'_) does not necessarily imply annihilation but rather the desolation, overthrow, or bringing to nought of the oppressive power and position of the "fat and the strong." These terms (H8082, _shâmên'_, and H2389, _châzâq'_) metaphorically refer to the self-indulgent, powerful, and oppressive leaders who have enriched themselves at the expense of the flock. God's promise to "destroy" them signifies His removal of their authority, their ability to exploit, and their privileged status, ensuring that they can no longer harm His people. It is a judgment against their unjust rule, not necessarily their physical existence.

**How does God "feed them with judgment"?**

Answer: The phrase "feed them with judgment" (Hebrew: H4941, _mishpâṭ'_) is a powerful metaphorical expression. It means that the oppressive leaders, who selfishly "fed" themselves while neglecting the flock, will now be "fed" with the consequences of their own unrighteous actions. Instead of literal food or sustenance, they will receive divine justice—the verdict, sentence, and penalty that is due to them for their corruption and cruelty. This highlights God's unwavering commitment to righteous retribution and His reversal of the unjust order established by these leaders. It underscores the principle that those who sow injustice will reap judgment.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 34:16 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, the Messiah. The Lord God's promise to personally seek, restore, and heal His flock is perfectly embodied in Jesus, who declared Himself to be the [Good Shepherd](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - Jesus, the Good Shepherd"). Unlike the failed shepherds of Israel's past, Jesus laid down His life for His sheep, actively pursuing the lost ([Luke 15:3-7](/luke/15-3 "Luke 15:3-7 - The Parable of the Lost Sheep")). He is the one who [binds up the brokenhearted](/isaiah/61-1 "Isaiah 61:1 - Prophecy of the Messiah's Ministry") and [heals all kinds of sickness and disease](/matthew/4-23 "Matthew 4:23 - Jesus' Ministry of Healing"), offering spiritual and physical restoration to those who are weak and afflicted. Furthermore, Jesus' ministry also brought judgment upon the oppressive spiritual leaders of His day, the "fat and the strong" who burdened the people with legalism and neglected true righteousness ([Matthew 23:1-36](/matthew/23-1 "Matthew 23 - Jesus' Denunciation of the Pharisees")). His coming inaugurated a new era where true justice would prevail, and the sheep would finally have a Shepherd who would lead them to [green pastures and still waters](/john/10-9 "John 10:9 - Jesus, the Gate for the Sheep"). Thus, Ezekiel's vision of God's direct, compassionate, and just shepherding finds its complete and saving reality in Christ, who gathers His people and administers perfect righteousness.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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?