Ezekiel 34:18

KJV

[Seemeth it] a small thing unto you to have eaten up the good pasture, but ye must tread down with your feet the residue of your pastures? and to have drunk of the deep waters, but ye must foul the residue with your feet?

KJV (with Strong's)

Seemeth it a small thing {H4592} unto you to have eaten up {H7462} the good {H2896} pasture {H4829}, but ye must tread down {H7429} with your feet {H7272} the residue {H3499} of your pastures {H4829}? and to have drunk {H8354} of the deep {H4950} waters {H4325}, but ye must foul {H7515} the residue {H3498} with your feet {H7272}?

Complete Jewish Bible

Wasn't it enough for you to feed on the best pasture and drink from the clearest water? Did you have to trample the rest of the pasture and foul the remaining water with your feet?

Berean Standard Bible

Is it not enough for you to feed on the good pasture? Must you also trample the rest of the pasture with your feet? Is it not enough for you to drink the clear waters? Must you also muddy the rest with your feet?

American Standard Version

Seemeth it a small thing unto you to have fed upon the good pasture, but ye must tread down with your feet the residue of your pasture? and to have drunk of the clear waters, but ye must foul the residue with your feet?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 34:18 delivers a scathing divine indictment against the corrupt leaders of Israel, metaphorically depicted as selfish shepherds who not only consume the choicest resources of the flock but actively despoil the remainder, rendering it unusable for the vulnerable sheep. This verse powerfully exposes the profound injustice and exploitation perpetrated by those in authority who prioritize their own indulgence over the well-being and basic needs of the people entrusted to their care, highlighting a systemic abuse of power that provokes God's righteous judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 34 stands as a pivotal chapter within the prophet's larger message of judgment and restoration, immediately following prophecies against the nations and preceding visions of Israel's future hope. The chapter opens with a direct oracle against the "shepherds of Israel" (Ezekiel 34:2), condemning their failure to care for the flock, instead feeding themselves and scattering the sheep. Verse 18 specifically elaborates on the nature of their exploitation, providing vivid imagery of how their greed impacts the common people. This condemnation sets the stage for God's dramatic declaration that He Himself will act as the true Shepherd, seeking out the lost, binding up the injured, and feeding His flock (Ezekiel 34:11-16), culminating in the promise of a righteous Davidic king, a "prince" who will shepherd them (Ezekiel 34:23-24). The verse, therefore, serves as a crucial piece of evidence for the prosecution against the unfaithful leaders, justifying God's intervention.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy of Ezekiel was delivered during the Babylonian exile, a period of profound national crisis for Judah (circa 593-571 BC). The "shepherds" in view refer to the kings, princes, priests, and elders who had led the nation astray, culminating in its destruction and deportation. These leaders, particularly the last kings of Judah (e.g., Jehoiakim, Zedekiah), were characterized by idolatry, injustice, and political mismanagement, often enriching themselves while the people suffered. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the metaphor of a king or leader as a "shepherd" was common, signifying protection, provision, and guidance. Therefore, Ezekiel's indictment would have resonated deeply, highlighting the egregious failure of Judah's leadership to fulfill their most fundamental societal role. The imagery of pasture and water speaks to the most basic necessities for survival and prosperity in an agrarian society, making the leaders' actions of spoiling these resources particularly heinous.
* **Key Themes:** Ezekiel 34:18 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Ezekiel and the broader prophetic corpus. It powerfully illustrates the theme of **Abuse of Power**, showing how those in positions of authority can exploit their privilege for personal gain, leading to the oppression of the vulnerable. This exploitation is directly linked to the theme of **Injustice and Corruption**, as the leaders' actions deny equitable access to vital resources and perpetuate suffering among the common people. The verse also underscores the theme of **Divine Judgment**, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to justice and His righteous wrath against those who harm His people. Furthermore, by portraying the leaders as failing shepherds, it highlights the stark contrast with God's own character as the **True Shepherd** who cares for His flock, a theme that becomes central to the chapter (see [Ezekiel 34:11](/ezekiel/34-11 "Ezekiel 34:11 - God as the True Shepherd")). This divine intervention foreshadows God's ultimate plan for restoration and the establishment of a righteous king, echoing the promises found in [Jeremiah 23:1-6](/jeremiah/23-1 "Jeremiah 23:1-6 - Prophecy against Bad Shepherds").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **good (Hebrew, _ṭôwb'_):** This word signifies something excellent, pleasant, or beneficial in the widest sense. When applied to "pasture," it denotes the best, most fertile, and nourishing grazing land. The leaders are accused of consuming the *best* of what is available, emphasizing their self-serving appropriation of the nation's prime resources and blessings. This highlights not merely consumption, but a preferential and exclusive enjoyment of the finest provisions.
* **tread down (Hebrew, _râmaç'_):** This verb means to trample upon, stamp upon, or oppress. It implies a deliberate, forceful, and destructive action, not merely passive neglect. By treading down the "residue" of the pasture, the leaders actively spoil what remains, making it unfit for others. This action is one of contempt and wanton destruction, ensuring that even the leftovers are rendered unusable, thereby maximizing the harm to the flock.
* **foul (Hebrew, _râphas'_):** This primitive root means to trample, specifically to roil or muddy water. It vividly describes the act of stirring up clean water with one's feet, making it turbid and undrinkable. This imagery is particularly potent, as clean water is essential for life. The leaders, having drunk their fill of the "deep waters," then intentionally contaminate the rest, demonstrating a malicious disregard for the needs of the flock and a deliberate act of rendering resources unusable.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Seemeth it a small thing unto you to have eaten up the good pasture,"**: This opening phrase is a rhetorical question, designed to highlight the profound audacity and lack of conscience of the unfaithful shepherds. It implies that their actions are far from "a small thing" but are, in fact, a grave offense. They have consumed the "good pasture," symbolizing the nation's choicest resources, prosperity, and perhaps even spiritual blessings, which were meant to sustain the entire community.
* **"but ye must tread down with your feet the residue of your pastures?"**: This clause reveals the active and destructive nature of their exploitation. Not content with merely consuming the best, they then deliberately "tread down" (trample) the remaining pasture. The "residue" (what is left over) is spoiled by their feet, making it unfit for the other sheep to graze upon. This illustrates a malicious intent to deny even the leftovers to the vulnerable, ensuring their deprivation.
* **"and to have drunk of the deep waters,"**: Parallel to the first clause, this refers to their consumption of the "deep waters," representing abundant, pure, and life-sustaining resources. This further emphasizes their privileged access and full enjoyment of the nation's blessings, whether material wealth, spiritual truth, or societal advantages.
* **"but ye must foul the residue with your feet?"**: Completing the parallel, this clause describes the second act of active destruction. After drinking their fill, they "foul" (muddy, contaminate) the remaining water with their feet. This act of defilement makes the water undrinkable for the rest of the flock, demonstrating a callous disregard for the basic needs of others and an intentional act of rendering communal resources unusable.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 34:18 is rich with **Metaphor**, where the leaders of Israel are represented as "shepherds" and the people as their "flock." The nation's resources and blessings are depicted as "good pasture" and "deep waters." This central metaphor allows for a vivid and relatable portrayal of exploitation and neglect. The verse employs a powerful **Rhetorical Question** ("Seemeth it a small thing unto you...?") which is not intended to elicit an answer, but to emphasize the outrageousness and self-evident nature of the leaders' guilt. This device serves to highlight the severity of their transgression and God's indignation. There is clear **Parallelism** between the two halves of the verse, contrasting the leaders' consumption of "good pasture" with their trampling of the "residue of your pastures," and their drinking of "deep waters" with their fouling of the "residue" of the waters. This structural repetition intensifies the accusation and underscores the systematic nature of their abuse. The **Imagery** is stark and visceral, depicting feet treading down and fouling, creating a strong visual of contamination and destruction that leaves a lasting impression of the leaders' depravity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 34:18 profoundly illustrates the theological principle of stewardship and accountability, particularly for those in positions of power. It reveals God's deep concern for the vulnerable and His righteous indignation against injustice and exploitation. The leaders' actions are not merely economic or social failures; they are a direct affront to God's character, as He is the ultimate Shepherd who cares for His flock. This verse underscores that true leadership, whether spiritual or temporal, is a sacred trust from God, demanding selfless service and protection of the flock, not self-enrichment or oppression. The deliberate spoiling of resources for others highlights a profound lack of compassion and a perversion of the divine mandate to govern justly.

* [Jeremiah 23:1-2](/jeremiah/23-1 "Jeremiah 23:1-2 - Woe to the Shepherds")
* [Zechariah 11:4-5](/zechariah/11-4 "Zechariah 11:4-5 - Prophecy of the Worthless Shepherd")
* [Matthew 23:13-14](/matthew/23-13 "Matthew 23:13-14 - Woes to the Scribes and Pharisees")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 34:18 serves as a timeless mirror for examining leadership in all spheres of life today. It challenges us to consider whether those in positions of influence—in government, business, church, or even family—are truly serving the well-being of those under their care, or if they are primarily consuming the "good pasture" and "deep waters" for themselves, leaving only spoiled remnants for others. This verse calls us to accountability, reminding us that true leadership is marked by stewardship, sacrifice, and a commitment to justice, ensuring that resources and opportunities are equitably shared and preserved for the common good. For those who feel marginalized, oppressed, or deprived by the actions of negligent leaders, this passage offers a profound sense of validation and hope, affirming that God sees their plight and will ultimately intervene on behalf of the vulnerable. It compels us to pray for righteous leaders and to actively work for systems that promote equity and care, reflecting the heart of the Good Shepherd.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I, in my own sphere of influence, be consuming the "good pasture" or "deep waters" without considering the "residue" left for others?**
* **How can I advocate for or contribute to systems that ensure equitable access to resources and opportunities, rather than allowing them to be spoiled by a few?**
* **What does this verse teach me about the character of God and His concern for justice and the vulnerable?**
* **How does the concept of "treading down" or "fouling" resources apply to intangible things like reputation, trust, or community spirit?**

### FAQ
**What does "good pasture" and "deep waters" represent in this verse?**

Answer: "Good pasture" and "deep waters" are powerful metaphors representing the abundant resources, prosperity, and blessings of the nation. This includes fertile land, material wealth, and perhaps even spiritual truths and opportunities for flourishing. The imagery emphasizes that the leaders had access to and consumed the very best of what was available, highlighting their privilege and the extent of their self-indulgence.

**Who are the "shepherds" being condemned in Ezekiel 34?**

Answer: In Ezekiel 34, the "shepherds" primarily refer to the political and religious leaders of Israel during the period leading up to and during the Babylonian exile. This includes kings, princes, priests, and elders who were responsible for governing and guiding the people. God condemns them for their failure to care for the "flock" (the people of Israel), instead exploiting them, scattering them, and neglecting their spiritual and physical well-being, as detailed throughout [Ezekiel 34:1-10](/ezekiel/34-1 "Ezekiel 34:1-10 - Condemnation of the Shepherds").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 34:18, with its indictment of unfaithful shepherds, sets the stage for the ultimate fulfillment of God's promise to shepherd His people Himself, a promise gloriously realized in Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament prophets condemned the corrupt leaders who exploited the flock, the New Testament reveals Jesus as the [Good Shepherd](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - Jesus the Good Shepherd") who stands in stark contrast to these self-serving figures. Unlike the shepherds who consumed the "good pasture" and fouled the "deep waters," Jesus did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")). He is the one who leads His sheep to true, abundant pasture and living waters ([John 10:9](/john/10-9 "John 10:9 - Jesus the Door"), [John 7:37-38](/john/7-37 "John 7:37-38 - Rivers of Living Water")). He does not trample the residue but ensures that all who come to Him find rest and provision ([Matthew 11:28](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")). The judgment against the false shepherds in Ezekiel foreshadows Christ's own condemnation of the religious leaders of His day who burdened the people but did not lift a finger to help them ([Matthew 23:4](/matthew/23-4 "Matthew 23:4 - Burdens of the Pharisees")). Ultimately, Jesus, the perfect Shepherd, lays down His life for the sheep ([John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - The Good Shepherd Lays Down His Life")), ensuring that the flock is not exploited but eternally nourished and protected.

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 11:52

Woe unto you, lawyers! for ye have taken away the key of knowledge: ye entered not in yourselves, and them that were entering in ye hindered.

Matthew 23:13

¶ But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in [yourselves], neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in.

Numbers 16:13

[Is it] a small thing that thou hast brought us up out of a land that floweth with milk and honey, to kill us in the wilderness, except thou make thyself altogether a prince over us?

2 Samuel 7:19

And this was yet a small thing in thy sight, O Lord GOD; but thou hast spoken also of thy servant's house for a great while to come. And [is] this the manner of man, O Lord GOD?

Isaiah 7:13

And he said, Hear ye now, O house of David; [Is it] a small thing for you to weary men, but will ye weary my God also?

Numbers 16:9

[Seemeth it but] a small thing unto you, that the God of Israel hath separated you from the congregation of Israel, to bring you near to himself to do the service of the tabernacle of the LORD, and to stand before the congregation to minister unto them?

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?