Ezekiel 34:2

KJV

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?

KJV (with Strong's)

Son {H1121} of man {H120}, prophesy {H5012} against the shepherds {H7462} of Israel {H3478}, prophesy {H5012}, and say {H559} unto them, Thus saith {H559} the Lord {H136} GOD {H3069} unto the shepherds {H7462}; Woe {H1945} be to the shepherds {H7462} of Israel {H3478} that do feed {H7462} themselves! should not the shepherds {H7462} feed {H7462} the flocks {H6629}?

Complete Jewish Bible

"Human being, prophesy against the shepherds of Isra'el. Prophesy! Tell them, the shepherds, that Adonai ELOHIM says this: 'Woe to the shepherds of Isra'el who feed themselves! Shouldn't the shepherds feed the sheep?

Berean Standard Bible

“Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel. Prophesy and tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Woe to the shepherds of Israel, who only feed themselves! Should not the shepherds feed their flock?

American Standard Version

Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, prophesy, and say unto them, even to the shepherds, Thus saith the Lord Jehovah: Woe unto the shepherds of Israel that do feed themselves! should not the shepherds feed the sheep?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 34:2 commences a powerful prophetic oracle against the corrupt and self-serving leaders of Israel, metaphorically portrayed as negligent shepherds. This verse immediately establishes the core indictment: rather than nurturing and protecting the "flock" (the people), these leaders have exploited them for personal gain. It serves as a severe divine pronouncement of "Woe," setting the stage for God's impending judgment upon those who betrayed their sacred trust and foreshadowing His own faithful intervention as the true Shepherd of His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 34:2 inaugurates a pivotal chapter within the book of Ezekiel, specifically following a series of judgments against foreign nations and preceding prophecies of Israel's restoration. This oracle against the "shepherds of Israel" (Ezekiel 34:1-10) is a direct indictment of the nation's political and religious leadership, who are held responsible for the people's spiritual and physical decline, ultimately leading to the Babylonian exile. The rhetorical question posed in this verse, "should not the shepherds feed the flocks?", is answered by God's subsequent declaration to personally intervene and shepherd His scattered people (Ezekiel 34:11-16), culminating in the promise of a righteous Davidic ruler, the ultimate Good Shepherd (Ezekiel 34:23-24). This chapter thus forms a crucial bridge between judgment and the hope of future restoration under divine leadership.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy was delivered during the traumatic period of the Babylonian exile (circa 593-571 BC), a time of profound national crisis, displacement, and spiritual disorientation for the people of Judah. In the ancient Near East, the metaphor of a "shepherd" was a common and potent symbol for a king or ruler, signifying responsibility, protection, and provision for the populace. However, the leaders of Israel—including kings, priests, and prophets—had demonstrably failed in this sacred duty. Instead of guiding the people in righteousness and justice, they had pursued their own interests, leading to widespread injustice, idolatry, and national collapse. The people, scattered and suffering, were indeed like "sheep without a shepherd," vulnerable and exploited, a direct consequence of their leaders' dereliction of duty.
* **Key Themes:** This foundational verse introduces several profound themes central to Ezekiel and the broader prophetic tradition. Foremost is the **condemnation of corrupt and self-serving leadership**, highlighting a egregious breach of the divine mandate where those entrusted with the care of God's people instead exploit them. This leads directly to the theme of **divine judgment and accountability**, as the "Lord GOD" declares His righteous "Woe" against such profound neglect, emphasizing that spiritual and political leaders are held to a uniquely high standard of stewardship. Furthermore, the rhetorical question "should not the shepherds feed the flocks?" powerfully underscores the **true nature of righteous leadership**, which is characterized by selfless service, sacrificial care, and the spiritual nourishment of the people, standing in stark contrast to the failed leadership that resulted in Israel's scattering, a lament echoed in passages like [Jeremiah 23:1-4](/jeremiah/23-1-4 "Jeremiah 23:1-4 - Woe to the Shepherds"). This indictment sets the stage for God's ultimate promise to act as the [true Shepherd](/ezekiel/34-11 "Ezekiel 34:11 - God's Promise to Shepherd His Flock"), a theme that finds its ultimate fulfillment in the New Testament.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Prophesy (Hebrew, _nâbâʼ'_):** From H5012, this primitive root means "to prophesy, i.e. speak (or sing) by inspiration (in prediction or simple discourse)." The double command "prophesy... prophesy" in Ezekiel 34:2 underscores the divine imperative and the absolute certainty of the message Ezekiel is commanded to deliver. It highlights that this is not Ezekiel's personal opinion, but the authoritative word of God being proclaimed against the unfaithful leaders.
* **Woe (Hebrew, _hôwy'_):** From H1945, this strong interjection is a prolonged form akin to "oh!" or "alas!" It serves as a prophetic exclamation of lament, sorrow, or impending judgment, frequently used to introduce a declaration of doom against injustice, oppression, or wickedness. Its immediate presence in the verse signals the severity of God's condemnation and the dire consequences awaiting the shepherds for their actions.
* **Shepherds/Feed (Hebrew, _râʻâh'_):** From H7462, this primitive root is remarkably versatile, meaning "to tend a flock," "to pasture it," and by extension, "to rule." It can also describe the act of "grazing" or "associating with (as a friend)." The dual usage in the verse—referring to the "shepherds of Israel" and their failure to "feed the flocks" while instead "feeding themselves"—highlights a profound and perverse inversion of their God-given role. They were meant to "tend" and "pasture" the people, but instead, they "fed" themselves, demonstrating a fundamental betrayal of their pastoral duty.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, prophesy, and say unto them,"**: This opening address establishes Ezekiel's divine commission. "Son of man" (Hebrew: *ben adam*) is God's frequent appellation for Ezekiel, emphasizing his human frailty even as he delivers God's powerful word. The emphatic repetition of "prophesy... prophesy" underscores the urgency, certainty, and non-negotiable nature of the message. Ezekiel is commanded not just to speak, but to speak *against* the unfaithful leaders, making the adversarial nature of the oracle clear from the outset.
* **"Thus saith the Lord GOD unto the shepherds;"**: This formulaic declaration, "Thus saith the Lord GOD" (Hebrew: *Ko amar Adonai Yahweh*), asserts the absolute authority and divine origin of the message. "Lord GOD" combines *Adonai* (H136, "my Lord," signifying God's ultimate sovereignty) and *YHWH* (H3069, the covenant name of God, emphasizing His faithfulness to Israel), signifying that the sovereign, covenant-keeping God Himself is speaking directly to those in power, holding them accountable for their stewardship.
* **"Woe [be] to the shepherds of Israel that do feed themselves!"**: This is the central indictment. The "Woe" (Hebrew: *hoy*) is a solemn pronouncement of judgment and lament. The egregious sin of the shepherds is explicitly stated: they "feed themselves." This is a powerful metaphor for self-enrichment, exploitation, and prioritizing personal gain over the welfare of the flock. Instead of nurturing and protecting, they consumed the resources meant for the people, leading to their spiritual and physical destitution.
* **"should not the shepherds feed the flocks?"**: This rhetorical question serves as a damning indictment, highlighting the obvious and fundamental duty of a shepherd that the leaders of Israel had blatantly neglected. The question implies that their failure was not merely an oversight but a deliberate and perverse inversion of their God-given role, demonstrating a profound lack of care and responsibility. It sets up the divine expectation for true leadership, which the subsequent verses will reveal God Himself will fulfill.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 34:2 is rich in literary devices that amplify its prophetic message and underscore the severity of the indictment. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, where the leaders of Israel are consistently referred to as "shepherds" and the people as "flocks." This metaphor is deeply rooted in ancient Near Eastern culture and biblical tradition, immediately conveying the expected role of nurturing, guiding, and protecting. The verse also employs a powerful **Rhetorical Question** ("should not the shepherds feed the flocks?"), which is not meant to be answered but to highlight the self-evident nature of the leaders' dereliction of duty and to underscore the absurdity and wickedness of their actions. The repetition of "prophesy" (a form of **Anaphora**) at the beginning of clauses emphasizes the divine imperative and the urgency of Ezekiel's message, reinforcing that this is a direct command from God. Finally, the use of "Woe" (Hebrew: *hoy*) is a classic prophetic **Interjection** that conveys lament, sorrow, and impending judgment, setting a severe and condemning tone for the entire oracle.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 34:2 lays bare a foundational theological principle: God holds leaders, particularly those entrusted with spiritual care, to a profound standard of accountability. The verse underscores that true leadership is defined by selfless service and the nourishment of the flock, not by personal gain or exploitation. This principle resonates throughout Scripture, emphasizing that authority is a stewardship from God, intended for the welfare of His people. The divine "Woe" pronounced here is a testament to God's righteous indignation against injustice and His unwavering commitment to the well-being of His covenant people, even when their human leaders fail them. This failure of earthly leadership ultimately points to the necessity of divine intervention and the promise of a perfect Shepherd who will fulfill all that human leaders could not.

* [Jeremiah 23:1-4](/jeremiah/23-1-4 "Jeremiah 23:1-4 - Woe to Worthless Shepherds"): Jeremiah's earlier prophecy against the "shepherds" who scattered and destroyed God's flock, promising to raise up true shepherds.
* [Zechariah 11:15-17](/zechariah/11-15-17 "Zechariah 11:15-17 - The Worthless Shepherd"): A later prophecy describing the "worthless shepherd" who exploits the flock, reinforcing the theme of divine judgment against unfaithful leaders.
* [1 Peter 5:1-4](/1_peter/5-1-4 "1 Peter 5:1-4 - Shepherding the Flock of God"): An apostolic exhortation to elders (pastors) to "shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight... not for shameful gain, but eagerly."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 34:2 offers a timeless mirror for all who hold positions of leadership, whether in the church, community, or family. It challenges us to examine our deepest motivations: are we "feeding ourselves" by seeking personal gain, recognition, or comfort, or are we genuinely committed to "feeding the flocks" by prioritizing the well-being, growth, and flourishing of those entrusted to our care? This verse calls for a radical reorientation of leadership from self-serving ambition to sacrificial service, reminding us that true authority is found in humility and a deep commitment to the welfare of others. For believers, it's a powerful reminder to pray for our leaders, to hold them accountable to biblical standards, and to participate actively in nurturing the spiritual health of the community, recognizing that we all have a role in "feeding the flocks" in various capacities, reflecting the heart of the Good Shepherd.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I exercise influence or leadership, and how might I be tempted to "feed myself" rather than "feed the flock" in those roles?**
* **What practical steps can I take to prioritize the spiritual and physical well-being of those I lead or serve, reflecting the heart of a true shepherd?**
* **How does this passage encourage me to pray for and support faithful leaders, and to discern unfaithful leadership within the church or wider society?**

### FAQ
**What does "shepherds of Israel" refer to in this context?**

Answer: In Ezekiel 34:2, "shepherds of Israel" is a powerful and condemning metaphor for the political, religious, and social leaders of the nation. This includes kings, princes, priests, and prophets—anyone in a position of authority who was responsible for guiding, protecting, and nurturing the people of Israel. The metaphor highlights their divinely appointed duty to care for the "flock" (the people), much like a shepherd cares for sheep, providing for their needs and safeguarding them from harm. Their failure to do so, as condemned in this verse, led to the nation's spiritual decline and ultimate exile, a recurring theme throughout the prophetic books, such as [Isaiah 56:9-12](/isaiah/56-9-12 "Isaiah 56:9-12 - The Watchmen are Blind").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 34:2, with its scathing indictment of Israel's failed shepherds, sets the profound stage for the Christ-centered fulfillment found in the New Testament. The "Woe" pronounced upon those who "feed themselves" rather than the flock serves as a stark contrast to the advent of Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodies the ideal Shepherd. While human leaders proved faithless and exploitative, God Himself promised to seek out His lost sheep and shepherd them (as seen in [Ezekiel 34:11-16](/ezekiel/34-11-16 "Ezekiel 34:11-16 - God Himself Will Shepherd His Flock")). This promise finds its ultimate realization in Jesus, who declares Himself the [Good Shepherd](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - Jesus, the Good Shepherd"). Unlike the self-serving shepherds, Jesus lays down His life for the sheep ([John 10:15](/john/10-15 "John 10:15 - The Good Shepherd Lays Down His Life")), demonstrating the ultimate act of sacrificial love and care. He gathers the scattered, heals the sick, strengthens the weak, and leads His flock to abundant life ([John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - Abundant Life")). Through His atoning work, Jesus becomes the [Chief Shepherd](/1_peter/5-4 "1 Peter 5:4 - The Chief Shepherd"), fulfilling all the failed duties of Israel's former leaders and offering true spiritual nourishment and protection to all who follow Him, ultimately leading them to eternal pastures.

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

Jeremiah 23:1

¶ Woe be unto the pastors that destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! saith the LORD.

Jeremiah 3:15

And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.

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.

Ezekiel 34:8

[As] I live, saith the Lord GOD, surely because my flock became a prey, and my flock became meat to every beast of the field, because [there was] no shepherd, neither did my shepherds search for my flock, but the shepherds fed themselves, and fed not my flock;

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.

Luke 20:46

Beware of the scribes, which desire to walk in long robes, and love greetings in the markets, and the highest seats in the synagogues, and the chief rooms at feasts;

Luke 20:47

Which devour widows' houses, and for a shew make long prayers: the same shall receive greater damnation.