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?

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}?

"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?

“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?

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?

Ezekiel 34:2 (KJV) delivers a powerful prophetic denunciation against the corrupt leaders of Israel, metaphorically referred to as "shepherds." This verse sets the tone for the entire chapter, which is a scathing indictment of those who neglected and exploited God's people.

Context

The prophet Ezekiel delivered this message during the Babylonian exile, a period when the people of Israel were scattered and suffering. The "shepherds of Israel" were not literal sheep herders, but rather the kings, princes, priests, and prophets who were responsible for guiding and protecting the nation. Instead of caring for their flock, these leaders had used their positions for personal gain, allowing the people to be oppressed, scattered, and spiritually malnourished. This failure of leadership was a primary cause of the nation's downfall and subsequent exile, as prophesied by other prophets like Jeremiah (Jeremiah 23:1-4).

Key Themes

  • Condemnation of Self-Serving Leadership: The core message is a direct "Woe" (Hebrew: hoy), a declaration of judgment, against leaders who "feed themselves" rather than the flock. This highlights a fundamental breach of trust and responsibility. True leadership, especially spiritual leadership, is defined by selfless service and care for those entrusted to one's charge, not by personal enrichment or abuse of power.
  • Divine Judgment and Accountability: God, through Ezekiel, makes it clear that such dereliction of duty will not go unpunished. The "Lord GOD" (Hebrew: Adonai Yahweh), emphasizing His sovereignty and covenant faithfulness, holds leaders accountable for their stewardship. This judgment is severe because the welfare of the people directly suffered from the leaders' negligence.
  • The Shepherd's True Role: The rhetorical question, "should not the shepherds feed the flocks?" underscores the obvious and neglected duty. A shepherd's primary function is to nurture, protect, and guide the sheep. The failure of Israel's leaders to fulfill this basic role is presented as an egregious offense against God and His people.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "Son of man" (Hebrew: ben adam) is how God frequently addresses Ezekiel, emphasizing his humanity and role as a representative of mankind, through whom God speaks. The term "shepherds" (Hebrew: ro'im) is a powerful and common metaphor in ancient Near Eastern cultures for rulers and leaders, signifying their responsibility to guide and protect their people. The word "Woe" (Hebrew: hoy) is a strong exclamation, often used in prophetic literature to introduce a lament or a declaration of impending doom or judgment against injustice and wickedness.

Practical Application

Ezekiel 34:2 remains profoundly relevant today, serving as a timeless warning against corrupt or negligent leadership in any sphere—be it political, corporate, or spiritual. It calls all those in positions of influence to a high standard of integrity and selfless service. For the church, it is a critical reminder that spiritual leaders, such as pastors, elders, and deacons, are called to shepherd God's flock with diligence and humility, prioritizing the spiritual well-being and growth of the people over personal ambition or gain. This verse also implicitly points to God's ultimate solution to bad leadership: His promise to be the true Shepherd of His people, a role ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd.

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.

  • 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.

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