Ezekiel 34:20

Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD unto them; Behold, I, [even] I, will judge between the fat cattle and between the lean cattle.

Therefore thus saith {H559} the Lord {H136} GOD {H3069} unto them; Behold, I, even I, will judge {H8199} between the fat {H1274} cattle {H7716} and between the lean {H7330} cattle {H7716}.

Therefore here is what Adonai ELOHIM says to them: 'I will judge between the fat sheep and the thin sheep.

Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says to them: ‘Behold, I Myself will judge between the fat sheep and the lean sheep.

Therefore thus saith the Lord Jehovah unto them: Behold, I, even I, will judge between the fat sheep and the lean sheep.

Context of Ezekiel 34:20

Ezekiel 34 is a profound chapter where the Lord God addresses the failed leadership of Israel, likening them to negligent and self-serving shepherds who exploited, rather than cared for, His flock (the people of Israel). The chapter condemns these "shepherds" for feeding themselves while the sheep were scattered, weak, and vulnerable (Ezekiel 34:2-10). In response, God declares His intention to intervene directly, to become the true Shepherd of His people. Verse 20 specifically highlights God's commitment to divine justice, promising to personally judge and separate those who have oppressed from those who have been oppressed. The "fat cattle" represent the strong, prosperous, and often oppressive members or leaders of the flock who have taken advantage of the weak, while the "lean cattle" symbolize the vulnerable, exploited, and suffering.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Justice and Judgment: This verse powerfully declares God's unwavering commitment to justice. He will not tolerate injustice and promises a clear, decisive judgment between the oppressors and the oppressed. This underscores His character as a righteous judge who sees all actions.
  • Accountability of the Powerful: The "fat cattle" symbolize those in positions of strength, wealth, or authority who have abused their power. God's declaration serves as a stern warning that such individuals will be held accountable for their actions, particularly for their treatment of the vulnerable.
  • Protection of the Vulnerable: Conversely, the "lean cattle" represent the weak, the scattered, and the exploited. God's judgment is not merely punitive towards the oppressors but also restorative and protective towards the oppressed, affirming His deep care for those who suffer.
  • God as the True Shepherd: By promising to judge and separate, God reclaims His role as the ultimate, righteous Shepherd, contrasting sharply with the corrupt human shepherds. He will personally oversee the welfare of His flock, ensuring justice and restoration. This theme resonates with other passages portraying God's care, such as Psalm 23:1.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "I, even I" in the KJV text translates the emphatic Hebrew construction 'ani aní. This repetition is not merely for emphasis but conveys a strong sense of personal commitment and unwavering determination on God's part. It signifies that God Himself, and no other, will carry out this judgment with absolute certainty. The term "Lord GOD" (Adonai Yahweh) combines the title of sovereign Master (Adonai) with God's personal covenant name (Yahweh), emphasizing both His authority and His faithfulness to His promises. The imagery of "fat cattle" (Hebrew: habri'ah, the well-fed) and "lean cattle" (Hebrew: harashah, the weak or diseased) is a vivid metaphor for the distinction between the strong who thrive at the expense of others and the weak who suffer as a result.

Practical Application

Ezekiel 34:20 offers both comfort and challenge for believers today. For those who feel oppressed, overlooked, or exploited, this verse provides immense comfort: God sees their suffering and promises to intervene on their behalf. His justice is assured, and He will ultimately right all wrongs. For those in positions of power, influence, or prosperity, it serves as a sobering reminder of accountability. Whether in leadership within the church, in the workplace, or in society, we are called to use our strength and resources to uplift and protect the vulnerable, not to exploit them. This divine judgment foreshadows a greater separation, akin to Jesus' parable of the sheep and the goats, where individuals will be judged based on how they treated "the least of these." It encourages us to live justly, to care for the marginalized, and to trust in God's ultimate and perfect justice.

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.

  • 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.

  • Psalms 22:12

    Many bulls have compassed me: strong [bulls] of Bashan have beset me round.

  • Psalms 22:16

    For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have inclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet.

  • Matthew 25:31

    When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory:

  • Matthew 25:46

    And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.

  • Ezekiel 34:17

    ¶ And [as for] you, O my flock, thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I judge between cattle and cattle, between the rams and the he goats.

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