Ezekiel 34:22

KJV

Therefore will I save my flock, and they shall no more be a prey; and I will judge between cattle and cattle.

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore will I save {H3467} my flock {H6629}, and they shall no more be a prey {H957}; and I will judge {H8199} between cattle {H7716} and cattle {H7716}.

Complete Jewish Bible

therefore I will save my flock; they will no longer be prey; and I will judge between sheep and other sheep.

Berean Standard Bible

I will save My flock, and they will no longer be prey. I will judge between one sheep and another.

American Standard Version

therefore will I save my flock, and they shall no more be a prey; and I will judge between sheep and sheep.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 34:22 encapsulates God's solemn declaration to intervene directly in the affairs of His people, Israel, promising to deliver them from the exploitation and scattering they endured under negligent human leaders. This verse assures the restoration of security and the establishment of divine justice within the community, signifying God's personal commitment to shepherd His flock, protect the vulnerable, and administer righteous judgment between all its members.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal statement within Ezekiel 34, a chapter that transitions from a severe indictment of Israel's failed human "shepherds" (leaders) to God's profound promise to act as the true and faithful Shepherd. The preceding verses [Ezekiel 34:1-10](/ezekiel/34-1-10 "Ezekiel 34:1-10 - God's Condemnation of False Shepherds") detail the corruption and neglect of these leaders, who fed themselves instead of the flock, scattering and failing to care for the weak. Following this condemnation, God declares, "Behold, I Myself will search for My sheep and seek them out" [Ezekiel 34:11](/ezekiel/34-11 "Ezekiel 34:11 - God Promises to Seek His Sheep"). Verse 22 then builds upon this divine pledge, emphasizing the resulting security ("no more be a prey") and the internal justice ("judge between cattle and cattle") that will characterize God's restored flock, directly addressing the internal oppression described in [Ezekiel 34:17-21](/ezekiel/34-17-21 "Ezekiel 34:17-21 - God's Judgment Between Strong and Weak Sheep").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ezekiel prophesied during the Babylonian exile (circa 593-571 BCE), a period of national catastrophe for Judah, marked by the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple, and the deportation of its people. This crisis was largely attributed to the moral and spiritual failures of Israel's leadership—kings, priests, and prophets—who had led the nation astray. In the ancient Near East, the metaphor of a king as a shepherd caring for his flock was ubiquitous, symbolizing protection, provision, and just governance. Ezekiel's prophecy leverages this familiar imagery to starkly contrast the failed human leadership with Yahweh, the divine Shepherd, who alone can perfectly fulfill this role. The promise of internal judgment "between cattle and cattle" also reflects the social injustices prevalent in Israelite society, where the powerful often exploited the weak, a common prophetic concern echoed throughout the Old Testament.
* **Key Themes:** This passage highlights Divine Sovereignty and Intervention, underscoring God's active, personal, and sovereign commitment to His people, who directly intervenes to rescue, restore, and govern, a central theme throughout the entire book of [Ezekiel](/ezekiel/1 "The Book of Ezekiel - God's Glory and Judgment"), highlighting His ultimate authority and unwavering care for His covenant people. It also emphasizes Justice and Righteousness, revealing God's profound commitment to internal justice within His community, extending beyond external enemies to rectifying social and ethical wrongs among His own people, ensuring that the vulnerable are protected from the oppressive, resonating deeply with the broader biblical call for justice and righteousness, as seen in passages like [Micah 6:8](/micah/6-8 "Micah 6:8 - What the Lord Requires"). Finally, it reinforces the enduring biblical metaphor of The True Shepherd, who perfectly cares for His flock, in stark contrast to the failed human leaders, an imagery deeply rooted in Israel's understanding of God, from the comforting words of [Psalm 23](/psalm/23 "Psalm 23 - The Lord is My Shepherd") to prophetic visions of a future righteous leader who will perfectly embody this divine shepherding.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **save (Hebrew, _yâshaʻ'_):** A primitive root; properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e. (by implication) to be safe; causatively, to free or succor. This term encompasses deliverance, help, preservation, and bringing salvation. In Ezekiel 34:22, it signifies God's decisive and active intervention to liberate His flock from their state of being scattered, exploited, and endangered, promising a complete reversal of their fortunes.
* **flock (Hebrew, _tsôʼn'_):** A collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men). Here, it refers to the people of Israel, whom God considers His cherished possession and covenant people. The term emphasizes their collective identity, vulnerability, and dependence on a shepherd, highlighting the contrast between their current neglected state and God's promised, intimate care.
* **judge (Hebrew, _shâphaṭ'_):** A primitive root; to judge, i.e. pronounce sentence (for or against); by implication, to vindicate or punish; by extenssion, to govern. In this context, it highlights God's role as the ultimate arbiter, distinguishing between the righteous and the wicked within His own people and administering justice to protect the vulnerable and punish the oppressors, thereby establishing order and righteousness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore will I save my flock":** This opening clause signals God's decisive and personal intervention, directly linking back to the preceding condemnation of the false shepherds and God's resolve to act where human leaders have utterly failed. The emphatic "I will save" underscores His sovereign power, unwavering commitment, and unique ability to deliver His people from their scattered and exploited state. "My flock" emphasizes His intimate ownership and tender care for Israel, asserting His divine prerogative and covenant faithfulness.
* **"and they shall no more be a prey":** This is the direct, positive outcome of God's saving action. The people, who had been vulnerable to internal and external exploitation (like sheep scattered and devoured by wild beasts or exploited by other "strong" sheep), will now be secured under divine protection. This promises an end to their suffering, a cessation of their exploitation, and a restoration of peace, safety, and flourishing within their community, ensuring their well-being under God's direct oversight.
* **"and I will judge between cattle and cattle":** This final clause specifies the nature of God's judgment. It is not solely against external enemies, but an internal arbitration within the flock itself. The repetition of "cattle" (Hebrew: _seh_, referring to individual sheep or goats, i.e., members of the community) highlights that God will distinguish between the oppressive, strong members of the flock (the "fat sheep" and "strong ones" mentioned in [Ezekiel 34:16-21](/ezekiel/34-16-21 "Ezekiel 34:16-21 - God's Judgment on the Strong Sheep")) and the vulnerable, weak ones. This signifies God's commitment to ensuring fairness, administering justice for the oppressed, and establishing righteous order within His own people.

#### Literary Devices
The verse is profoundly shaped by **metaphor**, primarily the sustained imagery of God as a shepherd and Israel as His flock. This central metaphor powerfully conveys themes of vulnerability, divine protection, responsible leadership, and intimate care. The specific use of "cattle and cattle" further extends this metaphor to individual members of the flock, highlighting the internal dynamics and divisions within the community. A clear **contrast** is established between the past state of being "a prey" (vulnerable and exploited) and the future promise of salvation and security under God's direct care, emphasizing the radical transformation God will bring. The **repetition** of "cattle and cattle" (Hebrew: _seh_ and _seh_) serves as a powerful rhetorical device to underscore the internal division and the precise nature of God's judgment—distinguishing *within* the flock itself. Finally, the verse functions as a powerful **divine declaration**, marked by the emphatic "I will" statements, which highlight God's absolute authority, unwavering commitment, and the certainty of His promised actions.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 34:22 powerfully articulates God's unwavering commitment to His covenant people and His multifaceted character as both a merciful Savior and a righteous Judge. It reveals that God's justice is not merely punitive but also redemptive and restorative, aiming to establish order, well-being, and righteousness within His community. He is the ultimate guardian who will not tolerate the exploitation of the vulnerable, even by those within His own fold. This passage sets the theological groundwork for the New Covenant, where God's direct shepherding would be fully realized through the promised Davidic King, who would embody divine justice and care.

* [Jeremiah 23:1-4](/jeremiah/23-1-4 "Jeremiah 23:1-4 - Woe to the Shepherds and Promise of a Righteous Branch")
* [Psalm 78:70-72](/psalm/78-70-72 "Psalm 78:70-72 - God Chose David, a Shepherd, to Lead His People")
* [Matthew 25:31-33](/matthew/25-31-33 "Matthew 25:31-33 - The Son of Man Will Separate the Sheep and Goats")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 34:22 offers profound comfort and a challenging call to action for believers today. It assures us of God's active, personal care and protection, reminding us that He is intimately involved in our lives and in the life of the church. We are His flock, and He promises to keep us from being prey, providing security and vindication. This should inspire deep trust and peace, especially in times of vulnerability, injustice, or when we feel scattered and neglected. Furthermore, the verse serves as a powerful reminder for all who hold positions of leadership—whether in the church, family, or society—to shepherd God's people with integrity, compassion, and justice, knowing that God Himself will ultimately judge how His flock is treated. It also encourages us, as individuals, to cultivate a heart for justice and to actively care for the vulnerable within our own communities, reflecting God's character and participating in His ongoing work of separating the exploited from the oppressor.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's promise to "save my flock" bring comfort and assurance to your life today, especially when you feel vulnerable or exploited by circumstances or others?**
* **In what ways might we, as individuals or communities, inadvertently act like the "fat sheep" who oppress or neglect the "lean sheep" within our spheres of influence, and how can we repent and change?**
* **How can we actively participate in God's work of justice and care for the vulnerable and marginalized within our families, churches, and broader communities, reflecting His heart for His people?**

### FAQ
**Who are the "cattle and cattle" God promises to judge between?**

Answer: The "cattle and cattle" refer to different groups within God's own flock, Israel. Specifically, as clarified in [Ezekiel 34:17-21](/ezekiel/34-17-21 "Ezekiel 34:17-21 - God's Judgment Between Strong and Weak Sheep"), this refers to the strong, well-fed sheep (representing the oppressive leaders and powerful individuals) who exploited, pushed around, and consumed the pasture of the weak, lean, and diseased sheep (representing the vulnerable and oppressed members of the community). God promises to intervene and bring justice by separating the oppressors from the oppressed, ensuring fairness and protection for the vulnerable within His own people.

**What does "no more be a prey" signify for God's people?**

Answer: The phrase "no more be a prey" signifies a profound and lasting end to the exploitation, scattering, and suffering that God's people had endured under their corrupt human leaders and from external enemies. It promises a future of security, peace, and divine protection where they will no longer be vulnerable to those who seek to harm or exploit them. This reflects God's unwavering commitment to their well-being, restoration, and flourishing, establishing a new era of safety and provision under His direct, benevolent care, echoing the comforting imagery of God's gentle shepherding in [Isaiah 40:11](/isaiah/40-11 "Isaiah 40:11 - The Shepherd's Gentle Care").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 34:22 finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd. The Old Testament promise of God personally saving His flock and judging between "cattle and cattle" is realized in Christ's ministry, sacrifice, and future reign. Jesus explicitly identifies Himself as the [Good Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - Jesus the Good Shepherd"), actively gathering His scattered flock from all nations, as prophesied in [John 10:16](/john/10-16 "John 10:16 - One Flock, One Shepherd"). He not only saves His people from being prey to sin and death but also embodies divine justice. His first coming inaugurated the salvation of the flock, and His second coming will bring the full and final judgment, where He will [separate the sheep from the goats](/matthew/25-31-46 "Matthew 25:31-46 - The Judgment of the Nations"), distinguishing between those who truly cared for the "least of these" and those who neglected or oppressed them. Thus, Jesus perfectly fulfills God's promise to both save His flock and to judge righteously within it, establishing an eternal kingdom of peace and justice under the care of the [Great Shepherd of the sheep](/hebrews/13-20 "Hebrews 13:20 - The Great Shepherd").

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

Psalms 72:12

For he shall deliver the needy when he crieth; the poor also, and [him] that hath no helper.

Psalms 72:14

He shall redeem their soul from deceit and violence: and precious shall their blood be in his sight.

Jeremiah 23:2

Therefore thus saith the LORD God of Israel against the pastors that feed my people; Ye have scattered my flock, and driven them away, and have not visited them: behold, I will visit upon you the evil of your doings, saith the LORD.

Jeremiah 23:3

And I will gather the remnant of my flock out of all countries whither I have driven them, and will bring them again to their folds; and they shall be fruitful and increase.

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.

Zechariah 11:7

And I will feed the flock of slaughter, [even] you, O poor of the flock. And I took unto me two staves; the one I called Beauty, and the other I called Bands; and I fed the flock.

Zechariah 11:9

Then said I, I will not feed you: that that dieth, let it die; and that that is to be cut off, let it be cut off; and let the rest eat every one the flesh of another.