Ezekiel 34:23

KJV

And I will set up one shepherd over them, and he shall feed them, [even] my servant David; he shall feed them, and he shall be their shepherd.

KJV (with Strong's)

And I will set up {H6965} one {H259} shepherd {H7462} over them, and he shall feed {H7462} them, even my servant {H5650} David {H1732}; he shall feed {H7462} them, and he shall be their shepherd {H7462}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"'I will raise up one shepherd to be in charge of them, and he will let them feed - my servant David. He will pasture them and be their shepherd.

Berean Standard Bible

I will appoint over them one shepherd, My servant David, and he will feed them. He will feed them and be their shepherd.

American Standard Version

And I will set up one shepherd over them, and he shall feed them, even my servant David; he shall feed them, and he shall be their shepherd.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 34:23 is a pivotal prophetic declaration from God, promising to raise up a singular, ideal shepherd for His people, identified as "my servant David." This divine intervention follows God's condemnation of the corrupt human leaders who failed to care for His flock, and it heralds a future era of true spiritual nourishment, protection, and unified leadership for Israel. The verse points beyond the historical King David to a coming Messianic figure who will perfectly embody the qualities of a faithful shepherd, ensuring the well-being and security of God's chosen people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 34 stands as a powerful indictment of Israel's false shepherds—its kings, priests, and elders—who had exploited, scattered, and neglected God's flock (the people of Israel). Prior to verse 23, God Himself declares His intention to intervene directly, promising to search for His lost sheep, rescue them from dispersion, and gather them back to their land (`/ezekiel/34-11 "Ezekiel 34:11 - God's Promise to Seek His Sheep"`). He vows to judge between the fat and lean sheep, and between the true and false shepherds. Verse 23 then introduces the specific means by which this divine shepherding will be realized: through a unique, divinely appointed leader, "my servant David," who will bring about the promised restoration and security. This promise serves as a beacon of hope amidst the harsh judgment pronounced earlier in the chapter.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy in Ezekiel 34 was delivered during the Babylonian exile (c. 593-571 BC), a period when the people of Israel were scattered and suffering due to the failures of their leadership and their own disobedience. In the ancient Near East, the metaphor of a "shepherd" was commonly used to describe kings and rulers, signifying their responsibility to protect, guide, and provide for their people. Conversely, a bad shepherd allowed the flock to scatter, starve, or fall prey to predators. The historical backdrop of Israel's corrupt monarchy and spiritual leadership, which led to their national downfall and exile, makes God's promise to "set up one shepherd" a profound declaration of His unwavering covenant faithfulness and His commitment to restoring His people under a righteous leader.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Ezekiel and the broader biblical narrative. It underscores **Divine Intervention and Sovereignty**, demonstrating that God Himself will rectify the failures of human leadership and personally care for His flock. It highlights the **Contrast Between False and True Leadership**, setting the promised "one shepherd" apart from the self-serving rulers condemned earlier in the chapter. Most profoundly, Ezekiel 34:23 is a key **Messianic Prophecy**, pointing to a future, ideal king from the lineage of David. This connects directly to the `[Davidic Covenant](/2_samuel/7 "2 Samuel 7 - The Davidic Covenant")` where God promised an eternal dynasty to David, anticipating the coming of the Messiah who would perfectly fulfill the role of the `[Good Shepherd](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - Jesus, the Good Shepherd")`. The verse also speaks to themes of **Restoration, Unity, and Security** for God's people under this righteous leader, promising an end to their scattering and suffering.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Shepherd (Hebrew, _râʻâh'_):** This primitive root means "to tend a flock," "to pasture it," or "to graze." By extension, it also means "to rule" or "to associate with (as a friend)." In Ezekiel 34:23, it is used three times, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of this shepherd's role: he will "feed" (pasture/nourish) the flock and "be their shepherd" (rule/care for them). This word encapsulates the ideal leadership God promises, one that provides sustenance, protection, and benevolent governance, directly contrasting the destructive actions of the false shepherds.
* **Set up (Hebrew, _qûwm'_):** A primitive root meaning "to rise" or "to stand." In various applications, it can mean "to establish," "to ordain," or "to raise up." The use of "set up" here signifies God's sovereign initiative and active involvement in establishing this new, righteous leadership. It is not a human effort but a divine act, emphasizing the unique and divinely appointed nature of this "one shepherd."
* **One (Hebrew, _ʼechâd'_):** A numeral meaning "united" or "one." It can also denote singularity or uniqueness. The emphasis on "one shepherd" highlights the unity and singular authority of the promised leader, contrasting with the multitude of failed and divisive shepherds. This singularity points to a definitive, unparalleled figure who will bring cohesion and singular devotion to God's people.
* **Servant (Hebrew, _ʻebed'_):** From a root meaning "to serve," this word denotes a servant or bondman. When applied to "David" in this context, "my servant David" signifies a chosen, obedient, and divinely commissioned individual. It underscores the shepherd's submission to God's will and his role as an agent of God's purposes, rather than a self-serving ruler. This title is often associated with the Messiah in prophetic literature, indicating one who perfectly fulfills God's will.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I will set up one shepherd over them":** This clause reveals God's direct, sovereign action ("I will set up") to establish a singular, unique leader ("one shepherd") for His people ("over them"). This promise is a divine response to the failure of previous human leadership, indicating a new era of governance initiated by God Himself.
* **"and he shall feed them":** This phrase immediately defines the primary function of this shepherd: to provide nourishment and sustenance for the flock. "Feeding" encompasses not only physical provision but, more significantly, spiritual guidance, protection, and care, ensuring the well-being of God's people.
* **"[even] my servant David":** This crucial identification clarifies the identity of the "one shepherd." The term "my servant David" points not to a literal resurrection of the historical King David, but to a future, ideal king from his lineage. It is a Messianic title, connecting this promised shepherd to the eternal covenant God made with David, signifying a righteous ruler who embodies the faithful qualities of David, yet transcends him in perfection.
* **"he shall feed them, and he shall be their shepherd":** This repetition serves to emphasize and reinforce the comprehensive nature of the shepherd's role. He will not only provide sustenance ("feed them") but also assume full responsibility for their care, protection, and leadership ("he shall be their shepherd"). This reiteration underscores the complete and perfect care that God's people will receive under this divinely appointed leader.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 34:23 is rich with **Metaphor**, primarily the **shepherd-flock motif**, which is central to the entire chapter. The people of Israel are depicted as sheep, vulnerable and scattered, while their leaders are portrayed as shepherds, either neglectful or predatory. God's promise to raise up "one shepherd" signifies a righteous and caring leader who will reverse the damage caused by the false shepherds. The phrase "my servant David" functions as **Symbolism** and **Messianic Prophecy**. "David" here is not merely the historical king but a symbolic representation of the ideal, covenantal king from David's lineage, pointing forward to the ultimate fulfillment in the Messiah. The **Repetition** of "he shall feed them" and "he shall be their shepherd" at the end of the verse serves to emphasize the comprehensive and unfailing nature of the care this promised shepherd will provide, reinforcing the divine commitment to His people's well-being.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 34:23 is a profound theological statement on God's unwavering commitment to His people and His divine solution to human failure. It underscores the truth that while human leaders may fail and betray their trust, God's faithfulness endures. The promise of "one shepherd" from the line of David is a direct continuation and re-affirmation of the Davidic Covenant, demonstrating God's plan for an eternal kingdom ruled by a righteous king. This verse beautifully bridges the Old Testament's anticipation of a coming deliverer with the New Testament's revelation of Jesus Christ as the ultimate fulfillment of this prophecy, highlighting God's redemptive plan unfolding through history. It speaks to the themes of divine care, righteous leadership, and the ultimate restoration of God's people under a single, perfect head.

* [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant")
* [Jeremiah 23:5-6](/jeremiah/23-5 "Jeremiah 23:5-6 - The Righteous Branch")
* [John 10:11-16](/john/10-11 "John 10:11-16 - Jesus, the Good Shepherd")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 34:23 offers immense comfort and a clear directive for our lives today. In a world often marked by disappointing leadership, broken promises, and fragmented communities, this verse reminds us that God Himself is the ultimate Shepherd of His people. It calls us to place our trust not in human institutions or charismatic figures, but in the perfect and unfailing leadership of the "one shepherd" whom God has provided. For believers, this shepherd is Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodies the qualities promised in Ezekiel: He feeds us with the truth of His Word, protects us from spiritual dangers, guides us through life's challenges, and gathers us into one flock. Our application involves actively submitting to His leadership, drawing nourishment from His teachings, and resting in the security of His care, knowing that He will never abandon or exploit His sheep.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the failure of the "false shepherds" in Ezekiel's time relate to leadership failures we observe today, both secular and spiritual?**
* **In what ways do you personally experience Jesus as your "shepherd" in your daily life?**
* **What does it mean for you to be "fed" by the Good Shepherd, and how can you more intentionally seek spiritual nourishment from Him?**
* **How does the promise of "one shepherd" encourage unity and discourage division within the body of Christ today?**

### FAQ
**Does "my servant David" mean King David will literally return?**

Answer: No, the phrase "my servant David" in Ezekiel 34:23 is widely understood as a Messianic title rather than a literal resurrection of the historical King David. In prophetic literature, "David" often refers to the ideal king from David's lineage, who would perfectly fulfill the `[Davidic Covenant](/2_samuel/7-16 "2 Samuel 7:16 - The Eternal Davidic Dynasty")` and establish an eternal kingdom. This is consistent with other Old Testament prophecies that speak of a future `["branch" from David's root](/isaiah/11-1 "Isaiah 11:1 - The Branch from Jesse's Root")` who would reign righteously. The New Testament confirms that Jesus Christ, being a descendant of David, is the ultimate fulfillment of this prophecy, embodying the perfect "servant David" and the `[Good Shepherd](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - Jesus, the Good Shepherd")`.

**What does it mean for the shepherd to "feed" the flock?**

Answer: In the context of ancient shepherding and biblical metaphor, "feeding" the flock goes far beyond merely providing physical food. For a king or leader, it encompasses comprehensive care, provision, protection, and guidance. Spiritually, it means providing truth, wisdom, and spiritual nourishment through God's Word. It implies leading the flock to safe pastures (places of rest and spiritual growth), defending them from predators (spiritual dangers and false teachings), and ensuring their overall well-being. Jesus, as the Good Shepherd, `[feeds His sheep](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")` by being the Bread of Life and the Living Water, providing all that is necessary for eternal life and abundant living.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 34:23 finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the "one shepherd" whom God "set up" (appointed and established) over His people, perfectly embodying the righteous and compassionate leadership promised to Israel. Jesus, born of the `[lineage of David](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - Genealogy of Jesus Christ")`, is the true "servant David" who came not to be served, but `[to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Servant Son")`. He declared Himself the `[Good Shepherd](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - Jesus, the Good Shepherd")` who `[lays down His life for the sheep](/john/10-15 "John 10:15 - The Good Shepherd Lays Down His Life")`, fulfilling the prophecy of a shepherd who truly cares for His flock, unlike the false shepherds of Israel's past. Through His atoning sacrifice, Jesus gathers His scattered sheep from `[every tribe and language and people and nation](/revelation/7-9 "Revelation 7:9 - The Multitude from Every Nation")`, bringing them into `[one fold under one shepherd](/john/10-16 "John 10:16 - One Fold, One Shepherd")`. He continually "feeds" His flock through His Word, the Holy Spirit, and the spiritual nourishment found in communion with Him, leading them `[beside still waters](/psalms/23-2 "Psalm 23:2 - He Leads Me Beside Still Waters")` and `[restoring their souls](/psalms/23-3 "Psalm 23:3 - He Restores My Soul")`. Thus, Ezekiel's vision of a perfect, divinely appointed shepherd is fully realized in Christ, the compassionate King who shepherds His church with perfect love and unwavering faithfulness.

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

Ezekiel 37:24

And David my servant [shall be] king over them; and they all shall have one shepherd: they shall also walk in my judgments, and observe my statutes, and do them.

Ezekiel 37:25

And they shall dwell in the land that I have given unto Jacob my servant, wherein your fathers have dwelt; and they shall dwell therein, [even] they, and their children, and their children's children for ever: and my servant David [shall be] their prince for ever.

Jeremiah 30:9

But they shall serve the LORD their God, and David their king, whom I will raise up unto them.

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.

Hosea 3:5

Afterward shall the children of Israel return, and seek the LORD their God, and David their king; and shall fear the LORD and his goodness in the latter days.

John 10:11

I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.

Ecclesiastes 12:11

The words of the wise [are] as goads, and as nails fastened [by] the masters of assemblies, [which] are given from one shepherd.