Ezekiel 34:5

KJV

And they were scattered, because [there is] no shepherd: and they became meat to all the beasts of the field, when they were scattered.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they were scattered {H6327}, because there is no shepherd {H7462}: and they became meat {H402} to all the beasts {H2416} of the field {H7704}, when they were scattered {H6327}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So they were scattered, without a shepherd, and became food for every wild animal - they were scattered.

Berean Standard Bible

They were scattered for lack of a shepherd, and when they were scattered they became food for all the wild beasts.

American Standard Version

And they were scattered, because there was no shepherd; and they became food to all the beasts of the field, and were scattered.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 34:5 serves as a profound indictment against the failed leadership of Israel, portraying the dire consequences of their negligence. Without true shepherds to guide and protect them, the people of Israel are depicted as a scattered flock, vulnerable and exposed, becoming "meat" for predatory forces. This verse powerfully underscores the spiritual and physical disarray that results when those entrusted with care abandon their responsibilities, leading to the dispersion and exploitation of God's chosen people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Ezekiel chapter 34, a pivotal prophetic oracle delivered by Ezekiel against the "shepherds of Israel" [Ezekiel 34:2](/ezekiel/34-2 "Ezekiel 34:2 - Indictment of Israel's Shepherds"). The preceding verses [Ezekiel 34:2-4](/ezekiel/34-2-4 "Ezekiel 34:2-4 - The Shepherds' Failures") meticulously detail the abuses of these leaders: they fed themselves instead of the flock, failed to strengthen the weak, heal the sick, bind up the injured, bring back the strays, or seek the lost. Instead, they ruled with harshness and cruelty. Verse 5, therefore, presents the immediate and devastating outcome of such dereliction of duty, setting the stage for God's subsequent declaration to intervene and shepherd His flock Himself [Ezekiel 34:11-16](/ezekiel/34-11-16 "Ezekiel 34:11-16 - God Promises to Shepherd His Flock"), and ultimately to raise up a new, righteous shepherd, David His servant [Ezekiel 34:23-24](/ezekiel/34-23-24 "Ezekiel 34:23-24 - The Promise of One Shepherd, David"). The verse acts as a crucial transition, moving from the description of the shepherds' sin to the resulting suffering of the people, thereby justifying God's impending judgment and promised restoration.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy in Ezekiel 34 was delivered during the Babylonian exile, a period of immense national trauma and dispersion for the people of Judah. Many had already been deported to Babylon, and Jerusalem itself was either under siege or had recently fallen. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the metaphor of a shepherd and his flock was a common and potent image for rulers and their subjects. Kings, priests, and elders were expected to care for their people as a shepherd cares for sheep. The "shepherds" in this context refer to the kings, priests, and prophets of Israel who had failed to provide spiritual, political, and moral guidance, leading to the nation's collapse and the people's scattering by foreign powers like Babylon, which is implicitly the "beasts of the field" in this context. This imagery would have resonated deeply with an audience familiar with both pastoral life and the political realities of their time, where empires acted as predators.
* **Key Themes:** Ezekiel 34:5 contributes significantly to several key themes within the book of Ezekiel and broader biblical theology. The primary theme is **negligent leadership**, highlighting the catastrophic impact when those in authority prioritize self-interest over the welfare of their charges. This negligence leads directly to the **vulnerability and exploitation** of the people, who, without protection, become prey to internal decay and external enemies. The **consequence of abandonment** is starkly portrayed through the image of scattering, emphasizing disunity and loss of identity. Implicitly, this verse also foreshadows the theme of **divine judgment** against unfaithful leaders, paving the way for God's promise to act as the true and faithful Shepherd, a promise that finds its ultimate expression in the Messianic hope, as seen in passages like [Ezekiel 34:23](/ezekiel/34-23 "Ezekiel 34:23 - The Promise of One Shepherd"). It underscores God's deep concern for His people and His righteous indignation against those who abuse their positions of trust.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **scattered (Hebrew, _pûwts'_):** From H6327, meaning "to dash in pieces, literally or figuratively (especially to disperse); break (dash, shake) in (to) pieces, cast (abroad), disperse (selves), drive, retire, scatter (abroad), spread abroad." In Ezekiel 34:5, this word vividly conveys the violent and chaotic dispersion of the people of Israel. It's not a gentle wandering but a forceful breaking apart, indicating a loss of cohesion, protection, and national identity, directly resulting from the absence of proper leadership. The repetition of "scattered" in the verse emphasizes the severity and finality of this state, highlighting the utter disarray and vulnerability of the flock without a shepherd.
* **shepherd (Hebrew, _râʻâh'_):** From H7462, meaning "to tend a flock; i.e. pasture it; intransitively, to graze (literally or figuratively); generally to rule; by extension, to associate with (as a friend)." The absence of this figure, "no shepherd," is the central indictment. The word encompasses not just feeding but also guiding, protecting, healing, and seeking the lost. Its negation here signifies a complete failure of all these pastoral duties by Israel's leaders, leading to the flock's vulnerability and destruction. The term implies a comprehensive role of care, protection, and governance that was utterly neglected.
* **meat (Hebrew, _ʼoklâh'_):** From H402, meaning "food; consume, devour, eat, food, meat." This term, used metaphorically, describes the people of Israel as utterly defenseless prey. To become "meat" implies being consumed, exploited, and destroyed by external forces (the "beasts of the field"). It highlights the extreme vulnerability and the tragic fate awaiting a people abandoned by their protectors, emphasizing their complete lack of agency and their passive role as victims of predation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they were scattered":** This opening clause immediately establishes the dire state of the people. It describes a state of disarray, disunity, and forced dispersion, a direct consequence of the failed leadership detailed in the preceding verses. The passive voice implies that this scattering was something inflicted upon them, rather than a choice, underscoring their powerlessness in the face of their leaders' negligence and external threats.
* **"because [there is] no shepherd":** This is the crucial explanatory clause, providing the direct reason for the scattering and subsequent vulnerability. The absence of a "shepherd" (referring to the negligent leaders of Israel) is identified as the root cause of the people's plight. It underscores the profound vacuum of responsible, protective, and guiding leadership, highlighting that the people's suffering is a direct result of the shepherds' dereliction of duty, not an arbitrary misfortune.
* **"and they became meat to all the beasts of the field":** This clause vividly illustrates the consequence of having no shepherd. The people are metaphorically depicted as defenseless sheep, becoming prey ("meat") for various predatory forces ("beasts of the field"). These "beasts" represent hostile nations (like Babylon), internal corruption, social injustice, or any destructive elements that exploit the vulnerable and unprotected. This imagery emphasizes the severity of their exploitation and the existential threat they faced.
* **"when they were scattered":** This concluding phrase reiterates and reinforces the initial statement, creating a powerful rhetorical echo. It emphasizes that their state of being scattered is precisely what made them vulnerable to exploitation and consumption. It creates a cyclical image of cause and effect: no shepherd leads to scattering, and scattering leads to vulnerability and destruction, reinforcing the tragic outcome of unfaithful leadership.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 34:5 is rich in **Metaphor**, primarily the extended metaphor of the shepherd and his flock. The leaders of Israel are the "shepherds," and the people are the "sheep." The failure of these human shepherds results in the sheep being "scattered" and becoming "meat to all the beasts of the field." This imagery powerfully conveys the leaders' dereliction of duty and the people's subsequent vulnerability and suffering. The phrase "beasts of the field" serves as **Symbolism** for the various destructive forces—whether foreign invaders, internal oppressors, or the harsh realities of a leaderless society—that prey upon the unprotected. The **Repetition** of "scattered" at the beginning and end of the verse ("And they were scattered... when they were scattered") serves to emphasize the pervasive and devastating nature of this condition, reinforcing the central consequence of the shepherds' failure and the profound disarray of the people. The verse also employs stark **Imagery**, painting a vivid and disturbing picture of a defenseless flock being torn apart, evoking a strong sense of tragedy, abandonment, and the brutal reality of their plight.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 34:5 is a powerful theological statement on the nature of leadership, divine accountability, and God's unwavering commitment to His people. It highlights that true leadership, especially in a spiritual context, is fundamentally about self-sacrificial care and protection, not self-enrichment or exploitation. The scattering of Israel is presented as a direct consequence of human failure, yet it also sets the stage for God's direct intervention, demonstrating His justice in judging negligent leaders and His mercy in promising to become the ultimate Shepherd Himself. This divine promise underscores God's sovereignty and His ultimate plan to gather and restore His scattered flock, revealing that even in the midst of human failure, God's redemptive purpose will prevail.

* [Jeremiah 23:1-4](/jeremiah/23-1-4 "Jeremiah 23:1-4 - Woe to the Shepherds")
* [Zechariah 11:15-17](/zechariah/11-15-17 "Zechariah 11:15-17 - The Worthless Shepherd")
* [Matthew 9:36](/matthew/9-36 "Matthew 9:36 - Sheep without a Shepherd")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 34:5 holds profound implications for contemporary life, particularly concerning leadership in all its forms—spiritual, civic, and familial. It serves as a stark warning against the dangers of self-serving leadership, reminding us that true authority is measured by the care and protection offered to those entrusted to one's charge. For individuals, this verse encourages discernment in identifying and following leaders who genuinely prioritize the well-being of others, who are willing to serve rather than exploit. It also prompts us to consider our own roles, however small, in caring for those around us, recognizing that the absence of compassionate oversight can lead to vulnerability and harm, whether in our families, communities, or workplaces. Ultimately, it directs our hope to the one true Shepherd, God Himself, who never abandons His flock, providing ultimate security and guidance even when human systems fail, challenging us to emulate His character in our own spheres of influence.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I, or leaders I observe, be acting as "shepherds who feed themselves" rather than the flock?**
* **What are the "beasts of the field" in our modern context that exploit the vulnerable when there is no true shepherd?**
* **How does the promise of God becoming the true Shepherd offer hope and challenge in times of leadership failure?**
* **What practical steps can I take to embody the characteristics of a good shepherd in my own sphere of influence?**

### FAQ
**Who are the "shepherds" being condemned in Ezekiel 34:5?**

Answer: The "shepherds" in Ezekiel 34, including verse 5, refer primarily to the political and spiritual leaders of Israel during the time of the Babylonian exile. This would have included the kings (like Zedekiah), princes, priests, and prophets who were meant to guide, protect, and nourish the people of God. The prophecy condemns them for their self-serving actions, neglecting their flock (the people of Israel) and leading them to ruin. This concept of leadership is deeply rooted in the ancient Near Eastern understanding of rulers as shepherds of their people, a theme also seen in passages like [2 Samuel 5:2](/2_samuel/5-2 "2 Samuel 5:2 - David as Shepherd of Israel"), where David is appointed shepherd over Israel.

**What does it mean for the people to become "meat to all the beasts of the field"?**

Answer: This is a powerful metaphor indicating extreme vulnerability and exploitation. The "meat" signifies that the people of Israel, left unprotected by their negligent leaders, became defenseless prey. The "beasts of the field" represent various destructive forces that consumed them. Historically, this primarily refers to foreign powers like Babylon, which conquered, exiled, and oppressed Israel. Theologically, it can also encompass internal corruption, social injustice, or any destructive influences that prey on a leaderless or poorly led society, leading to their spiritual and physical demise, as described in [Ezekiel 34:8](/ezekiel/34-8 "Ezekiel 34:8 - My flock became prey"), where God states His flock became "prey."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 34:5, with its lament over the absence of a true shepherd and the scattering of the flock, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus of Nazareth. The Old Testament's repeated indictment of failed human shepherds sets the stage for the arrival of the ultimate, divine Shepherd. Jesus declares Himself the "Good Shepherd" in [John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - Jesus, the Good Shepherd"), explicitly contrasting His self-sacrificial care with the hirelings who abandon the sheep when danger approaches. Unlike the negligent shepherds of Ezekiel's day who scattered the flock, Jesus actively gathers His sheep, laying down His life for them [John 10:15](/john/10-15 "John 10:15 - The Good Shepherd Lays Down His Life"). His death on the cross is the ultimate act of a Shepherd protecting His flock from the "beasts of the field"—sin, death, and the devil. Through His resurrection and ascension, Jesus continues to shepherd His people, providing spiritual nourishment, protection, and guidance, ensuring that none of His sheep are lost [John 10:28](/john/10-28 "John 10:28 - No One Can Snatch Them"). He is the one Shepherd promised in [Ezekiel 34:23](/ezekiel/34-23 "Ezekiel 34:23 - God Will Raise Up One Shepherd"), who perfectly fulfills the role of tending, healing, and gathering God's scattered people into one fold [John 10:16](/john/10-16 "John 10:16 - One Flock, One Shepherd"), establishing a kingdom where His sheep are eternally secure.

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

Matthew 9:36

But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.

2 Chronicles 18:16

Then he said, I did see all Israel scattered upon the mountains, as sheep that have no shepherd: and the LORD said, These have no master; let them return [therefore] every man to his house in peace.

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.

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;

Jeremiah 50:17

Israel [is] a scattered sheep; the lions have driven [him] away: first the king of Assyria hath devoured him; and last this Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon hath broken his bones.

1 Kings 22:17

And he said, I saw all Israel scattered upon the hills, as sheep that have not a shepherd: and the LORD said, These have no master: let them return every man to his house in peace.

Acts 20:29

For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.