Ezekiel 34:5

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

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}.

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

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

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

Ezekiel 34:5 (KJV) delivers a poignant indictment against the unfaithful leaders of Israel, likening them to negligent shepherds whose dereliction of duty led to the suffering and dispersion of God's people. This verse paints a vivid picture of the consequences when those entrusted with care fail their responsibilities.

Context

This verse is part of a powerful prophecy in Ezekiel chapter 34, where the prophet Ezekiel condemns the spiritual and political leaders of Israel for their self-serving actions. Instead of feeding, strengthening, healing, or seeking out the flock (the people of Israel), these "shepherds" exploited them (Ezekiel 34:2-4). The historical backdrop is the impending or ongoing Babylonian exile, a period of national upheaval and dispersion. Verse 5 highlights the direct result of this leadership vacuum: the people are scattered and vulnerable.

Key Themes

  • Negligent Leadership: The core message is a scathing critique of leaders who prioritize their own well-being over the welfare of those they are meant to serve. Their absence of true pastoral care directly causes the flock's demise.
  • Vulnerability and Exploitation: Without proper guidance and protection, the "sheep" (the people) become easy prey, metaphorically described as "meat to all the beasts of the field." This signifies their exposure to hostile nations and internal decay.
  • Consequence of Abandonment: The scattering is not random; it is the direct, tragic outcome of having "no shepherd" – a profound indictment of a society where spiritual and moral guidance has collapsed.
  • Divine Judgment: Though not explicitly stated as God's direct action in this verse, the scattering is presented as a just consequence, paving the way for God's promise later in the chapter to become the true Shepherd Himself (Ezekiel 34:11-16).

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "shepherd," ro'eh (רֹעֶה), is a multifaceted term that encompasses not just feeding but also guiding, protecting, and caring for the flock. Its absence here underscores a complete failure of responsibility. The term "scattered," naputzu (נָפֻצוּ), vividly portrays the disarray and lack of unity among the people, leading to their vulnerability. To become "meat" (לְאָכְלָה, l'oklah) implies being utterly consumed and destroyed by predatory forces, whether literal enemies or the harsh realities of their situation.

Practical Application

Ezekiel 34:5 serves as a timeless reminder of the critical importance of faithful leadership in any sphere, particularly in spiritual communities. It calls leaders to self-examination, urging them to prioritize the well-being of their flock over personal gain or comfort. For individuals, this verse highlights the dangers of being spiritually unguided or of following those who are self-serving. It also points to the ultimate hope: that even when human leaders fail, God Himself remains the Good Shepherd who genuinely cares for His sheep and will gather them, as promised in Ezekiel 34:23-24.

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.

  • 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.

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