Ezekiel 34:6

My sheep wandered through all the mountains, and upon every high hill: yea, my flock was scattered upon all the face of the earth, and none did search or seek [after them].

My sheep {H6629} wandered {H7686} through all the mountains {H2022}, and upon every high {H7311} hill {H1389}: yea, my flock {H6629} was scattered {H6327} upon all the face {H6440} of the earth {H776}, and none did search {H1875} or seek {H1245} after them.

My sheep wandered around aimlessly on every mountain and hill; yes, my sheep were scattered all over the land, with no one to search for them or look after them.

My flock went astray on all the mountains and every high hill. They were scattered over the face of all the earth, with no one to search for them or seek them out.’

My sheep wandered through all the mountains, and upon every high hill: yea, my sheep were scattered upon all the face of the earth; and there was none that did search or seek after them.

Commentary

Commentary on Ezekiel 34:6 (KJV)

Ezekiel 34:6 paints a poignant picture of the dire state of God's people, Israel, during a period of profound spiritual and national decline. This verse is part of a powerful prophecy delivered by the prophet Ezekiel during the Babylonian exile, primarily condemning the corrupt leaders of Israel who had failed to shepherd God's flock.

Context

In Ezekiel chapter 34, the Lord directly confronts the "shepherds of Israel" – a metaphor for the kings, priests, and religious leaders – for their negligence and exploitation of the people. Instead of caring for the flock, they fed themselves, clothed themselves with the wool, and failed to strengthen the weak, heal the sick, or seek the lost. Verse 6 describes the tragic outcome of such neglect: God's people, His "sheep," were left vulnerable and scattered. This scattering refers not only to the physical dispersion of the Jewish people through exile and conquest but also to their spiritual wandering due as a result of poor leadership and their own turning away from God. The phrase "none did search or seek after them" underscores the complete abandonment by those who should have been their guides and protectors.

Key Themes

  • Negligent Leadership: The verse is a strong indictment against those in positions of spiritual or political authority who prioritize self-interest over the well-being of their charges. It highlights the devastating consequences when leaders fail to fulfill their divine mandate to care for God's people.
  • God's Ownership and Concern: Despite their scattered and lost condition, God repeatedly refers to them as "My sheep" and "My flock," emphasizing His enduring covenant relationship and deep concern for His people. This theme continues throughout the chapter, leading to God's promise to become the true shepherd Himself (Ezekiel 34:11).
  • Spiritual Wandering and Scattering: The imagery of sheep wandering "through all the mountains, and upon every high hill" vividly portrays disorientation, vulnerability, and exposure to danger. It speaks to the spiritual confusion and dispersal that occurs when people lack proper guidance and are left to their own devices, often straying into idolatry and sin.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "wandered" is ta'ah (ΧͺΧ’Χ”), which means to stray, go astray, err, or be led astray. It emphasizes the lack of direction and the consequence of not being guided. The word for "scattered" is naphatz (Χ Χ€Χ₯), which implies a violent breaking apart or dispersal, highlighting the severe fragmentation of the community. The KJV's "none did search or seek [after them]" effectively translates the Hebrew, emphasizing the utter absence of pastoral care.

Practical Application

Ezekiel 34:6 serves as a timeless warning and a source of comfort.

  • For Leaders: It calls all spiritual leaders, pastors, and even parents to a profound sense of responsibility and selfless care for those under their charge. The neglect of God's people, whether through apathy, exploitation, or false teaching, carries severe divine consequences.
  • For Believers: For those who feel lost, abandoned, or spiritually adrift, this verse reminds us that God sees our wandering. He identifies us as "My sheep," even when we feel scattered. This sets the stage for God's promise to personally search for and gather His lost sheep, a promise ultimately fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd.
  • For the Church: It highlights the church's ongoing mission to seek out the lost, care for the hurting, and provide true spiritual nourishment, reflecting the heart of God for His scattered flock.
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Cross-References

  • Psalms 142:4

    ΒΆ I looked on [my] right hand, and beheld, but [there was] no man that would know me: refuge failed me; no man cared for my soul.

  • 1 Peter 2:25

    For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.

  • Jeremiah 40:11

    Likewise when all the Jews that [were] in Moab, and among the Ammonites, and in Edom, and that [were] in all the countries, heard that the king of Babylon had left a remnant of Judah, and that he had set over them Gedaliah the son of Ahikam the son of Shaphan;

  • Jeremiah 40:12

    Even all the Jews returned out of all places whither they were driven, and came to the land of Judah, to Gedaliah, unto Mizpah, and gathered wine and summer fruits very much.

  • John 10:16

    And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, [and] one shepherd.

  • Ezekiel 7:16

    ΒΆ But they that escape of them shall escape, and shall be on the mountains like doves of the valleys, all of them mourning, every one for his iniquity.

  • Hebrews 11:37

    They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented;