Ezekiel 34:7

KJV

¶ Therefore, ye shepherds, hear the word of the LORD;

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore, ye shepherds {H7462}, hear {H8085} the word {H1697} of the LORD {H3068};

Complete Jewish Bible

"'Therefore, shepherds, hear the word of ADONAI:

Berean Standard Bible

Therefore, you shepherds, hear the word of the LORD:

American Standard Version

Therefore, ye shepherds, hear the word of Jehovah:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 34:7 delivers a profound and direct divine indictment against the unfaithful leaders of Israel, who are metaphorically portrayed as negligent shepherds. This verse serves as a critical turning point in the prophetic discourse, initiating God's formal pronouncement of judgment upon those who have exploited, scattered, and failed to care for His flock. It sets the stage for God's subsequent promise to personally intervene and shepherd His people, underscoring the severe accountability of all spiritual and political leadership to divine will and the welfare of God's chosen nation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 34 functions as a powerful prophetic oracle primarily aimed at the "shepherds" of Israel, a metaphor encompassing its kings, priests, and other figures in authority. The preceding verses [Ezekiel 34:1-6](/ezekiel/34-1-6 "Ezekiel 34:1-6 - Indictment of Israel's Shepherds") meticulously detail the severe charges against these leaders: they fed themselves instead of the flock, failed to strengthen the weak, heal the sick, bind up the injured, bring back the scattered, or search for the lost. Instead, they ruled with harshness and cruelty, leading to the scattering and devouring of the sheep. Verse 7, "Therefore, ye shepherds, hear the word of the LORD," acts as a formal, divine summons. The introductory "Therefore" (לָכֵן, _lākhēn_) signals that what follows is a direct and unavoidable divine response to their documented failures. This verse marks a pivotal transition from the description of their neglect to the pronouncement of their accountability and the Lord's redemptive action, which culminates in God declaring Himself the true shepherd who will seek out and care for His flock, as detailed in [Ezekiel 34:11-16](/ezekiel/34-11-16 "Ezekiel 34:11-16 - God's Promise to Shepherd His Scattered Flock").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Ezekiel is situated during the tumultuous period of the Babylonian exile, with the prophet ministering among the exiles by the Chebar Canal (circa 597 BCE). Jerusalem had fallen, and many of its inhabitants, including the elite and King Jehoiachin, had been deported. The "shepherds" addressed in this passage would have included the successive kings of Judah who led the nation into idolatry and disastrous political alliances, the priests who failed to uphold God's law and provide spiritual guidance, and the false prophets who offered deceptive assurances of peace. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the metaphor of a king or leader as a shepherd was deeply ingrained and widely understood, symbolizing their paramount responsibility to protect, provide for, and guide their people. This imagery was particularly resonant within Israelite thought, reflecting the pastoral roots of their society and their understanding of God Himself as the ultimate Shepherd of His people, as famously articulated in [Psalm 23:1](/psalm/23-1 "Psalm 23:1 - The Lord is My Shepherd"). The failure of Israel's human shepherds was thus not merely a political or social failing but a profound theological betrayal, leading directly to the suffering, dispersion, and eventual exile of the nation.
* **Key Themes:** Ezekiel 34:7 is central to several profound themes woven throughout the book of Ezekiel and the broader prophetic tradition. First, it powerfully establishes the theme of **Divine Accountability for Leadership**. God holds those in positions of authority directly responsible for the spiritual and physical well-being of His people, viewing their neglect or exploitation as a personal affront to His own covenant faithfulness. Second, it highlights the **Sovereignty and Authority of God's Word**. The imperative command to "hear the word of the LORD" emphasizes that God's pronouncements are not mere suggestions but authoritative decrees demanding immediate attention, understanding, and obedience, especially from those who have strayed from their divine mandate. Third, it underscores **God's Unwavering Concern for His People**. Even amidst severe judgment against their leaders, the underlying motivation is God's deep compassion for His scattered and suffering flock. This concern sets the stage for His promise to intervene and act as the true shepherd, a theme that resonates with other prophetic declarations of restoration, such as those found in [Jeremiah 23:1-4](/jeremiah/23-1-4 "Jeremiah 23:1-4 - Prophecy Against Bad Shepherds and Promise of a Righteous Branch"). This divine intervention ultimately points to a new covenant of care and restoration for Israel, anticipating the coming of the Messiah.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **shepherds (Hebrew, _râʻâh'_):** From the primitive root H7462, "râʻâh," meaning "to tend a flock," "to pasture it," or "to graze." By extension, it signifies "to rule" or "to associate with (as a friend)." In Ezekiel 34, this term is profoundly significant as it applies metaphorically to those in positions of political, religious, or social authority over Israel. The indictment against these "shepherds" is that they failed in their fundamental duty to "tend" or "rule" the flock (God's people) properly, instead "grazing" or "feeding" themselves at the expense of the sheep.
* **hear (Hebrew, _shâmaʻ'_):** From the primitive root H8085, "shâmaʻ," meaning "to hear intelligently," often with the strong implication of "attention," "obedience," "to listen," "to perceive," or "to understand." The imperative "hear" in this context is not a passive reception of sound but an active, urgent call to listen with understanding and, crucially, to obey. Given the context of the leaders' rebellion and neglect, this command is a direct challenge to their disobedience, demanding a change of heart and action in response to God's authoritative pronouncement.
* **word (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** From H1697, "dâbâr," meaning "a word," but by broader implication, "a matter," "a thing," "an affair," "a decree," or "a message." In this context, "the word of the LORD" (dâbâr Yᵉhôvâh) signifies a divine, authoritative communication—not a suggestion or an opinion, but a binding declaration from God Himself. It carries the full weight of divine truth and judgment, emphasizing the unchallengeable and non-negotiable nature of what is about to be revealed concerning the shepherds' failures and God's subsequent actions.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore, ye shepherds,"**: The introductory "Therefore" (לָכֵן, _lākhēn_) functions as a strong logical connector, indicating that what follows is a direct consequence or conclusion drawn from the preceding detailed indictment of the shepherds' unfaithful conduct in [Ezekiel 34:1-6](/ezekiel/34-1-6 "Ezekiel 34:1-6 - The Failed Shepherds of Israel"). It signals that a divine response to their actions is both imminent and unavoidable. The direct address, "ye shepherds," immediately and unequivocally identifies the specific recipients of God's judgment, emphasizing their personal accountability and the severity of their failure in their assigned, divinely delegated role.
* **"hear the word"**: This phrase constitutes an imperative command, demanding active attention, intellectual understanding, and, most importantly, obedience. It underscores the profound gravity of the message about to be delivered. The "word" (dâbâr) is not merely a communication but a divine pronouncement, carrying absolute authority and requiring a decisive response. The implication is that these shepherds have either been willfully deaf to, or have heard but deliberately disregarded, God's previous instructions, warnings, and covenant demands.
* **"of the LORD;"**: This concluding phrase explicitly identifies the source of the "word" as YHWH (H3068, "Yᵉhôvâh"), the covenant name of God, emphasizing His self-existent, eternal, and sovereign nature. By attributing the word directly to "the LORD," the prophet establishes the unchallengeable authority and divine origin of the entire message, leaving no room for dispute, dismissal, or evasion by the accused shepherds. It represents a direct confrontation from the ultimate, supreme authority to those who abused their delegated authority over His cherished flock.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 34:7 employs several potent **literary devices** to convey its urgent and authoritative message. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, where the leaders of Israel are consistently referred to as "shepherds" and the people as "sheep" or "flock." This extended metaphor, prevalent throughout the chapter, vividly illustrates the leaders' neglect and exploitation by contrasting their actions with the ideal, caring role of a true shepherd. The use of **Direct Address** ("ye shepherds") creates an immediate, personal, and confrontational tone, drawing the audience directly into the divine courtroom and emphasizing the targeted nature of the indictment. This directness is further intensified by the **Imperative Mood** of "hear," which functions as a divine summons, demanding not just passive reception but active attention and implying a necessary, obedient response. Finally, the phrase "the word of the LORD" serves as a **Formulaic Expression**, common in prophetic literature, to authenticate the message as divinely inspired and authoritative, thereby enhancing its weight, solemnity, and unchallengeable nature.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 34:7 stands as a profound theological statement on the nature of leadership within God's covenant people. It unequivocally establishes that all authority, particularly over God's flock, is a sacred stewardship entrusted by God, not a right to be exploited for personal gain or power. The failure of human leaders to genuinely "shepherd" their people—to protect, nourish, guide, and care for them according to God's will—is not merely a political or social misstep but a profound spiritual betrayal that incurs severe divine judgment. This verse sets the stage for the radical theological truth that when human shepherds fail so grievously, God Himself will intervene to fulfill the role of the true and good Shepherd, demonstrating His unwavering faithfulness and commitment to His people's well-being. This divine intervention underscores God's ultimate sovereignty and His deep, personal care for His flock, contrasting sharply with the self-serving and destructive actions of the unfaithful leaders.

* [Jeremiah 23:1-2](/jeremiah/23-1-2 "Jeremiah 23:1-2 - Woe to the Shepherds Who Destroy and Scatter!")
* [Zechariah 11:4-5](/zechariah/11-4-5 "Zechariah 11:4-5 - The Flock Doomed to Slaughter")
* [Psalm 78:70-72](/psalm/78-70-72 "Psalm 78:70-72 - God Chose David to Shepherd His People")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 34:7 serves as an enduring and challenging reminder for all who hold positions of leadership, whether in the church, government, community, or even within families. The divine summons to "hear the word of the LORD" is a call to profound humility, self-examination, and unwavering submission to God's authoritative will. True leadership, as exemplified by God Himself, is characterized by selfless service, a deep and compassionate concern for the welfare of those entrusted to one's care, and an unwavering commitment to God's righteous principles. This verse compels us to critically examine our own spheres of influence: Are we truly shepherding those under our care, prioritizing their needs and spiritual well-being, or are we inadvertently "feeding ourselves" through self-interest, neglect, or the abuse of power? It also calls the "sheep"—the members of the flock—to discernment, encouraging them to pray for their leaders and to hold them accountable to the divine standard of compassionate and righteous stewardship, recognizing that ultimate authority and care belong to God alone.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific ways might I, in my sphere of influence, be acting more like a "shepherd who feeds himself" rather than one who genuinely cares for the flock?**
* **What practical steps can I take to better "hear the word of the LORD" and allow its authoritative truth to profoundly shape my leadership, service, and daily interactions with others?**
* **How does the severe accountability of the shepherds in Ezekiel 34:7 inform my understanding of ethical and spiritual leadership in contemporary society, both within and outside the church?**

### FAQ

**What does "shepherds" refer to in Ezekiel 34:7?**

Answer: In Ezekiel 34:7, "shepherds" is a powerful and pervasive metaphor referring to the human leaders of Israel—including its kings, priests, and other figures in positions of authority—who were divinely entrusted with the spiritual, political, and social well-being of the nation. This metaphor was deeply embedded in ancient Near Eastern cultures to describe rulers, signifying their sacred duty to protect, guide, and provide for their subjects, much like a literal shepherd diligently cares for a flock of sheep. The broader context of [Ezekiel 34:1-6](/ezekiel/34-1-6 "Ezekiel 34:1-6 - Indictment of Israel's Failed Shepherds") makes it abundantly clear that these "shepherds" had tragically failed in their duty, instead exploiting, neglecting, and scattering God's cherished people for their own gain.

**Why is it important that they "hear the word of the LORD"?**

Answer: The imperative command to "hear the word of the LORD" is of paramount importance because it underscores the divine origin and absolute authority of the message that follows. It is not merely an invitation but a direct, authoritative summons from God Himself, YHWH. For leaders who had strayed grievously from God's will and flagrantly neglected His people, this imperative demanded active attention, profound understanding, and, most critically, immediate obedience. It highlights that their actions were not just human failures but a direct affront to God's own will and covenant, and therefore, they were directly accountable to His sovereign pronouncement. This phrase is a common and potent prophetic formula used to introduce a divinely inspired message, emphasizing its unchallengeable nature and the non-negotiable demand for a response.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 34:7, with its searing indictment of failed human shepherds and the subsequent divine promise to intervene, profoundly foreshadows the coming of Jesus Christ as the ultimate and perfect Shepherd of God's people. The Lord's solemn declaration to "hear the word of the LORD" sets the stage for God's personal, decisive intervention, which culminates in the incarnation of God in Christ. While Israel's earthly shepherds scattered, exploited, and neglected the flock, Jesus declares Himself the [Good Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - Jesus, the Good Shepherd"). He is the one who truly seeks the lost, binds up the broken, strengthens the weak, and gathers His scattered flock, perfectly fulfilling the very promises God makes in [Ezekiel 34:11-16](/ezekiel/34-11-16 "Ezekiel 34:11-16 - God's Promise to Shepherd His Flock"). Jesus embodies the compassionate, self-sacrificial, and righteous leadership that Israel's earthly shepherds so tragically lacked. His ministry of healing, teaching, and ultimately His atoning death on the cross, demonstrate His perfect fulfillment of the role of the Shepherd who truly cares for His flock, leading them to [green pastures and still waters of abundant life](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - The Abundant Life"). He is the one through whom the "word of the LORD" is perfectly heard and perfectly enacted, bringing salvation and eternal life to all who follow His voice, as promised in [John 10:27-28](/john/10-27-28 "John 10:27-28 - My Sheep Hear My Voice and Have Eternal Life").

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 82:1

¶ A Psalm of Asaph. God standeth in the congregation of the mighty; he judgeth among the gods.

Psalms 82:7

But ye shall die like men, and fall like one of the princes.

Ezekiel 34:9

Therefore, O ye shepherds, hear the word of the LORD;

Jeremiah 22:2

And say, Hear the word of the LORD, O king of Judah, that sittest upon the throne of David, thou, and thy servants, and thy people that enter in by these gates:

Jeremiah 22:3

Thus saith the LORD; Execute ye judgment and righteousness, and deliver the spoiled out of the hand of the oppressor: and do no wrong, do no violence to the stranger, the fatherless, nor the widow, neither shed innocent blood in this place.

Jeremiah 13:18

Say unto the king and to the queen, Humble yourselves, sit down: for your principalities shall come down, [even] the crown of your glory.

Micah 3:8

¶ But truly I am full of power by the spirit of the LORD, and of judgment, and of might, to declare unto Jacob his transgression, and to Israel his sin.