Ezekiel 34:9

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore, O 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 34:9 serves as a pivotal and authoritative divine summons, directly addressing the unfaithful leaders of Israel, metaphorically termed "shepherds." Following a scathing indictment of their neglect and exploitation of God's flock, this verse commands these corrupt figures to attentively "hear the word of the LORD," signaling an impending declaration of divine judgment and a radical shift in God's approach to shepherding His people. It underscores the ultimate authority of God's pronouncements and the severe accountability of those entrusted with leadership.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 34:9 is a direct and forceful command following a detailed indictment against the "shepherds" of Israel in [Ezekiel 34:1-8](/ezekiel/34-1 "Ezekiel 34:1-8 - Indictment of Unfaithful Shepherds"). The preceding verses vividly describe how these leaders, instead of caring for the flock, have fed themselves, neglected the weak, failed to bring back the strayed, and ruled with harshness, leading to the scattering of God's people. Verse 9 acts as a solemn declaration of divine intervention, a direct address that transitions from accusation to the pronouncement of God's coming judgment and His subsequent promise to shepherd His flock Himself, as detailed from [Ezekiel 34:10](/ezekiel/34-10 "Ezekiel 34:10 - God's Judgment on the Shepherds") onward. It sets the stage for God's redemptive action.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy in Ezekiel 34 is delivered during the Babylonian exile, a period of profound national crisis for Israel. The "shepherds" metaphorically represent the kings, princes, priests, and prophets—the political and religious elite—who were responsible for leading the nation. Historically, these leaders had failed miserably, leading to moral decay, idolatry, and ultimately, the destruction of Jerusalem and the exile. The concept of a "shepherd" as a ruler was common in the ancient Near East, signifying protection, provision, and guidance. However, Israel's leaders had inverted this role, exploiting the people for personal gain. Thus, God's address in [Ezekiel 34](/ezekiel/34 "Ezekiel 34 - God's Indictment of Unfaithful Shepherds and Promise to Shepherd His People") is a direct response to the historical failures that brought about such national devastation.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several major themes within Ezekiel and the broader prophetic tradition. Firstly, it highlights the **accountability of leadership**, emphasizing that those in positions of authority, whether spiritual or political, are ultimately answerable to God for their stewardship of His people. Their failure to genuinely care for the flock, as seen in [Jeremiah 23:1-4](/jeremiah/23-1 "Jeremiah 23:1-4 - Prophecy Against False Shepherds"), incurs divine wrath. Secondly, the phrase "hear the word of the LORD" underscores **divine authority and revelation**, asserting that God's pronouncements are not mere human opinions but binding, absolute truth demanding attention and obedience. This theme is central to Ezekiel's prophetic ministry. Lastly, this stern command to failed human shepherds foreshadows **God's sovereign intervention and restoration**. It sets the stage for God's promise in [Ezekiel 34:11-16](/ezekiel/34-11 "Ezekiel 34:11-16 - God Promises to Shepherd His Flock") that He Himself will act as the true Shepherd, a promise that finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the [Good Shepherd](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - Jesus, the Good Shepherd").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **shepherds (Hebrew, _râʻâh'_):** From the primitive root meaning "to tend a flock," this word extends beyond literal herders to signify those who rule, govern, or guide. In this context, it refers to the political, religious, and social leaders of Israel who were meant to care for God's people but instead exploited them. The implication is one of responsibility and care, which these leaders utterly failed to uphold.
* **hear (Hebrew, _shâmaʻ'_):** This primitive root means "to hear intelligently," often implying not just auditory perception but also attention, understanding, and crucially, obedience. It's a call to listen with a view to acting upon what is heard, emphasizing the binding nature of the divine command. It signifies a demand for full comprehension and submission to God's decree.
* **word (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):):** This term is rich in meaning, encompassing not just spoken utterances but also matters, things, affairs, decrees, and even deeds. When used in the phrase "word of the LORD," it denotes a divine message, a revelation, or a binding decree that carries the full authority and power of God Himself. It is active, potent, and demands a response.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore, O ye shepherds,"**: The "Therefore" (לָכֵן, _lākhēn_) indicates a logical consequence or conclusion drawn from the preceding indictment in [Ezekiel 34:1-8](/ezekiel/34-1 "Ezekiel 34:1-8 - Indictment of Unfaithful Shepherds"). It signals that what follows is a direct result of the shepherds' unfaithful actions. The direct address, "O ye shepherds," is a powerful, confrontational summons to the corrupt leaders, leaving no doubt as to the recipients of God's message.
* **"hear"**: This is an imperative command, demanding immediate and attentive listening. As explored in the key word analysis, "hear" (שְׁמָעוּ, _shᵉmāʿū_) implies not just passive reception but active engagement, understanding, and ultimately, obedience to the divine message that is about to be delivered. It highlights the solemnity and urgency of the pronouncement.
* **"the word of the LORD;"**: This is a standard prophetic formula, asserting the divine origin and absolute authority of the message. It signifies that the prophet Ezekiel is not speaking his own thoughts but delivering a direct revelation from YHWH (the LORD), the covenant God of Israel. This phrase elevates the message beyond human opinion, making it a binding decree from the Sovereign God who holds all leaders accountable.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 34:9 employs several potent literary devices. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, where the leaders of Israel are consistently referred to as "shepherds" and the people as "sheep" or "flock." This metaphor powerfully conveys the expected role of care, protection, and guidance, highlighting the stark contrast with their actual exploitative behavior. The verse also uses **Direct Address**, with the emphatic "O ye shepherds," drawing immediate attention to the recipients of the divine message and emphasizing the personal nature of God's confrontation with them. Furthermore, the phrase "the word of the LORD" functions as a **Prophetic Formula**, a recurring literary device throughout the prophetic books that authenticates the message as divinely inspired, imbuing it with absolute authority and demanding a response from the hearers.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 34:9 is a profound declaration of divine justice and God's unwavering commitment to His people. It underscores the theological truth that all human authority is delegated by God and carries immense responsibility. When leaders fail to uphold their divine mandate to care for the vulnerable and instead prioritize self-interest, they invite God's righteous judgment. This verse serves as a reminder that God is not indifferent to the suffering of His flock and will intervene to ensure their welfare, whether through judgment of the unfaithful or through His own direct, redemptive action. It sets a precedent for understanding the nature of true spiritual and temporal leadership as selfless service.

* [Jeremiah 23:1-4](/jeremiah/23-1 "Jeremiah 23:1-4 - Woe to the Shepherds Who Destroy and Scatter")
* [Isaiah 56:9-12](/isaiah/56-9 "Isaiah 56:9-12 - The Watchmen Are Blind Shepherds")
* [Matthew 9:36](/matthew/9-36 "Matthew 9:36 - Jesus' Compassion for the Harassed and Helpless")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 34:9 offers timeless principles that resonate deeply with contemporary challenges in leadership, whether in the church, government, business, or family. It compels us to recognize that true leadership is a sacred trust, not a means to personal gain or power. Those in positions of influence are called to embody selfless service, prioritizing the well-being of those under their care above all else. This verse challenges us to critically evaluate leadership, both in ourselves and in others, asking whether actions truly reflect the compassionate, protective, and nourishing heart of a good shepherd. It also reminds us of the paramount importance of listening to and obeying God's Word, which serves as the ultimate guide for righteous living and effective leadership. For followers, it encourages discernment, prompting us to pray for and support faithful leaders while holding all leaders accountable to the divine standard.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I, in my sphere of influence, be acting more like a "shepherd who feeds himself" rather than caring for others?**
* **How does "hearing the word of the LORD" translate into practical obedience and leadership in my daily life?**
* **What are the characteristics of a "good shepherd" that I should look for in leaders and strive to embody myself?**

### FAQ
**Who are the "shepherds" being addressed in this verse?**

Answer: In the context of Ezekiel 34, the "shepherds" are a metaphor for the unfaithful leaders of Israel. This includes kings, princes, priests, and prophets—anyone in a position of authority who was responsible for guiding, protecting, and caring for God's people (the "flock"). These leaders had failed in their duties, exploiting the people for personal gain rather than serving them, leading to the nation's spiritual decay and eventual exile to Babylon. The indictment against them begins in [Ezekiel 34:1](/ezekiel/34-1 "Ezekiel 34:1 - Prophecy Against the Shepherds").

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

Answer: The command to "hear the word of the LORD" (שְׁמָעוּ דְבַר יְהֹוָה, _shᵉmāʿū dᵉvar YHWH_) is crucial because it emphasizes the divine origin and absolute authority of the message being delivered. It's not a suggestion or a human opinion, but a direct, binding decree from God Himself. For the unfaithful shepherds, "hearing" implies not just listening, but understanding, acknowledging their failure, and recognizing the impending judgment. For all hearers, it underscores that God's word is living and powerful, demanding attention and obedience, as highlighted in passages like [Hebrews 4:12](/hebrews/4-12 "Hebrews 4:12 - The Word of God is Living and Active").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 34:9, with its indictment of failed human shepherds and the command to hear God's word, profoundly foreshadows the coming of the ultimate and true Shepherd, Jesus Christ. The very reason God declares He will intervene to shepherd His flock ([Ezekiel 34:10-16](/ezekiel/34-10 "Ezekiel 34:10-16 - God Promises to Shepherd His Flock")) is because human leaders proved incapable and unfaithful. This divine promise finds its perfect fulfillment in Jesus, who identifies Himself as the [Good Shepherd](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - Jesus, the Good Shepherd"), contrasting Himself sharply with the "hired hand" who flees when danger comes. Unlike the self-serving shepherds of Ezekiel's day, Jesus lays down His life for His sheep ([John 10:11, 15](/john/10-11 "John 10:11,15 - The Good Shepherd Lays Down His Life")). He gathers the scattered, heals the sick, seeks the lost, and feeds His flock with truth and life ([John 10:16](/john/10-16 "John 10:16 - Jesus Gathers All His Sheep")). He is the Chief Shepherd ([1 Peter 5:4](/1_peter/5-4 "1 Peter 5:4 - The Chief Shepherd Will Appear")), the Great Shepherd of the sheep ([Hebrews 13:20](/hebrews/13-20 "Hebrews 13:20 - The God of Peace and the Great Shepherd")), who perfectly embodies the divine care and righteous rule that the Old Testament shepherds so tragically failed to provide. Thus, Ezekiel 34:9 is not just a call to judgment, but a prophetic whisper of the coming King who would truly shepherd His people with justice and love.

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.