Ezek. 34:1-10,23-24, The Wicked Shepherds of Israel

Not only do we have the many texts, here and there, that speak of God’s Savior/ Son being beset by ravenous wolves.  We have it prophesied in full chapters.  One of those is Ezekiel’s message against the “shepherds of Israel” in Ezek. 34.

The leadership of God’s people is entrusted to “shepherds.”  This is God’s term and concept of leadership.  This applied to the priests, the royalty, the prophets, and any others who had authority over the people.  A shepherd is intended to care for the flock, providing something the flock cannot provide for itself.  The flock needs shepherds.  But, as always, the shepherds might not always be good shepherds.

Such is the case in Ezek. 34:1-6.  The leadership of Israel were guilty of feeding themselves and not the flock (v2-3).  They did not care for sheep that were sick, injured, driven away or lost (v4).  Instead, they ruled them harshly (v4) so that they, the shepherds, could get rich off the flock.  The result was that the sheep were scattered and susceptible to being eaten by other beasts (v5, sheep need protection as they cannot do this themselves).  The sheep wandered (they need to be led) and no one was searching for them (v6). 

Because of this failure of the shepherds, and because of God’s love for His people, there were two conclusions to this situation.  First, in stern and profound words, the Lord GOD says, “Behold, I am against the shepherds, and I will require My flock at their hand; I will cause them to cease feeding the sheep, and the shepherds shall feed themselves no more; for I will deliver My flock from their mouths, that they may no longer be food for them” (v10).  The Lord will hold them accountable.  What a sad reality, for God to be “against” a leader.

Second, God says that He Himself will take over the shepherding responsibilities.  He will search for the flock and then bring them back from where they were scattered (v11-12).  He will bring them back from the nations to which they were dispersed and will give them good pasture and protection and healing (v13-16). 

But this care for them by the Lord has a special turn later in the chapter: God will care for them through “My servant David” (v23-24).  Ezekiel’s prophecy was long after the time of King David.  The LORD is referring to the fulfillment of the Davidic Covenant when the Messiah, the greater Son of David, becomes the Good Shepherd. 

Jesus confirmed this in John 9:35-10:15 in “The Good Shepherd Sermon.”  He spoke these words against the “shepherds of Israel” in His day.  He likened them to thieves who were stealing the sheep to get rich (10:1), just as Ezekiel had spoken.  He affirmed that He, Jesus, was the “good Shepherd” because He was the “door of the sheep” (v2-10) and because He would give His life for the sheep (v11-15).  Yes, Jesus faced up to the irresponsible shepherds of Israel, and entrusted Himself to His Father, knowing the Father’s plan was that He shepherd the flock faithfully.