Ezekiel 34:5

Translations

Modern

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

Traditional

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

Literal

And they were scattered for lack of a shepherd, and they became as food for all the beasts of the field; indeed, they were scattered.

Latin

Et dispersæ sunt oves meæ, eo quod non esset pastor: et factæ sunt in devorationem omnium bestiarum agri, et dispersæ sunt.

Original

Hebrew

English

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

Notes

Ezekiel 34:2–6

Woe to the shepherds: Israel’s leaders did not care for the weak or search for those who wandered away and were lost. They pursued their own interests, feeding themselves at the flock’s expense. They ruled the sheep with harshness and cruelty, similar to how the Egyptians treated the Israelites in the time of Moses (Exodus 1:13–14). The neglect and abuse by these cruel shepherds scattered the Lord’s flock across the earth.

Ezekiel 34:1–24

This chapter includes both judgment and salvation. God would judge the shepherds, that is, the former kings of Judah. They failed to care for their flock, meaning the people of Judah.

The Lord would also judge the fattened sheep. These were the strong and selfish people who harmed others. Yet God would act as a good shepherd. He would care for the rest of the flock and provide for them.

The image of the shepherd shows both the strength and kindness of God's actions with His people. In the ancient Near East, a shepherd was a common symbol for a king. People saw the earthly king as a representative of the divine shepherd who appointed him.

Shepherds had to protect their flocks from wild animals like lions and bears. They also needed to know their sheep by name and gently lead them to good pasture and calm waters. They faced cold, heat, wind, rain, and snow while caring for their flocks.

Good kings who led their people wisely and strongly were like shepherds. The New Testament uses the same image to describe pastors and elders, who should oversee their flock without being domineering (1 Peter 5:2–4). Jesus perfectly combines strength and kindness as the “great Shepherd of the sheep” (Hebrews 13:20).

Ezekiel 34:1–37:28

These chapters describe the blessings that would come when the Lord returned to his people.

He would be their shepherd. He would give them good and faithful leadership (Ezekiel 34).

He would make the land fruitful again. In this way, he would show that his name is honored and holy (Ezekiel 35–36).

He would bring his people back to life and make them one nation again (Ezekiel 37).

Theme notes and profiles

The Shepherd

Events

Prophecies of Ezekielc. 593 BC

Related verses

Matthew 9:36
When He saw the crowds, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.
2 Chronicles 18:16
So Micaiah declared: “I saw all Israel scattered on the hills like sheep without a shepherd. And the LORD said, ‘These people have no master; let each one return home in peace.’”
Jeremiah 23:2
Therefore this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says about the shepherds who tend My people: “You have scattered My flock and driven them away, and have not attended to them. Behold, I will attend to you for the evil of your deeds, declares the LORD.
Ezekiel 34:8
‘As surely as I live, declares the Lord GOD, because My flock lacks a shepherd and has become prey and food for every wild beast, and because My shepherds did not search for My flock but fed themselves instead,
1 Kings 22:17
So Micaiah declared: “I saw all Israel scattered on the hills like sheep without a shepherd. And the LORD said, ‘These people have no master; let each one return home in peace.’”
Acts 20:29–31
I know that after my departure, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock.
Jeremiah 50:17
Israel is a scattered flock, chased away by lions. The first to devour him was the king of Assyria; the last to crush his bones was Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon.”
Zechariah 10:2–3
For idols speak deceit and diviners see illusions; they tell false dreams and offer empty comfort. Therefore the people wander like sheep, oppressed for lack of a shepherd.
Isaiah 56:9
Come, all you beasts of the field; eat greedily, all you beasts of the forest.
Jeremiah 50:6–7
My people are lost sheep; their shepherds have led them astray, causing them to roam the mountains. They have wandered from mountain to hill; they have forgotten their resting place.
Ezekiel 34:6
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.’
John 10:2
But the one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep.

Glossary

Book of Zephaniah Ezekiel (Person) Ezekiel, Book of God, Names of Shepherd

Topics

Christian Minister: Character and Attributes of Christian Minister: Duties of Christian Minister: False and Corrupt Levites: Profits From:

Ezekiel 34:5

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