Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against the shepherds; and I will require my flock at their hand, and cause them to cease from feeding the flock; neither shall the shepherds feed themselves any more; for I will deliver my flock from their mouth, that they may not be meat for them.
Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against the shepherds; and I will require my flock at their hand, and cause them to cease from feeding the flock; neither shall the shepherds feed themselves any more; for I will deliver my flock from their mouth, that they may not be meat for them. This verse contains God's severe judgment against Israel's unfaithful leaders ("shepherds"). The prophetic formula "Thus saith the Lord GOD" (koh amar Adonai Yahweh) introduces authoritative divine pronouncement. The phrase "I am against" (hineni el, הִנְנִי אֶל) is one of the strongest expressions of divine opposition in Scripture, appearing when God declares judgment on nations or wicked individuals.
"I will require my flock at their hand" uses legal terminology—God will hold shepherds accountable for those entrusted to them. The shepherds had exploited rather than protected God's people (Ezekiel 34:1-6). God's judgment is threefold:
He will remove them from leadership ("cause them to cease from feeding")
He will end their self-serving exploitation ("neither shall the shepherds feed themselves")
He will rescue His people from their destructive influence ("deliver my flock from their mouth").
The phrase "that they may not be meat for them" depicts false shepherds as predators devouring the flock rather than protecting it.
This chapter culminates in God's promise to become the shepherd Himself and to raise up a true shepherd—the Davidic Messiah (Ezekiel 34:23-24), fulfilled in Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd (John 10:11-18).
Historical Context
Ezekiel prophesied during Judah's Babylonian exile (593-571 BCE), addressing a community traumatized by Jerusalem's destruction and grappling with questions about God's justice and faithfulness. The "shepherds" referred to kings, priests, prophets, and civic leaders who had led Judah into idolatry, injustice, and political folly, resulting in national catastrophe. Leaders like Jehoiakim and Zedekiah exemplified the self-serving shepherds described in this chapter.
The shepherd metaphor for rulers was common in the ancient Near East. Mesopotamian kings frequently used shepherd imagery, and the Code of Hammurabi presents the king as shepherd of his people. However, while pagan rulers claimed to shepherd on behalf of patron deities, Israel's leaders served as under-shepherds for Yahweh, the true Shepherd (Psalm 23; 80:1). Their failure to recognize this delegated authority led to their judgment.
This passage profoundly influenced Jesus' self-identification as the Good Shepherd and New Testament teaching on church leadership (1 Peter 5:1-4; Acts 20:28-29). The early church applied these principles to bishops and elders, emphasizing servant leadership rather than exploitation. Throughout history, this text has provided prophetic critique of church and civic leaders who abuse authority for personal gain rather than serving those under their care.
Questions for Reflection
How does God's fierce defense of His flock encourage those who have been spiritually abused or exploited by leaders?
What characteristics distinguish faithful shepherds (pastors/leaders) from false shepherds according to this passage?
In what ways does this passage inform our understanding of leadership accountability both in church and society?
How does Jesus fulfill God's promise to shepherd His people Himself while also establishing human under-shepherds?
What warnings does this passage offer to those in positions of spiritual or civic leadership today?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against the shepherds; and I will require my flock at their hand, and cause them to cease from feeding the flock; neither shall the shepherds feed themselves any more; for I will deliver my flock from their mouth, that they may not be meat for them. This verse contains God's severe judgment against Israel's unfaithful leaders ("shepherds"). The prophetic formula "Thus saith the Lord GOD" (koh amar Adonai Yahweh) introduces authoritative divine pronouncement. The phrase "I am against" (hineni el, הִנְנִי אֶל) is one of the strongest expressions of divine opposition in Scripture, appearing when God declares judgment on nations or wicked individuals.
"I will require my flock at their hand" uses legal terminology—God will hold shepherds accountable for those entrusted to them. The shepherds had exploited rather than protected God's people (Ezekiel 34:1-6). God's judgment is threefold:
The phrase "that they may not be meat for them" depicts false shepherds as predators devouring the flock rather than protecting it.
This chapter culminates in God's promise to become the shepherd Himself and to raise up a true shepherd—the Davidic Messiah (Ezekiel 34:23-24), fulfilled in Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd (John 10:11-18).