Ezekiel 34:15
I will feed my flock, and I will cause them to lie down, saith the Lord GOD.
Original Language Analysis
אֶרְעֶ֤ה
I will feed
H7462
אֶרְעֶ֤ה
I will feed
Strong's:
H7462
Word #:
2 of 8
to tend a flock; i.e., pasture it; intransitively, to graze (literally or figuratively); generally to rule; by extension, to associate with (as a frie
צֹאנִי֙
my flock
H6629
צֹאנִי֙
my flock
Strong's:
H6629
Word #:
3 of 8
a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)
אַרְבִּיצֵ֔ם
and I will cause them to lie down
H7257
אַרְבִּיצֵ֔ם
and I will cause them to lie down
Strong's:
H7257
Word #:
5 of 8
to crouch (on all four legs folded, like a recumbent animal); by implication, to recline, repose, brood, lurk, imbed
Cross References
Jeremiah 3:15And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.John 21:15So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.Ezekiel 34:23And I will set up one shepherd over them, and he shall feed them, even my servant David; he shall feed them, and he shall be their shepherd.Zephaniah 3:13The remnant of Israel shall not do iniquity, nor speak lies; neither shall a deceitful tongue be found in their mouth: for they shall feed and lie down, and none shall make them afraid.
Historical Context
Judah's failed shepherds (586 BC) neither fed nor protected the flock, resulting in spiritual starvation and constant danger. God's promise to personally feed and rest His flock offered hope beyond exile. The post-exilic community experienced partial fulfillment, but Jesus declared Himself the complete fulfillment—the bread of life (John 6:35) who feeds abundantly and the rest-giver who invites the weary (Matthew 11:28). The church experiences this through Word, sacrament, and spiritual fellowship.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Christ feed your soul through His Word and ordinances?
- What areas of life need the rest that only Christ the Shepherd can provide?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
"I will feed my flock, and I will cause them to lie down, saith the Lord GOD." This echoes Psalm 23—the LORD is my shepherd. God promises both provision ("feed") and security ("lie down"). These are covenant blessings: abundant life and peaceful rest. Christ fulfills this as the Good Shepherd who feeds His sheep with His Word and grants rest for their souls (Matthew 11:28-29). The Reformed emphasis on Christ as mediator appears—divine promises are fulfilled through the God-man who shepherds perfectly. Only Christ can fully satisfy spiritual hunger and grant true rest.