Ezekiel 34:31
And ye my flock, the flock of my pasture, are men, and I am your God, saith the Lord GOD.
Original Language Analysis
צֹ֥אן
my flock
H6629
צֹ֥אן
my flock
Strong's:
H6629
Word #:
2 of 11
a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)
צֹ֥אן
my flock
H6629
צֹ֥אן
my flock
Strong's:
H6629
Word #:
3 of 11
a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)
אָדָ֣ם
are men
H120
אָדָ֣ם
are men
Strong's:
H120
Word #:
5 of 11
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
אֱלֹ֣הֵיכֶ֔ם
and I am your God
H430
אֱלֹ֣הֵיכֶ֔ם
and I am your God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
8 of 11
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
Cross References
Psalms 100:3Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.John 10:16And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.Psalms 78:52But made his own people to go forth like sheep, and guided them in the wilderness like a flock.Ezekiel 36:38As the holy flock, as the flock of Jerusalem in her solemn feasts; so shall the waste cities be filled with flocks of men: and they shall know that I am the LORD.Psalms 80:1Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, thou that leadest Joseph like a flock; thou that dwellest between the cherubims, shine forth.Acts 20:28Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.Isaiah 40:11He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.Psalms 95:7For he is our God; and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. To day if ye will hear his voice,John 10:11I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.Jeremiah 23:1Woe be unto the pastors that destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! saith the LORD.
Historical Context
The exiles (586 BC) needed assurance that despite judgment, covenant relationship continued. God's "I am your God" promised preservation and restoration. This sustained Jewish faith through persecution and diaspora. Christ expanded "my flock" to include Gentiles (John 10:16), creating one flock under one shepherd. The church experiences this covenant relationship: adopted as God's children (Romans 8:15-17), claimed as His own (Titus 2:14). The promise demonstrates covenant faithfulness transcending human unfaithfulness.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's acknowledgment "ye are men" demonstrate divine condescension and grace?
- What does covenant relationship "I am your God" guarantee about eternal security?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
"And ye my flock, the flock of my pasture, are men, and I am your God, saith the Lord GOD." The final verse emphasizes relationship: God acknowledges ownership and responsibility. The phrase "are men" highlights both human frailty and divine condescension. God shepherds weak, vulnerable creatures—not because they deserve it but because He chooses them. The covenant formula "I am your God" establishes permanent relationship. This is sovereign grace: God binding Himself to unworthy people through covenant commitment. The Reformed emphasis on divine election appears: God chooses His flock according to sovereign will.