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Ezekiel 34

31 verses

TL;DR

Ezekiel 34 rebukes Israel’s corrupt leaders as self‑serving shepherds and promises God Himself will gather, restore, and protect His people, appointing David as the true shepherd.

Summary

The chapter opens with God condemning the shepherds of Israel for feeding themselves while neglecting and harming the flock (verses 1–16). God declares that He will personally seek and gather the scattered sheep, heal the sick, and bring the lost back (verses 17–27). He promises to appoint His servant David as a righteous shepherd, establish a covenant of peace, and deliver the people from oppression, ensuring safety, abundance, and recognition of God’s lordship (verses 28–31).

Outline
  1. 1. Corrupt shepherds neglected the flock; God’s judgment (1–16)
  2. 2. God’s promise to search, restore, and protect the flock (17–27)
  3. 3. Appointment of David, covenant of peace, and blessings for Israel (28–31)
Themes
God as true shepherd vs false leadersRestoration and covenant of peaceJudgment and hope
Keywords
shepherdflockGodIsraelcovenantrestorationjudgment
People
GodEzekielshepherds of IsraelDavidIsraelite people
Places
Israelmountains of Israelhigh hillsriversland
Things
flockshepherdpasturecovenant of peaceblessingshowertreefields
Key Verses
  • Ezekiel 34:1: Introduction of God’s word to Ezekiel
  • Ezekiel 34:11: God’s promise to seek and restore the flock
  • Ezekiel 34:23: Appointment of David as shepherd
  • Ezekiel 34:25: Covenant of peace with the people
  • Ezekiel 34:30: People will know God’s presence and covenant
Questions
  • What does it mean for God to be the shepherd of Israel?
  • How does the rebuke of corrupt leaders compare to other prophetic criticisms?
  • In what ways does David’s role as shepherd foreshadow later biblical themes?
  • How does the promise of restoration reflect the broader covenant relationship between God and Israel?
Sentiment

mixed
The chapter contains both judgment against leaders and hopeful restoration for the people.