Old Testament
Ezekiel 34:10
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this passage, God expresses His strong disapproval of the leaders, referred to as shepherds, who are supposed to care for His people.
- Author
- Ezekiel the prophet
- Written
- Around 590 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Exiled Israelites in Babylon
This is what the Lord GOD says: I am against the shepherds. I will hold them accountable for my flock and stop them from feeding the flock. The shepherds will no longer feed themselves. I will rescue my flock from their mouths so they will not be food 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.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, God expresses His strong disapproval of the leaders, referred to as shepherds, who are supposed to care for His people. Instead of nurturing and protecting the flock, these leaders have been selfish, focusing on their own needs. God promises to hold them accountable for their actions and to stop them from exploiting the people. He declares that He will rescue His flock from their harmful influence. This is a powerful reminder that true leadership is about serving others, not taking advantage of them. God’s commitment to protect His people shows His deep love and concern for their well-being. He will ensure that they are no longer treated as mere resources for selfish leaders. This passage highlights the importance of accountability and the need for leaders to genuinely care for those they lead, reflecting God’s heart for His people. It encourages us to seek leaders who prioritize the welfare of others over their own interests, reminding us that we are all called to care for one another. Explore related materialism.
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How to apply Ezekiel 34:10 to your life
Reflect on the leaders in your life. Are they serving the community or themselves? Seek to support those who genuinely care for others. Additionally, consider how you can be a positive influence in your own circle, prioritizing the needs of others over your own desires. Lead by example in your actions and words, showing care and compassion to those around you. Remember, true leadership is about serving others with love and integrity.
Curated for this public verse page. Ezekiel Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Ezekiel 34:10 mean?
Ezekiel 34:10 expresses God's condemnation of leaders who fail to care for His people, referred to as shepherds. God promises to hold them accountable and rescue His flock from their harmful influence.
What is the significance of shepherds in Ezekiel 34:10?
In Ezekiel 34:10, shepherds symbolize leaders who are responsible for the well-being of their people. The verse highlights their failure to nurture and protect, leading to God's intervention.
What does God promise in Ezekiel 34:10?
In Ezekiel 34:10, God promises to stop the selfish shepherds from exploiting His flock and to rescue His people from their harmful influence, ensuring they are no longer treated as mere resources.
How does Ezekiel 34:10 relate to leadership?
Ezekiel 34:10 emphasizes the importance of accountability in leadership, showing that true leaders should prioritize the welfare of others rather than their own interests.
The Book of Ezekiel
Ezekiel 1: Visions of God
The word of the LORD comes to Ezekiel the priest, the son of Buzi, by the river Chebar in the land of the Chaldeans. He sees visions of God as the heavens open. A great cloud comes from the north with a fire flashing continually and brightness around it, and from the midst appears something like glowing metal. From the fire emerge four living creatures, each with the likeness of a man. Each has four faces and four wings, and their legs are straight with feet like a calf's foot, shining like polished brass. Their faces are those of a man, a lion, an ox, and an eagle, and their wings are joined one to another as they move straight forward without turning.
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