EZEKIEL—NOTE ON EZEKIEL 34:1 As the move toward restoration continues, Ezekiel describes the nation and its leaders as sheep and shepherds. He addresses the shepherds (vv. Ezekiel 34:1) and then the sheep (vv. Ezekiel 34:17). ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0, le... [ Continue Reading ]
EZEKIEL—NOTE ON EZEKIEL 34:2 Describing rulers as SHEPHERDS was widespread in the ancient Near East. David is the model of a shepherd-king (2 Samuel 5:2; Psalms 78:70), but the greatest example is God himself (e.g., Psalms 80:1). Jesus identifies himself as the “good shepherd” (John 10:11, John 10:1... [ Continue Reading ]
EZEKIEL—NOTE ON EZEKIEL 34:11 God intervenes to reverse, step by step, the process described above. He repairs the damage caused by the failed shepherds (vv. Ezekiel 34:2, Ezekiel 34:8) by seeking the scattered sheep (v. Ezekiel 34:12), gathering and feeding them (vv. Ezekiel 34:13), and ensuring th... [ Continue Reading ]
EZEKIEL—NOTE ON EZEKIEL 34:17 The remainder of the chapter is addressed to the flock: vv. Ezekiel 34:17 condemn victimization within the flock; vv. Ezekiel 34:23 return to the provision of a faithful shepherd; and vv. Ezekiel 34:25 describe how spiritual renewal among the people will affect the natu... [ Continue Reading ]
EZEKIEL—NOTE ON EZEKIEL 34:23 Ezekiel’s announcement of a Davidic shepherd (v. Ezekiel 34:23; compare Ezekiel 37:24) is similar to Jeremiah’s (Jeremiah 23:5). Ezekiel 34:24 affirms the relationship of God and people. Because it is close to v. Ezekiel 34:15, some commentators wonder whether the sheph... [ Continue Reading ]
EZEKIEL—NOTE ON EZEKIEL 34:25 The COVENANT OF PEACE announced in v. Ezekiel 34:25 extends to the renewal of the natural world. Compare Isaiah 11:1, where such peace is part of the messianic age. Covenant curses have been the focus, but the covenant also contained blessings (compare Leviticus 26:4; D... [ Continue Reading ]