Question 1

Who are the “shepherds of Israel” that God rebukes in this passage?

Accepted Answer

The “shepherds of Israel” are the leaders who were supposed to care for God’s people. This includes kings, officials, priests, and prophets. They were meant to guide, protect, and feed the people like good shepherds care for sheep. Instead, they used their position to benefit themselves. They took the best of the people’s goods, enjoyed comfort and power, but did not care for the weak, the sick, or the lost. Because of this selfish leadership, the people were left scattered and harmed, and God says He is against these shepherds.

Question 2

What does it mean that the shepherds fed themselves but did not feed the flock?

Accepted Answer

When God says the shepherds “feed themselves,” He is showing how the leaders used their power only for their own gain. They took the fat, the wool, and even destroyed the well-fed sheep, meaning they enjoyed the benefits of leadership and drained the people. At the same time, they did not care for those who were weak, sick, broken, driven away, or lost. Instead of serving, they ruled with force and cruelty. This picture shows selfish leadership that ignores the needs of the people God loves.

Question 3

What does this passage teach about God as a shepherd?

Accepted Answer

This passage shows God as a tender and active shepherd. After condemning the unfaithful leaders, God says, “I, even I, will both search my sheep, and seek them out.” He promises to find His scattered sheep, bring them back from all the places they were driven, feed them in good pasture, give them rest, heal the broken, and strengthen the sick. He does not ignore the weak. He also judges those who trample others. God shows that when human shepherds fail, He Himself steps in to care for His flock.

Question 4

Who is the “one shepherd” called “my servant David” in this passage?

Accepted Answer

The “one shepherd” called “my servant David” points to a future ruler from David’s line who will truly care for God’s people. David himself was long dead when these words were spoken, so the promise looks ahead. This shepherd will feed the flock and be their shepherd in truth, not like the selfish leaders God rebukes. God also calls him “a prince among them,” while He Himself remains their God. Many readers understand this as pointing to the coming Messiah, the good shepherd who perfectly leads and cares for God’s people.

Question 5

What is the “covenant of peace” God promises to make with His people?

Accepted Answer

The “covenant of peace” is God’s promise to bring His people into a settled, safe relationship with Him. In this passage, it includes removing “evil beasts,” giving safety even in wilderness and woods, and sending “showers of blessing” so trees and land give good fruit. God breaks their yoke, frees them from those who used them, and removes hunger and shame. This covenant of peace is not only about outward safety, but about knowing that the Lord is their God, that He is with them, and that they are truly His people.

Question 6

Why does God say He will judge between “fat cattle” and “lean cattle”?

Accepted Answer

The picture of “fat cattle” and “lean cattle” shows how some in the flock were pushing others around. The strong ones ate the good pasture and then trampled the rest, drank the deep waters and then muddied what was left. They thrust the weak with side and shoulder and scattered them. God says He will judge between these kinds of people within His flock. He will protect the weak and stop the bullying of the strong. This shows that God not only judges leaders, but also deals with selfishness and harm among His people themselves.

Question 7

What are the “showers of blessing” and the “plant of renown” in this chapter?

Accepted Answer

“Showers of blessing” describe God’s generous care. He promises rain in season so that trees bear fruit and the earth gives its increase. This picture of steady rain shows regular, kind provision from God. The “plant of renown” is a promise of a special source of life and honor for the people, connected with the coming ruler from David’s line. Through this, they will no longer be eaten up by hunger or live in shame before the nations. These images together show God giving both spiritual and physical good to His restored people.

Question 8

How does this passage speak to leaders and pastors today?

Accepted Answer

This passage warns anyone in leadership not to act like the bad shepherds. God cares deeply about how leaders treat His people. Those who lead are meant to feed, protect, and gently care for the weak, not use people for their own comfort or power. God holds leaders accountable when they ignore the sick, the broken, and the scattered. At the same time, it comforts faithful leaders and believers by showing that God Himself watches over the flock, and He will step in when human leaders fail.

Question 9

How can someone apply the message of this passage in everyday life?

Accepted Answer

You can apply this passage by asking how you treat people God has placed around you, especially those who are weaker, hurting, or overlooked. Instead of using others to get ahead, God calls you to serve, to help bind up what is broken, and to look for those who feel lost or pushed aside. It also invites you to trust God as your true shepherd. Even if leaders or people around you fail, God promises to see, to search you out, to care for you, and to bring you into a place of safety and blessing with Him.

Question 10

What does this passage show about God’s heart for His people who feel scattered or mistreated?

Accepted Answer

This passage shows that God sees and cares when His people are scattered, used, or forgotten. He describes them as His own flock wandering over mountains and hills with no one to search for them. God does not accept this. He says, “I will save my flock,” and promises they will no more be a prey. He takes their suffering personally and acts to rescue them, judge those who harmed them, and bring them into safety, rest, and honor. If you feel scattered or mistreated, this chapter shows that God has not forgotten you.

Ezekiel 34:1

And the word of the Lord came unto me, saying,

A Prophecy against Israel’s Shepherds

The Good Shepherd

The Covenant of Peace

A Prophecy against Israel’s Shepherds

metadata.crossReferences

Ezekiel 34:1

And the word of the Lord came unto me, saying,

share.title

share.allVerses

share.verseWithContext

share.currentVerse

A Prophecy against Israel’s Shepherds

The Good Shepherd

The Covenant of Peace

A Prophecy against Israel’s Shepherds

metadata.crossReferences