Is it not enough for you to feed on the good pasture? Must you also trample the rest of the pasture with your feet? Is it not enough for you to drink the clear waters? Must you also muddy the rest with your feet? Is it not enough for you to feed on the good pasture?This phrase addresses the leaders of Israel, often symbolized as shepherds, who have been given abundant resources and blessings. The "good pasture" represents the spiritual and material blessings provided by God. In biblical context, pastures are often used as metaphors for God's provision (Psalm 23:2). The rhetorical question implies that the leaders' greed and selfishness are excessive, as they exploit these blessings without regard for others. This reflects a broader biblical theme of stewardship and responsibility (Luke 12:48). Must you also trample the rest of the pasture with your feet? Is it not enough for you to drink the clear waters? Must you also muddy the rest with your feet? Persons / Places / Events 1. EzekielA prophet during the Babylonian exile, tasked with delivering God's messages to the Israelites. 2. Shepherds of Israel Symbolic of the leaders of Israel, who were responsible for the spiritual and physical well-being of the people but failed in their duties. 3. The Flock Represents the people of Israel, who suffered due to the negligence and selfishness of their leaders. 4. Babylonian Exile The historical context in which Ezekiel prophesied, a time of judgment and reflection for the Israelites. 5. God's Judgment The divine response to the failure of the leaders, emphasizing accountability and justice. Teaching Points Responsibility of LeadershipLeaders are accountable to God for how they care for those under their charge. They must not exploit or neglect their responsibilities. Impact of Selfishness Selfish actions can harm others, as seen in the metaphor of trampling the pasture and muddying the water. Consider how personal actions affect the community. Call to Righteousness God desires leaders who act justly and care for the well-being of others, reflecting His character. Spiritual Nourishment Just as physical nourishment is essential, spiritual nourishment is vital for the health of the community. Leaders should ensure that they provide clear and untainted spiritual guidance. Accountability and Judgment God holds leaders accountable for their actions, and there will be consequences for neglect and abuse of power. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Ezekiel 34:18 challenge our understanding of leadership and responsibility within the church today?2. In what ways can we ensure that our actions do not "trample" or "muddy" the spiritual nourishment of others? 3. How can we apply the principles of good shepherding in our personal and professional lives? 4. What are some practical steps we can take to support and encourage our leaders to be more like the Good Shepherd described in John 10? 5. How does the concept of accountability in Ezekiel 34:18 relate to the parable of the sheep and the goats in Matthew 25:31-46? Connections to Other Scriptures Psalm 23Contrasts the negligent shepherds with the Lord as the perfect Shepherd who provides and cares for His flock. John 10:11-15 Jesus identifies Himself as the Good Shepherd, highlighting His sacrificial love and care for His sheep. Jeremiah 23:1-4 Similar condemnation of the leaders of Israel, with a promise of righteous leadership to come. Matthew 25:31-46 The parable of the sheep and the goats, emphasizing the importance of caring for others and the consequences of neglect. 1 Peter 5:2-4 Instructions to church leaders to shepherd the flock willingly and eagerly, not for personal gain.
People David, EzekielPlaces JerusalemTopics Clear, Deep, Depth, Dirty, Drank, Drink, Drinking, Drunk, Eaten, Enjoy, Fed, Feed, Foul, Grass-land, Muddy, Pasture, Pastures, Remainder, Remnant, Residue, Rest, Seem, Seemeth, Settled, Slight, Stamped, Trample, Tread, WatersDictionary of Bible Themes Ezekiel 34:7-24Library The Church of ChristThis, then, is the meaning of the text; that God would make Jerusalem and the places round about his hill a blessing. I shall not, however, use it so this morning, but I shall use it in a more confined sense--or, perhaps, in a more enlarged sense--as it applies to the church of Jesus Christ, and to this particular church with which you and I stand connected. "I will make them and the places round about my hill a blessing; and I will cause the shower to come down in his season; there shall be showers … Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 1: 1855 That None Should Enter on a Place of Government who Practise not in Life what they have Learnt by Study. Discourse on the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd' and his one Flock' - Last Discourse at the Feast of Tabernacles. The Everlasting Covenant of the Spirit How to Make Use of Christ as the Life when the Soul is Dead as to Duty. The Shepherd of Our Souls. Covenanting Predicted in Prophecy. The Extent of Messiah's Spiritual Kingdom The Eighth Commandment That the Ruler Should Be, through Humility, a Companion of Good Livers, But, through the Zeal of Righteousness, Rigid against the vices of Evildoers. Covenanting Provided for in the Everlasting Covenant. Jesus Makes his First Disciples. Second Great Group of Parables. Ezekiel Links Ezekiel 34:18 NIVEzekiel 34:18 NLT Ezekiel 34:18 ESV Ezekiel 34:18 NASB Ezekiel 34:18 KJV Ezekiel 34:18 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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