therefore, you shepherds, hear the word of the LORD!' therefore, you shepherds,This phrase addresses the leaders of Israel, often referred to as shepherds in biblical literature. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, kings and leaders were commonly depicted as shepherds of their people, responsible for their welfare and guidance. The use of "therefore" indicates a conclusion or judgment based on previous statements, specifically the failures of these leaders to care for their flock. This imagery is consistent with other biblical passages, such as Psalm 23, where God is depicted as the ultimate Shepherd, and John 10, where Jesus identifies Himself as the Good Shepherd, contrasting with the negligent leaders. hear the word of the LORD! Persons / Places / Events 1. EzekielA prophet during the Babylonian exile, Ezekiel was called by God to deliver messages of judgment and hope to the Israelites. 2. Shepherds In this context, the shepherds symbolize the leaders of Israel, including kings, priests, and prophets, who were responsible for guiding and caring for the people. 3. Israel The nation of Israel, God's chosen people, who were in a state of spiritual and political turmoil during Ezekiel's time. 4. Babylonian Exile The period when the Israelites were taken captive by Babylon, serving as a backdrop for Ezekiel's prophecies. 5. The LORD The covenant name of God, Yahweh, who speaks through Ezekiel to address the failures of Israel's leaders. Teaching Points Accountability of LeadersLeaders are accountable to God for the care and guidance of those they lead. They must listen to God's word and act accordingly. Spiritual Leadership True spiritual leadership involves selfless service and genuine concern for the well-being of others, reflecting God's heart. Consequences of Neglect Neglecting responsibilities as a leader can lead to spiritual and communal decay, as seen in Israel's history. God's Sovereignty Despite human failures, God remains sovereign and will ultimately shepherd His people, ensuring their care and restoration. Call to Hear God's Word Both leaders and followers are called to hear and respond to God's word, allowing it to guide their actions and decisions. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the role of a shepherd in Ezekiel 34:9 relate to the responsibilities of leaders today?2. In what ways can we ensure that we are listening to and applying God's word in our leadership roles? 3. How does Jesus' example as the Good Shepherd in John 10 challenge our understanding of leadership? 4. What are some practical steps we can take to hold leaders accountable to their God-given responsibilities? 5. How can we, as members of a community, support and encourage our leaders to follow the model of godly shepherding? Connections to Other Scriptures Jeremiah 23This chapter also addresses the failure of Israel's leaders, using the metaphor of shepherds who have not cared for their flock. John 10 Jesus refers to Himself as the Good Shepherd, contrasting His care and sacrifice with the neglectful shepherds of Israel. 1 Peter 5 Peter exhorts church leaders to shepherd God's flock willingly and eagerly, not for personal gain, echoing the call for faithful leadership. Psalm 23 David's psalm portrays God as the ultimate Shepherd, providing and caring for His people, offering a model for human leaders. Zechariah 11 This passage speaks of the consequences of poor leadership and the breaking of God's covenant with unfaithful shepherds.
People David, EzekielPlaces JerusalemTopics Ear, Flock, Keepers, O, Reason, ShepherdsDictionary of Bible Themes Ezekiel 34:1-10 7786 shepherd, king and leader Library 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 34:9 NIVEzekiel 34:9 NLT Ezekiel 34:9 ESV Ezekiel 34:9 NASB Ezekiel 34:9 KJV Ezekiel 34:9 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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