Charles Ellicott Commentary Ezekiel 34:2

"Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, prophesy, and say unto them, even to the shepherds, Thus saith the Lord Jehovah: Woe unto the shepherds of Israel that do feed themselves! should not the shepherds feed the sheep?" — Ezekiel 34:2 (ASV)

Shepherds of Israel. This is a common Scriptural expression for rulers, and the whole context shows that these are the persons intended here. In the passage in Jeremiah 23:1, they are treated under this name separately from the prophets and priests; and also in Jeremiah 2:8, they are distinguished from prophets and priests. The name itself is a particularly appropriate one and seems to have been in use throughout the East, but especially in Israel, from the time when David was taken from the care of the flocks to feed the Lord’s people (Compare to 2 Samuel 5:2; Psalms 78:70–71).

That do feed themselves. This selfishness is characteristic of the unfaithful shepherd and is enlarged upon in Ezekiel 34:3-4. The history shows that for a long time it had been eminently true of the rulers, and especially of the kings of Israel.