John Gill Commentary Ezekiel 34:5

"And they were scattered, because there was no shepherd; and they became food to all the beasts of the field, and were scattered." — Ezekiel 34:5 (ASV)

And they were scattered because there is no shepherd

No good one; there were shepherds, but they were idol shepherds, good for nothing, and it was all one as if there were none: so, in Christ's time, there were the Scribes and Pharisees; yet, since these did not feed the people with wholesome doctrine, they are said to be as sheep without a shepherd, and scattered abroad, as here from the fold, and from one another; dispersed here and there, seeking food, and none, which moved his compassion, (Matthew 9:36) .

In the political sense it may refer to their captivity, and their dispersion among the nations, having no king: So the Targum, ``and they were scattered without a governor.''

And they became meat to all beasts of the field when they were scattered

The Targum is, ``and they were delivered to all the kingdoms of the people to be consumed;'' such as the Assyrians, Babylonians, Ammonites, Moabites, and others.

And may be applied to false teachers, those grievous wolves, which spare not the flock, into whose hands members of churches, professors of religion, fall, when neglected by their shepherds.