Matthew Henry Commentary Ezekiel 34:1-6

Matthew Henry Commentary

Ezekiel 34:1-6

1662–1714
Presbyterian
Matthew Henry
Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry Commentary

Ezekiel 34:1-6

1662–1714
Presbyterian
SCRIPTURE

"And the word of Jehovah came unto me, saying, 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? Ye eat the fat, and ye clothe you with the wool, ye kill the fatlings; but ye feed not the sheep. The diseased have ye not strengthened, neither have ye healed that which was sick, neither have ye bound up that which was broken, neither have ye brought back that which was driven away, neither have ye sought that which was lost; but with force and with rigor have ye ruled over them. And they were scattered, because there was no shepherd; and they became food to all the beasts of the field, and were scattered. My sheep wandered through all the mountains, and upon every high hill: yea, my sheep were scattered upon all the face of the earth; and there was none that did search or seek [after them]." — Ezekiel 34:1-6 (ASV)

The people became as sheep without a shepherd, were given up as prey to their enemies, and the land was utterly desolated. No rank or office can exempt from the rebukes of God's word those who neglect their duty, and abuse the trust entrusted to them.