Ezekiel 34:1-10

content/bible_journal/ezekiel_34:1-10.md

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+title = "Ezekiel 34:1–10"
+date = "2023-06-09"
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+
+### [Read the passage.](https://biblia.com/bible/esv/Ezekiel34.1-10)
+
+The Lord gives Ezekiel an analogy to preach to the people. The Israelites are
+identified as a flock of sheep and the kings and leaders over them were their
+shepherds. These shepherds are condemned for being sefish and greedy, caring
+only for their own comfort and benefit while neglecting health and safety of the
+sheep that provided them with such good things.
+
+While it is expected that real shepherds would kill and eat a sheep from their
+flock periodically, these shepherds would do so without providing food for
+their sheep in the first place. The sick sheep were not  cared for, others
+would wander away and not be sought out, and the ones that stayed behind were
+mistreated with "force and harshness".
+
+It is no wonder, then, that the sheep scattered through the wilderness and
+became prey for wild beasts. I expect the analogy refers to the way Israel
+turned to idolatry under the rule of evil kings. They wandered away from the
+Lord and His goodness and were consumed by their sin, sacrificing to paga
+deities on "every high hill".
+
+Because of this, the judgement on the unfaithful shepherds is that they do not
+get to enjoy the goods produced by their flock any more. They are removed from
+their position of power and the sheep are rescued from their harsh rule.
+
+* * *
+
+You are a kind and good shepherd to Your people, caring for them in all their
+troubles.