Ezekiel 34:11-31

content/bible_journal/ezekiel_34:11-31.md

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+title = "Ezekiel 34:11–31"
+date = "2023-06-10"
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+
+### [Read the passage.](https://biblia.com/bible/esv/Ezekiel34.11-31)
+
+Now that I've read a little further ahead, I find my self disagreeing with
+the section breaks in the ESV. It seems to me that verses 11–16 go more with
+the first section of the chapter than with the following verses. These tell us
+how the Lord responds to the unfaithfulness of the shepherds who were to watch
+over Israel. The Lord declares that He will go out to the scattered flock and
+find them to rescue them. Though they were scattered abroad among many people,
+He will lead them back to the land He had given to them, and they will be fed
+abundance and rest in peace on the sides of the mountains.
+
+Starting in verse 17, though, the Lord's attention shifts to individuals within
+the flock, no longer addressing the shepherds who failed in their duty. Some of
+the stronger sheep had been oppressing the weaker sheep, pushing them away from
+the good parts of the pasture and ramming them with their horns to drive them
+away. Not only this, but after eating their fill, these strong rams go to the
+rest of the pasture and trample it down so it can't be eaten. They drink what
+they want from the clear streams, and then stir up the mud so it can't be drunk
+by anyone else.
+
+Because of this, the Lord will also bring judgement on these cruel sheep.
+The flock will be rescued from predation and will have peace under the Good
+Shepherd, the Messiah, when He comes to guide them. All the wild beasts will
+be banished, and the land will produce abundantly. No more will idolatrous
+temptations stalk God's people to lead them away to destruction. No longer will
+other nations seek to oppress, enslave, or kill God's people, because they all
+will love the Lord and follow His ways.
+
+* * *
+
+Your victory is assured; all will acknowledge You as the supreme ruler of
+everything.