diff --git a/content/bible_journal/ezekiel_34:11-31.md b/content/bible_journal/ezekiel_34:11-31.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..ebca82c --- /dev/null +++ b/content/bible_journal/ezekiel_34:11-31.md @@ -0,0 +1,37 @@ ++++ +title = "Ezekiel 34:11–31" +date = "2023-06-10" ++++ + +### [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.