“Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, prophesy, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD unto the shepherds; Woe be to the shepherds of Israel that do feed themselves! should not the shepherds feed the flocks?
Ye eat the fat, and ye clothe you with the wool, ye kill them that are fed: but ye feed not the flock.”
—Ezekiel 34:2–3
In Ezekiel 34, God delivers a strong rebuke against the leaders of Israel—the “shepherds” who were entrusted to guide and care for His people. Instead of fulfilling their calling, they became self-serving, greedy, and destructive. Their neglect and corruption left the flock scattered and vulnerable.
This passage not only gives us a window into Israel’s history but also teaches important lessons about leadership, responsibility, and God’s heart for His people.
The Responsibility of Shepherds
The role of a shepherd was to protect, feed, and guide the flock. Spiritually, leaders are called to nurture the people of God, teaching truth, guarding against error, and caring for the weak. God asked a piercing question: “Should not the shepherds feed the flocks?” The obvious answer is yes. Leadership is never meant for self-indulgence but for service.
Application: Anyone in a position of responsibility—pastors, parents, mentors—must see leadership not as a privilege to be exploited but as a stewardship to be faithfully carried out.
The Failure of Self-Centered Leadership
The shepherds of Israel used the flock for their own gain. They took the fat, clothed themselves with the wool, and even destroyed the strong sheep. In other words, they consumed the blessings of leadership without fulfilling the duties.
Application: Leaders today fall into the same danger when they pursue personal comfort, recognition, or gain rather than the well-being of those they lead. God warns that such neglect and selfishness will not go unpunished.
God’s Care for His People
The comforting truth in this chapter is that God Himself steps in when shepherds fail: “Behold, I, even I, will both search my sheep, and seek them out” (Ezek. 34:11). No flock of God is ever left abandoned. Even when leaders fail, the Lord will protect, feed, and guide His people.
Application: While we honor and respect godly leaders, our ultimate trust must always rest in the Lord. He alone is our unfailing Shepherd.
Christ the Perfect Shepherd
This passage points us forward to Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd (John 10:11). Unlike the corrupt leaders, Christ lays down His life for the sheep. He knows His flock by name, leads them to green pastures, and secures them forever.
Application: Every believer should follow Christ’s example in whatever role of care they hold—serving with humility, sacrificing for others, and seeking the good of the flock above themselves.
Conclusion
Ezekiel’s warning reminds us that leadership is not about taking but about giving, not about being served but about serving. The true test of a shepherd is not what he gains but how he cares for the flock.
And for all of us, there is great comfort: no matter the failures of men, we have a Shepherd who never fails—Jesus Christ, who feeds, leads, and guards His people unto everlasting life.