As I live, saith the Lord Jehovah, surely forasmuch as my sheep became a prey, and my sheep became food to all the beasts of the field, because there was no shepherd, neither did my shepherds search for my sheep, but the shepherds fed themselves, and fed not my sheep;
What Does This Mean?
This verse from Ezekiel tells us that God is saying because His people (His flock) were being attacked and harmed, and their leaders (the shepherds) did not care for them but only for themselves, He was upset. God promises to take action.
Explained for Children
Imagine a shepherd who was supposed to protect and care for his sheep but instead let the wolves attack the sheep and only cared about himself. God is upset because He had shepherds who did exactly that, leaving His sheep unprotected.
Historical Background
Ezekiel, a prophet, wrote this in the 6th century B.C., during the Babylonian exile when the people of Israel were suffering under foreign rule. He was speaking to the leaders and people of Israel, reminding them of their responsibilities and God's promise to intervene.
Living It Out Today
In modern times, this verse can be applied to situations where leaders in any community or organization neglect their duties and focus only on themselves, harming those they are meant to protect. It calls for leaders to prioritize the welfare of their communities.
