Ezekiel 34:8 — English NIRV 1996 - Copyrighted only for Website
He says, "My flock does not have a shepherd. Many of my sheep have been stolen. They have become food for all of the wild animals. My shepherds did not care for my sheep. They did not even search for them. Instead, they only took care of themselves. And that is just as sure as I am alive," announces the Lord and King.
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.
