Zo waarachtig als Ik leef, spreekt de Heere HEERE, zo Ik niet! Omdat Mijn schapen geworden zijn tot een roof, en Mijn schapen al het wild gedierte des velds tot spijze geworden zijn, omdat er geen herder is, en Mijn herders naar Mijn schapen niet vragen; en de herders weiden zichzelven, maar Mijn schapen weiden zij niet;
Wat betekent dit?
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.
Uitgelegd voor kinderen
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.
Historische achtergrond
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.
Toepassing voor vandaag
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.