Ezekiel 34 Commentary
By shepherds, the scripture refers to the many kings that ruled Israel. The general picture is that of failure and disappointment. David’s sons had failed. But the LORD is never one to be outsmarted! He would do it Himself!
Who would read these lines without thinking about the LORD Jesus Christ? He claimed to be the good shepherd. Yes, a good shepherd – probably in sharp contrast with the evil shepherds of this chapter.
Is the manger-birth and the shepherd’s company at his birth related to His role as the chief shepherd?
Who can argue? Israel’s kings have failed; so have the sheep. Ezekiel has repeated his timeless ‘guilt and not guilt’ message. The kings bear responsibility for their own failures. The sheep shall bear his or her own responsibility. The church member has his own file in heaven just like his pastor. They both must take responsibility.
The scripture gives us details of how the LORD would provide leadership to His people. He would appoint David over Israel. It is a flashback to the good times under King David. It is an example of what the LORD wished for in a leader. The LORD has said more. A son of David, actually the Son of David, would take Israel’s kingship. Remember the ‘Son’ or Immanuel of Isaiah with the government on His shoulders!
The saint wants to sit down and look at what this whole thing means to us today. The rule of the Son is here. Ponder the facts on the ground and know what it all means. Remember the peace the Shepherd has given us; given to us not as the world gives. Confusion sets in when the saint expects peace in the world’s format, shape, font, and color. And they never find it!
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14 verse 27
Then the chapter closes on a beautiful note: “Then they will know that I, the Lord their God, am with them and that they, the Israelites, are my people, declares the Sovereign Lord. You are my sheep, the sheep of my pasture, and I am your God, declares the Sovereign Lord.” Verses 30 and 31.
What more can we ask for?
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