King James Version
Ezekiel 34
31 verses with commentary
The Shepherds and the Sheep
And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
This passage employs the shepherd metaphor to contrast failed human leaders with God as true Shepherd of Israel. Ancient Near Eastern kings commonly used shepherd imagery for their rule; Ezekiel exposes how Israel's leaders failed this calling by exploiting rather than caring for God's flock. From a Reformed perspective, this anticipates Christ as the Good Shepherd (John 10) who lays down His life...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**19. went by them--**went beside them.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 34
Zedekiah's death at Babylon foretold. (Jr 34:1-7) The Jews reproved for compelling their poor brethren to return to unlawful bondage. (Jr 34:8-22)
**Verses 1-7** Zedekiah is told that the city shall be taken, and that he shall die a captive, but he shall die a natural death. It is better to live and die penitent in a prison, than to live and die impenitent in a palace.
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?
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
"Woe be to the shepherds of Israel that do feed themselves! should not the shepherds feed the flocks?" This indictment targets corrupt leaders who exploit rather than serve God's people. The shepherd metaphor appears throughout Scripture—leaders as shepherds, people as sheep. True shepherds feed, protect, and guide the flock; false shepherds exploit sheep for personal gain. This passage anticipate...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(2) **Shepherds of Israel.—**This is a common Scriptural expression for rulers, and the whole context shows that these are the persons here intended. In the passage in Jeremiah 23 they are treated under this name separately from the prophets and priests, and also in Jeremiah 2:8 they are distinguished from prophets and priests. The name itself is a peculiarly appropriate one, and seems to have bee...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**20. the spirit was to go--**that is, their will was for going whithersoever the Spirit was for going.
**over against them--**rather, beside or in conjunction with them.
**spirit of the living creature--**put collectively for "the living creatures"; the cherubim. Having first viewed them separately, he next views them in the aggregate as the composite living creature in which the Spirit resid...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 34
Zedekiah's death at Babylon foretold. (Jr 34:1-7) The Jews reproved for compelling their poor brethren to return to unlawful bondage. (Jr 34:8-22)
**Verses 1-7** Zedekiah is told that the city shall be taken, and that he shall die a captive, but he shall die a natural death. It is better to live and die penitent in a prison, than to live and die impenitent in a palace.
Ye eat the fat, and ye clothe you with the wool, ye kill them that are fed: but ye feed not the flock.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
This passage employs the shepherd metaphor to contrast failed human leaders with God as true Shepherd of Israel. Ancient Near Eastern kings commonly used shepherd imagery for their rule; Ezekiel exposes how Israel's leaders failed this calling by exploiting rather than caring for God's flock. From a Reformed perspective, this anticipates Christ as the Good Shepherd (John 10) who lays down His life...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**21. over against--**rather, "along with" [Henderson]; or, "beside" [Fairbairn].
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 34
Zedekiah's death at Babylon foretold. (Jr 34:1-7) The Jews reproved for compelling their poor brethren to return to unlawful bondage. (Jr 34:8-22)
**Verses 1-7** Zedekiah is told that the city shall be taken, and that he shall die a captive, but he shall die a natural death. It is better to live and die penitent in a prison, than to live and die impenitent in a palace.
The diseased have ye not strengthened, neither have ye healed that which was sick, neither have ye bound up that which was broken, neither have ye brought again that which was driven away, neither have ye sought that which was lost; but with force and with cruelty have ye ruled them.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
"The diseased have ye not strengthened, neither have ye healed that which was sick, neither have ye bound up that which was broken, neither have ye brought again that which was driven away, neither have ye sought that which was lost." This comprehensive indictment lists shepherds' failures: neglecting weak, ignoring sick, abandoning broken, not seeking lost. True pastoral ministry requires compass...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**22. upon the heads--**rather, "above the heads" [Fairbairn].
**colour--**glitter.
**terrible crystal--**dazzling the spectator by its brightness.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 34
Zedekiah's death at Babylon foretold. (Jr 34:1-7) The Jews reproved for compelling their poor brethren to return to unlawful bondage. (Jr 34:8-22)
**Verses 1-7** Zedekiah is told that the city shall be taken, and that he shall die a captive, but he shall die a natural death. It is better to live and die penitent in a prison, than to live and die impenitent in a palace.
And they were scattered, because there is no shepherd: and they became meat to all the beasts of the field, when they were scattered. because: or, without a shepherd
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
"And they were scattered, because there is no shepherd: and they became meat to all the beasts of the field, when they were scattered." Absence of faithful shepherds leaves sheep vulnerable to predators. The imagery depicts both physical danger and spiritual corruption. Without godly leadership, people fall prey to false teaching, immorality, and exploitation. This emphasizes pastoral responsibili...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(5) **They were scattered, because**. . . .—The calamities of the people are attributed to the fault of the rulers, not because the people themselves were free from sin—the contrary has already been abundantly asserted in this book—but because the people’s sins were largely due to the evil example, the idolatries, the oppressions, and the disobedience of their rulers.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**23. straight--**erect [Fairbairn], expanded upright.
**two ... two ... covered ... bodies--**not, as it might seem, contradicting Eze 1:11. The two wings expanded upwards, though chiefly used for flying, yet up to the summit of the figure where they were parted from each other, covered the upper part of the body, while the other two wings covered the lower parts.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 34
Zedekiah's death at Babylon foretold. (Jr 34:1-7) The Jews reproved for compelling their poor brethren to return to unlawful bondage. (Jr 34:8-22)
**Verses 1-7** Zedekiah is told that the city shall be taken, and that he shall die a captive, but he shall die a natural death. It is better to live and die penitent in a prison, than to live and die impenitent in a palace.
My sheep wandered through all the mountains, and upon every high hill: yea, my flock was scattered upon all the face of the earth, and none did search or seek after them.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
"My sheep wandered through all the mountains, and upon every high hill: yea, my flock was scattered upon all the face of the earth, and none did search or seek after them." The comprehensive scattering contrasts with shepherds' complete neglect. The phrase "none did search or seek" indicts pastoral failure. True shepherds actively pursue scattered sheep; false shepherds ignore their plight. This f...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(6) **My sheep wandered.—**In the pronouns, *my* sheep and *my* flock, God again claims the people for His own. Without proper guides, they have indeed strayed far away from Him, and there has been none to inquire after or seek them out in their lost condition. The two words *search* and *seek* refer, the former to asking or inquiring, the latter to searching after.
In such a state of things, plai...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**24. voice of ... Almighty--**the thunder (Psa 29:3, 4).
**voice of speech--**rather, "the voice" or "sound of tumult," as in Jr 11:16. From an Arabic root, meaning the "impetuous rush of heavy rain."
**noise of ... host--**(Is 13:4; Da 10:6).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 34
Zedekiah's death at Babylon foretold. (Jr 34:1-7) The Jews reproved for compelling their poor brethren to return to unlawful bondage. (Jr 34:8-22)
**Verses 1-7** Zedekiah is told that the city shall be taken, and that he shall die a captive, but he shall die a natural death. It is better to live and die penitent in a prison, than to live and die impenitent in a palace.
Therefore, ye shepherds, hear the word of the LORD;
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
This passage employs the shepherd metaphor to contrast failed human leaders with God as true Shepherd of Israel. Ancient Near Eastern kings commonly used shepherd imagery for their rule; Ezekiel exposes how Israel's leaders failed this calling by exploiting rather than caring for God's flock. From a Reformed perspective, this anticipates Christ as the Good Shepherd (John 10) who lays down His life...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**25. let down ... wings--**While the Almighty gave forth His voice, they reverently let their wings fall, to listen stilly to His communication.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 34
Zedekiah's death at Babylon foretold. (Jr 34:1-7) The Jews reproved for compelling their poor brethren to return to unlawful bondage. (Jr 34:8-22)
**Verses 1-7** Zedekiah is told that the city shall be taken, and that he shall die a captive, but he shall die a natural death. It is better to live and die penitent in a prison, than to live and die impenitent in a palace.
As I live, saith the Lord GOD, surely because my flock became a prey, and my flock became meat to every beast of the field, because there was no shepherd, neither did my shepherds search for my flock, but the shepherds fed themselves, and fed not my flock;
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
This passage employs the shepherd metaphor to contrast failed human leaders with God as true Shepherd of Israel. Ancient Near Eastern kings commonly used shepherd imagery for their rule; Ezekiel exposes how Israel's leaders failed this calling by exploiting rather than caring for God's flock. From a Reformed perspective, this anticipates Christ as the Good Shepherd (John 10) who lays down His life...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
26. The Godhead appears in the likeness of enthroned humanity, as in Ex 24:10. Besides the "paved work of a sapphire stone, as it were the body of heaven in clearness," there, we have here the "throne," and God "as a man," with the "appearance of fire round about." This last was a prelude of the incarnation of Messiah, but in His character as Saviour and as Judge (Re 19:11-16). The azure sapphire ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 8-22** A Jew should not be held in servitude above seven years. This law they and their fathers had broken. And when there was some hope that the siege was raised, they forced the servants they had released into their services again. Those who think to cheat God by dissembled repentance and partial reformation, put the greatest cheat upon their own souls. This shows that liberty to sin, i...
Read full commentary →Therefore, O ye shepherds, hear the word of the LORD;
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
This passage employs the shepherd metaphor to contrast failed human leaders with God as true Shepherd of Israel. Ancient Near Eastern kings commonly used shepherd imagery for their rule; Ezekiel exposes how Israel's leaders failed this calling by exploiting rather than caring for God's flock. From a Reformed perspective, this anticipates Christ as the Good Shepherd (John 10) who lays down His life...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**27. colour of amber--**"the glitter of chasmal" [Fairbairn]. See on Eze 1:4; rather, "polished brass" [Henderson]. Messiah is described here as in Da 10:5, 6; Re 1:14, 15.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 8-22** A Jew should not be held in servitude above seven years. This law they and their fathers had broken. And when there was some hope that the siege was raised, they forced the servants they had released into their services again. Those who think to cheat God by dissembled repentance and partial reformation, put the greatest cheat upon their own souls. This shows that liberty to sin, i...
Read full commentary →Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against the shepherds; and I will require my flock at their hand, and cause them to cease from feeding the flock; neither shall the shepherds feed themselves any more; for I will deliver my flock from their mouth, that they may not be meat for them.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against the shepherds; and I will require my flock at their hand, and cause them to cease from feeding the flock; neither shall the shepherds feed themselves any more; for I will deliver my flock from their mouth, that they may not be meat for them.</strong> This verse contains God's severe judgment against Israel's unfaithful leaders ("shepherds"). Th...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**28. the bow ... in ... rain--**the symbol of the sure covenant of mercy to God's children remembered amidst judgments on the wicked; as in the flood in Noah's days (Re 4:3). "Like hanging out from the throne of the Eternal a fing of peace, assuring all that the purpose of Heaven was to preserve rather than to destroy. Even if the divine work should require a deluge of wrath, still the faithfulne...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 8-22** A Jew should not be held in servitude above seven years. This law they and their fathers had broken. And when there was some hope that the siege was raised, they forced the servants they had released into their services again. Those who think to cheat God by dissembled repentance and partial reformation, put the greatest cheat upon their own souls. This shows that liberty to sin, i...
Read full commentary →For thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I, even I, will both search my sheep, and seek them out.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
After condemning Israel's failed shepherds (leaders), God declares: 'For thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I, even I, will both search my sheep, and seek them out.' The emphatic 'I, even I' (hineni-ani, הִנְנִי־אָנִי) stresses divine personal involvement—God Himself will shepherd His flock since human shepherds failed. The verbs 'search' (darash, דָּרַשׁ) and 'seek out' (biqar, בִּקַּר) describe di...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(11) **Behold, I, even I.—**The rich promises of the following verses are all essentially contained in this, that Jehovah Himself will be the Shepherd of His flock. It is the same assurance as that given by the Saviour in John 10, and here, as there, must necessarily be understood spiritually. In the following verses many promises are given of an earthly and temporary character, and these were ful...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 8-22** A Jew should not be held in servitude above seven years. This law they and their fathers had broken. And when there was some hope that the siege was raised, they forced the servants they had released into their services again. Those who think to cheat God by dissembled repentance and partial reformation, put the greatest cheat upon their own souls. This shows that liberty to sin, i...
Read full commentary →As a shepherd seeketh out his flock in the day that he is among his sheep that are scattered; so will I seek out my sheep, and will deliver them out of all places where they have been scattered in the cloudy and dark day. As: Heb. According to the seeking
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
"As a shepherd seeketh out his flock in the day that he is among his sheep that are scattered; so will I seek out my sheep, and will deliver them out of all places where they have been scattered in the cloudy and dark day." God promises to gather scattered Israel from exile. The phrase "cloudy and dark day" describes judgment and dispersion. But God doesn't leave His people scattered—He actively s...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
CHAPTER 2 Eze 2:1-10. Ezekiel's Commission.
**1. Son of man--**often applied to Ezekiel; once only to Daniel (Da 8:17), and not to any other prophet. The phrase was no doubt taken from Chaldean usage during the sojourn of Daniel and Ezekiel in Chaldea. But the spirit who sanctioned the words of the prophet implied by it the lowliness and frailty of the prophet as man "lower than the angels," thou...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 8-22** A Jew should not be held in servitude above seven years. This law they and their fathers had broken. And when there was some hope that the siege was raised, they forced the servants they had released into their services again. Those who think to cheat God by dissembled repentance and partial reformation, put the greatest cheat upon their own souls. This shows that liberty to sin, i...
Read full commentary →And I will bring them out from the people, and gather them from the countries, and will bring them to their own land, and feed them upon the mountains of Israel by the rivers, and in all the inhabited places of the country.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
"And I will bring them out from the people, and gather them from the countries, and will bring them to their own land, and feed them upon the mountains of Israel by the rivers, and in all the inhabited places of the country." God promises comprehensive restoration: regathering from exile, return to homeland, abundant provision. The threefold promise emphasizes divine initiative. This had partial f...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(13) **Bring them to their own land.—**It is not to be forgotten that this is a part of the same figurative language with “the cloudy and dark day” of the preceding verse, and that they must be explained in the same way. God’s people have wandered in the gloom, and they shall be gathered back to Him again.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**2. spirit entered ... when he spake--**The divine word is ever accompanied by the Spirit (Ge 1:2, 3).
**set ... upon ... feet--**He had been "upon his face" (Eze 1:28). Humiliation on our part is followed by exaltation on God's part (Eze 3:23, 24; Job 22:29; Jas 4:6; 1Pe 5:5). "On the feet" was the fitting attitude when he was called on to walk and work for God (Ep 5:8; 6:15).
**that I heard...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 8-22** A Jew should not be held in servitude above seven years. This law they and their fathers had broken. And when there was some hope that the siege was raised, they forced the servants they had released into their services again. Those who think to cheat God by dissembled repentance and partial reformation, put the greatest cheat upon their own souls. This shows that liberty to sin, i...
Read full commentary →I will feed them in a good pasture, and upon the high mountains of Israel shall their fold be: there shall they lie in a good fold, and in a fat pasture shall they feed upon the mountains of Israel.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Divine Shepherding Imagery:</strong> The Hebrew word for "feed" (<em>ra'ah</em>) carries the dual meaning of both pasturing and shepherding, emphasizing God's comprehensive care for His flock. The phrase "good pasture" (<em>mir'eh tov</em>) and "fat pasture" (<em>mir'eh shamen</em>) indicate abundance and richness, contrasting sharply with the poor shepherding described earlier in the chap...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**3. nation--**rather, "nations"; the word usually applied to the heathen or Gentiles; here to the Jews, as being altogether heathenized with idolatries. So in Is 1:10, they are named "Sodom" and "Gomorrah." They were now become "Lo-ammi," not the people of God (Ho 1:9).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 8-22** A Jew should not be held in servitude above seven years. This law they and their fathers had broken. And when there was some hope that the siege was raised, they forced the servants they had released into their services again. Those who think to cheat God by dissembled repentance and partial reformation, put the greatest cheat upon their own souls. This shows that liberty to sin, i...
Read full commentary →I will feed my flock, and I will cause them to lie down, saith the Lord GOD.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
"I will feed my flock, and I will cause them to lie down, saith the Lord GOD." This echoes Psalm 23—the LORD is my shepherd. God promises both provision ("feed") and security ("lie down"). These are covenant blessings: abundant life and peaceful rest. Christ fulfills this as the Good Shepherd who feeds His sheep with His Word and grants rest for their souls (Matthew 11:28-29). The Reformed emphasi...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**4. impudent--**literally, "hard-faced" (Eze 3:7, 9).
**children--**resumptive of "they" (Eze 2:3); the "children" walk in their "fathers'" steps.
**I ... send thee--**God opposes His command to all obstacles. Duties are ours; events are God's.
**Thus saith the Lord God--**God opposes His name to the obstinacy of the people.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 8-22** A Jew should not be held in servitude above seven years. This law they and their fathers had broken. And when there was some hope that the siege was raised, they forced the servants they had released into their services again. Those who think to cheat God by dissembled repentance and partial reformation, put the greatest cheat upon their own souls. This shows that liberty to sin, i...
Read full commentary →I will seek that which was lost, and bring again that which was driven away, and will bind up that which was broken, and will strengthen that which was sick: but I will destroy the fat and the strong; I will feed them with judgment.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
"I will seek that which was lost, and bring again that which was driven away, and will bind up that which was broken, and will strengthen that which was sick: but I will destroy the fat and the strong; I will feed them with judgment." God promises comprehensive restoration for the weak and vulnerable but judgment for oppressors. The "fat and strong" are exploitative leaders who enriched themselves...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(16) **The fat and the strong.**—While fatness is in general an emblem of prosperity, it is frequently used in Scripture, as here, for that prosperity which begets hardness of heart and forgetfulness of God. (See Deuteronomy 32:15; Acts 28:27, &c.)
**With judgment.—**This does not mean, as the ambiguous sense of the English word might make it possible to suppose, *with wisdom,* but with righteousn...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**5. forbear--**namely, to hear.
**yet shall know--**Even if they will not hear, at least they will not have ignorance to plead as the cause of their perversity (Eze 33:33).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 8-22** A Jew should not be held in servitude above seven years. This law they and their fathers had broken. And when there was some hope that the siege was raised, they forced the servants they had released into their services again. Those who think to cheat God by dissembled repentance and partial reformation, put the greatest cheat upon their own souls. This shows that liberty to sin, i...
Read full commentary →And as for you, O my flock, thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I judge between cattle and cattle, between the rams and the he goats. cattle: Heb. small cattle of lambs and kids he goats: Heb. great he goats
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
"And as for you, O my flock, thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I judge between cattle and cattle, between the rams and the he goats." God promises to judge within the flock, distinguishing true believers from mere professors. The sheep and goats separation anticipates Jesus' parable (Matthew 25:31-46). External covenant membership doesn't guarantee salvation; God discerns hearts. This warns against...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(17) **Between cattle and cattle.—**In other words, *between one and another of the flock.* They are not all alike to be saved and blessed, but only those who turn in penitence and submission to God, their Shepherd. The same contrast is again expressed in Ezekiel 34:20; Ezekiel 34:22. It is not between “the cattle” on the one side, and “the rams and the he-goats” on the other, but between the catt...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**6. briers--**not as the Margin and Gesenius, "rebels," which would not correspond so well to "thorns." The Hebrew is from a root meaning "to sting" as nettles do. The wicked are often so called (2Sa 23:6; So 2:2; Is 9:18).
**scorpions--**a reptile about six inches long with a deadly sting at the end of the tail.
**be not afraid--**(Lu 12:4; 1Pe 3:14).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 8-22** A Jew should not be held in servitude above seven years. This law they and their fathers had broken. And when there was some hope that the siege was raised, they forced the servants they had released into their services again. Those who think to cheat God by dissembled repentance and partial reformation, put the greatest cheat upon their own souls. This shows that liberty to sin, i...
Read full commentary →Seemeth it a small thing unto you to have eaten up the good pasture, but ye must tread down with your feet the residue of your pastures? and to have drunk of the deep waters, but ye must foul the residue with your feet?
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
This passage employs the shepherd metaphor to contrast failed human leaders with God as true Shepherd of Israel. Ancient Near Eastern kings commonly used shepherd imagery for their rule; Ezekiel exposes how Israel's leaders failed this calling by exploiting rather than caring for God's flock. From a Reformed perspective, this anticipates Christ as the Good Shepherd (John 10) who lays down His life...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(18) **Tread down . . . foul the residue.—**The charge against them is that they not only first supplied and took care of themselves, but with careless insolence destroyed what should have been for others.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**7. most rebellious--**literally, "rebellion" itself: its very essence.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 8-22** A Jew should not be held in servitude above seven years. This law they and their fathers had broken. And when there was some hope that the siege was raised, they forced the servants they had released into their services again. Those who think to cheat God by dissembled repentance and partial reformation, put the greatest cheat upon their own souls. This shows that liberty to sin, i...
Read full commentary →And as for my flock, they eat that which ye have trodden with your feet; and they drink that which ye have fouled with your feet.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
This passage employs the shepherd metaphor to contrast failed human leaders with God as true Shepherd of Israel. Ancient Near Eastern kings commonly used shepherd imagery for their rule; Ezekiel exposes how Israel's leaders failed this calling by exploiting rather than caring for God's flock. From a Reformed perspective, this anticipates Christ as the Good Shepherd (John 10) who lays down His life...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**8. eat--**(See on Jr 15:16; Re 10:9, 10). The idea is to possess himself fully of the message and digest it in the mind; not literal eating, but such an appropriation of its unsavory contents that they should become, as it were, part of himself, so as to impart them the more vividly to his hearers.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 8-22** A Jew should not be held in servitude above seven years. This law they and their fathers had broken. And when there was some hope that the siege was raised, they forced the servants they had released into their services again. Those who think to cheat God by dissembled repentance and partial reformation, put the greatest cheat upon their own souls. This shows that liberty to sin, i...
Read full commentary →Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD unto them; Behold, I, even I, will judge between the fat cattle and between the lean cattle.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
"Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD unto them; Behold, I, even I, will judge between the fat cattle and between the lean cattle." The "fat cattle" represent exploitative leaders and wealthy oppressors; the "lean cattle" represent oppressed poor. God promises to vindicate victims and judge oppressors. This demonstrates divine justice: God sees economic exploitation and will hold perpetrators account...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**9. roll--**the form in which ancient books were made.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 8-22** A Jew should not be held in servitude above seven years. This law they and their fathers had broken. And when there was some hope that the siege was raised, they forced the servants they had released into their services again. Those who think to cheat God by dissembled repentance and partial reformation, put the greatest cheat upon their own souls. This shows that liberty to sin, i...
Read full commentary →Because ye have thrust with side and with shoulder, and pushed all the diseased with your horns, till ye have scattered them abroad;
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
This passage employs the shepherd metaphor to contrast failed human leaders with God as true Shepherd of Israel. Ancient Near Eastern kings commonly used shepherd imagery for their rule; Ezekiel exposes how Israel's leaders failed this calling by exploiting rather than caring for God's flock. From a Reformed perspective, this anticipates Christ as the Good Shepherd (John 10) who lays down His life...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**10. within and without--**on the face and the back. Usually the parchment was written only on its inside when rolled up; but so full was God's message of impending woes that it was written also on the back.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 8-22** A Jew should not be held in servitude above seven years. This law they and their fathers had broken. And when there was some hope that the siege was raised, they forced the servants they had released into their services again. Those who think to cheat God by dissembled repentance and partial reformation, put the greatest cheat upon their own souls. This shows that liberty to sin, i...
Read full commentary →Therefore will I save my flock, and they shall no more be a prey; and I will judge between cattle and cattle.
View commentary (2 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
This passage employs the shepherd metaphor to contrast failed human leaders with God as true Shepherd of Israel. Ancient Near Eastern kings commonly used shepherd imagery for their rule; Ezekiel exposes how Israel's leaders failed this calling by exploiting rather than caring for God's flock. From a Reformed perspective, this anticipates Christ as the Good Shepherd (John 10) who lays down His life...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 8-22** A Jew should not be held in servitude above seven years. This law they and their fathers had broken. And when there was some hope that the siege was raised, they forced the servants they had released into their services again. Those who think to cheat God by dissembled repentance and partial reformation, put the greatest cheat upon their own souls. This shows that liberty to sin, i...
Read full commentary →And I will set up one shepherd over them, and he shall feed them, even my servant David; he shall feed them, and he shall be their shepherd.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
God promises: 'And I will set up one shepherd over them, and he shall feed them, even my servant David; he shall feed them, and he shall be their shepherd.' This messianic prophecy promises a future Davidic shepherd-king. The phrase 'my servant David' cannot refer to the historical David (dead for 400+ years) but to David's greater Son—the Messiah. The singular 'one shepherd' contrasts with the ma...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(23) **Set up one shepherd.**—He is *one* both with reference to the many evil rulers who have gone before (and this implies the perpetuity of His rule), and also with reference to the two kingdoms of Israel, which are hereafter to be for evermore united in the one Church of God. Obviously this prophecy can find its accomplishment in no merely human ruler.
**My servant David.—**The name of David i...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
CHAPTER 3 Eze 3:1-27. Ezekiel Eats the Roll. Is Commissioned to Go to Them of the Captivity and Goes to Tel-abib by the Chebar: Again Beholds the Shekinah Glory: Is Told to Retire to His House, and Only Speak when God Opens His Mouth.
**1. eat ... and ... speak--**God's messenger must first inwardly appropriate God's truth himself, before he "speaks" it to others (see on Eze 2:8). Symbolic action...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 34
Zedekiah's death at Babylon foretold. (Jr 34:1-7) The Jews reproved for compelling their poor brethren to return to unlawful bondage. (Jr 34:8-22)
**Verses 1-7** Zedekiah is told that the city shall be taken, and that he shall die a captive, but he shall die a natural death. It is better to live and die penitent in a prison, than to live and die impenitent in a palace.
And I the LORD will be their God, and my servant David a prince among them; I the LORD have spoken it.
View commentary (2 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
"And I the LORD will be their God, and my servant David a prince among them; I the LORD have spoken it." This covenant formula—"I will be their God"—establishes relationship as restoration's goal. The Messiah ("my servant David") serves as "prince," mediating between God and people. This foreshadows Christ's mediatorial role—fully God yet representing humanity. The concluding "I the LORD have spok...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 34
Zedekiah's death at Babylon foretold. (Jr 34:1-7) The Jews reproved for compelling their poor brethren to return to unlawful bondage. (Jr 34:8-22)
**Verses 1-7** Zedekiah is told that the city shall be taken, and that he shall die a captive, but he shall die a natural death. It is better to live and die penitent in a prison, than to live and die impenitent in a palace.
And I will make with them a covenant of peace, and will cause the evil beasts to cease out of the land: and they shall dwell safely in the wilderness, and sleep in the woods .
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
"And I will make with them a covenant of peace, and will cause the evil beasts to cease out of the land: and they shall dwell safely in the wilderness, and sleep in the woods." The "covenant of peace" refers to the New Covenant established through Christ's blood (Hebrews 13:20). The imagery of safety from wild beasts represents comprehensive security—physical and spiritual. In fallen creation, dan...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**3. honey for sweetness--**Compare Psa 19:10; 119:103; Re 10:9, where, as here in Eze 3:14, the "sweetness" is followed by "bitterness." The former being due to the painful nature of the message; the latter because it was the Lord's service which he was engaged in; and his eating the roll and finding it sweet, implied that, divesting himself of carnal feeling, he made God's will his will, however...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 34
Zedekiah's death at Babylon foretold. (Jr 34:1-7) The Jews reproved for compelling their poor brethren to return to unlawful bondage. (Jr 34:8-22)
**Verses 1-7** Zedekiah is told that the city shall be taken, and that he shall die a captive, but he shall die a natural death. It is better to live and die penitent in a prison, than to live and die impenitent in a palace.
And I will make them and the places round about my hill a blessing; and I will cause the shower to come down in his season; there shall be showers of blessing.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
"And I will make them and the places round about my hill a blessing; and I will cause the shower to come down in his season; there shall be showers of blessing." God promises to transform His people into blessing for surrounding nations. The "showers of blessing" imagery depicts abundant provision and favor. This partially fulfills the Abrahamic promise: Israel blessed to bless nations (Genesis 12...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(26) **Bound about my hill**.—“My hill” is Zion. (Comp. the similar figurative language in Isaiah 31:4.) The centre of the old theocracy is always spoken of in Scripture as also the centre from which goes forth the new covenant of salvation, and this was historically fulfilled in the coming of Christ and the cradling of His Church in the Jewish Church. The continuity of the Church was preserved qu...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 34
Zedekiah's death at Babylon foretold. (Jr 34:1-7) The Jews reproved for compelling their poor brethren to return to unlawful bondage. (Jr 34:8-22)
**Verses 1-7** Zedekiah is told that the city shall be taken, and that he shall die a captive, but he shall die a natural death. It is better to live and die penitent in a prison, than to live and die impenitent in a palace.
And the tree of the field shall yield her fruit, and the earth shall yield her increase, and they shall be safe in their land, and shall know that I am the LORD, when I have broken the bands of their yoke, and delivered them out of the hand of those that served themselves of them.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
"And the tree of the field shall yield her fruit, and the earth shall yield her increase, and they shall be safe in their land, and shall know that I am the LORD, when I have broken the bands of their yoke, and delivered them out of the hand of those that served themselves of them." God promises agricultural abundance, security, and deliverance from oppression. The purpose clause "shall know that ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
5. See Margin, Hebrew, "deep of lip, and heavy of tongue," that is, men speaking an obscure and unintelligible tongue. Even they would have listened to the prophet; but the Jews, though addressed in their own tongue, will not hear him.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 34
Zedekiah's death at Babylon foretold. (Jr 34:1-7) The Jews reproved for compelling their poor brethren to return to unlawful bondage. (Jr 34:8-22)
**Verses 1-7** Zedekiah is told that the city shall be taken, and that he shall die a captive, but he shall die a natural death. It is better to live and die penitent in a prison, than to live and die impenitent in a palace.
And they shall no more be a prey to the heathen, neither shall the beast of the land devour them; but they shall dwell safely, and none shall make them afraid.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
"And they shall no more be a prey to the heathen, neither shall the beast of the land devour them; but they shall dwell safely, and none shall make them afraid." God promises comprehensive security from both human enemies and natural dangers. The phrase "none shall make them afraid" depicts perfect peace and safety. This finds ultimate fulfillment not in earthly circumstances but in eternal securi...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**6. many people--**It would have increased the difficulty had he been sent, not merely to one, but to "many people" differing in tongues, so that the missionary would have needed to acquire a new tongue for addressing each. The after mission of the apostles to many peoples, and the gift of tongues for that end, are foreshadowed (compare 1Co 14:21 with Is 28:11).
**had I sent thee to them, they ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 34
Zedekiah's death at Babylon foretold. (Jr 34:1-7) The Jews reproved for compelling their poor brethren to return to unlawful bondage. (Jr 34:8-22)
**Verses 1-7** Zedekiah is told that the city shall be taken, and that he shall die a captive, but he shall die a natural death. It is better to live and die penitent in a prison, than to live and die impenitent in a palace.
And I will raise up for them a plant of renown, and they shall be no more consumed with hunger in the land, neither bear the shame of the heathen any more. of renown: or, for renown consumed: Heb. taken away
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
"And I will raise up for them a plant of renown, and they shall be no more consumed with hunger in the land, neither bear the shame of the heathen any more." The "plant of renown" (Hebrew netza le-shem, נֶטַע לְשֵׁם) refers to the Messiah—the Branch from David's line. Isaiah similarly uses plant imagery for Messiah: "a root out of dry ground" (Isaiah 53:2) and "the Branch" (Isaiah 11:1). Christ pr...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(29) **Will raise up for them a plant of renown.**—Better, *a plantation for renown.* The same Hebrew word occurs in Ezekiel 17:7; Ezekiel 31:4, and means *plantation.* The thought is that God would provide Israel with such a fair and fruitful land as should make them famous for their blessings. The idea of the word is not that which seems to be implied by our version (with its marginal references...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**7. will not hearken unto thee: for ... not ... me--**(Joh 15:20). Take patiently their rejection of thee, for I thy Lord bear it along with thee.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 34
Zedekiah's death at Babylon foretold. (Jr 34:1-7) The Jews reproved for compelling their poor brethren to return to unlawful bondage. (Jr 34:8-22)
**Verses 1-7** Zedekiah is told that the city shall be taken, and that he shall die a captive, but he shall die a natural death. It is better to live and die penitent in a prison, than to live and die impenitent in a palace.
Thus shall they know that I the LORD their God am with them, and that they, even the house of Israel, are my people, saith the Lord GOD.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
"Thus shall they know that I the LORD their God am with them, and that they, even the house of Israel, are my people, saith the Lord GOD." The covenant formula appears again: mutual knowledge and relationship. The phrase "I...am with them" emphasizes God's presence as covenant blessing. Immanuel—God with us—fulfills this promise supremely. The goal of all divine action is restored relationship: Go...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
8. Ezekiel means one "strengthened by God." Such he was in godly firmness, in spite of his people's opposition, according to the divine command to the priest tribe to which he belonged (De 33:9).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 34
Zedekiah's death at Babylon foretold. (Jr 34:1-7) The Jews reproved for compelling their poor brethren to return to unlawful bondage. (Jr 34:8-22)
**Verses 1-7** Zedekiah is told that the city shall be taken, and that he shall die a captive, but he shall die a natural death. It is better to live and die penitent in a prison, than to live and die impenitent in a palace.
And ye my flock, the flock of my pasture, are men, and I am your God, saith the Lord GOD.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
"And ye my flock, the flock of my pasture, are men, and I am your God, saith the Lord GOD." The final verse emphasizes relationship: God acknowledges ownership and responsibility. The phrase "are men" highlights both human frailty and divine condescension. God shepherds weak, vulnerable creatures—not because they deserve it but because He chooses them. The covenant formula "I am your God" establis...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(31) **The flock of my pasture.—**The chapter closes with the strongest and tenderest assurance that the object of its figurative language is to point out the renewed and close communion which is to come about between God and His people. They are to be His flock, and He is to be their God. Yet still, the vast and infinite distance between them is not left out of view, but rather brought prominentl...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**9. As ... flint--**so Messiah the antitype (Is 50:7; compare Jr 1:8, 17).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 34
Zedekiah's death at Babylon foretold. (Jr 34:1-7) The Jews reproved for compelling their poor brethren to return to unlawful bondage. (Jr 34:8-22)
**Verses 1-7** Zedekiah is told that the city shall be taken, and that he shall die a captive, but he shall die a natural death. It is better to live and die penitent in a prison, than to live and die impenitent in a palace.