Ezekiel 34:11-12, 15-17
Chapter 34
11
Indeed, the Lord declares this: I, myself, will care for my sheep and watch over them.
12
As the shepherd cares for his flock when he finds them scattered, so will I watch over my sheep; and gather them from all the places where they were scattered during times of cloud and fog.I will bring them out from the nations and collect them from other countries.
15
I, myself, will tend my sheep and let them rest, says the word of the Lord.
16
I will search for the lost and bring back the strays. I will bind up the injured and strengthen the weak, but the fat and strong will be removed.I will shepherd my flock with justice.
17
As for you, my flock—says the Lord—I will separate one sheep from another and set apart rams and goats.
Commentaries
The Shepherds of Israel.
This is the first of seven oracles about the leaders and the people (34-37). There is a fundamental difference between the false shepherds of Israel (kings), who fatten themselves by neglecting their sheep (1-6), and the Lord, the true shepherd, who will come to care for his people (11-34).