Eze 34:11-16 | JFB | STEP | 11. I ... will ... search-- doing that which the so-called shepherds had failed to do, I being the rightful owner of the flock.

‏ Ezekiel 34:11-16

11. I ... will ... search--doing that which the so-called shepherds had failed to do, I being the rightful owner of the flock.

12. in the day that he is among--in the midst of (Hebrew) His sheep that had been scattered. Referring to Messiah's second advent, when He shall be "the glory in the midst of Israel" (Zec 2:5).

in the cloudy ... day--the day of the nation's calamity (Joe 2:2).

13. And I will bring them out from the people, &c.--(Eze 28:25; 36:24; 37:21, 22; Is 65:9, 10; Jr 23:3).

14. good pasture--(Psa 23:2).

high mountains of Israel--In Eze 17:23; 20:40, the phrase is "the mountain of the height of Israel" in the singular number. The reason for the difference is: there Ezekiel spoke of the central seat of the kingdom, Mount Zion, where the people met for the worship of Jehovah; here he speaks of the kingdom of Israel at large, all the parts of which are regarded as possessing a moral elevation.

16. In contrast to the unfaithful shepherds (Eze 34:4). The several duties neglected by them I will faithfully discharge.

fat ... strong--that is, those rendered wanton by prosperity (De 32:15; Jr 5:28), who use their strength to oppress the weak. Compare Eze 34:20, "the fat cattle" (Is 10:16). The image is from fat cattle that wax refractory.

with judgment--that is, justice and equity, as contrasted with the "force" and "cruelty" with which the unfaithful shepherds ruled the flock (Eze 34:4).