Ezek. 34:11-16

 1.  Outline (BKC)

    I.      Judgment on Judah (chaps. 1–24)

    II.      Judgment on Gentile Nations (chaps. 25–32)

    III.      Blessings on Israel (chaps. 33–48)

      A.      New life for Israel (chaps. 33–39)

         1.      Watchman Ezekiel reappointed (chap. 33)

         2.      The present false shepherds contrasted with the future true shepherd (chap. 34)

2. Context

34:1-10 (BKC) The flock was scattered because of cruel and indifferent shepherds (vv. 2–6). (EBC) Because of the de facto lack of a shepherd to lead them, the flock of Israel was lead astray and ended up being scattered among the nations (vv.5–6; cf. Jer 23:9–10). Since they no longer had a shepherd’s protection, they became as food for wild beasts. \

On the basis of this indictment, God promised to remove the leaders from their position so that the flock of Israel might no longer be devoured by these wolves in shepherds’ clothes.  

3. Repeated:

I myself v.11, 15x2 

• (BKC) God would intervene personally on Israel’s behalf.

Search/seek them out/rescue/bring them out/gather/bring them to their own land v.11-13

• The seeking has a purpose, that is, to rescue them from all the places where they had been scattered and then to gather them and bring them back to their own land. (BKC) God will do what the false shepherds had failed to do. (EBC) Whereas Israel’s recent rulers had failed to protect the people and to search for those who had strayed, the Lord promised that he would search, rescue, and regather the flock of Israel from the nations; then he would care for them as a loving shepherd (vv.11–13a; contra v.6). He would restore Israel to her own land

I will feed them on the mountains of Israel/by the streams/ in a good pasture/on rich grass

• (BKC) This prophecy was not fulfilled when Israel returned to her land after the Babylonian Captivity. It still awaits future fulfillment in the Millennium

 I will seek the lost and bring back the strays; I will bandage the injured and strengthen the sick, but the fat and the strong I will destroy. I will feed them—with judgment! 

• (EBC) The Lord would care for every need of his flock (v.16a; contra v.4).
• Previous shepherds were likened to fat, sleek, and strong sheep because they had fed on the best pasture and drank the clear water. 

4. Summary and reflection: One of the blessings to Israel is to remove the previous false shepherds. God Himself will intervene and be their shepherd. What they failed to do and care the Lord will restore. The future of the sheep will be fulfilled in the Millennium. Needs will be met and justice will be done. 

If I am the original reader, and if I am a leader, I will be alarmed. Am I a good leader or do I only care about my own needs and not how my sheep doing? In v.11-16, God will remove the previous shepherds and He Himself will be the shepherd. 

If I am the sheep I will feel hopeful. The present sufferings are seen by God and actions will be taken to restore us back. In v.11-16, God will remove the previous shepherds and He Himself will be the shepherd. In other words, whatever sufferings people (leaders) give to us will be restored. I can be hopeful in God. Justice will also be done to all when J comes x2.

As a reader now, I know that Jesus is that good Shepherd. What human leaders or shepherds failed to do He restored. In the future, He will bring the Israel back to their land and blessings will fall on them. Justice will be done to all. My hope of blessings and justice is on Him.