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Daily Devotions

Ezekiel

Ezekiel 
Day 
Day 359

"Prophesy against the shepherds of Israel"

Text: Ezekiel 34:2

THE SHEPHERDS OF ISRAEL

The word “shepherd” was used literally and figuratively. The literal shepherd looks after flocks of goats, sheep, cattle and even camels. The figurative use of the word “shepherd” has a wide range of meaning and application.

“And the word of the Lord came to me, saying,
‘Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel,
prophesy and say to them,
‘Thus says the Lord God to the shepherds:
‘Woe to the shepherds of Israel who feed themselves!
Should not the shepherds feed the flocks?”'”
Ezekiel 34:1-2

1. The figurative use of the word “shepherd”.

a) The king and princes.

b) The prophets and priests.

c) The judges and counsellors.

d) The local tribal leaders.

2. Their responsibilities:

a) To lead

b) To protect

c) To tend

d) To guide

e) To comfort

3. A pronouncement of “Woe”.

a) This was pronounced on the “shepherds of Israel”.

b) They were guilty of gross neglect.

c) They were more concerned about feeding themselves than of the flock.

4. Because of poor shepherding.

a) Many were led astray.

b) Wickedness prevailed.

c) Idolatry spread far and wide.

d) The flock of Israel became exposed and vulnerable.

e) They were harassed on all sides by hostile neighbour.

f) They were finally conquered by the Babylonians.