Bible Study                                     Notes 2002

24 September 2002

Text: Ezekiel 34

Rebuke of the Irresponsible Shepherds

The Shepherds of Israel

1. The Priests
2. The Princes/Kings
3. The Judges
4. The Prophets
5. General reference to people in leadership positions

Pronouncement of Judgment

"Woe to the shepherds of Israel who feed themselves! Should not shepherds feed the flocks?"
Ezekiel 34:2

List of Things the Bad Shepherds were guilty of:-

1. "You eat the fat and clothe yourselves with the wool…"
Ezekiel 34:3a

2. "You slaughter the fatlings, but you do not feed the flock"
Ezekiel 34:3b

3. "The weak you have not strengthened…"
Ezekiel 34:4a

4. "Nor have you healed those who were sick…"
Ezekiel 34:4b

5. "Nor bound up the broken…"
Ezekiel 34:4c

6. "Nor brought back what was driven away…"
Ezekiel 34:4d

7. "Nor sought what was lost…"
Ezekiel 34:4e

8. "But with force and cruelty you have ruled them…"
Ezekiel 34:4f

9. "Because there was no shepherd, nor did My shepherds search for My flock, but the shepherds fed themselves and did not feed My flock…"
Ezekiel 34:8f

The State of the Flock of Israel as a result of misrule

1. "So they were scattered because there was no shepherd…"
Ezekiel 34:5a

2. "And they became food for all the beasts of the field when they were scattered…"
Ezekiel 34:5b

3. "My sheep wandered through all the mountains, and on every hill; yes, My flock was scattered over the face of the earth, and no one was seeking or searching for them"
Ezekiel 34:6

4. "My flock became a prey, and My flock became food for every beast of the field…"
Ezekiel 34:8

INDICTMENT OF THE IRRESPONSIBLE SHEPHERDS

Therefore, O shepherds, hear the Word of the Lord!
Thus says the Lord God: 'Behold, I am against the shepherds…"
Ezekiel 34:10a

1. "And I will require My flock at their hand…"
Ezekiel 34:10b

2. "I will cause them to cease feeding the sheep, and the shepherds shall feed themselves no more…"
Ezekiel 34:10c

PROMISE OF THE LORD

Deliverance from Bad Shepherds

"I will deliver My flock from their mouths, that they may no longer be food for them"
Ezekiel 34:10d