34:2 the shepherds of Israel The leaders should have guided Israel to Yahweh, but instead they led Israel astray (compare Isa 56:11; Jer 2:8).

who were feeding The shepherds exploit the privilege of their position without consideration for their responsibility. They focus on their own gain, not the well-being of the flock.

34:5 they were scattered Ezekiel often uses scattering to depict punishment for breaking the covenant (see also Lev 26:33). With no true shepherd to guide them, Israel strayed from the covenant.

34:10 I will deliver my flocks from their mouth Yahweh steps in to save His people, as only He could. Reminiscent of His declaration in Isa 63:5.

34:11 even I, will seek my flock Since the shepherds would not search for the sheep (Ezek 34:8), Yahweh must do so Himself. The failure of Israel’s leaders has left Ezekiel with little faith in any earthly leader; he trusts in the direct rule of Yahweh.

34:12 the day of storm and stress A reference to the Day of Yahweh, the time of His wrath and judgment. See Ezek 30:3 and note.

34:13 I will gather them from the countries As promised in 11:17.

34:14 I will feed them in good pasture Compare Psa 23:2.

34:15 I myself will allow them to lie down Reminiscent of Psa 23:2.

34:16 I will seek the lost Yahweh will assume and fulfill every obligation the shepherds failed to perform in Ezek 34:4.

34:17 my flock Yahweh’s attention shifts from the shepherds to the sheep.

I am judging between one sheep and another, between the rams and between Yahweh condemns inequities within the flock. Not only are the leaders to blame for mismanagement, but the people themselves are to blame for their mistreatment of each other.

34:20 between fat sheep and between lean sheep A metaphorical division between oppressor and victim.

34:22 I will save my flock Yahweh’s true flock is a distinct, smaller part of the larger flock. He will recognize and save those who are His (compare John 10:14).

34:23 one shepherd, and he will feed them; that is, my servant David The role of shepherd will be returned to the Davidic Messiah, who will care for God’s sheep properly. Jesus fulfills that role and alludes to the imagery of Ezek 34 in John 10:1–18. Compare Jer 23:3–6.

34:29 the insult of the nations A reversal of Yahweh’s prior judgment. See Ezek 22:4 and note.

34:31 my flock, the flock of my pasture. You are my people Ties the oracle of blessing and restoration back to the metaphor of the sheep and shepherd from vv. 1–24.