Bible Commentaries
Ezekiel 34

Verse 1

the LORD . Hebrew. Jehovah. App-4 .

Verse 2

Son of man . See note on Ezekiel 2:1 .

shepherds = rulers.

the Lord GOD . Hebrew Adonai Jehovah. See note on Ezekiel 2:4 .

Verse 3

kill = kill for sacrifice, and eating. Hebrew. zaback . App-48 .

them that are fed = the fat ewe.

Verse 4

neither. Note the Figure of speech Paradiastole ( App-6 ), emphasising the five counts.

oruelty = rigour. Reference to Pentateuch (Exodus 1:13 , Exodus 1:14 .Leviticus 25:46 , Leviticus 25:53 , its only other occurrences).

Verse 5

because there is no shepherd: or, without a shepherd.

Verse 8

As I live . Figure of speech Deisis. App-6 .

saith the Lord God = [is] Adonai Jehovah's oracle.

Verse 9

Therefore = Therefore [I repeat] O ye, &c.

Verse 10

Behold . Figure of speech Asterismos . App-6 .

Verse 11

I, even I . Note the Figure of speech Epizeuxis ( App-6 ), for emphasis.

Verse 12

In the day . See App-18 .

Verse 13

people = nations.

land = soil.

rivers = ravines. Hebrew. aphikim . See note on "channels", 2 Samuel 22:16 .

Verse 16

destroy : or, watch", reading (? = R) for (? = D)).

Verse 17

cattle and cattle : i.e. between the sheep and the goats: rams being the sheep, while the he-goats are set in contrast.

Verse 18

Seemeth it: or, supply "Is it".

you: i.e. ye goats. The verse goes on to describe the evil work of the goats in fouling the pastures of the sheep. There is a solemn application of this to the churches and congregations in the present day,

your : i.e. the goats.

Verse 22

save = bring saltation or deliverance to.

Verse 23

one shepherd = one ruler. Compare Isaiah 40:11 . Joh 10:11 .

My servant David. Occurs only here, Ezekiel 34:24 ; Eze 37:24 , 1 Kings 11:32 , 1 Kings 11:34 , and Ezekiel 14:8 . Compare Jeremiah 30:9 . Hosea 3:5 . David. Either David the king, or Messiah, of Whom he was the type.

Verse 24

God. Hebrew. Elohim. App-4 .

Prince = a leader. Compare Isaiah 9:6 , Isaiah 9:7 ; Isaiah 55:4 .

Verse 25

a covenant of peace. Compare Ezekiel 37:2 ,

wilderness = a place of pasture. Compare Psalms 65:12 . Not a barren place or desert, unless so stated or implied.

Verse 27

they. shall know. See note en Ezekiel 6:10 .

safe = confident.

in = on.

when I have broken: or, by My breaking.

those , &c.: i.e. the f:dse rulers.

Verse 28

heathen = nations.

beast. The 1611 edition of the Authorized Version reads "beasts".

land: or, earth.

Verse 29

plant. Referring to Messiah, as in verses: Ezekiel 34:23 , Ezekiel 34:24 . of renown: for fame.

consumed = pinched [with hunger].

Verse 30

shall they know . See note on Ezekiel 6:10 . Some codices, with three early printed editions, read "shall the nations know",

Verse 31

flock. The 1611 edition of the Authorized Version omitted these two words "flock, the".

are = ye [are]

men. Hebrew ' adam , App-14 . I: i.e. human beings, not "sheep", as spoken of in this chapter.

your God. Some codices, with Septuagint, Syriac, and Vulgate, read "Jehovah your Elohim".