Ezekiel 34:16

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Ezekiel 34:1 Ezekiel 34:2 Ezekiel 34:3 Ezekiel 34:4 Ezekiel 34:5 Ezekiel 34:6 Ezekiel 34:7 Ezekiel 34:8 Ezekiel 34:9 Ezekiel 34:10 Ezekiel 34:11 Ezekiel 34:12 Ezekiel 34:13 Ezekiel 34:14 Ezekiel 34:15 Ezekiel 34:16 Ezekiel 34:17 Ezekiel 34:18 Ezekiel 34:19 Ezekiel 34:20 Ezekiel 34:21 Ezekiel 34:22 Ezekiel 34:23 Ezekiel 34:24 Ezekiel 34:25 Ezekiel 34:26 Ezekiel 34:27 Ezekiel 34:28 Ezekiel 34:29 Ezekiel 34:30 Ezekiel 34:31

Ezekiel 34:16 KJV

I will seek that which was lost, and bring again that which was driven away, and will bind up that which was broken, and will strengthen that which was sick: but I will destroy the fat and the strong; I will feed them with judgment.

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Ezekiel 34:16 Bible Commentary

Ezekiel 34:16 - Exegetical Commentary

Verse Reference: Ezekiel 34:16
Text: "I will seek the lost, and I will bring back the strayed, and I will bind up the injured, and I will strengthen the weak, and the fat and the strong I will destroy. I will feed them in justice."

Introduction

The verse Ezekiel 34:16 is a profound declaration from God regarding His pastoral care for His people. The context of this chapter involves a direct address to Israel's leaders, criticized for their failure to shepherd the people effectively. God Himself steps in as the Good Shepherd, promising to restore and nurture His flock. This commentary synthesizes insights from various public domain commentators to offer a comprehensive understanding of the text.

Contextual Background

This verse occurs within a larger passage in Ezekiel 34, which serves as a stark indictment against Israel’s leaders. Matthew Henry highlights that this chapter, along with others, serves as God's judgment on the false shepherds, emphasizing the dire consequences of their negligence in caring for the people of Israel.

Albert Barnes notes that Israel was like a flock without a shepherd, scattered and lost, showcasing God’s concern for the well-being of His people. This pastoral imagery strongly emphasizes God's intimate relationship with His creation and His commitment to their restoration.

Analysis of Key Themes

1. Divine Initiative in Seeking the Lost

Seeking the Lost: The phrase "I will seek the lost" encapsulates God’s relentless pursuit of those who have strayed from the faith and community. Adam Clarke emphasizes the compassionate nature of this pursuit, indicating it includes not only those who have wandered astray but also those who are in spiritual or moral despair.

2. Restoration and Healing

Bringing Back the Strayed: This notion of restoration is pivotal. God is portrayed as actively seeking to bring back those who have erred. Matthew Henry articulates that this reflects on God’s mercy and grace, demonstrating that no one is beyond the reach of divine grace.

Binding Up the Injured: This suggests a God who not only seeks but actively heals emotional and spiritual wounds. Barnes notes that this affirms God's desire to restore the broken-hearted, emphasizing that healing is a vital aspect of God's loving care.

3. Strengthening the Weak

Strengthening the Weak: God acknowledges the vulnerable in society. Clarke underscores the importance of spiritual nourishment, suggesting that the weak need to be uplifted and fortified. This provision is not merely physical but deeply spiritual, catering to the needs of the heart and soul.

4. Justice over Judgment

The Fat and the Strong: The latter part of the verse discusses the judgment against those who misuse their strength, referred to as "the fat and strong." Henry points out that God’s justice is balanced; strength should not be employed to dominate or oppress but to protect and nurture. God's warning highlights the moral responsibility of those in positions of strength.

Feeding Them in Justice: The promise of justice underscores God's ultimate aim in shepherding His people. Barnes notes that justice in this context implies fairness, equity, and a divine standard which God upholds. This contrasts sharply with the injustice previously perpetrated by the false shepherds.

Theological Implications

This verse speaks volumes about the character of God as a shepherd. Theologically, it reflects the attributes of God as caring, just, and righteous. Clarke expresses that this text points towards the messianic role of Christ, who fulfills these promises in a New Covenant context.

Moreover, the illustration draws profound implications for pastoral leadership. Today's leaders should echo the shepherding quality of God, actively seeking out the unsaved, healing those who are hurting, strengthening the faint, and practicing justice.

Practical Application for Ministry

  • Active Evangelism: Pastors and church leaders must embody the initiative of God by actively seeking the lost in their communities.
  • Community Care: Churches should develop programs addressing the emotional and spiritual needs of individuals, embodying the healing aspect showcased in the text.
  • Equity and Justice: Emphasizing a ministries’ role in societal justice aligns with God’s mandate, positively impacting their communities.

Conclusion

Ezekiel 34:16 encapsulates the heart of God toward His people. Through divine initiative, healing, strengthening, and justice, we find a blueprint for ministry that reflects God’s nature. As believers and leaders, understanding this passage encourages us to pursue a deeper engagement with the lost and broken of our society, embodying the divine shepherd's call in a world that desperately needs it.

Ezekiel 34 (KJV) Verse Selection

Ezekiel 34:1 Ezekiel 34:2 Ezekiel 34:3 Ezekiel 34:4 Ezekiel 34:5 Ezekiel 34:6 Ezekiel 34:7 Ezekiel 34:8 Ezekiel 34:9 Ezekiel 34:10 Ezekiel 34:11 Ezekiel 34:12 Ezekiel 34:13 Ezekiel 34:14 Ezekiel 34:15 Ezekiel 34:16 Ezekiel 34:17 Ezekiel 34:18 Ezekiel 34:19 Ezekiel 34:20 Ezekiel 34:21 Ezekiel 34:22 Ezekiel 34:23 Ezekiel 34:24 Ezekiel 34:25 Ezekiel 34:26 Ezekiel 34:27 Ezekiel 34:28 Ezekiel 34:29 Ezekiel 34:30 Ezekiel 34:31

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