Ezekiel 34:22 kjv
Therefore will I save my flock, and they shall no more be a prey; and I will judge between cattle and cattle.
Ezekiel 34:22 nkjv
therefore I will save My flock, and they shall no longer be a prey; and I will judge between sheep and sheep.
Ezekiel 34:22 niv
I will save my flock, and they will no longer be plundered. I will judge between one sheep and another.
Ezekiel 34:22 esv
I will rescue my flock; they shall no longer be a prey. And I will judge between sheep and sheep.
Ezekiel 34:22 nlt
So I will rescue my flock, and they will no longer be abused. I will judge between one animal of the flock and another.
Ezekiel 34 22 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Ezekiel 34:22 | "And I will set up one shepherd over them, that he may feed them, even my servant David; he shall feed them, and he shall be their shepherd." | Ezekiel 37:24; Isaiah 40:11; Jeremiah 23:5-6 |
| John 10:11 | "I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep." | John 10:14; Hebrews 13:20 |
| 1 Peter 5:4 | "And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away." | John 10:11; Ezekiel 34:23-24 |
| Isaiah 55:3 | "Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David." | Acts 13:34; Jeremiah 33:15-16 |
| Jeremiah 23:5 | "Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth." | Isaiah 11:1-5; John 1:14 |
| Ezekiel 37:24 | "And David my servant shall be king over them; and they all shall have one shepherd: they shall also walk in my judgments, and observe my statutes, and do them." | Ezekiel 34:23-24; John 10:11 |
| Matthew 2:6 | "And thou, Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a governor, that shall rule my people Israel." | Micah 5:2; Luke 2:4, 11 |
| Luke 1:32-33 | "He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end." | John 1:14; Acts 2:30-36 |
| Psalm 23:1 | "The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want." | Psalm 23:1; John 10:11 |
| Jeremiah 50:4 | "In those days, and in that time, saith the LORD, the children of Israel shall come, they and the children of Judah together, weeping as they go, and seek the LORD their God." | Jeremiah 50:4-5; Isaiah 50:4-7 |
| Ezekiel 36:27 | "And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them." | Jeremiah 31:33; Ezekiel 11:19-20 |
| John 1:14 | "And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth." | John 1:1, 18; Colossians 1:19 |
| 1 Timothy 3:16 | "And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory." | John 1:14; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 |
| Revelation 7:17 | "For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes." | Psalm 23:1-3; John 6:35 |
| Revelation 22:1-2 | "And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations." | Ezekiel 47:1-12; Psalm 23:2 |
| Micah 4:7 | "And I will make her that halted a remnant, and her that was cast far off a strong nation: and the LORD shall reign over them in mount Zion from henceforth, even for ever." | Isaiah 60:22; Ezekiel 34:22 |
| Amos 9:11 | "After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up:" | Acts 15:16; Ezekiel 34:23-24 |
| Acts 15:16 | "After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up:" | Amos 9:11; Revelation 21:3 |
| 1 Corinthians 6:20 | "For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s." | 1 Peter 1:18-19; Hebrews 9:12 |
| 1 John 4:9 | "In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him." | John 3:16; Romans 5:8 |
Ezekiel 34 verses
Ezekiel 34 22 Meaning
This verse speaks of God's intention to appoint one shepherd to care for His dispersed flock, the nation of Israel. This shepherd, identified as David, will lead them, feed them, and be their God. It signifies a future restoration and a righteous rule over them.
Ezekiel 34 22 Context
This verse is found in Ezekiel chapter 34, a chapter heavily focused on God's judgment against the corrupt shepherds of Israel (the kings and leaders) who have exploited and scattered the flock. God condemns their self-serving leadership and promises a future restoration. The preceding verses (34:1-21) vividly depict the failures of these leaders. This verse, therefore, marks a pivotal shift from condemnation to divine promise. The historical context is the period of Israel's exile, a time when their spiritual leadership had failed them, leading to their dispersion among the nations. God's promise here directly addresses the desolation and lack of shepherding experienced by His people, offering hope for reunification and righteous leadership.
Ezekiel 34 22 Word Analysis
- And I will set up: The Hebrew is "və-hāyāh." Və- is a conjunctive particle ("and"), and "hāyāh" means "to be," "to happen," "to become." Here, it implies a future action of God's appointment or establishment. It signifies a deliberate divine act.
- one shepherd: The Hebrew is "eḥād roʻē." "Eḥād" means "one." "Roʻē" means "shepherd" or "pastor." This emphasizes singularity and unified leadership for the dispersed flock. It contrasts with the multitude of selfish, divisive leaders previously condemned.
- over them: "ʻālāyhem" in Hebrew. Pertains to the dispersed sheep of Israel.
- that he may feed them: "lirʻotam" in Hebrew. "Li" (to, for) + "rōʻēh" (shepherd/to feed). This signifies not just ruling, but also providing nourishment, care, and guidance for the flock. It implies diligent and benevolent sustenance.
- even my servant David: "ənuʻem ḏāwiḏ." "ənuʻem" translates to "my servant," a term of deep devotion and relationship with God. "ḏāwiḏ" refers to David, the historic king of Israel. In this context, it is widely understood prophetically, pointing to a future descendant of David who will fulfill this role perfectly.
- he shall feed them: "yirʻēm" in Hebrew. Repetition of "roʻēh" root, emphasizing his active and continued care and provision for the flock.
- and he shall be their shepherd: "wə-huʻ yihyeh lāhem lə-rōʻēh." This reinforces the first part of the verse, confirming David's ultimate responsibility and intimate relationship with the people as their shepherd.
- and I the LORD will be their God: "i anḥ Yahweh ’əlihem ’əlohīm." This final phrase is crucial. It states God's ongoing covenant relationship and His presence and sovereignty over His people, under the mediation of this shepherd. It highlights the restored covenant reality.
Word Groups/Phrases:
- "one shepherd over them": This singular leadership points to a divinely appointed figure who will unify and guide the fractured nation, providing a stark contrast to the previous failures of numerous ineffective and harmful leaders.
- "my servant David": This prophetic reference is understood to be fulfilled in Jesus Christ, the Son of David, who perfectly embodies the role of a shepherd and servant, as highlighted in the New Testament.
- "he shall feed them": This phrase emphasizes active, personal, and benevolent care, encompassing both physical provision and spiritual nourishment, a hallmark of true leadership.
Ezekiel 34 22 Bonus Section
The term "shepherd" (ro'eh) carries profound significance in ancient Near Eastern cultures, often associated with kings and rulers who were expected to protect and provide for their people. God's indictment against the false shepherds in Ezekiel 34 highlights how these leaders failed in their divine mandate, acting as predators rather than protectors. The contrast with the future shepherd, "my servant David," underscores God's ultimate faithfulness and His desire to restore His people through a king who perfectly reflects His own nature of loving care and just rule. The mention of "David" serves as a theological link to the Davidic covenant, a promise of an eternal dynasty, which finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. This chapter also strongly critiques idolatry and the misplaced trust in human leadership, directing all hope to God's promised intervention and reign.
Ezekiel 34 22 Commentary
Ezekiel 34:22 is a pivotal messianic prophecy. God declares His intention to establish a singular, perfect shepherd for His people. This shepherd is identified as "my servant David," pointing not merely to King David of old, but prophetically to a future descendant who would embody David's true kingly and shepherdly qualities. This "servant David" will lovingly feed and lead the flock, which consists of Israel, scattered and damaged by the failed leadership of their former rulers. The promise is holistic: it includes divine guidance, faithful care, and ultimately, the restoration of the covenant relationship ("I the LORD will be their God"). The New Testament understanding, particularly in John 10, presents Jesus Christ as this Good Shepherd who gives His life for His sheep, perfectly fulfilling this prophecy through His earthly ministry, death, and resurrection. His care is characterized by deep love, selfless sacrifice, and eternal commitment. The verse assures a time of complete healing and unified leadership under God’s chosen King and Shepherd.
Practical Usage:
- Believers can draw assurance from Christ's role as the Good Shepherd, trusting in His constant care, guidance, and provision, even amidst difficult times.
- This verse encourages diligent, selfless leadership in all spheres, mirroring Christ’s example.