Ezekiel 34 23

Ezekiel 34:23 kjv

And I will set up one shepherd over them, and he shall feed them, even my servant David; he shall feed them, and he shall be their shepherd.

Ezekiel 34:23 nkjv

I will establish one shepherd over them, and he shall feed them? My servant David. He shall feed them and be their shepherd.

Ezekiel 34:23 niv

I will place over them one shepherd, my servant David, and he will tend them; he will tend them and be their shepherd.

Ezekiel 34:23 esv

And I will set up over them one shepherd, my servant David, and he shall feed them: he shall feed them and be their shepherd.

Ezekiel 34:23 nlt

And I will set over them one shepherd, my servant David. He will feed them and be a shepherd to them.

Ezekiel 34 verses

Ezekiel 34 23 Meaning

This verse signifies a divine promise of restoration and benevolent leadership for God's people, typified by David. It describes a future shepherd-king who will care for, nourish, and protect the flock of Israel, restoring them to their land and well-being. This reign will be marked by justice and righteousness, unlike the previous corrupt leaders.

Ezekiel 34 23 Context

Chapter 34 of Ezekiel is a powerful prophetic oracle concerning the unfaithful shepherds (leaders) of Israel and the contrast between them and the true Shepherd, God. Ezekiel pronounces judgment on the selfish and negligent shepherds who have scattered and harmed God's flock. In this context, verse 23 is a declaration of God's subsequent redemptive action, promising to appoint a new, ideal shepherd who embodies His own care. This prophecy addresses the people during the Babylonian exile, offering hope for future restoration under righteous leadership. It directly polemicizes against the self-serving rulers who had failed their divine mandate.

Ezekiel 34 23 Word Analysis

• And I will set up:

  • The Hebrew is "vᵉ'e'ten" (וְאֶתֵּן), literally "and I will give."
  • Signifies active appointment and bestowment by God.
  • Echoes God's appointment of leaders in other biblical contexts (e.g., Moses, David).

• one shepherd:

  • Hebrew: "nāḵō'ḥ ēḥāḏ" (נָכֹה אֶחָד). "One" (ēḥāḏ) emphasizes unity, singularity, and centralized leadership, in stark contrast to the many, divisive, and failed leaders before.
  • "Shepherd" (nāḵō'ḥ - נָכֹה) carries rich Old Testament imagery of leadership, care, protection, and guidance (cf. Gen 48:15; Ps 23).
  • This "one shepherd" concept is profoundly significant as it points to a singular, ideal ruler.

• over them:

  • Refers to the dispersed and oppressed flock of Israel.
  • Indicates comprehensive oversight and dominion.

• that he shall feed them:

  • Hebrew: "yirʿēm" (יִרְעֵם), meaning "he will pasture them," "he will feed them," or "he will tend them."
  • Focuses on provision, nourishment, and sustenance. This is a primary role of a shepherd, implying not just physical feeding but also spiritual and emotional well-being.
  • Highlights the compassionate and caring nature of this future leader.

• even my servant David:

  • Hebrew: "eḏ 'aḇḏī ḏāḇīḏ" (עֵד עַבְדִּי דָּוִד).
  • "My servant" (ʿaḇḏī) is a significant title of service and divine approval given to David (e.g., Ps 78:70; Jer 33:21). It indicates a ruler who serves God and His people, not himself.
  • "David" (ḏāḇīḏ) explicitly identifies the intended leader, pointing to the Davidic dynasty and its promise. While literal David was long dead by Ezekiel's time, this strongly implies a descendant who would embody David's ideal kingship and righteous rule.
  • This phrase connects the prophecy to the Davidic covenant and the expectation of an eternal king from David's line.

• he shall feed them:

  • The repetition reinforces the central theme of faithful shepherding. It's a promise of continuous and diligent care.

• and he shall be their shepherd:

  • Hebrew: "wᵉ'hā'yāh lɔ̄hem rōʿēh" (וְהָיָה לָהֶם רֹעֶה).
  • This reiterates and solidifies the role. It signifies a complete assumption of the shepherd's responsibility.
  • It marks a restoration of righteous governance, where the shepherd's authority is used for the welfare of the flock.

Words Group by Words Group Analysis

• "one shepherd" / "my servant David": This powerful pairing juxtaposes the perfect unity of leadership ("one shepherd") with a specific earthly figure or archetype ("David"). It indicates that while there will be a singular leader, he is identified with the ideal king of Israel, David, who in turn serves as a type pointing towards the ultimate Messianic King. The emphasis is on restored, divinely appointed, and righteous leadership that consolidates and protects.
• "feed them" / "be their shepherd": These phrases are synonymous, underscoring the fundamental duties of leadership as pastoral care. The focus is on provision, protection, guidance, and diligent attention to the flock's needs, portraying a stark contrast to the predatory and negligent leadership described earlier in the chapter.

Ezekiel 34 23 Bonus Section

The concept of David as the shepherd is deeply rooted in David's own history (1 Samuel 16:11-13) where he was taken from tending his father's sheep to become Israel's king. This prefiguring made David a potent symbol of ideal kingship characterized by personal courage, divine guidance, and care for the people. God's promise here is to restore the throne of David not just politically but spiritually, with a leader who possesses David's spirit of servant leadership, albeit in a perfected form. This connects directly to how the New Testament writers understood Jesus as the promised descendant of David, fulfilling the Davidic covenant and the Messianic prophecies. His ultimate ascension and reign in heaven continue this shepherding role.

Ezekiel 34 23 Commentary

This verse serves as a cornerstone promise for Israel's future. After condemning the false shepherds (kings and rulers), God promises to raise up a perfect shepherd who embodies righteous and compassionate leadership. The identification with "David" is key. It refers not to the literal King David, who had long since passed, but to an ideal descendant of David who would reign with justice and true care. This prophecy finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is both the Good Shepherd and the King from David's lineage. He cares for His spiritual flock, the Church, by giving His life, guiding them, and promising eternal fellowship. The promise of one shepherd highlights unity and effectiveness, a stark contrast to the fragmented and failed leadership of past Israelite kings and even many leaders within the contemporary Church who neglect their pastoral duties. The shepherd's role is intrinsically tied to feeding and tending, signifying spiritual provision and protection, ultimately pointing to Christ's sacrificial love and ongoing oversight.