MPV Commentary

Reproof of the False Shepherds; Promise of the True and Good Shepherd.

Having previously emphasized repentance as a necessary step towards better times for God's people (Ezekiel 33:11-20), now He promises to remove the false shepherds, paving the way for the establishment of the true and good shepherd. This theme is echoed in Jeremiah 23:1-8 and Zechariah 11:17, where the removal of the false shepherds precedes the interposition of Messiah as the good shepherd on behalf of His people Israel.

The term "shepherds" refers to rulers who pursued their own selfish interests rather than the well-being of those they governed. This is evident in David's background as a shepherd (2 Samuel 5:2; Psalm 78:70-71), where he was chosen for his role as king, suggesting that a shepherd's responsibility is to guard and provide for his people.

The false shepherds were guilty of exploiting their power for personal gain. They levied excessive taxes on the people, which is why they are described as "milk" rather than "fat," emphasizing their selfishness (Ezekiel 34:3). Their actions were a perversion of God's original intention for rulers to care for and feed their people.

The false shepherds also failed to protect their flock from harm. They allowed the weak and vulnerable to be preyed upon by wolves, and instead of bringing them back into the fold, they drove them away (Ezekiel 34:4). This is in stark contrast to the good shepherd's love for His people, who will leave ninety-nine sheep to find the one that has wandered off (Luke 15:4).

The false shepherds ruled with force and cruelty, rather than justice and equity. They used their power to oppress the weak and vulnerable, treating them as their own personal property rather than as God's flock.

God promises to hold these rulers accountable for their actions. He will require His flock from those who have failed to care for them (Hebrews 13:17). The true shepherd, on the other hand, will search for His lost sheep and bring them back into the fold (Ezekiel 34:11-12).

In the future, God will establish a new shepherd, one who will be singularly and preeminently one, uniting in Himself all that was divided among Israel's rulers. This true shepherd is none other than Messiah, the antitypical David, who will rule with justice and equity (Ezekiel 34:23-24).

Messiah will establish a covenant of peace, where evil beasts will cease to be a threat, and His people will dwell safely in their land. The surrounding nations will also benefit from this new era, as God's hill becomes a source of blessing for all (Isaiah 19:24; 56:6-7).

In this restored state, the Jews and Zion will be sources of blessing not only to themselves but also to the surrounding heathen. The literal fulfillment of this prophecy is primary, though the spiritual one is also designed.

God's people will realize their weakness and God's power and faithfulness to His covenant. They will come to understand that it is not from human might that they can expect to realize these promises, but from God Himself, who will perform them for His flock (Ezekiel 34:31).