Book of Ezekiel
Chapter 34

The prophet has yet to pronounce a judgment upon the unfaithful rulers, whose punishment will promote the good of those whom they have so viciously misguided. He shows what the rulers should have been, what they have been, and what in the coming times they shall be when the True King shall reign in His Kingdom. What follows in this Chapter is a brief description of the MESSIAH’S reign.

There is a graphic picture of an utterly worthless shepherd who had absolutely NO concern whatsoever for the flock, except that he had been well able to feed and clothe himself from what they provided. There is no better composition of the whole list of Israel's kings, north and south alike, that could be written than this.

We should pay attention to the term shepherd. This comparison of the evil rulers of GOD'S people is also found in Jeremiah 23, and in Zechariah 11:1-11.    http://www.godcannotlie.org/zec_ch11.htm
JESUS' words in John 10 have the same message. http://www.godcannotlie.org/john_commentary_ch10.htm

The prophet Ezekiel is commanded to declare the dreadful judgments of GOD against the covetous shepherds (leaders, kings) of Israel, who feed themselves, but NOT their flocks; by which symbol the priests and Levites are meant, who in Ezekiel's time were extremely corrupt, and were the main cause of Israel's apostasy and ruin (34:1-10). From this depressing subject, the prophet then passes to the blessedness of the TRUE Israel of God under the reign of David, the Great Shepherd of the sheep, our Lord JESUS CHRIST being named after this prince by a figure often found in the sacred prophecies (34:11-31).

The wickedness and misfortunes of GOD'S Israel had been largely and sadly lamented before in this Book. Now in this chapter the shepherds of Israel, both their rulers in church and state, are called to an account, as having been very much the cause of the sin and ruin of Israel, by their neglecting to do the duty of their job.

Ezekiel Chapter 34 is where the Lord GOD condemns the leaders of Israel as false shepherds for their poor care of His people. Instead of caring for the sheep of Israel, they cared only for themselves. They ate well, were well-clothed and well-cared for by the very people they had been placed over (34:1-3). By direct contrast, JESUS is the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep and who protects them from the wolves who would destroy the flock (Jn.10:11-12). Verse 4 of chapter 34 describes people whom the shepherds failed to minister to as weak, sick, injured and lost. JESUS is the Great Physician (Lk.5:31), who heals our spiritual wounds (Isa.53:5) by His death on the cross. He is the One who seeks and saves that which is lost (Lk.19:10).

Theme: Israel's false shepherds; GOD'S true shepherd.

Israel's False Shepherds (34:1-10)

The false prophets of Israel have now been proven to be utter liars because the destruction of Jerusalem as prophesied by Ezekiel has become a reality, and GOD has something to say about these false prophets.

In Chapter 33, the LORD, through Ezekiel, clearly stated that repentance was the required start to happier times for the people. The Lord GOD, through the prophet Ezekiel, now promises the removal of the false shepherds as preparing to raise up the Good Shepherd.  http://www.hisservants.org/a_1_biblical_repentance.htm
http://worldlychaos.org/w_c_n_false_doctrines_biblical_repentance.html
http://hisservants.org/a_1_eternal_security_a_license_to_sin.htm

Ezekiel 34:1 And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, (KJV)

The word of the LORD came unto me . . . the date of this prophecy is not given; but, it seems to have been delivered after the destruction of Jerusalem; the causes of which are mentioned, that being the sins of the people and their governors, which the prophet is told to expose.
Saying. . . as follows:

*****The prophet Ezekiel is here again instructing by symbol . . . representing the unfaithfulness of the Shepherds who neglect the LORD'S fold, and the faithfulness of Jesus the Good Shepherd, who layeth down his life for his sheep. The subject under this similarity, runs through the entire Chapter.

Ezekiel 34:2 Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, prophesy, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD unto the shepherds; Woe be to the shepherds of Israel that do feed themselves! should not the shepherds feed the flocks? (KJV)

Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel . . . referring to the governors of the people, their kings, princes and civil magistrates. It was common in the eastern nations and the Greeks, to refer to kings as shepherds  (2 Sam.5:2; 1 Ki.22:17; 2 Chron.18:16; Isa.44:28; Zec.11:17). Shepherds of Israel also refers to their religious governors: prophets, priests, Levites, scribes and Pharisees; these were bad shepherds, or they would not have been prophesied against. Israelis the two tribes, and the few that out of the ten tribes stood by the house of David.
For more on Israel and her kings, see Special Comments, Chapter 19.
Prophesy, and say unto them, thus saith the Lord GOD unto the shepherds . . . thus saith the Lord GOD, Ezekiel speaks, but these rulers must know it is GOD that gave him the words to say. The message to them must be carefully considered, the prophet is ordered to deliver the prophecy in the name of the LORD; or else they would have been very likely to have despised it, and accused the prophet of disrespect and rudeness.
Woe be to the shepherds of Israel, that do feed themselves! . . . meaning that they fed only themselves, not the flock . . . if they had fed the flock, as well as themselves, they would not have been blamed; but they did not care about the people. All they cared about was how to get rich and honor, they totally neglected the good of the people, but heartlessly oppressed them.
Should not the shepherds feed the flocks? . . . there was no doubt as to what they should do; it was their duty as kings to rule over their subjects, defend the people and their property, and secure their privileges and liberties to them; and ecclesiastical rulers, ministers of the word, should feed the flock (church of GOD) committed to them with knowledge and understanding (Jer.3:15).

*****The shepherds of Israel, mean their kings and princes, priests and prophets; the flock is the whole of the people. The fat and wool (34:3) the tithes and offerings, the taxes and required payments, these they demanded . . . oppressing and destroying the people to enrich themselves. They did nothing to provide for the welfare of the people, or for the souls of those entrusted to them (Jer.2:8; 3:15; 10:21; 12:10; Jn.10:1-2, 12).
Woe be to the shepherds (Jer.2:8, 26; 23:1; Mic.3:1-3, 11-12; Zep.3:3,4; Zec.11:17).

Ezekiel did not say these things about the false prophets, GOD said them through the prophet. The people became as sheep without a shepherd, were given up as a prey to their enemies, and the land was utterly desolated. No rank or office can exempt anyone from the rebukes of GOD'S Word, anyone who neglects their duty and abuse the trust rested in them, shall come up against the Holy and righteous wrath of GOD.

Ezekiel 34:3 Ye eat the fat, and ye clothe you with the wool, ye kill them that are fed: but ye feed not the flock. (KJV)

Ye eat the fat . . . the fat, some render this milk, which greedily and without measure, they devour. You drain their purses and weaken their estates by tributes, exacted by extortions. These worldly and spiritual rulers had their systems to milk them dry, for they lived on the sins of the people. Ye eat the fat (Isa.56:11,12; Zec.11:5-16). 
Ye clothe you with the wool . . . the finest pure wool, they fleeced the flock, stripping the people of their riches; and cared for nothing except their own backs and bellies. 
Ye kill them that are fed . . . they kill them that are fat . . . the richest of the people they accused and brought charges against for capital crimes; putting them to death under what they said was justice, so they could get their estates. Ye kill (Eze.19:3, 6; 22:25-28; 33:25-26; 1 Ki.21:13-16; 2 Ki.21:16; Isa.1:10, 15; Jer.2:30; 22:17; Lam.4:13; Mic.3:1-3; Zep.3:3).
But ye feed not the flock . . . they did not govern the people as they should have. They did not do justice, they did not deliver words of faith and sound doctrine. They should have fed the souls of men, which is the duty of those that head the church of GOD.

*****They did not feed the flock; they took no care to lead, protect, provide for, and watch over them, but as idle shepherds they feasted on the fattest, and let the rest starve.

Ezekiel 34:4 The diseased have ye not strengthened, neither have ye healed that which was sick, neither have ye bound up that which was broken, neither have ye brought again that which was driven away, neither have ye sought that which was lost; but with force and with cruelty have ye ruled them. (KJV)

The diseased have ye not strengthened . . . the diseased seems to mean those weak from the effects of disease. They did not strengthen with due nourishment.Diseased (Eze.34:16; Isa.56:10; Jer.8:22; Zec.11:15-16; Mat.9:36; Heb.12:12). It seems to me that diseased might mean disease of the heart, which is rampant in today’s world as well. Rich politicians filling their pockets with bribe money, to put into law things that hurt the people of the land (the flock). They are leaders who are heartless! They were rampant in Ezekiel’s time, and today.
Neither have ye healed that which was sick . . . they cared nothing at all for the sick and weak, and in the latter days they will not direct them to the great Physician of souls, and to His precious Blood (1 Pet.1:18-19), for healing and pardon of sin. There are so many false kings and false prophets in today’s world, who not once ever think of directing them to the great Physician of souls, and to His precious Blood.
Neither have ye bound up that which was broken . . . broken, fractures from wounds inflicted by the wolf,
And too, those whose consciences were wounded, and hearts broken, with a sense of sin; or who had fallen to the breaking of their bones, and should be restored in a spirit of meekness and gently dealt with, as doctors do in setting and binding up broken bones.
Neither have ye brought again that which was driven away . . . brought again . . . driven away  (Ex.23:4). Those driven away by the enemy into foreign lands through God’s judgments seem to be meant (Jer.23:3). A spiritual restoration of the state by the rulers would have turned away GOD’S wrath, and brought back again the exiles. The rulers are criticized as mainly guilty, although the people too were guilty, because they, who should have been stopping the evil, promoted it.
Neither have ye sought that which was lost . . . those that wandered of their own accord, and perished for lack of knowledge, were lost for need of a guide to direct them. This directly opposes the Good Shepherd’s love (Lk.15:4). Sought (Mat.10:6; 18:12-13; Lk.15:4-6).
But with force and with cruelty have ye ruled them . . . they ruled with force and with cruelty in an oppressive way, going completely against Almighty GOD. But with cruelty (Ex.1:13-14; Jer.22:13; Mat.21:35; 24:49; 2 Cor.1:24; Jam.5:1-6; 1 Pet.5:2-3; Rev.13:14-17; 17:5-6).

*****All of us are needy people, and the only thing which can minister to our deep needs is the Word of God. If a pastor or a teacher of GOD’S Word, does not give out the FULL Word of God, he is not ministering to the people. The whole Word of GOD must be given out, NOT just what people want to hear! People need to hear the whole Truth of GOD'S Holy Word . . . that He is a GOD of lovingkindness and mercy and of Heaven; but they need to hear the Truth of GOD'S righteous wrath and judgment to come and of an everlasting HELL, a Lake of Fire.
It deeply saddens me the way that the world is turning away from the goodness of Almighty God. The vast majority of people in the world today never, ever think of eternity. They just keep on keeping on in their sin, and they really must think they will go to Heaven. My dear friend, there really IS a Hell, and there really IS a Judgment Day when ALL people will be held accountable for their sins. Are your sins washed in the precious Blood of JESUS? If not, you will have to pay the penalty for the sins you committed. BEWARE!!!
http://www.judgmentcoming.org/j_c_judgment_day_IS_coming.htm

Ezekiel 34:5 And they were scattered, because there is no shepherd: and they became meat to all the beasts of the field, when they were scattered. (KJV)

And they were scattered because there is no shepherd . . . not one good shepherd, there were shepherds but they were idol shepherds, good for nothing, thieves (Jn.10:1). They are GOD’S neglected sheep, being scattered by the invasions of their enemies, which broke in like devouring beasts. No shepherd; no vigilant, faithful, good shepherd that loved the flock, and had love for its welfare was to be found. In CHRIST'S time, there were the Scribes and Pharisees; but since these did not feed the people with nourishing doctrine, they are said to be as sheep without a shepherd, and scattered abroad, dispersed here and there, seeking food (Mat.9:36). In a political sense, this may refer to their captivity, and their dispersion among the nations, having no king. The Targum says, and they were scattered without a governor. They were scattered (Eze.33:6, 21, 28; 1 Ki.22:17; 2 Chron.18:16; Jer.23:2; 50:6, 17; Zec.13:7; Mat.9:36). Because there is no shepherd (Zec.10:2-3).
And they became meat to all beasts of the field when they were scattered . . . the Targum is, and they were delivered to all the kingdoms of the people to be consumed. Consumed by such as the Assyrians, Babylonians, Ammonites, Moabites and others; and may be applied to false teachers, those grievous wolves, which spare not the flock, into whose hands members of churches, professors of religion, fall, when neglected by their shepherds. The beasts, indicate men, troops of robbers and spoilers. Became meat, were made a prey of, and devoured by Syrians, Ammonites, Moabites, Edomites and all their neighbors, might devour them. They became meat (Eze.33:8; Isa.56:9; Jer.12:9-12; Jn.10:2; Acts 20:29-31). When they were scattered; as sheep scattered are easily devoured by every hungry wolf or fox.

*****This has definite reference to the past. They had had no true and worthy shepherd. That is why they were now scattered. Their kings, their official leaders, their official teachers and their official watchmen had failed them and so they had become meat for the hunters and scavengers around them. But not only had they failed in the past, their shepherds were still failing them.
Meat could also be translated food, for when people are not being fed in a church, they will scatter. They will go to another place where they can be fed. We cannot criticize them, because sheep must be fed; and that is also the nature of the TRUE child of God: he hungers to hear the Word of God.

Ezekiel 34:6 My sheep wandered through all the mountains, and upon every high hill: yea, my flock was scattered upon all the face of the earth, and none did search or seek after them. (KJV)

My sheep wandered through all the mountains, and upon every high hill . . . sheep without a shepherd stray, from one hill to another; so the people of Israel fled from place to place, because of the cruelty of their rulers, or through the force of the enemy, being carried captive into many kingdoms and nations, meant by mountains; and maybe there is a reference to their worship of idols on hills and mountains, being drawn into it by the false prophets. My sheep (GOD’S sheep), these false shepherds forgot the flock was not their property, but GOD will not lose His property in them. These shepherds shall find at last they were GOD’S stewards, and that they were accountable. Wandered (Eze.7:16; Jer.13:16; 40:11-12; Heb.11:37-38; 1 Pet.2:25). Through all the mountains . . . when endangered, frightened and pursued, they went to the mountains by their own choice, or were carried away by enemies . . . or it may refer to their chasing after idols worshipped in high places, or maybe to kingdoms and great cities, compared to mountains, that there they might find what they could not find at home.
Yea, my flock was scattered upon all the face of the earth . . . so great and overall was the dispersion by the number of captivities. The LORD has sheep, or some of His elect (Mat.24:31; Mk.13:27; Lk.18:7), there are some that belong to His flock, in all parts of the world. Scattered upon all the face of the earth . . . they were dispersed through evil administration to all parts of the known world.
And none did search or seek after them . . . but the Lord GOD will Himself search for them (34:11), for He will lose none of them (Jn.18:9) . . . but this does NOT excuse the false shepherds. And none (Ps.142:4; Jer.5:1).

Ezekiel 34:7 Therefore, ye shepherds, hear the word of the LORD; (KJV)

Therefore, ye shepherds, hear the word of the LORD . . . GOD is greatly displeased at the shepherds, the governors, both civil and religious; the kings, princes, and magistrates; the prophets and teachers of the people, who should have attended to the word of grace, to the doctrines of the Scriptures, and fed the people with them; but, since you have not done your job, now hear the threatening word from the LORD, and the just punishment that shall be inflicted on you. Ye shepherds, hear the word of the LORD (Eze.34:9; Ps. 82:1-7; Isa.1:10; Jer.13:13, 18; 22:2-3; Mic.3:8-9; Mal.2:1; Mat.23:13-36; Luke 11:39-54).

Ezekiel 34:8  As I live, saith the Lord GOD, surely because my flock became a prey, and my flock became meat to every beast of the field, because there was no shepherd, neither did my shepherds search for my flock, but the shepherds fed themselves, and fed not my flock; (KJV)

As I live, saith the LORD . . . this is an oath, which GOD swore in His wrath, being provoked with the shepherds for their evil administration.
Surely, because my flock became a prey, and my flock became meat to every beast of the field, because there was no shepherd . . . (34:2-3, 5-6). GOD’S flock was a prey to all the kingdoms of the people, being without a governor, or to false teachers, there being no spiritual pastors to take care of them.  
Neither did my shepherds search for my flock . . . My shepherds, governors are put in place by GOD’S appointment, and here He owns these careless, worst of rulers as His shepherds, who allowed the flock to be scattered, and carried captive, and become a prey to others. Even those that were of GOD'S appointing, as the kings of Israel, their priests and prophets; for both their civil political and ecclesiastical hierarchy was of GOD, even though the ends were not answered, or the persons put into office did not do their duty.
But the shepherds fed themselves, and fed not my flock . . . see (34:2-3).

*****GOD was very displeased with the shepherds. Their crimes are repeated (34:2-3, 8). GOD'S flock became a prey to the deceivers; first they drew them into idolatry, and then allowed the destroyers to carry them into captivity. These shepherds did nothing to prevent either of these things.
These shepherds had a commission from GOD to feed the flock, and he expected them to do as they should, and since they did not fulfill their job, He was angry. I am against the shepherds (34:10) He shall state! It is not having the name and authority of shepherds that will engage GOD on their behalf, for IF they do NOT do the work assigned to them and are faithful . . . GOD shall be against them, and they shall know it.

Ezekiel 34:9 Therefore, O ye shepherds, hear the word of the LORD; (KJV)

Therefore, O ye shepherds, hear the word of the LORD . . . therefore, O ye shepherds (34:7-8), this is repeated, that it might be carefully considered and to confirm it . . . and that it might be depended on, and that what follows would be accomplished, unless they changed their conduct; and to leave them inexcusable. They are again called upon to hear what the LORD has to say them. The Targum is, therefore, O ye wicked governors, return to the law, and I will have mercy on you; hearken to the doctrine of the law, and receive the word of the Lord. False teachers are the false shepherds in today’s world. BEWARE that you are not taken in by them! . . . Check out everything they say by the Holy Word of GOD! That includes checking what I say.  
http://www.worldlychaos.org/w_c_1_false_teachers.1.htm
http://www.worldlychaos.org/w_c_false_doctrines.1.htm
http://www.hisservants.org/false_teaching_h_s.htm
http://www.hisservants.org/books_false_teachers.html

Ezekiel 34:10 Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against the shepherds; and I will require my flock at their hand, and cause them to cease from feeding the flock; neither shall the shepherds feed themselves any more; for I will deliver my flock from their mouth, that they may not be meat for them. (KJV)

Thus saith the Lord GOD, behold, I am against the shepherds . . . I am against you (Eze.5:8; 13:8; 21:3; 35:3; Jer.21:13; 50:31; Nah.2:13; Zec.10:3; 1 Pet.3:12); His Heart was against them; His Hand was against them; His Face was turned away from them. The Targum is, behold, I will send my fury upon the governors. GOD does nothing unless there is a good reason for it! And here, there was indeed a great reason for it, they were against Him and His glory, against His flock (His people), His cause, and His interest. It is so sad for anyone to have anything against GOD! To be against GOD, is to have GOD against them; for there is NOT one who has ever hardened their heart against GOD and prospered (Job 9:4).
And I will require my flock at their hand . . . I will require my flock (Eze.3:18, 20; 33:6-8; Jer.13:18-20; Heb.13:17), the full story of these shepherds is that the flock had been committed to their care, and GOD shall punish them for the neglect of them; their lives and any loss of them. GOD would require it at their hands; as He punished Zedekiah and his princes, and the priests and prophets.
And cause them to cease from feeding the flock . . . take the kingdom from them, as He did from Zedekiah (Jer.52:10-11), abolish the religious hierarchy among the Jews; cut off the priests, prophets, and scribes of the people; and put the flock into other hands.
Neither shall the shepherds feed themselves any more . . . (2:8), these greedy shepherds enrich themselves with the substance of the people, like so many false teachers today! . . . . . . . . . .  http://worldlychaos.org/w_c_cults_rich_preachers.1.htm
For I will deliver my flock from their mouth, that they may not be meat for them . . . these governors, instead of being shepherds to feed the flock, were none other than wolves in sheep's clothing (Mat.7:15), and ravenous lions (Isa.35:9), which devoured the flock . . . this they would no longer do.

*****Thus saith the Lord GOD; I am against the shepherds; and I will require my flock at their hand, and cause them to cease from feeding the flock; neither shall the shepherds feed themselves anymore; for I will deliver my flock from their mouth, that they may not be meat for them (34:7-10). GOD holds ALL these false shepherds responsible. And in today’s world, He holds all false teachers responsible! He says, I am against them, and He is violently opposed to them as He is to any sinner or any sin. He held the false shepherds responsible in Ezekiel’s time, and He shall hold all false teachers responsible in today’s world. BEWARE!

A Gracious Promise That God Would Take Care of His Flock, Even Though the Shepherds Did Not (34:11-16)

GOD is and has always been greatly concerned for the flock (His people).  He speaks as if He was all the more concerned for them because He saw how the shepherds neglected them, and it affected His Fatherly mercy. Precious Promises are made here on the occasion, which Promises were to have their accomplishment in the return of the Jews out of their captivity and their re-establishment in their own land. The Lord GOD wanted these shepherds hear this Word of the LORD, and know that they have no part in the matter. But He wanted to let the poor sheep hear it and take comfort from it.
Even though governors, magistrates and ministers fail in doing their part, for the good of the church, GOD will NOT fail in doing His! He will take the flock into His own Hand, because the church shall come short of any lovingkindness He has planned for it. The shepherds may prove careless, but the chief Shepherd (1 Pet.5:4) neither slumbers nor sleeps (Ps.121:4). They may be false, but the Lord GOD is always faithful.

Ezekiel 34:11 For thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I, even I, will both search my sheep, and seek them out. (KJV)

For thus saith the Lord GOD . . . because the shepherds are so negligent, careless and cruel.
Behold, I, even I, will both search my sheep, and seek them out . . .   as GOD did the Jews, in all countries where they were, so His elect (Mk.13:27; Lk.18:7), in all places where ever they are. He is the all-knowing GOD, and knows them that are His, and can call His own sheep by name (Jn.10:27); He knows where they are; for He has fixed the bounds of their habitation, and delighted Himself in the habitable parts of the Earth, where He knew they would be. I, even I (Eze.5:8; 6:3; 34:11, 20; Gen.6:17; Lev.26:28; Deut.32:39; Isa.45:12; 48:15; 51:12; Hos.5:14).

*****Here we see GOD'S Shepherd, JESUS, who said I am the Good Shepherd (Jn.10:11). Ezekiel said that CHRIST would come, and dear one, He shall indeed come again, because He has not yet fulfilled all the prophecies concerning His job as Shepherd on this Earth, and GOD does NOT lie!
Now Ezekiel begins to look into the future, to the latter days. He brings GOD'S words of comfort to the children of Israel in their captivity, and they should listen to him. Christ JESUS is the TRUE Shepherd, the Good Shepherd (Jn.10:11), the Great Shepherd (Heb.13:20), and the Chief Shepherd (1 Pet.5:4) of the sheep. He says, I will search out my sheep. David said, The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want (Ps.23:1).
One thing that should impress us in the rest of this chapter, is how many times the wonderful statement by GOD, I will, is repeated. GOD says I will 17 times in verses 11-29. GOD says, I will and means it, not like a lot of people on this Earth! This is grace when God says this. The grace of GOD is FREE, and is something none of us deserve! The Good Shepherd said: Matthew 11:28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.(KJV) Our dear Shepherd also said: John 10:28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. (KJV) . . . What an awesome GOD we have! Thank You Jesus, thank You, thank You!

Ezekiel 34:12 As a shepherd seeketh out his flock in the day that he is among his sheep that are scattered; so will I seek out my sheep, and will deliver them out of all places where they have been scattered in the cloudy and dark day. (KJV)

As a shepherd seeketh out his flock in the day that he is among his sheep that are scattered . . . meaning when they have been scattered, and are brought together again; then He goes among them, to see if there are any missing, and in what condition they are in, and what they need. As a shepherd seeketh out (1 Sam.17:34-35; Ps.119:176; Isa.40:11; Mat.15:24; Lk. 15:4-6; Jn.10:11-12).
So will I seek out my sheep, and deliver them out of all places where they have been scattered in the cloudy and dark day . . . will deliver them; they are wronged in every place where they were scattered, the places in which they are and should not be, are part of that danger GOD will free them from. The cloudy day . . . in the time of their calamity and captivity. When things are at their worst, GOD Himself will step in; for He reserves His Holy Hand to seek them and lift them up. Dark day, that day when the land was invaded and brought to desolation; the times of evil administration of their own governors, and the violent irruption of their enemies. In the cloudy and dark day (Eze.30:3, 18; 32:7; Isa.50:10; Jer.13:16; Joel 2:1-3; Amos 5:18-20; Zep.1:15; Acts 2:19-2).          

*****Just as a good shepherd gently gathers his sheep together, counts them, brings them to the fold, checks to see if and/or what they have suffered, whether lame or torn, and binds up and heals; and if any are missing, he looks until he finds them, and brings them back. So will I do, saith the LORD. If the shepherd finds the wolf or lion among them or near them, he will either kill or drive him away; so too, shall the Lord GOD do!
The Good Shepherd came more than nineteen hundred years ago, and He is still saying to us: John 10:27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: (KJV) . . . Do YOU hear His voice? If not, you can! He is calling and His sheep know Him. They hear His voice, and they know Him. What a wonderful Shepherd we have! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . http://www.godcannotlie.org/truth_about_salvation.htm

Ezekiel 34:13 And I will bring them out from the people, and gather them from the countries, and will bring them to their own land, and feed them upon the mountains of Israel by the rivers, and in all the inhabited places of the country. (KJV)

And I will bring them out from the people, and gather them from the countries, and will bring them to their own land . . .  this was in part fulfilled when the Jews were delivered from the Babylon captivity; and which may well be attributed to the LORD, because it was GOD who stirred up Cyrus, king of Persia, to proclaim their liberty; and which raised the spirit of the people to go and build the Temple in Jerusalem (Ezra 1:1), although it will be more fully accomplishment in the latter day, when these people shall be gathered out of all countries where they are dispersed, and be return to their own land, and finally embrace the TRUE Messiah, and when all shall be saved (Rom.11:26); of which there was a pledge and indication in the apostles' time, on the day of Pentecost; when some out of all nations were collected together at Jerusalem, and heard the wonderful things of GOD in their own language (Acts 2:6-8), and were converted; and afterwards, wherever the Gospel came in the Gentile world, it was preached to the Jews first (Rom.1:16; 2:9-10), and was the power of GOD to salvation first to them; by which means the sheep of Christ, the elect of God among them, in each of the parts of the world, were gathered in: but this need not be confined to the Jews only; since the LORD had other sheep beside them (Jn.10:16), among the Gentiles in all parts of the world; whom He searches for, and  successfully calls by His grace (Eph.2:8-9), and separates them from the rest of the world. I will bring them out (Eze.11:17; 20:41; 28:25-26; 36:24; 37:21-22; 38:8; 39:27; Ps.106:47; Isa.11:11-16; 65:9-10; 66:19-20; Jer.23:3-4, 8; 30:3, 18; 31:8; 32:37; Amos 9:14; Zep.3:19-20). Will bring them to their own land, lead as a shepherd goes before them, until He has put them in possession again of their own land, Canaan, their own by grant from the GOD of Heaven, which was of old, possessed by their fathers, and out of which violence cast them. http://www.hisservants.org/israel_promised_land_h_s.htm
And feed them upon the mountains of Israel by the rivers . . . feed them (Eze.18-25; Mic.7:14-15). The Lord GOD will provide, maintain and nourish them on the mountains of Israel, known for its good pastures, where the Great Shepherd, the Lamb Christ JESUS is, on Mount Zion (Joel 2:32; Oba,1:17, 21; Mic.4:7; Rev.14:1); where His under shepherds are, who feed the flock with knowledge and understanding; here the Word of GOD is preached, with the wholesome words of our Lord JESUS, by which souls are nourished up to everlasting life. In Mount Zion are the green pastures where the sheep can lie down in comfort and peace (Ps.23); and by these mountains run the rivers of everlasting love (Jer.31:3) and covenant grace (Isa.61:8), where the streams of Gospel doctrines are taught, to bring wonderful refreshment to the saints; here the LORD feeds His people.
And in all the inhabited places of the country . . . in all the private homes of the saints, as well as in public gatherings.

*****When the MESSIAH, Christ JESUS comes, He shall bring them home  where they belong. He shall gather them from out of the nations (38:8, 12). GOD will both incline their hearts to come by His grace and will by His wisdom open a door for them and remove every difficulty that blocks the way. They shall not return one by one, secretly stealing away, but they shall return in a body: I will bring them out from the people, and gather them from the countries, and will bring them to their own land . . . He willgather them from the countries into which they were dispersed, not just the most significant people, but every single person. He shall seek that which was lost (Eze.34:16; Lk.19:10) and bring back them which was driven away.

Ezekiel is talking about the nation of Israel, and what the Great Shepherd is going to do for them in the future. The Jews are now dispersed in nations throughout all the world, because of their sin and because they listened to the false prophets. But the Great Shepherd states that He is not through with them, He will not turn His Back on Israel! He has definite plans for them. If you do not believe in the Millennial Kingdom (Rev.20:1-10), you should read the Book of Ezekiel . . . then you will see that the Great Shepherd is not through with His sheep, for He does indeed intend to bring them back to their land. 

Ezekiel 34:14 I will feed them in a good pasture, and upon the high mountains of Israel shall their fold be: there shall they lie in a good fold, and in a fat pasture shall they feed upon the mountains of Israel. (KJV)

I will feed them in a good pasture . . .feed them in luscious, sweet, plentiful pastures (Eze.34:27; Ps.23:1-2; 31:8-10; Song 2:16; Isa.25:6; 30:23-24; 40:11; Jer.31:12-14, 25; Jn.10:9; Rev.7:16), with good food, such as the fullness of the grace in CHRIST, where believers go in and out, and find pasture (Jn.10:9); and where they may feed to where they are full, and may draw water with joy out of the full wells of salvation (Isa.12:3). . . this is good food indeed, nourishing food that will sustain to everlasting life, such is the Gospel, the Promises and doctrines of it . . . . . . . . . . . http://www.godcannotlie.org/gospel_of_jesus_christ.htm
http://www.godcannotlie.org/truth_about_salvation.htm
And upon the high mountains of Israel shall their fold be; there shall they lie in a good fold . . . high mountains of Israel (17:23; 20:40), this seems to speak of the kingdom of Israel at large, where all the parts of which are regarded as possessing a moral elevation. As into a fold, the sheep of CHRIST are gathered into churches; where they lie together, united and knit together in love, and where they have spiritual union, fellowship with one another. A fold is a kind of fence to protect them from wolves and bears; where they lie down and have rest and safety, and in a fold there are lambs, sheep and goats, so too in churches there are different kinds together, weak and strong Christians; some only token ones, who will be separated at the last day. There shall they lie in a good fold . . . there shall (Jer.33:12-13), having a blessed calm in their consciences, being full of spiritual security, and freed from all annoyances (Mic.5:4-5).  
And in a fat pasture shall they feed on the mountains of Israel . . . they shall feast on good pastures there, and become fat and flourishing (34:13).  

Ezekiel 34:15 I will feed my flock, and I will cause them to lie down, saith the Lord GOD. (KJV)

I will feed my flock . . . this is repeated to further confirm it, that it might be depended upon that the LORD would feed His people in the way before promised. This gives a reason why He would do it, because they were His flock; He had a right to them, a property in them; they were separated and set apart from others by Him, as the TRUE church is; and which was also purchased by CHRIST, and gathered out of the world by His Spirit and grace; and for that reason He will feed them (Acts 20:28). I will feed my flock (Ps.23:2; Song 1:7-8; Isa.11:6-7; 27:10; 65:9-10; Jer.3:15; Hos.2:18; Zep.3:13; Jn.21:15).
And I will cause them to lie down, saith the LORD . . . in the good fold provided for them; where they have both rest (Mat.11:28) and safety, and plenty of proper food (34:14), that they may serve the LORD without fear (Lk.1:74). The Targum is, I will govern my people, and will cause them to dwell safely, saith the Lord God. Some versions add: and they shall know that I am the Lord.

*****Verses 14 and 15 state that the Great Shepherd will feed them in a good pasture, and when they lie down they will be safe. Clearly this is for a future time, because Israel is not in that position today. Zechariah 12:2-3 Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of trembling unto all the people round about, when they shall be in the siege both against Judah and against Jerusalem. 3 And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people: all that burden themselves with it shall be cut in pieces, though all the people of the earth be gathered together against it. (KJV) . . . Jerusalem is indeed a burdensome stone in today’s world! But when the Great Shepherd returns, things shall change! The land of Israel does not lie in safety at all today, but that day of her rest and safety IS coming!

Ezekiel 34:16 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. (KJV)

I will seek that which was lost, and bring again that which was driven away . . .  (34:11), as He did Peter, Paul, the good thief, Matthew, Zaccheus, the disciples after their shameful flight, and all of us who, like sheep, were gone astray . . . seek that which was lost (Isa.40:11; 61:1-3; Mic.4:6-7; Mat.15:24; 18:11-14; Mk 2:17; Lk.5:31,32; 15:4-7; 19:10). 
And will bind up that which was broken . . . such as those who have broken hearts, broken by the guilt of sin; made truly repentant by the Spirit and grace of GOD, through the Word; which is a hammer to them (Jer.23:29)
that breaks the hard, rocky heart in pieces. To these the LORD has respect; for their broken hearts are accepted and welcomed by Him; He dwells with them to revive them (Jn.14:16-18); He speaks and restores comfort and peace to them; pours in oil and wine into their wounds, like the good Samaritan, and binds them up (Ps.147:3; Lk.10:33-34), and those who have fallen so deep into sin that it destroys their peace, joy and comfort, such as David (Ps.51), and Peter (Lk.22:31-34), and others have done. He can set their broken bones, and restore the joy of his salvation (Ps.51:12); and causes the bones which were broken to heal; by His pardoning grace and mercy (Ps.51:8).
And will strengthen that which was sick . . . sick because of sin, for all people are guilty of sin; sickly and weak and ready to die, as hypocrites (Mat.23) and backsliders.
http://www.hisservants.org/hard_mat.23.13-30_h_s.htm
http://www.hisservants.org/a_1_hypocrisy_runs_wild.htm
http://www.hisservants.org/all_hypocrisy_of_false_teachers.html
http://www.judgmentcoming.org/j_c_books_me_a_pharisee.html
Many are sick for lack of proper food, faint and weak for lack of spiritual refreshment; as the persons were that CHRIST had compassion on, being as sheep without a shepherd (Mat.9:36), and each of these the LORD strengthened with His pardoning grace; with His love, and His many Promises that give us such comfort. He fed them with the food of the Gospel, which strengthens men's hearts; and with His amazing grace whereby they are empowered against sin, snares and temptations the devil brings, and encouraged to do the will of GOD.
But I will destroy the fat and the strong . . . those that are full of themselves, lifted up with pride, proud of all their riches and their righteousness, who despise others, whom they thrust with side and shoulder, and push with their horns (34:21).
I will feed them with judgment . . . this is a sarcasm; I will feed them, but with wormwood and gall (Jer.9:15; 23:15), because of GOD’S sore but just judgments and displeasure. With judgment . . . meaning justice and equity, as contrasted with the cruelty and force with which the unfaithful shepherds ruled the flock (34:4). There are different ways to look at this.

*****When He has one lost sheep, the TRUE Shepherd goes out to find it. He will do that for the nation Israel, and He will do that for the church today. When our LORD told the parable of the lost sheep, that shepherd had one hundred sheep, and one lone sheep got lost, but He did not forget about that one, lone sheep. I don’t know about you, but this gives me tremendous comfort and peace! Once a person truly is in the flock of GOD, the Great Shepherd will not let that sheep get lost, and if it strays, He shall search until He finds it. NOT even one TRUE believer will ever end up in everlasting Hell! They all shall go Heaven . . . not because they are smart sheep, but because they have a wonderful Shepherd who does His job as He should do it!
http://www.godcannotlie.org/true_children_of_god.htm
http://www.godcannotlie.org/saving_faith.htm
http://www.godcannotlie.org/truth_about_salvation.htm

Another Charge Against Those That Were Fat and Strong,
For Injuries They Did to the Weak and Feeble (34:17-22)

The prophet has no more to say to the shepherds, but he has now a message to deliver to the flock. The LORD had ordered him to speak tenderly to them, and to assure them of the mercy He had in store for them, but here he is ordered to change things between some of them, to separate the precious from the vile and then to give them a Promise of the Messiah, by whom this distinction would be effectively made, partly at His First Coming, because for judgment He came into this world (Jn.9:39), to fill the hungry with good things and to send the rich empty away (Lk.1:53), but be complete at His Second Coming, when He shall, as it is said here, judge between cattle and cattle (34:17), as a shepherd divides the sheep and the goats, and shall set the sheep on His right Hand and the goats on His left Hand (Mat.25:32-33), which this Passage seems to refer to.

Ezekiel 34:17 And as for you, O my flock, thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I judge between cattle and cattle, between the rams and the he goats. (KJV)

And as for you, O my flock, thus saith the Lord GOD . . . GOD now has something to say to the flock also, especially to those that are unruly, as well as to their shepherds. Being done with complaints to the shepherds, the LORD proceeds to take notice of the flock, the people themselves and the evils that were among them. In the LORD'S own flock, in the nation and church of Israel, and in Christian churches, there were two kinds of people, some good, some bad; some good and well-behaved, others harsh and hateful; some were sheep, and others goats. In the parable of sowing seed (Mat.13:24-30), JESUS tells us that both wheat (good people) and tares (bad people) shall be together until Judgment Day.  
Behold, I judge between cattle and cattle . . . between the smaller and weaker cattle, the sheep and the lambs; and the larger and stronger cattle. This is to make an evaluation and judgment between men and men, between the smaller and weaker that need more tenderness, and the greater and stronger whose violence is to be restrained . . . whatever is required, that will the LORD do. He shall judge between sincere Christians and hypocrites, between sheep and goats. In the latter days, all shall be made known, and a final separation shall be made. The precious sheep shall be taken out from the vile goats.
Between the rams and the he goats . . . the rams and he goats; by which he goats may be meant persons of greater power and authority, of greater wealth and riches, and of more wisdom and knowledge, at least in their own eyes, and who oppressed and injured the poor and common people. The LORD, as He observes a difference between them, would make it clear, that He would take the part of the one wronged one; or the part of the weaker one against the stronger. The Targum is, behold, judge between man and man, sinners and the ungodly. He goats, chief ones (Isa.14:9; Zec.10:3; Mat.25:32-33). The he goats are the same as the fat and strong, as opposed to the sick (34:16). The rich and ungodly of the people are meant, who imitated the bad rulers in oppressing their poorer brethren, as if it increased their joy to trample others' rights (34:18), a lot of this goes on in today’s world!

Ezekiel 34:18 Seemeth it a small thing unto you to have eaten up the good pasture, but ye must tread down with your feet the residue of your pastures? and to have drunk of the deep waters, but ye must foul the residue with your feet? (KJV)

Seemeth it a small thing unto you to have eaten up the good pasture . . . this is directed to the rams and he goats, to the people of power and wealth, who had the key of knowledge and instruction; and who by their conduct, showed it was not enough for them to eat and drink the best of things themselves, to enjoy their wealth and riches, and keep their posts of honor and profit, and the revenues of them, they wanted what the lesser people had, so they took it away from them.   
But ye must tread down with your feet the residue of your pastures? . . . you abuse GOD'S mercies; you consume much too much, and spoil more, on which the poor would have been glad to feed. There are some who would rather give food to their dogs than to the poor around them, who are ready to starve, and who would be glad of the crumbs that fall from the table of those masters (Lk.16:20-21).
And to have drunk of the deep waters, but ye must foul the residue with your feet? . . . they oppress the poor, by taking away from them that little they had; or by making their lives miserable by their cruelties and exactions; so that they had little pity. The reference is to animals in pasture, which tread down and put dung on what they do not eat, which makes what is left unfit for others; and to cattle, at ponds of water, which having drank, foul the rest with their feet; as camels especially are said to do; so that others cannot drink after them, at least not enjoyably. This may refer to the Scribes and Pharisees, and such as they were, who devoured widows' houses, and made void the word and commandments of God, by their traditions; teaching for doctrines the commandments of men (Mat.15:9); and so polluted the pure waters of the sanctuary; defiled the Scriptures of Truth, and delivered false doctrines that were not fit for food and drink to the souls of men, and yet were forced to receive them. Such are the heretics who sometimes rise up out in the churches, and are a part of the flock that corrupt the Word of God, pervert the Scriptures, and may be said to tread down and trample on the healthy Truths of the Gospel, and to muddy the clear doctrines of grace; so that the children of GOD cannot have the pure, unmixed, sincere milk of the word (1 Pet.2:2).

Ezekiel 34:19 And as for my flock, they eat that which ye have trodden with your feet; and they drink that which ye have fouled with your feet. (KJV)

And as for my flock, they eat that which ye have trodden with your feet . . . they are forced to do it, not being able to do anything else; being as sheep without a shepherd. They are poor, misled and suppressed people and are glad to eat what they can catch.
And they drink that which ye have fouled with your feet . . . which cannot be pleasant and enjoyable, nor healthy. Just as the leaven of the Scribes and Pharisees (Mat.16:16:6, 11-12), was the traditions of the elders; the false doctrines of false teachers are words that eat away like a cancer. BEWARE!

*****Poor servants and tenants were harshly used by their rich lords and masters. The rams and he-goats not only kept all the good pasture to themselves, ate the fat and drank the sweet, but they would not let the poor of the flock have any comfort or enjoyment of the little that was left to them. The rams and he-goats trod down what remained of the pastures and fouled the rest of the waters, so that the flock was forced to eat that which they had trampled into the dirt, and drink the waters which they had muddied. This shows that those leaders, the rams and he-goats, not only by extortion and oppression made and kept their neighbors poor, and barely left them enough to live on, but on top of that, they aggravated and embittered them. This was a normal thing to them; they thought there was no harm in it, as if it was their privilege to take advantage and hurt their neighbors. Sad to say, many rich and powerful that live in pomp and splendor today are totally at ease with themselves, and could care less about the troubles they cause to the others in the flock, their lesser neighbors. Those that are at ease and proud of it, seem to resent that anyone else should live with any comfort.

Ezekiel 34:20 Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD unto them; Behold, I, even I, will judge between the fat cattle and between the lean cattle. (KJV)

Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD unto them . . . to the rams and he goats of the flock, that use the pastures and defile the waters in this way, making them unfit for the lesser cattle . . . meaning the way that they use the poor people of GOD in this way.
Behold, I, even I, will judge between the fat cattle and between the lean cattle . . . I, even I (34:11, 17, 20), the Lord GOD clearly states that HE Himself, shall judge between the rich and the poor; those who live lavishly every day and those who have not even have the necessaries of life. The rich and powerful have not changed from Ezekiel’s time to those of today . . . they take for granted their own strength, boast of their righteousness, are arrogant, brazen, proud, disrespectful and void of charity. Dear one, Almighty GOD will judge and He will vindicate and right of the poor by judgment. Fat cattle are the rich, cruel ones. Lean cattle are the poor and indigent, those that are despised, oppressed and injured. This is still speaking of the judgment, not just of the evil rulers, but of the sheep themselves.

*****This is repeated, and in very strong terms, to confirm it . . . this Almighty GOD has promised to do, and He has done it by His only begotten Son (Jn.3:15), to Whom He committed all judgment; and who, in the days of His flesh, made a difference between those who were arrogant, proud, self-righteous persons; who were self-sufficient, and did not need repentance, nor any other righteousness but their own; who trusted in themselves, despising others: and may be meant by the fat cattle: and between those who were low and mean in their own eyes, humble and meek, weary and heavy laden, hungering and thirsting after the righteousness of the Lord JESUS. It is for judgment that CHRIST came, that they which see not might see, and those who saw might be made blind (Jn.9:39). HE called the one and not the other to repentance; made known the things of the Gospel to babes, and hid them from the wise and prudent (Mat.11:25) . . . HE rejected the one, and had compassion on the other (Jn.5:22), and when HE comes a second time in the latter days, HE will judge between these, and separate them; setting the sheep on His right Hand, and the goats on the left (Mat.25:31). Judge, Jesus: (Isa.11:4; Mat.21:40; 25:32; Jn.5:22, 27; 8:16, 26; 9:39; Acts 10:42:17:31; Rom.2:16; 14:10; 1 Cor.4:4-5; 2 Tim.4:1,8; Jam.5:9; 1 Pet.4:5; Rev.19:11).

Dear one, the LORD is going to do the separating. In the parable of sowing the good seed (Mat.13:24-30), the Lord JESUS told of a man who sowed good seed in his field, but an enemy came in and sowed tares among the good seed. The man's servant wanted to pull up the tares, but the man told him to let the wheat and the tares grow together. It is the LORD Who will do the separating in the latter days. If it were up to me, I could make mistakes, but the LORD will never make any mistakes, for only GOD knows if a person is a TRUE child of GOD or a professing hypocrite. No TRUE child of GOD will ever be denied Heaven . . . and ALL the wicked children of the devil (1 Jn.3:10) shall be condemned to the everlasting lake of fire (Rev.20:15). The LORD will make NO mistakes! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . http://www.godcannotlie.org/true_children_of_god.htm
http://www.hisservants.org/hard_mat.23.13-30_h_s.htm
http://www.worldlychaos.org/w_c_judgment_what_is_hell_like.1.htm
http://www.judgmentcoming.org/j_c_hell_is_it_there.htm

Ezekiel 34:21 Because ye have thrust with side and with shoulder, and pushed all the diseased with your horns, till ye have scattered them abroad; (KJV)

Because ye have thrust with side and with shoulder . . . the rams and he goats of the flock not only robbed the poor, to make them poorer, but constantly troubled the sick and weak of the flock. They shoved and pushed with their side and shoulder, those that were feeble and pushed the sickly with their horns, because they knew they could be hard on them and get away with it. It has been said concerning sheep, that if one of the flock is sick and faint the rest will protect it as well as they can, and shelter it from the scorching heat of the sun; but these, on the contrary, were most harmful to the diseased. From those whom they could not get what they wanted, they got rid of, and scattered them abroad. It is barbarous to add affliction to the afflicted. If a dumb sheep will take some care of those that are diseased among them, and bring them to places of sunshine and shelter; it shows that they are smarter than some people.
And pushed all the diseased with your horns . . . just as horned cattle do to those they dislike, and bear ill feeling to . . . which to do to the diseased [sickly], is great cruelty. This speaks of the horned part of the flock, and in good health, are represented as acting a brutal, cruel part to the weak and diseased. This may mean those that are in power and authority, using it to the hurt and disadvantage of those that are under them . . . those whom they should relieve and protect, they do the opposite!
Till he have scattered them abroad . . . or throughout the land. The Targum is, through the provinces. They forced them to leave their country, and go unto other parts, as the first preachers of the Word did; who, upon the persecution at the death of Stephen, were scattered abroad everywhere (Acts 8:1). They drive them out of the fold, flock and pasture, so that they must either move or die.

Ezekiel 34:22 Therefore will I save my flock, and they shall no more be a prey; and I will judge between cattle and cattle. (KJV)

Therefore will I save my flock . . . GOD will redeem His people, by His Son, after described, as His Shepherd and Servant, by CHRIST the TRUE Shepherd. He knows all His sheep by name (Ex.33:12, 17), and has promised them safety here and salvation in eternity (Jn.10:28-30).  
And they shall no more be a prey . . . to Satan the roaring lion (1 Pet.5:8); nor to the horned cattle, their persecutors; nor to false prophets, who lie in wait to deceive; for they shall never perish, being the sheep of CHRIST (Jn.10:27), and under the care of Him the TRUE Shepherd, spoken of in the next verse.
And I will judge between cattle and cattle . . . between man and man, meaning between good and bad men, the persecuted and the persecutors (34:17, 20).  

*****In verse 21 these symbols and suggestions express the total lack of mercy, justice, humility and kindness of the rulers in church and state against the less important people, that you see the stronger cattle push against the weaker ones, hurting, laming or overturning them, or by shouldering or pushing against them; or as horned cattle do to wound and tear the weaker, and make them run away from it. So it was with these brazen rulers as they used their power to hurt and scatter the people. They destroyed those whom they should have defended, but the LORD will step in . . . for HE will be loving, kind, just and faithful to HIS people and HIS Promise. This Glorious Shepherd will save them from foreign violence and home oppressions (34:2, 5, 10, 17).

GOD Would in the Fullness of Time Send the Messiah, To Be The Great and Good Shepherd of the Sheep (34:23-31)

Ezekiel 34:23 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. (KJV)

And I will set up one shepherd over them . . . Who in truth, is the only TRUE Shepherd. Judges and priests and preachers are shepherds; but CHRIST is the good shepherd (Jn.10:11), the great shepherd and bishop of souls (1 Pet.2:25: Heb.13:20), the One And Only TRUE Shepherd, FAR above all for love, power and skill, above Jacob, above David, of whom He descended, and by whose name He is here called (Jer.30:9; Eze.37:24; Hos.3:5).  Christ, called the Good Shepherd (Jn.10:11) the Great Shepherd (Heb.13:20) and the Chief Shepherd (1 Pet.5:4) and the only TRUE One; and Who became so by the appointment of Almighty GOD the Father; who chose Him, called Him, and entrusted Him with all His sheep: Who sent Him to seek and save His lost sheep; for whom He died, rose again, and is accountable. CHRIST should be called the One Shepherd, with respect to Jew and Gentile (Jn.10:16), for there is NO other shepherd in the Eyes of GOD.   
And he shall feed them . . . the flock, even the poorest of the flock, those being thrust at and pushed by others: He shall feed them by His ministers, as under shepherds in His churches, where His Word is preached, and His ordinances are administered. He shall feed them with Himself, the bread of life; with His flesh and blood, which are meat and drink indeed (Jn.6:55); with covenant grace, blessings, and Promises. With the Gospel and the doctrines of it, He feeds His babes with milk his strong men with meat (1 Cor.3:2; Heb.5:12), and all with the wholesome words of faith and good doctrine, with which He nourishes them up to everlasting life; and this He
shall do, not by force, but willingly. This means the Shepherd’s work is certain and can be depended on.
Even my servant David . . . not literally David himself; who had been a shepherd, and the servant of the LORD, this means the MESSIAH that shall arise from his seed. He is called David because his name agrees with him, which signifies beloved, he being beloved of God and man; and because the son of David, of his seed according to the flesh; and because David was well-known type of Him, in His person, offices, afflictions, wars, victories, and exaltation; and because He was David's LORD and representative, and in whom His everlasting kingdom is established. CHRIST is called the servant of the LORD, as He often is in Scripture, being so in His office capacity as Mediator; and because He took upon Himself the form of a servant (Phil.2:7); did the work of one; and was of the LORD'S choosing and calling.  
He shall feed them, and he shall be their shepherd . . . this is repeated for the greater confirmation. Any time something is repeated in the Scriptures, it means it is very important.

*****And I will set up one shepherd . . . Christ JESUS is the One and Only TRUE Shepherd, who has given Himself this Name both in the Prophets and in the Gospel (Isa.40:11; Eze.34:12, 23-24; Jn.10:11, 14); and Who has perfectly fulfilled all the duties, that have been before described. He is called David, because our Saviour was in the line of David according to the flesh; because He really possessed all those high qualities which the Scripture gives to David as the type of the MESSIAH; and because He was the Person in whom all the Promises made to David were fulfilled. Although this prophesy was, in a great measure, completed when CHRIST, by preaching the Gospel, gathered into one the children of GOD, among whom were many of the lost sheep of Israel; yet it will receive a farther completion at the general conversion of the Jews in the latter days (Acts 2:17).

Ezekiel 34:24 And I the LORD will be their God, and my servant David a prince among them; I the LORD have spoken it. (KJV)

And I the LORD will be their God . . . the LORD is the glorious, gracious, eternal One, and HE will be their GOD. GOD the Father has put the flock into CHRIST’S Hand, for He is and will be their God; He will, through this His Servant David, be their God. Consider the following: John 10:30 I and my Father are one. (KJV) . . .  . . . not in Person, for the Father is a separate Person from the Son, and the Son a separate Person from the Father, but they are ONE in nature and spirit, perfections and power. Christ JESUS is speaking of the impossibility of plucking away any of the sheep, out of His own and His Father's Hands. John 10:27-28 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: 28  And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. (KJV) . . . We must consider that JESUS is both the Son of God and the Son of Man. And as TRUE Christians believe; since He is the Son of God, He is in the bosom of His Father (Jn.1:18), and has access to all His secrets, His thoughts, His purposes and plans . . . and so He knows the day and hour of judgment, being the all-knowing GOD. So, in this respect, JESUS is ONE with the Father, having the same perfections of power, knowledge and wisdom . . . but as the Son of Man, He is not of the same nature as the Father, and does not have the same knowledge. He Son of Man’s human knowledge of things was not infinite.
And my servant David a Prince among them . . . (34:23), who shall reside among them, dwell with them, by granting them His Spiritual Presence (Jn.14:16-17; 15:26; 16:7-14; Rom.Ch.8), and so rule over them, protecting and defending them; even HE who is the Prince of the kings of the earth (Rev.1:5), and is exalted, as a Prince and a Saviour of His people Israel. A prince (Josh.5:13-15; Ps.2:6; Isa.9:6,7; Jer. 23:5,6; 33:15-17; Mic.5:2; Mat.28:18; Lk.1:31-33; Acts 5:31; 1 Cor.15:25; Eph.1:21-22; Phil. 2:9-11; Heb.2:9-10; Rev.19:13-16).
I the LORD have spoken it . . . HE seals it with this His unchangeable oath; anytime the LORD says something, you can rest assured that it shall come to pass! The LORD has decreed it in His Word, He had firmly decided and promised it in a Promise, speaking of it in prophecy, and it would be fulfilled. I the Lord (Eze.34:30-31; 36:28; 37:23, 27; 39:22; Ex.29:45-46; Isa.43:2-3; Jer.31:1, 33; 32:38; Zec.13:9; Rev.21:3).  

*****It seems that the Earth will be the eternal home of Israel and that David will rule here on this Earth all through eternity. King David will be vice-regent of the Lord JESUS. I believe the church will be in the New Jerusalem with the LORD (Rev.21:9, 22). The Lord JESUS said that He was coming again to take the church, that where I am, there ye may be also (Jn.14:1-3). The apostle Paul also had something to say about the LORD coming again for His church: 1 Thes. 4:14-17 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. 15  For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. 16  For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17  Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. (KJV)
I the Lord have spoken it . . . dear one, Almighty GOD is not through with the nation Israel. There is more to come; there is a final chapter yet to come in the latter days!

Ezekiel 34:25 And I will make with them a covenant of peace, and will cause the evil beasts to cease out of the land: and they shall dwell safely in the wilderness, and sleep in the woods. (KJV)

And I will make with them a covenant of peace . . . (Isa.1:10; Jer.31:13; Jn.14:27), such is the covenant of grace, made with Christ from everlasting; in which GOD the Father planned terms of peace, and which CHRIST took on to answer, becoming our Peacemaker (Isa.54:10; Jn.14:27). I will make (Eze.37:26; Isa.55:3; Jer.31:31-33; Zec.6:13; Heb.13:20).
And will cause the evil beasts to cease out of the land . . . which was literally fulfilled when the Jews returned from Babylon, for during their captivity, when the land was not inhabited, evil beasts increased and possessed it; but when they returned these stopped, being either destroyed, or driven away. But this could symbolically represent the plans of wicked men, who, for the evil of their nature, manners and lifestyle, are called evil beasts, as the Cretians were (Tit.1:12), and for the most part false teachers may be meant; those grievous wolves (Acts 20:29) that spare not, but wrong the flock; but now shall be no more, either being forced to quit their lies, or be truly converted; so that the wolf shall dwell with the lamb and the leopard lie down with the kid (Isa.11:6), which will be the peaceable and comfortable state of the church in the latter day; when there will be none to hurt and destroy in the LORD'S holy mountain (Isa.11:9). And will give peace (Lev.26:6; Job 5:22; Isa.11:6-9; 35:9; Hos.2:18-23).
And they shall dwell safely in the wilderness, and sleep in the woods . . . dwell safely (28:26; 38:8, 11), they not only shall dwell safely in their houses, but in the fields, and even in the wilderness, and in the woods, where wild beasts once lived; but now the beasts were gone, and they were under the protection of such a Shepherd and Prince as David the servant of the LORD, they would have no anxiety on their mind, no fear of any danger; but dwell in the utmost security, lie down and sleep in peace and safety (Ps.4:8), the LORD supporting them; and whom they shall serve without fear of any enemy all their days, in righteousness and holiness, being delivered out of the hands of them all. And they shall dwell (Eze.34:28; Ps.4:8; Jer.23:6; 33:16).

Ezekiel 34:26 And I will make them and the places round about my hill a blessing; and I will cause the shower to come down in his season; there shall be showers of blessing. (KJV)

And I will make them, and the places round about my hill, a blessing . . . make them a blessing (Gen.12:2; Isa.19:24; Zec. 8:13, 23), referring either to the city of Jerusalem, and the places nearby; or to the Temple, and the houses around it. The Targum is, I will cause them to dwell round about the house of my sanctuary. My hill (Eze.20;40; Ps.2:6; 68:16; 132:14-16; 133:3; Isa.2:2-4; 56:7; Mic.4:1-2).
And I will cause the shower to come down in his season . . . I will cause (Lev.26:4), which, in the spiritual way, means the Gospel; which, like a shower of rain, comes from GOD; descends from Heaven, and is a gift of GOD that falls according to divine command; refreshing, reviving and making fruitful. The Gospel brings abundant divine blessings with it; which comes in season, at the proper time; and is a gracious word in season to weary souls.
There shall be showers of blessings . . . showers of righteousness is what the precious Gospel brings, incredible spiritual blessings, blessings of GOD’S amazing grace, which includes comfort, peace, pardon, righteousness and eternal life. The Gospel is like wonderful, life giving showers upon a parched Earth, coming from GOD; which are free gifts of His grace, and of which there is a never ending supply. Showers (Deut.28:12; Ps. 68:9; Isa. 32:15, 20; 44:3).  

Ezekiel 34:27 And the tree of the field shall yield her fruit, and the earth shall yield her increase, and they shall be safe in their land, and shall know that I am the LORD, when I have broken the bands of their yoke, and delivered them out of the hand of those that served themselves of them. (KJV)

And the tree of the field shall yield her fruit . . . just as the trees of righteousness (Isa.61:3), rooted in Christ, planted in His church, and watered by His grace; bring forth, bear and are filled with the fruits of righteousness by Him.
And the earth shall yield her increase . . . only when the fallow ground of men's hearts are broken up, and the seed of the Word and of divine grace being sown in them, can they bring forth fruit, some thirty, some sixty, and some an hundred fold (Mat.13:23). Also see Psalm 67. This and what was said before, may be understood of the land of Canaan, and the fruitfulness of it, when the Jews shall again possess it; to which the next clause seems to have some regard.
And they shall be safe in their land . . . no enemy to disturb them, nor to invade them, nor do any violence to them . . . this speaks of the latter days when the Jews are converted, and become Christians; and the Antichrist is destroyed (Rev.20:10); they will have only Christian powers over them, who will be their protection. This is true, in a spiritual way, of all the saints, who are under the care and government of CHRIST their Shepherd and Prince.
And shall know that I am the LORD . . . they shall indeed know that the Lord GOD their righteousness, is their Saviour and their Redeemer. The phrase, shall know that I am the LORD, is found 64 times in the Book of Ezekiel. People today should pay attention to this fact.
When I have broken the bands of their yoke . . . of sin, Satan and the law (Rom.6:14), and of all their enemies.
And delivered them out of the hand of those that served themselves of them . . . and have broken their chains of slavery and rescued them from those who enslaved them, or made them their servants, to whom they were subject; literally the nations of the world, among whom they are dispersed; symbolically this could mean sin, for all mankind are really the servants of sin (Rom.6:16-20), servants of sin and Satan, by whom they are led captive; and the law, by which they are transgressors. In the latter days, they shall be under grace, not the law (Rom.6:14).

*****These words added meaning to those who had just heard about the final destruction of Jerusalem, and who lived in forced exile in a foreign land, subject to foreign authorities, and wondered if they would ever know peace and security again. They longed for liberty and freedom. The Promise was that GOD would one day set all this to rights for His own, and that in the end His true restored people would find true and total liberty in the Presence of GOD, safe from all that could harm them.

Through Christ, GOD delivers His people not only from the things they have reason to fear, but from their fear even of death itself, from all that fear that has torment. Their safety from evil is promised; they shall be safe in their land, with no danger of being invaded and enslaved, even though their great plenty is a temptation to their neighbors to lust for their land; and that which shall make them think themselves safe is their confidence in the wisdom, power and goodness of GOD. They shall know that I am the LORD. Dear one, all our fears come from our ignorance of GOD and our stupid mistakes about Him.

Ezekiel 34:28 And they shall no more be a prey to the heathen, neither shall the beast of the land devour them; but they shall dwell safely, and none shall make them afraid. (KJV)

And they shall no more be a prey to the heathen . . . (34:5, 10, 25), to the heathens, who shall now be gone out of the land (Ps.10:16).
Neither shall, the beasts of the land devour them . . . neither that beast which rose up out of the sea (Rev.13:1), nor the beast that came up out of the earth (Rev.13:11). I think that this could well refers to the coming Antichrist, both in his satanically empowered secular and ecclesiastic power, being destroyed in the latter days. 
But they, shall dwell safely, and none shall make them afraid . . . shall dwell safely (34:25, 27), none shall make them afraid . . . for beasts and/or men shall be restrained if they had any evil thoughts; they would be destroyed and cease that they cannot endanger the flock.

*****There is a day coming when Israel will no longer be a prey to the heathen [nations]. They still are a prey in today’s world, but God says, I will (34:23, 24, 25, 25, 29) put a stop to their being a prey, and when He says that, He shall indeed do it.

Ezekiel 34:29 And I will raise up for them a plant of renown, and they shall be no more consumed with hunger in the land, neither bear the shame of the heathen any more. (KJV)

And I will raise up for them a plant of renown . . . of renown (Ps.72:17; Isa.9:6), or of a famous name, this is to be understood, not of the Jewish nation itself, but of the MESSIAH, and not of His incarnation, when He sprung up as a tender plant out of the dry ground, and as a branch out of the roots of Jesse, being on that account often spoken of as a branch (Isa.11:1; 53:2); but of Him in a raised and exalted state, as grown up to a stately tree, a goodly cedar (17:23), when His importance and Kingdom would be great and glorious in the world, as it will be at the time of the conversion of the Jews in the latter days. It is spoken of His Appearance to them shall be as a plant of renown, or the true vine (Jn.15:1), and tree of life (Rev.2:7; 22:14) or as a famous, distinguished Person, whose glorious Names and Titles are Shiloh (Gen.49:10), the Messiah (Dan.9:L25-26), Immanuel (Isa.7:14; Mat.1:23) Jehovah, my strength and salvation (Ex.6:3; Ps.83:18; Isa.12:2; 26:4), Jesus the Saviour (Tit.1:4; 2:13; 3:6), the Word of God (Jn.1:1) the King of kings, and Lord of lords (Rev.19:16).
And they shall be no more consumed with hunger in the land . . . this does not mean physical hunger of bread and water, but of spiritual hunger, a famine of hearing the Word of the LORD; which they shall then have, and hear, and believe, and so then shall have food for their souls, and hunger no more. Those who do not believe in CHRIST (Jn.6:35), for these this Plant was raised up for them, and shown to them, the tree of life (Rev.2:7; 22:14), Christ JESUS, bears all manner of precious fruit, sweet to the taste, and nourishing to the souls of His people; and His fruit is sweet to them. With Him there is always bread enough, plus some to spare; so there is never any hunger nor fear of death because of hunger, where He is.
Neither bear the shame of the heathen any more . . . the heathens condemned and rebuked the Jews, they were taunted and mocked among the heathen. The Jews were a curse; and outcasts to the heathens, but in the latter days, they shall no more be called forsaken (2 Ki.22:17; 2 Chron.24:20; Isa.1:4), nor called desolate (Isa.3:26; 24:6; 49:21; 54:1) but instead they shall be called Hephzibah and thy land Beulah (Isa.62:4; Jer.30:17-19).

*****And I will raise up for them a Plant of Renown, and they shall be no longer be obsessed with hunger of their soul, neither shall they bear the shame of the heathens any more. The Lord GOD will raise up for them a Plant of Renown, the MESSIAH, the Rod and Branch (Isa.11:1), the Righteous Branch (Jer.23:5), who shall obtain for them the recognition they deserve. They shall have a flourishing condition, represented as a garden (referring to Eden, Gen.2:8-11, with its various trees good for food and pleasant to the sight), the planting of the LORD (Isa. 60:21; 61:3), and an object of prominence among the nations.
The thought is that GOD shall arrange for Israel to have a fair and fruitful land as would make them famous for their blessings.
They shall enjoy spiritual plenty of all the best things, for their comfort and happiness. They shall no more be consumed with spiritual hunger in the land. Famine and scarcity of the Holy Gospel of JESUS CHRIST will no longer be, for the showers shall come down in their season, great and wonderful showers of blessing (34:26), which they shall no longer deny or reject. CHRIST is the TRUE Shepherd that will feed His people; and they shall go in and out, and find pasture (Ps.23).

Ezekiel 34:30 Thus shall they know that I the LORD their God am with them, and that they, even the house of Israel, are my people, saith the Lord GOD. (KJV)

Thus shall they know that I the LORD their God am with them . . . they shall then understand the lovingkindness of the LORD (Ps.107:43), they shall know that salvation is of their GOD (Ps.50:23). They shall then have faith (Rom.8:38-39). He shall then grant them His gracious and powerful Presence (Jn.14:16, 18; 15:26).  
And that they, even the house of Israel, are my people, saith the Lord GOD . . . they will NOT be utterly cast off, as they seem now to be; for the divine Shekinah is now being returned to them, which had departed from them. My people, GOD’Speculiar people above all people in the world; and that although He seemed to have cast them off, and they feared it, and their enemies boasted that He had, yet He owns them for His, and will not break His covenant. Peculiar people: (Ex.19:5; Deut.14:2; 26:18; Ps.135:4; Tit.2:14; 1 Pet.2:9).
For more on Shekinah, see What is Shekinah Glory?

Ezekiel 34:31 And ye my flock, the flock of my pasture, are men, and I am your God, saith the Lord GOD. (KJV)

And ye my flock, the flock of my pasture, are men . . . this is observed, to show that all that has been said in this Chapter about sheep, and a flock of sheep, is to be understood, not as literal sheep, but in a symbolic way, of persons whom the LORD had chosen and separated from others, as His peculiar flock; and of whom He took special care of, leading them to green pastures to be fed (Ps.23) of His own providing. His flock are the souls of people that CHRIST is the Shepherd and Bishop of (1 Pet.2:25). The Talmudists frequently make use of this text, to prove that Israelites are only called men, and not the Gentiles (Mat.15:26). A Talmudist is a scholar specializing in the study of the Talmud. The Talmud is the body of Jewish civil and ceremonial law and legend comprising the Mishnah and the Gemara. There are two versions of the Talmud: the Babylonian Talmud (which dates from the 5th century a.d. but includes earlier material) and the earlier Palestinian or Jerusalem Talmud.
And I am your God, saith the Lord GOD . . . which is often repeated for the certainty of it, because it is a blessing of the greatest importance, and which includes all others in it (34:24).  

*****The whole nation of Israel seemed to be the LORD'S flock, yet there were many very different characters; but the LORD knew how to tell them apart. Good pastures and deep waters mean the pure Word of GOD and the providing of justice to all. Verses 23-31 prophesy of CHRIST as the MESSIAH, the plant of renown and of the most glorious times of His church on the Earth. The Good Shepherd would be a blessing to all! Christ JESUS, although excellent in Himself, was as a tender plant out of a dry ground (Isa.53:2). Being the Tree of life (Rev.2:7; 22:14), bearing all the fruits of salvation, He gives spiritual food to the souls of His people. Our constant desire and prayer should be that there may be showers of blessings in every place where the Truth of CHRIST is preached; and that all who profess the Gospel may be filled with fruits of righteousness.

Through this entire Chapter, in all that is promised of the faithful Shepherd, we trace His Footsteps, and mark the exceptional features of His character. Precious JESUS, it is You and You alone that hast gone over the mountains and through every hill and valley, in search of Your flock; and You have brought it home, and will bring home all that has strayed on Your Shoulders rejoicing. It is His job to separate the goats from the sheep (Mat.25:32-33); and to make a distinction between the precious and the vile. And You, who is now the Lamb in the midst of the throne (Rev.5:6; 7:17), feeding those now above, and leading them to fountains of living waters, and will bring home the whole flock that remain out in this world, and not one soul shall be left behind. All your sheep shall be brought into one fold, and eternally secured from all future wanderings, when You, the Chief Shepherd shall appear, they all shall appear with thee in glory (1 Pet.1:4; Col.3:4).

Special Comments

The PLANT OF RENOWN.
The Glory of the SAVIOUR, as revealed by the symbolic name here given to Him a Plant of renown.
#1. The glory that was with Him, even in the greatest depth of His humiliation. (Mat.27:51-54; Mk.15:38-39).
#2. His triumphant resurrection from the grave, and His being exalted to great honor and glory to His Father’s right Hand. Right Hand of GOD: (Mk.16:19; Lk.22:69; Acts 2:33; 7:55-56; Rom.8:34; Col.3:1; Heb.10:12; 12:2; 1 Pet.3:22). He Ascended into Heaven: (Ps.68:18; Eph.48-10; Mk.16:19; Lk.24:51; Jn.20:17; Acts 1:9; Heb.1:3; 4:14; 1 Pet.3:22). 
#3. The triumphs of His Gospel, from the earliest period of its proclamation to the present day.
#4. The Divine prophecies of His Millennial glory on earth, and His perpetual reign in heaven (Rev.20).

GOD the Father secures all glory to the SAVIOUR. He says, I will raise up a Plant of renown (verse 29).
#1. GOD the Father called the SAVIOUR, and set Him apart to His work.
#2. GOD the Father sent our SAVIOUR into our world clothed in our nature.
#3. GOD the Father qualified Him for His work, and assisted Him in it.
#4. GOD the Father, as a proof of His love, and as the reward of His services, gave Him all that fame which He had acquired.

The blessedness of CHRIST’S people, in result of His elevation to glory, or renown for their sakes.
#1. As a result of the work and adoration of Him who is here named a Plant of renown, His people shall in the latter days, be freed from want, and blessed with abundance.
#2. As a result of the work and admiration of CHRIST, His people shall in the latter days be freed from shame, and given great honor.

How should we apply these things to our lives?
#1. Give glory to Almighty GOD for raising up for us a Plant of renown.
#2. Live continually by faith in Him who was once terribly humbled, but is now highly exalted for our sakes.
#3. Days of darkness and suffering of believers will be followed by days of joy and peace.
#4. Do anything we can to make the Redeemer more well-known.
#5. We must remember that all shall have eternal ruin who refuse CHRIST as the Plant of renown.

The Plant of renown. Evidence concerning the Plant of renown.
#1. CHRIST is absolutely God, He is our Mediator (Gal.3:19-20; 1 Tim.2:5; Heb.8:6; 9:15; 12:24).
#2. CHRIST is absolutely God, He is our Redeemer (Ps.111L9; 130:7; Mk.10:45; Rom.3:24-26; 1 Cor.1:30; 6:20; 7;23; Gal.1:4; 2:20; 4:4-5; Eph.1:7; 5:2; Col.1:14, 20-22; 1 Tim.2:6; Tit.2:14; Heb.9:12, 15; 1 Pet.1:18-19; Rev.5:9-10).
#3.This Plant is small in the eyes of a blind world, but to GOD He is the greatest Plant in the world.
#4. This Holy Plant of renown was cut down in His death, but sprung up gloriously in His resurrection.
#5. All the little plants in the garden are grafted in this Plant of renown (Rom.11:17-24).

He is a Plant of renown in Heaven, but little  known on Earth, but one day that will change (Ps.72:17).
#1. The Plant of renown is well-known for His antiquity (Jn.1:1-2).
#2. The Plant of renown is distinguished for His beauty (Ps.27:4; 29:2; 90:17; 96:6, 9; Isa.33:17).
#3. The glory of GOD is in the Plant of renown (Heb.1:3-4).
#4. The Plant of renown is well-known for His perpetual greenness (Heb.13:8). All other plants fade away!
#5. The Plant of renown is celebrated for His virtue (Rev.22:1-21).
#6. The Plant of renown is well-known for His fruitfulness (Isa.11:5; Heb.2:17; 3:1-2, 6; Rev.1:5; 3:14; 19:11). #7. The Plant of renown is not a barren Plant; He would not be famous if He were barren; He brings forth all manner of fruit every month (Rev.22:2). Dear one, there is the fruit of His incarnation; the fruit of His death; the fruit of His resurrection; the fruit of His ascension; the fruit of His intercession and His sitting at the right Hand of God; the fruit of His prophetic office; the fruit of His priestly office; and the fruit of His kingly office. The Plant of renown is well-known for all His marvelous fruits!
#8. The Plant of renown is renowned for His shadow (Ps.17:8; 36:7; 57:1; 63:7; 91:1; Song 2:3; Isa.49:2; Hos.14:2). Those who sit under His shadow, will find shelter and safety there, protected against the awful terrors of death and GOD’S vengeance.
#9. The Plant is renown is known for His stature; He is a high Plant, a tall and glorious Plant, He is the high and lofty one that inhabits eternity (Ps.97:9; 138:6; Isa.57:15).  
#10. The Plant is renown for His wideness, not only for His stature, but also His range. He reaches out to all who will open their ears and hearts to receive Him, not only Jews, but Gentiles too (Jn.10:16; Gal.3:26-29).

For whom is it that this Plant is renown raised up? He is raised up for all sinners, anyone who hears of Him that is wise enough to lay claim to Him (Isa.9:6). He is there for YOU, if you will just open your hearts to Him. You are a fool if you refuse Him, and you will regret all through eternity.
#1. The Plant of renown was raised up as a Redeemer to set the captives of the wicked one at liberty (Ps.102:20; 107:10-16; 146:7; Isa.42:7; Col.1:13).
#2. The Plant of renown was raised up as a Mediator of the new covenant (1 Tim.2:5; Heb.8:6; 9:15;, 12:24), to make peace between the offended GOD and the offending rebellious man, He makes reconciliation for iniquity (Dan. 9:24).
#3. The Plant of renown was raised up as a Surety (Gen.43:9; Ps.119:122; Heb.7:22), only He can redeem our soul for Hell, for He has paid the penalty of sin (Rom.3:24-26; 1 Cor.1:30; 6:20; 7:23; Gal.1:4; 2:20; 4:4-5; Eph.1:7; 5:2; Col.1:14, 20-22; 1 Tim.2:6, 14; Heb.9:12, 15; 1 Pet.1:18-19; Rev.5:9-10).
#4. The Plant of renown was raised up as a celebrated Healer, a Physician (Mat.9:12; Mk.2:17; Lk.4:23). He has opened up a healing fountain (Zec.13:1) that washes away sin and filth, and whatever your disease or sickness is. Dear one, only this awesome Plant of renown can do this! Only He can make you clean in the Eyes of GOD the Father! 
#5. The Plant of renown was raised up as a Witness to tell the Truth (Jn.8:18; Rev.1:5); and as a Prophet to reveal it (Deut.18;15, 18-19; Mat.11:9; Lk.7:16, 26; 24:19; Jn.4:44; 6:14; 7:40; 9:17; Acts 3:22-23; 7:37).
#6. The Plant of renown was raised up as Leader for the people, to show us the path of life, and to lead us into it, and help us to walk without erring. I will bring the blind by a way they know not (Isa.42:16).
#7. The Plant of renown was raised up as a Commander unto the people (Isa.55:4), as the Captain of their salvation (Heb.2:10), to fight our spiritual battles for us, and to head the armies of GOD in their way to glory. It is only by His skill and wisdom that He can make us all more than conquerors (Rom.8:37).

As the Plant of renown, Christ is often spoken of as a tree (Rev.22:14), a branch (Isa.11:1), a root (Isa.11:10), a stem (Isa.11:1), a rod (Isa.11:4), a lily (Song 2:1-2), a rose (Song 2:1). But the word plant has a meaning somewhat different. What we plant we cultivate, sow the seed, water it, watch the growth, and tend it to maturity. The Plant spoken of here refers to the work and nature of our Lord JESUS, arranged and developed by Divine wisdom. The seed was sown in the eternal counsels of God, for we know that the purpose and plan existed before the world was formed. The Plant of renown has always been (Jn.1:1).
The Plant of renown is not just a mere passing, fading, temporary, useless growth. It is famous for its beauty, the heart of the Father’s glory; for its usefulness, which is to hide and shelter all GOD’S people; for its fruitfulness shall nourish all mankind. Happy is the one who finds shelter and rest in the Plant of renown.

Book of Ezekiel

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