In contrast to various other prophets ezekiel has not been criticised as much. For those seeking an introductory level commentary on the book of ezekiel, the best place to turn is this commentary by derek thomas. This book contains the prophecies attributed to the prophetpriest ezekiel, and is one of the books of the prophets. I will rescue them from all the places where they were scattered on. Ezekiel 34 commentary matthew henry commentary on the whole. Other old testament passages that refer to god as shepherd include psalm 23 of course, psalm 80, jeremiah 23. Talking the talk was followed far more frequently than walking the walk. Having in the thirtythird chapter laid down repentance as the necessary preliminary to happier times for the people, he now promises the removal of the false shepherds as preparatory to the raising up of the good shepherd.
Ezekiel 34 commentary matthew henry commentary on the. George barlow, the preachers complete homiletic commentary new york. God intended ezekiel to give a message to israel by means of the experiences in his life ezekiel. The blessings here foretold are especially those of the old covenant. The shepherds have violated the economics of their. Dec, 2016 god denounced these false shepherds isaiah 56. As a shepherd seeketh out his flock in the day that. These doubts were strong enough, in those early days, to raise the question of whether ezekiel should be one of the biblical books. He will lead them back to their own land, feed them, and have them lie down in safety in good grazing ground ezek. Without ambiguity, jesus took that title to himself most clearly in. The book is fascinating, replete with visions, allegories, and action parables. This commentary adheres to a literal interpretation of the scriptures, a belief that god is not yet finished with the nation of israel, a belief in a literal return of christ to literally reign and rule on the earth for years. Prophesy against the shepherds of israel the word shepherd, in the prophetical writings, comprehends both civil and ecclesiastical governors. The father william most collection commentary on ezekiel.
The rabbis were greatly troubled by the fact that the book of ezekiel gives certain laws, chiefly as to the temple procedures, which actually contradict the laws given in the book of leviticus. The book of ezekiel has always been a problem book. These passages illustrate the levitical priesthood failing in the mission given them by god to instruct the nation of israel on the statutes of the lord as given to moses, leviticus 10. Shall mens unbelief make the faith of god without effect. The prophet assures his audience, the exiles in babylon, that god holds these leaders responsible for what has happened to jerusalem and will give israel a new shepherd worthy of the title. Remember, the designation major or minor simply refers to the length of the book, not its importance.
Ezekiel invites investigation not only because of what he said, but also because of how he said it. Ezekiel 34 commentary albert barnes notes on the whole. Read commentary on this popular bible verse and understand the real meaning behind gods word using john gills. The book of ezekiel would have been hidden away nignaz sefer yehezkel. Ezekiel 34 commentary spurgeons verse expositions of the bible. The babylonian exilethe exile in which ezekiel was involvedcame in two waves, the first beginning in. That word of judgment against the leaders of israel sets up gods promise to act as the true shepherd of israel, starting in ezekiel 34. My servant david the seed of david, the beloved one, who was typified by david, and is in other places called by his name, as jeremiah 30.
Ezekiel 34 bible commentary wesleys explanatory notes. From this gloomy subject the prophet passes to the blessedness of the. He shall feed do all the office of a good and faithful shepherd, and that for ever. Ezekiel 34 commentary matthew henrys complete commentary. Ezekiel chapters 1 to 24 free bible commentary in easy. Godly leadership existed in short supply throughout most of israels relationship with god. Ezekiel simply explained welwyn commentary series, 1993. Ezekiel chapters 1 to 24 free bible commentary in easy english. I am expanding the lectionary text to include verses 110 which is. Ezekiel condemns the ministry as a whole for being more concerned for self and paycheck than for the sheep, the members of the church.
Rather than helping, healing, and leading, government was often administered with force and cruelty. A commentary on the book of ezekiel by pastor galen l. As a shepherd looks after his scattered flock when he is with them, so will i look after. Spiritual blessings, the blessings peculiar to the messiahs kingdom, are chiefly intended. The book of ezekiel, chapters 124 new international commentary on the old testament. The word of the lord came unto me, saying it is probable that this prophecy immediately followed the preceding. Study the bible online using commentary on ezekiel 34 and more. And they shall be no more consumed with hunger but shall be blessed with plenty of all things. Many of these ideas are included in the concepts of equipping and edifying described in ephesians 4. Without doubt, ezekiel 34 presents yahweh as the good and perfect shepherd of israel. Ezekiel chapters 25 to 39 free bible commentary in easy english. As a shepherd seeketh out his flock in the day that he is among his sheep that are scattered that is, when they have been scattered, and are got together again. This book is basically about the destruction and exile of judah and the promise of its eventual restoration by god.
Ezekiel had to shave his head and his beard ezekiel 5. Following will be brief comments on psalm 95 and matthew 25, other texts for the day. Doughty southside christian church december 2014 introduction. In the first 11 verses, god uses the prophet to chastize the leaders of the nation for failing to lead the people rightly in their walk with jehovah god. In the last chapters of his book, he tells of yahweh blessing israel chapter. A commentary on the book of ezekiel southside christian.
Now in this chapter the shepherds of israel, their rulers both in church and state, are called to an account, as having been very much accessory to the sin and ruin of israel, by their neglecting to do the duty of their place. Ezekiel overview james burton coffman commentaries on. God did not permit ezekiel to be sad at the death of his wife ezekiel 24. And i will raise up for them a plant of renown the messiah, the branch from the root of david, so frequently foretold by the prophet. It is intended to help you better understand some of the background and issues in ezekiels prophecy. Ezekiel s in babylon, having been exiled there after the first siege of judah by the babylonians. The row of asterisks is to indicate that we have come to a major division in this book of ezekiel. The variety of terms suggests that the godly shepherd. The scriptural record chronicles that an occasional noah, abraham, joseph, moses, joshua, david, or another good leader arose among them, but ezekiel 34 succinctly summarizes judahs leadership, in particular, as shepherds who ruled for their own wellbeing rather than the citizens.
Ezekiel 34, new living translation nlt the bible app. Ezekiels oracle broadens the reference to include the whole class of jerusalems leaders v. God intended ezekiel to give a message to israel by means of the experiences in his life ezekiel 24. Ezekiel 34 new international version niv the lord will be israels shepherd. This commentary is based upon my personal devotional notes and reflections on the book of ezekiel. Ezekiel 34 and promised to provide the true shepherd, the messiah, to care for the sheep ezekiel 34. John skinner in the expositors bible commentary, p.
The prophets wrote over a period of 250300 years, spanning the decline, the exile, and the return of the children of israel. In this chapter, ezekiel prophecies against the irresponsible shepherds of israel and states that god will instead seek out gods sheep and become. Thomas is a reformed scholar with a heart for god, for his word, and for his people that comes through on every page. That which david was partially and imperfectly, christ is in full perfection compare matthew 12. The first part of the book, up to chapter 32 inclusive, announces gods judgments against both the people of israel and the idolatrous nations. It is intended to help you better understand some of the background and issues in ezekiel s prophecy.
God owneth them still, though they had little deserved it. Ezekiel 34 is addressed to those people of god who have been living in exile in babylon. Not without reason has ezekiel been dubbed the audiovisual aids prophet. Library the father william most theological collection. From this gloomy subject the prophet 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. You can find the best commentary on ezekiel for you using the tools on the right side.
In this connection we are not to think of the use of the sword in war. Read ezekiel 34 commentary using john gills exposition of the bible. No rank or office can exempt from the reproofs of gods word, men who neglect their duty, and abuse the trust reposed in them. The reference to a day of clouds and thick darkness eze 34. I will rescue them from all the places where they were scattered on a day of clouds and darkness. The prophet is commanded to declare the dreadful judgments of god against the covetous shepherds of israel, who feed themselves, and not their flocks. It ranks second in actual word count among the prophetic books 39,407 words as compared to jeremiahs 42,659, and stands third in size in the entire bible behind psalms and jeremiah. Woe to you shepherds of israel who only take care of yourselves. Ezekiel 34 the lord will be israels shepherd bible. Ezekiel 34 commentary john gills exposition of the bible. Israels failure of leadership ezekiel 34 bible commentary.
The book of ezekiel stands in the english bible fourth among the major prophets. In spite of its size, this book may well be the most neglected of the prophets. A free bible version and commentary on the old testament book of ezekiel in easy english. I will find my sheep and rescue them from all the places where they were scattered on that dark and cloudy day. Disaster is in store for the shepherds of israel who feed themselves. The passage is found in the book bearing the name of the prophet ezekiel, chapter 34. Expository notes on ezekiel the prophet ironside commentary series book 11 by h. Without ambiguity, jesus took that title to himself most clearly in john 10. Ezekiel 34 is the thirtyfourth chapter of the book of ezekiel in the hebrew bible or the old testament of the christian bible.
Behold, i, even i, will both search my sheep, and seek them out. If a picture is worth a thousand words, then ezekiel must be regarded as artfully verbose. Ezekiel 34 commentary, one of over 110 bible commentaries freely available, this commentary, filling six volumes, provides an exhaustive look at every verse in the bible. The iniquities and calamities of gods israel had been largely and pathetically lamented before, in this book. The book of ezekiel he will be strengthened of god. I tell you the truth is common in johns gospel and indicates a solemn assertion about jesus andor his ministry. As a shepherd seeks out his flock in the day that he is among his sheep that are scattered. Those that have a constant hatred to god and his people, as the carnal mind has, can only expect to be made desolate for ever.
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