Bible Commentary

Ezekiel 34:17-31

Matthew Henry on Ezekiel 34:17-31

Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · Matthew Henry · CC0 1.0 Universal

The whole nation seemed to be the Lord's flock, yet they were very different characters; but he knew how to distinguish between them. By good pastures and deep waters, are meant the pure word of God and the dispensing of justice.

The latter verses, 23-31, prophesy of Christ, and of the most glorious times of his church on earth. Under Him, as the good Shepherd, the church would be a blessing to all around. Christ, though excellent in himself, was as a tender plant out of a dry ground.

Being the Tree of life, bearing all the fruits of salvation, he yields 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.

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The Pulpit Commentary on Ezekiel 34:1-31Ezekiel 34:1-31 · The Pulpit CommentaryXPOSITIONGod's Care of His Flock; Prediction of Messiah's Kingdom. (b. c. 587.)Ezekiel 34:17-31 · Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole BibleGOD'S CARE OF HIS FLOCK; PREDICTION OF MESSIAH'S KINGDOM. (B. C. 587.) The prophet has no more to say to the shepherds, but he has now a message to deliver to the flock. God had ordered him to speak tenderly to them, an…The Pulpit Commentary on Ezekiel 34:17-22Ezekiel 34:17-22 · The Pulpit CommentaryThe sinfulness of selfishness. It was not only the shepherds, but some of the sheep, of" the rams and the he-goats," that were injuring and robbing the sheep. It was not only the kings and the princes, but the strong an…The Pulpit Commentary on Ezekiel 34:17Ezekiel 34:17 · The Pulpit CommentaryBehold, I judge between cattle and cattle. It may be worth while to note, as modern English usage tends to limit the range of the word, that it is commonly used in the Old Testament of sheep rather than of kine (Genesis…The Pulpit Commentary on Ezekiel 34:17Ezekiel 34:17 · The Pulpit CommentaryThe flock divided. When the flock is found it is not all treated alike. The rough, horned cattle are separated from the gentle, helpless sheep. Israel was not to be restored to prosperity as a nation without discriminat…The Pulpit Commentary on Ezekiel 34:17-22Ezekiel 34:17-22 · The Pulpit CommentarySocial oppressions. The wisest men detect only some of the evils that blemish a nation; they are blind to more secret delinquencies. The Almighty Ruler detects every hidden iniquity, nor will he spare any form of sin. I…
commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Ezekiel 34:1-31XPOSITIONJoseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryGod's Care of His Flock; Prediction of Messiah's Kingdom. (b. c. 587.)GOD'S CARE OF HIS FLOCK; PREDICTION OF MESSIAH'S KINGDOM. (B. C. 587.) The prophet has no more to say to the shepherds, but he has now a message to deliver to the flock. God had ordered him to speak tenderly to them, an…Matthew HenrycommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Ezekiel 34:17-22The sinfulness of selfishness. It was not only the shepherds, but some of the sheep, of" the rams and the he-goats," that were injuring and robbing the sheep. It was not only the kings and the princes, but the strong an…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Ezekiel 34:17Behold, I judge between cattle and cattle. It may be worth while to note, as modern English usage tends to limit the range of the word, that it is commonly used in the Old Testament of sheep rather than of kine (Genesis…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Ezekiel 34:17The flock divided. When the flock is found it is not all treated alike. The rough, horned cattle are separated from the gentle, helpless sheep. Israel was not to be restored to prosperity as a nation without discriminat…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Ezekiel 34:17-22Social oppressions. The wisest men detect only some of the evils that blemish a nation; they are blind to more secret delinquencies. The Almighty Ruler detects every hidden iniquity, nor will he spare any form of sin. I…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Ezekiel 34:23And I will set up one Shepherd over them. Here, more than ever, we have an anticipation of our Lord's teaching in John 10:1-18. He claims to be the Fulfiller, as of the prediction of Isaiah 40:11 and Jeremiah 23:1-3, so…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Ezekiel 34:23-41The golden age of peace. Predictions of Divine retribution, added to bitter experience of misfortune, had well-nigh filled the souls of the people with despair. And despair is a critical condition for man. It may lead t…Joseph S. Exell and contributors