Ezekiel 34:21 - Because you thrust with side and with shoulder, and push all the diseased with your horns, until you have scattered them abroad;
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What does "Ezekiel 34:21" mean?
This verse from Ezekiel 34:21 is part of a larger condemnation of the "shepherds" of Israel (meaning the leaders) who have failed to care for the flock. The verse specifically calls out their abusive and violent behavior toward the weaker members of society. Let's break it down:
"Because you thrust with side and with shoulder...": This refers to the leaders using their power and position to shove and push aside the weaker sheep (the vulnerable people). It's a metaphor for oppression and exploitation. They are using brute force, represented by their "side" and "shoulder", to dominate others.
"...and push all the diseased with your horns...": This continues the theme of abuse, specifically targeting the "diseased" sheep. In this context, "diseased" likely refers to the sick, poor, oppressed, and generally those in need of help and protection. The leaders, instead of caring for them, actively harm them, represented by pushing them with their "horns." This image vividly depicts the leaders actively making the vulnerable even more vulnerable.
"...until you have scattered them abroad;": This is the result of their abusive actions. The vulnerable and mistreated people are driven away and scattered. The community is fragmented and weakened because of the leaders' cruelty. The scattering also implies a loss of protection and security for those driven away.
In Summary:
The verse describes how the leaders of Israel used their power to oppress and mistreat the vulnerable members of their society. Instead of protecting and caring for the weak and needy ("diseased"), they actively harmed them, driving them away and scattering the community. This behavior is condemned as a failure of their responsibility as shepherds of the people.
Context Within Ezekiel 34:
Ezekiel 34 is a powerful chapter that contrasts the failings of the current "shepherds" with God's promise to be the true shepherd of His people. God will take over and personally care for the flock, seeking out the lost, binding up the injured, and strengthening the weak (verse 16). The condemnation in verses like 21 highlights the urgency and necessity of God's intervention.
Ezekiel 34:21 - Because you thrust with side and with shoulder, and push all the diseased with your horns, until you have scattered them abroad;
What does "Ezekiel 34:21" mean?
This verse from Ezekiel 34:21 is part of a larger condemnation of the "shepherds" of Israel (meaning the leaders) who have failed to care for the flock. The verse specifically calls out their abusive and violent behavior toward the weaker members of society. Let's break it down:
"Because you thrust with side and with shoulder...": This refers to the leaders using their power and position to shove and push aside the weaker sheep (the vulnerable people). It's a metaphor for oppression and exploitation. They are using brute force, represented by their "side" and "shoulder", to dominate others.
"...and push all the diseased with your horns...": This continues the theme of abuse, specifically targeting the "diseased" sheep. In this context, "diseased" likely refers to the sick, poor, oppressed, and generally those in need of help and protection. The leaders, instead of caring for them, actively harm them, represented by pushing them with their "horns." This image vividly depicts the leaders actively making the vulnerable even more vulnerable.
"...until you have scattered them abroad;": This is the result of their abusive actions. The vulnerable and mistreated people are driven away and scattered. The community is fragmented and weakened because of the leaders' cruelty. The scattering also implies a loss of protection and security for those driven away.
In Summary:
The verse describes how the leaders of Israel used their power to oppress and mistreat the vulnerable members of their society. Instead of protecting and caring for the weak and needy ("diseased"), they actively harmed them, driving them away and scattering the community. This behavior is condemned as a failure of their responsibility as shepherds of the people.
Context Within Ezekiel 34:
Ezekiel 34 is a powerful chapter that contrasts the failings of the current "shepherds" with God's promise to be the true shepherd of His people. God will take over and personally care for the flock, seeking out the lost, binding up the injured, and strengthening the weak (verse 16). The condemnation in verses like 21 highlights the urgency and necessity of God's intervention.