Isaiah 56:11

Afrikaans 1933/1953

En die honde is gulsig, hulle ken geen versadiging nie; en herders is hulle wat nie weet om op te merk nie; almal loop hulle eie pad, elkeen na sy onregverdige wins, almal saam.

What Does This Mean?

This verse talks about leaders who are selfish and only care about themselves. It says they are like hungry dogs that can never be satisfied and are not good at their jobs as shepherds. The key message is about leaders who are greedy and don't look out for others.

Explained for Children

Imagine a group of dogs who are always hungry and can never eat enough. These dogs are like some leaders who only care about themselves and don't look after the people they are supposed to take care of. It's like if a shepherd only thought about eating and not about the sheep.

Historical Background

Isaiah wrote this verse around 700 BC in Jerusalem. He was a prophet speaking to the people of Judah, warning them about leaders who were not caring for their people but only for themselves. This was a time of moral and spiritual decline in Judah.

Living It Out Today

In a modern scenario, consider a company where the management is more interested in their own bonuses than in the well-being of the employees or the quality of the products. This verse reminds us to avoid being like those managers and to always think of others first.

Topics

• leadership
• selfishness
• service
• prophetic warnings
• justice
• integrity

Related Verses

• Micah 3:1-3
• Jeremiah 10:21
• Matthew 25:45
• 1 Peter 5:2-3
• Ezekiel 34:2-4

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is speaking in Isaiah 56:11?

The speaker is the prophet Isaiah, who is warning the people about the selfish and greedy leaders among them.

How can we avoid being like the leaders described in Isaiah 56:11?

We can avoid being like these leaders by always prioritizing the needs of others and working for the common good instead of our personal gain.

What does the metaphor of 'dogs' in Isaiah 56:11 mean?

The metaphor of 'dogs' in this verse represents the insatiable greed of the leaders, emphasizing their inability to be satisfied with what they have.

How does Isaiah 56:11 relate to the concept of shepherds?

In this verse, the leaders are compared to shepherds who fail to understand their responsibilities, instead focusing on their own gains rather than caring for their flock.