Ezekiel 34:4

Amharic Catholic Version (መጽሐፍ ቅዱስ - (ካቶሊካዊ እትም - ኤማሁስ)) No Year

የደከሙትን አላበረታችሁም፥ የታመመውን አላከማችሁትም፥ የተሰበረውን አልጠገናችሁትም፥ የባዘነውን አልመለሳችሁትም፥ የጠፋውንም አልፈለጋችሁትም በኃይልና በጭቆና ገዛችኋቸው።

What Does This Mean?

This verse from Ezekiel criticizes the shepherds of Israel for failing to care for their flock. Instead of helping the sick, injured, and lost, they ruled with cruelty. The speaker is God through the prophet Ezekiel.

Explained for Children

Imagine you have a group of sheep, and you're supposed to take care of them. Instead of helping the sick or lost sheep, you ignore them and even treat them badly. That's what God is saying about the leaders of Israel.

Historical Background

Ezekiel, a prophet, wrote this around 593 BCE while in exile in Babylon. He was addressing the leaders of Israel who were supposed to take care of the people but failed to do so, leading to God's judgment.

Living It Out Today

In modern times, this verse can apply to leaders in various fields like business, education, or community service. It reminds us that leaders should care for and support those who are struggling, rather than neglecting or harming them.

Topics

• leadership
• responsibility
• compassion
• judgment
• spiritual care
• abuse of power

Related Verses

• Isaiah 56:9
• Matthew 9:36
• John 10:11
• 1 Peter 5:2
• Psalm 23:1

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 'The diseased have ye not strengthened' mean?

It means that the leaders did not help the weak or sick members of their community, which was their responsibility.

How does this verse apply to church leaders?

Church leaders should care for and support their congregation, especially those who are struggling, rather than neglecting or mistreating them.

What is the overall message of Ezekiel 34?

The overall message is a critique of Israel's leaders for their failure to care for the people, followed by God's promise to be a good shepherd to His people.

How can we ensure we are good leaders according to this verse?

Good leaders should care for those who are struggling, heal the wounded, and seek out those who are lost, rather than ruling with cruelty.