Ezekiel 34:10
French (La Bible expliquée)
Moi, le Seigneur Dieu, je vous déclare que je me retourne contre vous et vous retire la charge de mon troupeau. Ceux qui prennent soin uniquement d'eux-mêmes ne pourront plus diriger le troupeau. Je vous arracherai de la bouche les bêtes de mon troupeau, elles ne serviront plus à vous nourrir. Les textes du Proche-Orient ancien, ainsi que ceux de l'Égypte, comparent régulièrement le rôle des gouvernants humains ou des dieux à celui d'un berger qui veille sur son troupeau pour lui assurer bien-être et sécurité. Dans la tradition biblique, et en particulier dans le chap. 34 d'Ézékiel, Dieu est à la fois le berger de son peuple et le propriétaire du troupeau qui confie ce dernier à des bergers travaillant sous ses ordres. Aux bergers exemplaires que sont Moïse (És 63.11) et David (Ps 78.70-72) s'opposent les chefs politiques et religieux corrompus qui causent la ruine du peuple. Ézékiel évoque les mauvais traitements infligés aux bêtes pour décrire les exactions des puissants vis-à-vis du peuple. En montrant que Dieu ne fait plus confiance à des intermédiaires humains, mais qu'il reprend lui-même les choses en main, le chap. 34 introduit la première promesse de restauration (v. 12-15, 27-29). Il constitue ainsi une charnière dans l'organisation du livre et dans l'évolution du message prophétique. On passe de la condamnation à l'encouragement.
What Does This Mean?
In this verse, God says He is against bad leaders who are supposed to take care of His people. He will take His people away from these bad leaders and ensure that the leaders no longer harm them. The key message is that God will protect His people from those who do not care for them properly.
Explained for Children
Imagine you have a group of sheep and some bad shepherds who aren't taking care of the sheep. God says He will take the sheep away from those bad shepherds and make sure they are safe. Just like how your parents keep you safe from bullies, God will keep His people safe from bad leaders.
Historical Background
The Book of Ezekiel was written by the prophet Ezekiel, who was among the Israelites exiled to Babylon. This chapter was likely written around 593 BCE, addressing the leaders of Israel who had failed to care for their people properly. The audience was the exiled Israelites who needed to hear that God would ultimately take care of them.
Living It Out Today
In a modern scenario, imagine a company where the bosses are not taking care of their employees. The employees feel exploited and undervalued. This verse reminds us that God will eventually hold those leaders accountable and ensure that the people are protected and cared for.
Topics
leadershipprotectionaccountabilityshepherdingGod's carejustice
Related Verses
Jeremiah 23:1-4Zechariah 10:2-3Matthew 9:36John 10:11-141 Peter 5:2-3
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the 'shepherds' in Ezekiel 34:10?
The 'shepherds' in this verse refer to the leaders of Israel, who were supposed to care for and guide the people, but instead, they were neglecting their duties and exploiting the people.
What does it mean for God to 'require my flock at their hand'?
This means that God will demand an accounting from the leaders about how they have cared for His people, indicating He holds them responsible for their actions and inactions.
Why does God say He will deliver His flock?
God promises to deliver His flock because the leaders have failed in their duties, and He wants to ensure that His people are safe and cared for, emphasizing His protective nature.
How can this verse be applied to leadership in the church today?
Church leaders today can use this verse as a reminder to be accountable and to care for the congregation as God desires, ensuring that they do not exploit or neglect those under their care.