17 "As for you, My flock , thus says the Lord GOD , 'Behold , I will judge between one sheep and another , between the rams and the male goats . 18 'Is it too slight a thing for you that you should feed in the good pasture , that you must tread down with your feet the rest of your pastures ? Or that you should drink of the clear waters , that you must foul the rest with your feet ? 19 'As for My flock , they must eat what you tread down with your feet and drink what you foul with your feet !' " 20 Therefore , thus says the Lord GOD to them, "Behold , I, even I, will judge between the fat sheep and the lean sheep . 21 "Because you push with side and with shoulder , and thrust at all the weak with your horns until e you have scattered them abroad , 22 therefore, I will deliver My flock , and they will no longer be a prey ; and I will judge between one sheep and another . 23 "Then I will set over them one shepherd , My servant David , and he will feed them; he will feed them himself and be their shepherd . 24 "And I, the Lord , will be their God , and My servant David will be prince among them; I the Lord have spoken .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Ezekiel 34:17-24
Commentary on Ezekiel 34:17-31
(Read Ezekiel 34:17-31)
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.