17 " 'As for you, my flock, this is what the Sovereign Lord says: I will judge between one sheep and another, and between rams and goats.
17 And as for you, O my flock, thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I judge between cattle
17 "As for you, my flock, thus says the Lord GOD: Behold, I judge between sheep and sheep, between rams and male goats.
17 "'And as for you, my dear flock, I'm stepping in and judging between one sheep and another, between rams and goats.
17 'And as for you, O My flock, thus says the Lord God: "Behold, I shall judge between sheep and sheep, between rams and goats.
17 "And as for you, my flock, this is what the Sovereign Lord says to his people: I will judge between one animal of the flock and another, separating the sheep from the goats.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Ezekiel 34:17
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.