Reading for April 20th

Read Ezekiel 34.1-31 Oracle concerning Israel's leaders or "shepherds".
Ezekiel contends that Israel's leaders have acted improperly and must be replaced.
In verses 1-10 the image of the shepherd commonly portrays monarchs in ancient
Near Eastern literature (David, 1 Sam 16.11; 17).
God charges that the shepherds have not taken care of the "flock" so that they are
scattered or sent into exile.
Ah: literally, "woe!"
In verses 11-16 God acts as the shepherd (Ps 23) who will return the people who have been scattered.
The fat and the strong will be destroyed because they neglected the people.
In verses 17-31 Ezekiel portrays the leaders as stronger sheep who trample the pasture and
dirty the water that others must use.
God's rule will be manifested in the establishment of a Davidic prince.
A covenant of peace: the idyllic situation for those whom God will return to the land.
Contrary to those who assert that "the inhabitants of the waste places" will take over the land
(33.23-29), Ezekiel maintains that God will protect the people of Israel.
The references to trees and animals together with the threat of enemies (see Lev 26)
recall God's role as creator of the natural world and protector in the human world.
You are my sheep ... and I am your God: a variation of the covenant formula (11.20; 14.11).
Comments or Questions...