What is the context?
The Lord turns to Israel’s shepherds, the leaders entrusted with the people’s care. They consume the benefits of the flock—fat, wool and slaughtered sheep—while failing to feed it.
The neglected duties make the accusation specific: strengthen the weak, heal the sick, bind the injured, bring back strays and search for the lost. Instead, the shepherds rule with violence and cruelty.
The scattered flock becomes prey, wandering without anyone to seek it. The Lord repeatedly calls it His flock. Those entrusted with it have been using what belongs to Him for themselves.
How is this passage commonly understood?
Wesley identifies the shepherds broadly as Israel’s rulers, including civil and religious leaders. Cambridge likewise reads the term as rulers. It should not be narrowed automatically to one modern church office.
Henry emphasizes that rank and office do not protect those who neglect their duty and abuse their trust. The picture measures leadership by the care given to people, especially those easily ignored or harmed.
Where does this fit in God's plan?
First Peter 5:1–4 addresses the elders’ care of God’s flock. Peter opposes greed and domination, calling for willing service and an example others can follow. He places that work under the coming Chief Shepherd.
Peter does not explicitly quote Ezekiel 34. The shared concern takes a concrete form in the church: responsibility for the flock must become care rather than a means of personal gain. The people remain God’s, and those caring for them answer to Christ.
What is our position?
We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.