What is the context?
The prophet next takes the equipment of a foolish shepherd. This figure neglects the lost, the young, the injured, and those needing food.
Instead of tending the flock, he consumes it. The picture exposes leadership that feeds itself at the expense of those entrusted to it.
The final woe falls on the shepherd who deserts the flock, with a sword directed against arm and eye.
That judgment image is not a basis for diagnosing a disabled person as an evil leader or authorizing readers to attack negligent ministers.
How is this passage commonly understood?
Wesley treats the arm and eye as the shepherd’s strength and understanding brought to ruin. The moral indictment is already explicit in his refusal to seek, heal, feed, and remain with the flock.
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.
Where can I study this further?
No deeper study linked yet.