Ezekiel 34: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Ezekiel 34 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

Yahweh speaks against the shepherds of Israel for neglecting their duty to care for the sheep. He declares, 'Woe to the shepherds of Israel who feed themselves!' (vv.

Key verse

“therefore will I save my flock, and they will no more be a prey. I will judge between sheep and sheep.”
Ezekiel 34:22 (WEB)

Outline

Ezekiel 34:1–6 God's Word Against Israel's Shepherds
Ezekiel 34:7–10 Judgment on Negligent Shepherds
Ezekiel 34:11–16 God as the True Shepherd
Ezekiel 34:17–22 Judgment Between Sheep
Ezekiel 34:23–30 Promise of a New Shepherd
Ezekiel 34:31 Affirmation of God's Relationship with Israel

Discussion questions

In v10, what does Yahweh promise to do to the shepherds of Israel?
What does Yahweh say He will do in v16 regarding the sick?
In vv. 23-24, why do you think Yahweh refers to 'my servant David'?
In v27, what does Yahweh mean when He says He will break the bars of their yoke?
When have you felt like a lost sheep that needed to be sought out?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Ezekiel 34: Psalm 23, Jeremiah 29, John 10.

Before next time: read Ezekiel 35.