As I live, saith the Lord GOD, surely because my flock became a prey, and my flock became meat to every beast of the field, because there was no shepherd, neither did my shepherds search for my flock, but the shepherds fed themselves, and fed not my flock;
I swear on my life, says the Lord God, my people became easy targets and got completely torn apart by every predator out there because there was no one actually looking out for them. The leaders who were supposed to protect them? They were too busy taking care of themselves and totally ignored the people they were meant to serve.
When leaders only care about themselves, the people they're supposed to protect get left defenseless.
📚 Historical Context
During the Babylonian exile in the 6th century BC, the prophet Ezekiel delivered messages to the exiled people of Judah, criticizing their leaders for neglecting their responsibilities. God uses the metaphor of shepherds and flock to describe how Israel's kings and priests failed to protect and guide the people, allowing them to be scattered and vulnerable to enemies. This prophecy highlights the consequences of selfish leadership amid national judgment and exile.
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