Ezekiel 34
SIBEzekiel 34:2-5
These rulers regard only their own interest, not the welfare of the people. By oppression and murder they seize upon the estates of the rich: they have not supported, relieved, or comforted, and were fallen into decay or distress: they have not relieved or redressed the wiser of the oppressed: they have not restored to their right such as, by the will of others, had been forced to quit their lands: nor have they attempted to reform the wanderers in wickedness, but have tyrannized over them in the 11 unmerciful manner:—so that, by the ill conduct of their rulers, and the violence of enemies, they are either destroyed, or forced, as captives or fugitives, into other countries, and their wealth is made a spoil. 16, 17, 20, 22. While I redress the manifold grievances of the poor and oppressed, I will, by fearful judgments, destroy their wealthy and powerful oppressors; I will, in righteousness, make an effectual difference between the weaker and stronger part of my people; cherishing the former, and restraining the violence and fury of the latter. 18, 19, 21. Think ye it a small crime to enjoy my enlarged blessings yourselves alone, but ye must disturb the poor in the possession of their small estates, and consume them by your illegal oppression;—Yea, ye oblige them to live upon the remains of what ye have destroyed, and molest and vex them by your injustice and violence
Ezekiel 34:23
Jesus Christ is called David, because he was his promised seed and glorious antitype, and called God’s servant, because, as mediator, he performs the debased and honorary work of our salvation, appointed him of the Father. He is called a Shepherd, to denote his careful gathering, protecting, guarding, providing for, feeding, and healing his people. And he is called a Plant of Renown (ver. 29), because, being low in his humiliation, he is infinitely excellent in himself; and is, and will for ever be, infinitely us among angels and men
Ezekiel 34:25
I will establish with them my covenant; virtue of which they shall enjoy all kinds of blessings: and wicked men, oppress and devour others, shall either be converted or destroyed to such a degree, that, in the most barbarous and dangerous places, there shall be nothing but safety and comfort
REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. XXXIV.—If the dignity and power of men do not restrain them from sin, it will not exempt them from reproof, excuse their impenitence, or avert God’s judgments. Alas! miserable is the case of nations and churches when magistrates and ministers mind only their own temporal interests, neglect their duty, plague, oppress, and mislead their people. And most dreadful will be their account and condemnation at last. Soon will God deprive them of that power which they have abused. And, if they will neglect their part, God will, at their expense, and for the welfare of his people, perform his, and neither slumber nor sleep. If they harden the wicked, and discourage the righteous, he will comfort the distressed and ruin the presumptuous. And they who would engross every thing to themselves, and who grudge that any can live beside them, shall be awfully reckoned with at last. But every loss, every trouble, is completely balanced to them who have Jesus Christ, and God in him, for their ALL and IN ALL. Glorious and renowned is his person, office, and work; rich and stable the new covenant made with him, and with us in him; and complete the safety, and unbounded and innumerable the blessings, of his kingdom! 11