Shepherds denounced.
I. THEIR RESPONSIBILITY. Ezekiel now turns from the people to their leaders. Theirs is the greatest guilt. They were placed in positions which led to much being expected of them. Their failure means a corresponding guilt. The princes and priests, the political leaders and the religious teachers, would be included under the designation "shepherds." The same two classes and other varieties may be seen today; i.e. political rulers, Christian ministers, leaders of public movements, public writers; all who influence others in thought and life are like Israel's shepherds. Note the grounds of the great responsibility of such people.
1. Privilege. The shepherds have the honor of being set over the flock. Position is a privilege; it brings a responsibility.
2. Power.
II. THEIR WICKEDNESS.
1. Positive wrong-doing.
2. Negative negligence. Looking after themselves, the wicked shepherds neglect their flock.
III. THEIR DOOM.
1. God's opposition. "Behold, I am against the shepherds." They may be stronger than the sheep, but God is stronger than they are. Faithlessness in office provokes God's great wrath.
2. Hopeless requirements. "I will require my flock at their hand." But it is lost!
3. Loss of office. The bad shepherds are dismissed. The unfaithful servant is deprived of his talent (Matthew 25:28). Disgrace, dismissal, ruin, are the punishments of unfaithful service.