Ezekiel 34:23-24

EZEKIEL—NOTE ON Ezekiel 34:23 Ezekiel’s announcement of a Davidic shepherd (v. Ezekiel 34:23; compare Ezekiel 37:24) is similar to Jeremiah’s (Jeremiah 23:5). Ezekiel 34:24 affirms the relationship of God and people. Because it is close to v. Ezekiel 34:15, some commentators wonder whether the shepherd is divine (v. Ezekiel 34:15) or human (v. Ezekiel 34:23). This passage may look forward to the divine-human nature of the Messiah. Such an interpretation would explain John 10:11, where Jesus says that he is the “good shepherd.” In doing so, Jesus claims to be both the Davidic Messiah (Ezekiel 34:23) and the incarnate God of Israel (v. Ezekiel 34:15; compare John 1:14). Ezekiel is reluctant to acknowledge any king except God, so he refers to David as prince.