Ezekiel 34:12
Ezekiel 34:12 in Multiple Translations
As a shepherd looks for his scattered sheep when he is among the flock, so I will look for My flock. I will rescue them from all the places to which they were scattered on a day of clouds and darkness.
As a shepherd seeketh out his flock in the day that he is among his sheep that are scattered; so will I seek out my sheep, and will deliver them out of all places where they have been scattered in the cloudy and dark day.
As a shepherd seeketh out his flock in the day that he is among his sheep that are scattered abroad, so will I seek out my sheep; and I will deliver them out of all places whither they have been scattered in the cloudy and dark day.
As the keeper goes looking for his flock when he is among his wandering sheep, so I will go looking for my sheep, and will get them safely out of all the places where they have been sent wandering in the day of clouds and black night.
Just like a shepherd goes looking for his lost sheep when he is with the flock, so I will look for my sheep. I will rescue them from everywhere they were scattered on a dark and dismal day.
As a shepherd searcheth out his flocke, when he hath bene among his sheepe that are scattered, so wil I seeke out my sheepe and wil deliuer them out of all places, where they haue beene scattered in the cloudie and darke day,
As a shepherd's searching of his drove, In the day of his being in the midst of his scattered flock, so I do seek My flock, And have delivered them out of all places, Whither they have been scattered, In a day of cloud and thick darkness.
As a shepherd seeks out his flock in the day that he is among his sheep that are scattered abroad, so I will seek out my sheep. I will deliver them out of all places where they have been scattered in the cloudy and dark day.
As a shepherd seeketh out his flock in the day that he is among his sheep that are scattered; so will I seek out my sheep, and will deliver them out of all places where they have been scattered in the cloudy and dark day.
As the shepherd visiteth his hock in the day when he shall be in the midst of his sheep that were scattered, so will I visit my sheep, and will deliver them out of all the places where they have been scattered in the cloudy and dark day.
Like a shepherd finds his scattered sheep, I will rescue my people from all the places to which they have been scattered, at a time when things were very gloomy and they experienced disasters.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 34:12
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Ezekiel 34:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כְּ/בַקָּרַת֩
רֹעֶ֨ה
עֶדְר֜/וֹ
בְּ/יוֹם
הֱיוֹת֤/וֹ
בְ/תוֹךְ
צֹאנ/וֹ֙
נִפְרָשׁ֔וֹת
כֵּ֖ן
אֲבַקֵּ֣ר
אֶת
צֹאנִ֑/י
וְ/הִצַּלְתִּ֣י
אֶתְ/הֶ֗ם
מִ/כָּל
הַ/מְּקוֹמֹת֙
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
נָפֹ֣צוּ
שָׁ֔ם
בְּ/י֥וֹם
עָנָ֖ן
וַ/עֲרָפֶֽל
כְּ/בַקָּרַת֩
baqqârâh
H1243
seeking
Prep | N-fs
רֹעֶ֨ה
râʻâh
H7462
House of Shepherds
V-Qal
עֶדְר֜/וֹ
ʻêder
H5739
flock
N-ms | Suff
בְּ/יוֹם
yôwm
H3117
day
Prep | N-ms
הֱיוֹת֤/וֹ
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
בְ/תוֹךְ
tâvek
H8432
midst
Prep | N-ms
צֹאנ/וֹ֙
tsôʼn
H6629
Sheep (Gate)
N-cs | Suff
נִפְרָשׁ֔וֹת
pârâsh
H6567
to declare
V-Niphal-Inf-c
כֵּ֖ן
kên
H3651
right
Part
אֲבַקֵּ֣ר
bâqar
H1239
to enquire
V-Piel-Imperf-1cs
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
צֹאנִ֑/י
tsôʼn
H6629
Sheep (Gate)
N-cs | Suff
וְ/הִצַּלְתִּ֣י
nâtsal
H5337
to rescue
Conj | V-Hiphil-1cs
אֶתְ/הֶ֗ם
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM | Suff
מִ/כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
Prep | N-ms
הַ/מְּקוֹמֹת֙
mâqôwm
H4725
place
Art | N-mp
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
נָפֹ֣צוּ
pûwts
H6327
to scatter
V-Niphal-Perf-3cp
שָׁ֔ם
shâm
H8033
there
Adv
בְּ/י֥וֹם
yôwm
H3117
day
Prep | N-ms
עָנָ֖ן
ʻânân
H6051
cloud
N-ms
וַ/עֲרָפֶֽל
ʻărâphel
H6205
cloud
Conj | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 34:12
כְּ/בַקָּרַת֩
baqqârâh
H1243
"seeking"
Prep | N-fs
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to look after or seek something. It's used in Genesis 31:39 to describe Jacob's care for Laban's animals. This concept is also seen in Psalm 119:45 where David seeks God's laws.
Definition: a seeking, a care, concern
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: seek out. See also: Ezekiel 34:12.
רֹעֶ֨ה
râʻâh
H7462
"House of Shepherds"
V-Qal
This verb means to care for or tend to someone or something, like a shepherd with his flock. It can also mean to rule over or associate with someone as a friend, and is sometimes used to describe a close relationship.
Definition: Ra'ah = "pasturing" perh. "binding-house of the shepherds"
Usage: Occurs in 139 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] break, companion, keep company with, devour, eat up, evil entreat, feed, use as a friend, make friendship with, herdman, keep (sheep) (-er), pastor, [phrase] shearing house, shepherd, wander, waste. See also: Genesis 4:2; Isaiah 40:11; Psalms 23:1.
עֶדְר֜/וֹ
ʻêder
H5739
"flock"
N-ms | Suff
A flock refers to a group of animals, like sheep or cattle, that are herded together. In the Bible, it can also mean a herd or a drove of animals. This term is used to describe various scenes in the Bible.
Definition: 1) flock, herd 1a) flock 1b) herds, flocks and herds
Usage: Occurs in 34 OT verses. KJV: drove, flock, herd. See also: Genesis 29:2; Isaiah 17:2; Psalms 78:52.
בְּ/יוֹם
yôwm
H3117
"day"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow
Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.
הֱיוֹת֤/וֹ
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
בְ/תוֹךְ
tâvek
H8432
"midst"
Prep | N-ms
This word refers to the middle or center of something, such as a group of people or a physical space. It can also mean among or between things, as seen in various Bible translations.
Definition: 1) midst, middle 1a) midst, middle 1b) into, through (after verbs of motion) 1c) among (of a number of persons) 1d) between (of things arranged by twos) 1e) from among (as to take or separate etc)
Usage: Occurs in 390 OT verses. KJV: among(-st), [idiom] between, half, [idiom] (there-, where-), in(-to), middle, mid(-night), midst (among), [idiom] out (of), [idiom] through, [idiom] with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:6; Numbers 35:5; 2 Chronicles 32:4.
צֹאנ/וֹ֙
tsôʼn
H6629
"Sheep (Gate)"
N-cs | Suff
This word refers to a flock of sheep or goats, and is sometimes used to describe people in a figurative sense. It is also associated with the Sheep Gate in Jerusalem, a significant location in biblical times.
Definition: This name means sheep and goats Also named: probatikos (προβατικός "Sheep Gate" G4262)
Usage: Occurs in 247 OT verses. KJV: (small) cattle, flock ([phrase] -s), lamb ([phrase] -s), sheep(-cote, -fold, -shearer, -herds). See also: Genesis 4:2; Deuteronomy 28:31; Psalms 44:12.
נִפְרָשׁ֔וֹת
pârâsh
H6567
"to declare"
V-Niphal-Inf-c
To pierce or wound is the meaning of this word, which can be literal or figurative. It is used to describe actions like scattering or declaring something clearly.
Definition: 1) to make distinct, declare, distinguish, separate 1a) (Qal) to declare, clarify 1b) (Pual) to be distinctly declared Aramaic equivalent: pe.rash (פְּרַשׁ "to make clear" H6568)
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: scatter, declare, distinctly, shew, sting. See also: Leviticus 24:12; Nehemiah 8:8; Proverbs 23:32.
כֵּ֖ן
kên
H3651
"right"
Part
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means 'so' or 'thus', often used to show agreement or confirmation, like in the book of Genesis. It can also mean 'rightly' or 'justly', as in doing something the correct way. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: adv adj 1) right, just, honest, true, veritable 1a) right, just, honest 1b) correct 1c) true, veritable
Usage: Occurs in 737 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after that (this, -ward, -wards), as... as, [phrase] (for-) asmuch as yet, [phrase] be (for which) cause, [phrase] following, howbeit, in (the) like (manner, -wise), [idiom] the more, right, (even) so, state, straightway, such (thing), surely, [phrase] there (where) -fore, this, thus, true, well, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:7; Exodus 37:19; Judges 7:17.
אֲבַקֵּ֣ר
bâqar
H1239
"to enquire"
V-Piel-Imperf-1cs
To enquire or investigate, like a farmer breaking new ground, as in seeking wisdom or guidance from God, as seen in Psalm 119:148.
Definition: 1) to seek, enquire, consider 1a) (Piel) 1a1) to seek, look for 1a2) to consider, reflect Aramaic equivalent: be.qar (בְּקַר "to enquire" H1240)
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: (make) inquire (-ry), (make) search, seek out. See also: Leviticus 13:36; Psalms 27:4; Proverbs 20:25.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
צֹאנִ֑/י
tsôʼn
H6629
"Sheep (Gate)"
N-cs | Suff
This word refers to a flock of sheep or goats, and is sometimes used to describe people in a figurative sense. It is also associated with the Sheep Gate in Jerusalem, a significant location in biblical times.
Definition: This name means sheep and goats Also named: probatikos (προβατικός "Sheep Gate" G4262)
Usage: Occurs in 247 OT verses. KJV: (small) cattle, flock ([phrase] -s), lamb ([phrase] -s), sheep(-cote, -fold, -shearer, -herds). See also: Genesis 4:2; Deuteronomy 28:31; Psalms 44:12.
וְ/הִצַּלְתִּ֣י
nâtsal
H5337
"to rescue"
Conj | V-Hiphil-1cs
To rescue means to snatch away or deliver from danger. It can also mean to strip or plunder, depending on the context, and appears in various forms throughout the Bible.
Definition: 1) to snatch away, deliver, rescue, save, strip, plunder 1a)(Niphal) 1a1) to tear oneself away, deliver oneself 1a2) to be torn out or away, be delivered 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to strip off, spoil 1b2) to deliver 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to take away, snatch away 1c2) to rescue, recover 1c3) to deliver (from enemies or troubles or death) 1c4) to deliver from sin and guilt 1d) (Hophal) to be plucked out 1e) (Hithpael) to strip oneself Aramaic equivalent: ne.tsal (נְצַל "to rescue" H5338)
Usage: Occurs in 194 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, defend, deliver (self), escape, [idiom] without fail, part, pluck, preserve, recover, rescue, rid, save, spoil, strip, [idiom] surely, take (out). See also: Genesis 31:9; Psalms 40:14; Psalms 7:2.
אֶתְ/הֶ֗ם
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM | Suff
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
מִ/כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
הַ/מְּקוֹמֹת֙
mâqôwm
H4725
"place"
Art | N-mp
Maqom means a place or location, like a city or a region. It can also refer to a condition of the body or mind. This term is used to describe a wide range of locations and situations.
Definition: 1) standing place, place 1a) standing place, station, post, office 1b) place, place of human abode 1c) city, land, region 1d) place, locality, spot 1e) space, room, distance 1f) region, quarter, direction 1g) give place to, instead of
Usage: Occurs in 379 OT verses. KJV: country, [idiom] home, [idiom] open, place, room, space, [idiom] whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 1:9; Deuteronomy 12:3; 1 Kings 20:24.
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
נָפֹ֣צוּ
pûwts
H6327
"to scatter"
V-Niphal-Perf-3cp
To shatter means to break something into pieces, either physically or figuratively. It can also mean to disperse or scatter people or things, as seen in various Bible translations.
Definition: 1) to scatter, be dispersed, be scattered 1a) (Qal) to be dispersed, be scattered 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be scattered 1b2) to be spread abroad 1c) (Hiphil) to scatter 1d) Hithpael) scatter
Usage: Occurs in 66 OT verses. KJV: break (dash, shake) in (to) pieces, cast (abroad), disperse (selves), drive, retire, scatter (abroad), spread abroad. See also: Genesis 10:18; Jeremiah 10:21; Psalms 18:15.
שָׁ֔ם
shâm
H8033
"there"
Adv
The Hebrew word sham means there or then, often used to describe a location or point in time. It can also mean thither or thence, indicating movement or direction. This word is used frequently in the Bible to provide context and clarify the setting of a story.
Definition: 1) there, thither 1a) there 1b) thither (after verbs of motion) 1c) from there, thence 1d) then (as an adverb of time) Aramaic equivalent: tam.mah (תַּמָּה "there" H8536)
Usage: Occurs in 732 OT verses. KJV: in it, [phrase] thence, there (-in, [phrase] of, [phrase] out), [phrase] thither, [phrase] whither. See also: Genesis 2:8; Exodus 21:33; Deuteronomy 19:4.
בְּ/י֥וֹם
yôwm
H3117
"day"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow
Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.
עָנָ֖ן
ʻânân
H6051
"cloud"
N-ms
This Hebrew word means a cloud or cloudy, and is used to describe the cloud that God uses to appear to his people. It appears in the Bible to describe God's presence, and is translated as cloud in the KJV.
Definition: 1) cloud, cloudy, cloud-mass 1a) cloud-mass (of theophanic cloud) 1b) cloud Aramaic equivalent: a.nan (עֲנָן "cloud" H6050)
Usage: Occurs in 80 OT verses. KJV: cloud(-y). See also: Genesis 9:13; Deuteronomy 1:33; Psalms 78:14.
וַ/עֲרָפֶֽל
ʻărâphel
H6205
"cloud"
Conj | N-ms
A cloud or dark cloud symbolizes gloom or thick darkness, often used to describe a heavy or ominous sky.
Definition: cloud, heavy or dark cloud, darkness, gross darkness, thick darkness
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: (gross, thick) dark (cloud, -ness). See also: Exodus 20:21; Job 38:9; Psalms 18:10.
Study Notes — Ezekiel 34:12
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- Sermons on Ezekiel 34:12
Context — The Good Shepherd
10This is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Behold, I am against the shepherds, and I will demand from them My flock and remove them from tending the flock, so that they can no longer feed themselves. For I will deliver My flock from their mouths, and it will no longer be food for them.’
11For this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Behold, I Myself will search for My flock and seek them out.
12As a shepherd looks for his scattered sheep when he is among the flock, so I will look for My flock. I will rescue them from all the places to which they were scattered on a day of clouds and darkness.
13I will bring them out from the peoples, gather them from the countries, and bring them into their own land. I will feed them on the mountains of Israel, in the ravines, and in all the settlements of the land. 14I will feed them in good pasture, and the lofty mountains of Israel will be their grazing land. There they will lie down in a good grazing land; they will feed in rich pasture on the mountains of Israel.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 40:11 | He tends His flock like a shepherd; He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart. He gently leads the nursing ewes. |
| 2 | John 10:11–12 | I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep. The hired hand is not the shepherd, and the sheep are not his own. When he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf pounces on them and scatters the flock. |
| 3 | Luke 19:10 | For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” |
| 4 | Ezekiel 30:3 | For the day is near, the Day of the LORD is near. It will be a day of clouds, a time of doom for the nations. |
| 5 | Luke 15:4–6 | “What man among you, if he has a hundred sheep and loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the pasture and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders, comes home, and calls together his friends and neighbors to tell them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my lost sheep!’ |
| 6 | Jeremiah 31:10 | Hear, O nations, the word of the LORD, and proclaim it in distant coastlands: “The One who scattered Israel will gather them and keep them as a shepherd keeps his flock. |
| 7 | Zephaniah 1:15 | That day will be a day of wrath, a day of trouble and distress, a day of destruction and desolation, a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and blackness, |
| 8 | Jeremiah 13:16 | Give glory to the LORD your God before He brings darkness, before your feet stumble on the dusky mountains. You wait for light, but He turns it into deep gloom and thick darkness. |
| 9 | Isaiah 50:10 | Who among you fears the LORD and obeys the voice of His Servant? Who among you walks in darkness and has no light? Let him trust in the name of the LORD; let him lean on his God. |
| 10 | Joel 2:1–3 | Blow the ram’s horn in Zion; sound the alarm on My holy mountain! Let all who dwell in the land tremble, for the Day of the LORD is coming; indeed, it is near— a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and blackness. Like the dawn overspreading the mountains a great and strong army appears, such as never was of old, nor will ever be in ages to come. Before them a fire devours, and behind them a flame scorches. The land before them is like the Garden of Eden, but behind them, it is like a desert wasteland— surely nothing will escape them. |
Ezekiel 34:12 Summary
[God loves us so much that He is like a shepherd who searches for His lost sheep, and He promises to rescue us from any place where we feel lost or alone, just like He says in Jeremiah 29:13 that we will find Him when we search for Him with all our hearts. In Ezekiel 34:12, God says He will look for His flock and rescue them from all the places they were scattered, which gives us hope and comfort when we are going through hard times. God's love is always available to us, and He wants us to trust Him to take care of us, as Jesus teaches in Matthew 6:26 that God takes care of the birds and will also take care of us.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for God to look for His flock?
In Ezekiel 34:12, God is likening Himself to a shepherd who searches for His scattered sheep, demonstrating His care and concern for His people, much like Jesus describes in Luke 15:4-7 where a shepherd leaves the ninety-nine to find the one lost sheep.
What are the 'places' where God's flock was scattered?
The 'places' refer to the various locations where God's people have been dispersed, whether physically or spiritually, and God promises to rescue them from these places, as seen in Deuteronomy 30:3 where God says He will gather His people from all the nations where they were scattered.
What is the 'day of clouds and darkness'?
The 'day of clouds and darkness' is a metaphor for times of hardship, uncertainty, and spiritual darkness, and God promises to rescue His flock even in the midst of such challenging circumstances, as seen in Psalm 23:4 where David says God is with him even in the valley of the shadow of death.
How does God's rescue of His flock relate to our lives today?
God's promise to rescue His flock is a reminder of His love and faithfulness to His people, and as believers, we can trust that God is always working to bring us back to Himself, even when we feel lost or scattered, as seen in Romans 8:28 where Paul says God works all things together for the good of those who love Him.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I have felt 'scattered' or lost in my own life, and how can I trust God to rescue me?
- How can I be more like a shepherd who cares for and searches for the lost, in my relationships with others?
- What are some 'places' in my life where I feel trapped or stuck, and how can I trust God to rescue me from them?
- In what ways can I experience God's rescue and care in my daily life, and how can I share that with others?
Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 34:12
As a shepherd seeketh out his flock in the day that he is among his sheep that are scattered,.... That is, when they have been scattered, and are got together again; then he goes among them, to see
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 34:12
As a shepherd seeketh out his flock in the day that he is among his sheep that are scattered; so will I seek out my sheep, and will deliver them out of all places where they have been scattered in the cloudy and dark day.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 34:12
As a shepherd doth gently gather them together, counteth them, brings them to the fold, views what they have suffered, whether lame or torn, and binds up, and healeth; if any are wanting, he looks till he findeth them, and brings them back; so will I, saith the Lord. If the shepherd find the wolf or lion among them or near them, he will either kill or drive him away; so will God. If under-servants have been careless, they shall be warned or turned away; so here, &c. Will deliver them; they are wronged in all places where they were scattered, the places in which they are and should not be are part of that danger I will free them from. The cloudy day; when the storm first began to arise from abroad or at home; here in persecutions, there in warlike preparations. Dark day; that the land was invaded till the desolation of Jerusalem, the times of maladministration of their own governors, and violent irruption of their enemies.
Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 34:12
Ezekiel 34:12 As a shepherd seeketh out his flock in the day that he is among his sheep [that are] scattered; so will I seek out my sheep, and will deliver them out of all places where they have been scattered in the cloudy and dark day.Ver. 12. As a shepherd.] He prosecuteth the allegory drawn from shepherdy all along, striking still upon the same string with much sweetness. So will I seek out my sheep.] See Matthew 15:24 Psalms 119:176 Isaiah 40:11. In the cloudy and dark day,] i.e., In the time of their calamity and captivity. When things are at worst, God himself will set in; he reserveth his holy hand for a dead lift.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 34:12
Verse 12. Cloudy and dark day.] Times of general distress and persecution; in such times the shepherd should be especially watchful.
Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 34:12
11–16. Jehovah himself will undertake the care of his flock
Barnes' Notes on Ezekiel 34:12
The cloudy and dark day - Contrasted with the day in which the Lord will be among them like a shepherd to gather them together again.
Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 34:12
11-16. Jehovah himself is the Good Shepherd (compare Psalms 23; Matthew 9:36; John 10:1-16) who will feed his flock and make them lie down in good pastures, and will care tenderly for the sick and
Sermons on Ezekiel 34:12
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Israel's Coming Restoration by Arlen L. Chitwood | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Lot and the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. He emphasizes the importance of following God's instructions and not looking back |
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John 10:7-13. Christ Explains the Parable of the Good Shepherd. by Favell Lee Mortimer | Favell Lee Mortimer preaches on the profound significance of Jesus as the good shepherd, emphasizing that He is the gate to God and the only way to salvation through His sacrificia |
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A Treatise Concerning God's Teaching, and Christ's Law by Isaac Penington | Isaac Penington preaches about the gathering of God's scattered sheep back to the light and Spirit of Christ, emphasizing the importance of being truly holy and sanctified in Chris |
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The Value of One Soul by John Henry Jowett | John Henry Jowett preaches on the immense value God places on each soul, emphasizing the deep concern and pursuit of the Shepherd for the one lost sheep. Just as a missing face cre |
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1 Peter 2:25 by John Gill | John Gill emphasizes the transformative journey of believers as depicted in 1 Peter 2:25, illustrating how they were once lost sheep, straying from the Shepherd, but have now been |
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Epistle 279 by George Fox | George Fox emphasizes the transformative power of Christ, the heavenly man, who brings believers from death to life through His blood. He encourages the gathered friends of Christ |
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Jehovah Rohi - the Lord Is My Shepherd by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of walking on a beach at night during a financial crisis. He expresses his need for God's presence, love, and assurance. As |