Ezekiel 34:19

19 Why must my flock eat what you have trampled down and drink water you have fouled?

Ezekiel 34:19 Meaning and Commentary

Ezekiel 34:19

And as for my flock, they eat that which ye have trodden with
your feet
They are forced to do it, not being able to come at any thing else; being as sheep without a shepherd, or worse: and they drink that which ye have fouled with your feet;
which, as it cannot be agreeable and relishing, so neither wholesome; as the leaven of the Scribes and Pharisees; the traditions of the elders; the false doctrines of false teachers, whose words eat as do a canker. The Targum of the whole verse is,

``and my people eat the residue of the food of your ministers, and drink the residue of the drink of your ministers.''

Ezekiel 34:19 In-Context

17 “And as for you, my flock, this is what the Sovereign LORD says to his people: I will judge between one animal of the flock and another, separating the sheep from the goats.

18 Isn’t it enough for you to keep the best of the pastures for yourselves? Must you also trample down the rest? Isn’t it enough for you to drink clear water for yourselves? Must you also muddy the rest with your feet?

19 Why must my flock eat what you have trampled down and drink water you have fouled?

20 “Therefore, this is what the Sovereign LORD says: I will surely judge between the fat sheep and the scrawny sheep.

21 For you fat sheep pushed and butted and crowded my sick and hungry flock until you scattered them to distant lands.