Ezekiel 34:23 Meaning and Explanation
“And I will set up one shepherd over them, and he shall feed them, even my servant David; he shall feed them, and he shall be their shepherd.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →God will establish a single, faithful shepherd—identified with David—to care for His people.
The Context of Ezekiel 34:23
God will appoint a faithful, David-like shepherd to lead His people.
What Does Ezekiel 34:23 Mean?
The promise moves toward a concrete figure. 'One shepherd' fulfills Israel's need for unified, faithful leadership. The identification with 'my servant David' references the greatest shepherd-king in Israel's history, known for his personal devotion to God and his care for his people. This is not a return to the failed shepherds but a transformation of leadership itself.
David is presented as God's servant, suggesting that true leadership flows from God's appointment and God's authority, not from human ambition. The repetition of 'he shall feed them' and 'their shepherd' emphasizes the fulfillment of the pastoral role.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ezekiel 34:23
What does Ezekiel 34:23 mean?
God will establish a single, faithful shepherd—identified with David—to care for His people.
What is the context of Ezekiel 34:23?
God will appoint a faithful, David-like shepherd to lead His people.