Shepherds, Judgment, and a New Heart: God’s Promise of Restoration
- Be God's Glory
- Sep 11
- 10 min read
Welcome to Day 254 of The Glory Team Bible Reading plan and we are in the book of Ezekiel. In chapters 34–36, God contrasts failed human leadership with His own faithful care and promises of renewal for His people. He first condemns Israel’s shepherds—its leaders—for feeding themselves rather than tending the flock, but then promises to be the true Shepherd who will rescue, gather, and feed His people. In the next chapter, God turns to Edom (Mount Seir), pronouncing judgment on them for their hostility and vengeance against Israel. Finally, God declares His plan to restore Israel: not because of their righteousness, but for the sake of His holy name. He promises cleansing, a new heart, and a new spirit, along with the restoration of their land. Together, these chapters show God’s justice, His care for His people, and His power to transform hearts for His glory.
Ezekiel 34
Ezekiel 34 opens with a rebuke of Israel’s shepherds—the leaders who exploited the flock instead of protecting and nurturing them. They fed themselves but neglected the weak, sick, and straying sheep, leaving God’s people scattered and vulnerable. God declares that He Himself will intervene, becoming the true Shepherd who seeks the lost, heals the injured, and strengthens the weak. He also promises to raise up “one shepherd, My servant David,” a Messianic prophecy pointing to Christ as the ultimate Good Shepherd. The chapter concludes with promises of covenant blessings, peace, and provision, where God’s people will dwell securely under His care. This chapter reveals God’s compassion and His commitment to personally shepherd His people when human leaders fail.
Ezekiel 35
In chapter 35, God turns His focus to Mount Seir, representing Edom, Israel’s long-standing enemy. Edom is condemned for its perpetual hatred and for taking advantage of Israel’s vulnerability during times of judgment. God declares that Edom will be desolate and its cities ruined, never to be restored, showing His justice against nations that oppose His people. This judgment demonstrates that hostility toward God’s chosen people is ultimately hostility toward God Himself. The chapter reinforces the principle that God is faithful to defend His people, even as He disciplines them. It also serves as a warning to all nations that vengeance and pride against God’s purposes lead to ruin.
Ezekiel 36
Ezekiel 36 shifts from judgment to restoration, highlighting God’s plan to renew Israel both physically and spiritually. God promises to restore the land of Israel, making its mountains fruitful again after years of devastation and ridicule from surrounding nations. Yet the restoration is not based on Israel’s merit but on God’s holy name, which had been profaned among the nations. God pledges to cleanse His people, remove their impurities, and give them a new heart and spirit, enabling them to walk in His ways. This passage points forward to the new covenant and the transforming work of the Holy Spirit. The chapter closes with the assurance that Israel will again dwell securely in the land, a testimony of God’s faithfulness and power before the world.
Origin & Meaning of the Name:
The name Ezekiel comes from the Hebrew name Yehezqel, which means “God strengthens” or “God is my strength.” This meaning is significant in the context of the book because Ezekiel is called by God to strengthen the faith of Israel and uphold God’s authority in the midst of the nation’s exile and rebellion.
Purpose of the Book:
The book of Ezekiel was written primarily to warn, convict, and comfort the people of Israel during their exile in Babylon (c. 593–571 BC). Its purposes include:
Warning of Judgment: To declare God’s judgment on Israel for their idolatry, rebellion, and unfaithfulness (Ezekiel 5:5–17).
Encouraging Repentance: To call the people to repentance and restore hope for the remnant who return to God (Ezekiel 18:30–32).
Revealing God’s Sovereignty and Glory: Through vivid visions, symbolic acts, and prophetic messages, the book emphasizes that God is sovereign over all nations, not just Israel (Ezekiel 1:26–28; 36:22–23).
Promising Restoration: Ezekiel concludes with promises of renewal for Israel, including the vision of the valley of dry bones and the restored temple, symbolizing spiritual revival and national restoration (Ezekiel 37:1–28; 40–48).
Authorship & Sources Supporting the Author:
The book of Ezekiel is attributed to the prophet Ezekiel, a priest and prophet among the Jewish exiles in Babylon. Evidence for his authorship includes:
Biblical References:
Ezekiel repeatedly identifies himself in the text as the recipient of God’s visions and messages (Ezekiel 1:3, 2:1, 3:4).
The Book of 2 Kings 24–25 provides historical context about the Babylonian exile, confirming the timeframe of Ezekiel’s ministry.
Extra-Biblical Support:
The Jewish historian Josephus in Antiquities of the Jews (Book 10, Chapter 10) references Ezekiel as a prophet active during the Babylonian exile, confirming the traditional attribution.
The Talmud (Babylonian Talmud, tractate Megillah 14b) also recognizes Ezekiel as the author of the prophetic book that bears his name.
Internal Evidence: The first-person accounts, vivid visions, and symbolic actions consistently present throughout the book strongly suggest a single author with intimate knowledge of priestly practices and the Babylonian exile experience.
Key People:
Ezekiel – The prophet and main figure, called by God to deliver messages of warning, judgment, and hope.
God (YHWH) – Central figure of the book, revealed in powerful visions and messages.
King Jehoiachin – King of Judah taken into Babylonian exile, mentioned in Ezekiel 1:2 and 24:1–2.
Other Israelites – The people of Israel, often depicted as rebellious and in need of correction (Ezekiel 2:3–5; 18:2–3).
Foreign Nations – Babylon, Tyre, Egypt, Ammon, Moab, and Edom, who are often referenced in prophecies of judgment (Ezekiel 25–32).
Conclusion
The book of Ezekiel concludes with a powerful message of hope, restoration, and God’s enduring presence. Despite Israel’s rebellion and judgment, God promises to gather His people, cleanse them from sin, and restore them to their land. The final chapters (Ezekiel 40–48) present a vision of a renewed temple and a reestablished covenant community, symbolizing spiritual revival and the assurance that God remains faithful to His promises. The overarching theme is that God is holy, sovereign, and faithful, and He works through judgment and restoration to fulfill His purposes for His people.
What is God's Name in these Chapters?
In this portion of our journey we want to dive deep into the character of God described in His name. By identifying who God is, we can further relate to Him personally and build a stronger relationship and connection with Our Father.
Names are important. They give significance to places, people, and things. We identify with so much based off what it's name is. This is considerably notable when it comes to the names of God.
"Jehovah" is considered a Latinized version of the Hebrew name "Yahweh" (represented by the consonants YHWH) where the vowels of the Hebrew word "Adonai" (meaning "my Lord") were added to the Tetragrammaton (YHWH) when pronounced by Jewish readers who avoided saying the sacred name directly; essentially, Christian scholars combined the consonants of YHWH with the vowels of Adonai to create the pronunciation "Jehovah" in the Latin alphabet.
Looking for the Names of God from the previous chapters? Due to the overwhelming amount of names we had to dedicate a special place for them for the sake of space. Click the link to see them:
Ezekiel 34
In Ezekiel 34, God’s character is revealed as the true Shepherd who cares for His people when human leaders fail. He is compassionate, attentive, and protective, seeking the lost, binding up the injured, and strengthening the weak. Unlike the selfish shepherds of Israel, God provides safety, nourishment, and peace for His flock. The lesson is that God Himself steps in to guide and protect His people, showing His faithfulness and love.
This chapter points to God as Yahweh-Raah (The LORD My Shepherd), the One who personally tends to His people. He also promises to raise up “My servant David,” a prophecy fulfilled in Jesus, the Good Shepherd. The lesson here is that true leadership comes from God’s heart of service and care, and we are called to trust Him as our Shepherd rather than depending on failing human leaders.
Ezekiel 35
In Ezekiel 35, God reveals Himself as just and righteous, punishing Edom for its violence and hatred against Israel. He is shown as the defender of His people, bringing retribution on those who harm them. His justice is impartial, and His judgment is final, ensuring that no nation can stand in pride against His purposes. The lesson is that God does not overlook sin or cruelty, especially when it targets His people.
No specific Hebrew names of God are mentioned in this chapter, but His actions reflect Him as Elohim (The Mighty One, Judge of all nations). The lesson here is that vengeance belongs to the Lord, not to us, and that He will act in justice against those who oppose His will. We can relate by trusting God to defend us in times of opposition rather than taking matters into our own hands.
Ezekiel 36
In Ezekiel 36, God’s character is revealed as holy, merciful, and restorative. He makes it clear that His restoration of Israel is not because of their goodness but for the sake of His holy name. He promises to cleanse His people, give them a new heart, and put His Spirit within them, showing His power to transform. The lesson is that God redeems and restores not because of who we are, but because of who He is.
This chapter reflects Yahweh Mekadesh (The LORD Who Sanctifies), as God promises to cleanse His people and make them holy. It also points to His covenant faithfulness as Yahweh Elohim (The LORD God), acting for the sake of His name among the nations. The lesson is that God’s transformation work is inward and spiritual, calling us to walk in His ways with a renewed heart that reflects His holiness.
Christ in Every Book of the Bible
Christ is the theme throughout the Bible. From Genesis to Revelation, God reveals His Son, Jesus Christ.
Christ is the Seed of the woman Genesis 3:14 , He is the Passover Lamb Exodus 12:3, The Atoning Sacrifice Leviticus 17:11, The Smitten Rock Numbers 20:8, 11, The Faithful Prophet Deuteronomy 18:18, Christ is the Captain of the Lord's Host Joshua 5:15, The Divine Deliverer Judges 2:18, The Kinsman Redeemer Ruth 3:12, Christ is the anticipated as the Anointed One,1 Samuel 2:10, The Son of David 2 Samuel 7:14, The Coming King 1 & 2 Kings, Builder of the Temple 1 & 2 Chronicles (1 Chronicles 28:20), Ezra represents Christ as the Restorer of the Nation Ezra 6:14, 15, Nehemiah shows Him as the Restorer of the Temple Nehemiah 6:15, and Esther portrays Him as the Preserver of the Nation Ester 4:14, Christ is seen as the Living Redeemer Job 19:25, The Praise of Israel Psalm 150:6, The Wisdom of God Proverbs 8:22, 23, The Great Teacher Ecclesiastics 12:11, The Fairest of Ten Thousand Song of Solomon 5:10. Christ is the Suffering Servant Isaiah 53:11, The Maker of the New Covenant Jeremiah 31:31, The Man of Sorrows Lamentations 3:28-30, The Glory of God Ezekiel 43:2, The coming Messiah Daniel 9:25, The Lover of the Unfaithful Hosea 3:1, The Hope of Israel Joel 3:16, The Husbandman Amos 9:13, the Savior Obadiah 21, the Resurrected One Jonah 2:10, the Ruler in Israel Micah 5:2, the Avenger Nahum 2:1, the Holy God Habakkuk 1:13, the King of Israel Zephaniah 3:15, the Desire of Nations Haggai 2:7, the Righteous Branch Zechariah 3:8, and the Sun of Righteousness Malachi 4:2.
The King of the Jews Matthew 2:2, the Servant of the Lord Mark 10:45, the Son of Man Luke 19:10, and the Son of God John 1:1. Christ is the Ascended Lord Acts 1:10, the believer's Righteousness Romans 1:17, Sanctification 1 Corinthians 1:30, Sufficiency 2 Corinthians 12:9, and Liberty Galatians 2:4. He is the Exalted Head of the church Ephesians 1:22, the Christian's Joy Philippians 1:26, and the Fullness of Deity Colossians 2:9. In the Thessalonian epistles Christ is the believer's Comfort 1 Thessalonians 4:16, 17 and Glory 2 Thessalonians 1:12. The Christian's Preserver 1 Timothy 4:10, Rewarder 2 Timothy 4:8, Blessed Hope Titus 2:13, and Substitute Philemon 17. He is the High Priest Hebrews 4:15, the Giver of Wisdom James 1:5, the Rock 1 Peter 2:6, and Precious Promise 2 Peter 1:4. John represents Christ as the Life 1 John, the Truth 2 John, and the Way 3 John, Jude portrays Christ as the Advocate and Revelation shows Him as King of Kings and Lord of Lords Revelation 19:16. The whole Bible is literally all about Christ!
Questions:
Let's expand how these chapters expanded your faith and your relationship with God.
Questions About God's Character: What do these chapters reveal about God’s faithfulness to His word and promises?
How does Ezekiel 34 reveal God as the true Shepherd of His people?
What do God’s actions toward the failed shepherds show about His justice and holiness?
How is God’s compassion displayed in His promise to seek the lost and heal the injured?
In Ezekiel 35, what does God’s judgment of Edom reveal about His role as a defender of His people?
How does Ezekiel 36 highlight God’s holiness when He restores Israel for the sake of His name?
What do these chapters teach us about God’s power to both judge nations and restore His people?
How does God’s willingness to give His people a new heart reflect His mercy and love?
Questions About Themes:
What is the significance of the shepherd imagery in Ezekiel 34, and how does it point to the Messiah?
How does the theme of judgment against Edom in Ezekiel 35 fit into the larger biblical theme of God defending Israel?
What theme of accountability appears in God’s condemnation of Israel’s leaders in Ezekiel 34?
How does Ezekiel 36 connect the restoration of Israel to the sanctification of God’s name among the nations?
What is the importance of the theme of covenant promises seen in the reference to “My servant David” in Ezekiel 34?
How does the theme of transformation (a new heart and new spirit) in Ezekiel 36 anticipate the New Covenant?
Across these chapters, what theme emerges about God’s sovereignty over both His people and the surrounding nations?
Reflective Application Questions:
In what ways can we fall into the same failures as Israel’s shepherds, and how can we lead with God’s heart instead?
How do you personally experience God as your Shepherd, guiding and protecting you?
What does Ezekiel 35 teach you about trusting God to handle opposition or injustice in your life?
How does God’s promise of a new heart in Ezekiel 36 challenge you to examine areas in your life that need His transformation?
How can you live in a way that reflects God’s holiness to the world, so that His name is honored rather than profaned?
In what ways do these chapters encourage you to place more trust in God’s promises than in your own strength or leaders?
How does the assurance of God’s restoration give you hope in times of personal or spiritual brokenness?
These questions can help deepen understanding of the themes of these chapters, while encouraging trust in God's sovereignty, justice, faithfulness, and timing. We hope thoughts to these questions invite you to reflect on your own journeys, grow in faith, and understand more about God's nature.
Reference Guides:
Life Application Study Guide
A Popular Survey of the Old Testament by Norman L. Geisler
The Power of God's Names by Tony Evans
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