34: 1-6. This prophecy may have come from the years before the fall of Jerusalem, or may be understood as a general denunciation of the kings who were descended from David, the last of whom was Zedekiah. Like Jeremiah (Jeremiah 22: 13-20), Ezekiel denounces the kings who thought only of their own position and power, exploited their subjects, neglected their duties, and allowed their kingdom to be seized by others. The comparison of the king with a shepherd is a common one in Hebrew thought; sheep-keeping was an important occupation amongst the Israelites.

34: 7-10. God declares that he is the enemy of the unfaithful kings. This is a strong statement as it was understood that the ruler was appointed with God's approval to be the servant of God. The people would never again be ruled by other descendants of these kings because God is taking his people away from them.

34: 11-31. This is a beautiful passage of assurance of God's care and concern for his people. God is compared to the good shepherd who cares for his sheep. He will bring together his scattered people, as a shepherd collects his sheep, and lead them back to the streams and pastures of Israel. He will search for those who are lost and heal those who are sick. But he will destroy those who are dangerous and harmful to others. He will know them individually, separating the good from the bad. He will make a covenant with them to ensure their security, and appoint a ruler like David to take care of them. Verses 26-31 describe the restored land of Israel in which the people live in safety, prosperity and freedom. God's love for his people is affirmed in the final words of the chapter: ' "You, my sheep, the flock that I feed, are my people and I am your God," says the Sovereign LORD'.

This passage has parallels in Jeremiah 23: 1-4, Psalm 23, and John 10 : 1-18 and Luke 15: 4-7, in its idea of God caring for his people like a good shepherd, knowing them individually, searching for the lost ones and bringing them safely to their own place.