Therefore, ye shepherds, hear the word of the Lord; As I live, saith
the Lord God, surely because my flock became a prey, and my flock
became meat to every beast of the field, because there was no
shepherd, neither did my shepherds search for my flock, but the
shepherds fed themselves, and fed not my flock; Therefore, O ye
shepherds, hear the word of the Lord; thus saith the Lord God;
Behold, I am against the shepherds; and I will require my flock at
their hand, and cause them to cease from feeding the flock; neither
shall the shepherds feed themselves any more; for I will deliver my
flock from their mouth, that they may not be meat for them (verses
7-10).
Jehovah addresses the shepherds and condemns their wicked oppression of
His own sheep. He remembers in mercy His flock which has been torn as a
prey by their leaders, who acted like the wild beasts of the field. He
requires now the flock from their hands and sets the false shepherds
aside and announces that He will deliver His sheep. "For I will deliver
my flock from their mouth, that they may not be meat for them." The rest
of the chapter shows His deliverance and what the Lord will do for His
people Israel.