Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezekiel 34:10. It's a pretty serious and dramatic statement about the role of shepherds in the Bible. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Basic Idea: God is sending a very harsh message to the shepherds – specifically, to the shepherd who is currently leading the flock. He's essentially saying he’s going to take control and demand that they stop feeding the sheep. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Thus saith the Lord GOD…” : This sets the stage – God is speaking directly to him. “…Behold, I am against the shepherds…” : This is a direct command. God is taking action and refusing to allow the shepherds to continue their duties. "...and I will require my flock at their hand…” : God isn’t just saying he’ll punish them; he's demanding that they hand over the responsibility of caring for the sheep. It's like giving someone a task and expecting them to complete it. "...and cause them to cease from feeding the flock; neither shall the shepherds feed themselves any more…” : This is the core of the verse. God is going to stop the shepherds from providing food or care for the sheep. They’re being forced to stop their work. “For I will deliver my flock from their mouth, that they may not be meat for them.” : This is the most shocking part. It's a very powerful metaphor. God is saying he'll completely take control of the shepherds' actions – preventing them from feeding the sheep. He’s making it clear that these shepherds are not meant to be food. What does this mean in a broader sense? Historically, this verse is often interpreted as a warning about the potential for abuse of power within religious leadership. It suggests that leaders should remain above and beyond the needs of their followers, and that they shouldn't become overly reliant on the support of the people. It’s a call for humility and accountability. Important Note: This is a complex verse with layers of meaning. Different interpretations exist over time. --- Do you want me to: Explain a specific aspect of this verse in more detail? (e.g., its connection to the story of Ezekiel’s fall?) Provide some context about the era and culture when this passage was written? Offer a different perspective on its meaning?