The word of the Lord came to me: 'Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, prophesy, and say to them, even to the shepherds, Thus says the Lord God: Ah, you shepherds of Israel who have been feeding yourselves! should not shepherds feed the sheep? inaugurating an extended metaphorical critique of Israel's leaders as shepherds who consumed resources meant for the flock. The opening address—'prophesy, prophesy'—emphasizes the seriousness of the prophetic call. The shepherd metaphor was common in ancient Near Eastern political discourse.

COMMUNITY REFLECTIONS

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