The promise of God bringing one shepherd over Israel is found in Ezekiel 34:23, which says “And I will set up over them one shepherd, my servant David, and he shall feed them: he shall feed them and be their shepherd.” This is a prophecy given to Ezekiel regarding God’s future restoration of Israel.
There are a few key things to understand about this prophecy:
- It refers to God appointing one shepherd over Israel. This is understood to be a future messianic figure from the line of David.
- It connects back to God’s promise to David about his descendant reigning forever (2 Samuel 7:12-16). The messiah will fulfill this promise.
- It speaks of this shepherd “feeding” and caring for God’s people, imagery of a good shepherd over Israel.
- It fits into other prophecies about a coming “Davidic” king who will reign in a future messianic kingdom (Isaiah 9:6-7, Jeremiah 23:5-6, etc).
There are differing views on when and how this prophecy will be fulfilled:
Fulfilled spiritually in Jesus Christ
Some see the prophecy as already fulfilled spiritually in Jesus Christ. Jesus is the promised “Good Shepherd” (John 10:11) who laid down his life for the sheep. He came from the line of David and fulfilled the Davidic covenant (Matthew 1:1, Romans 1:3). Though the literal kingdom awaits fulfillment, Jesus currently reigns spiritually over his people, the church.
Fulfilled in a future millennial kingdom
Others see a future, literal fulfillment when Christ returns to establish his millennial kingdom on earth. This is after the tribulation period prophesied in passages like Matthew 24. Christ will reign physically from Jerusalem over Israel and the world. The Davidic promises of a righteous king ruling forever will fully come to pass at this time.
Partially fulfilled now, but awaiting a complete future fulfillment
A third perspective sees Ezekiel’s prophecy as partially fulfilled spiritually now through Christ, but awaiting a complete future physical fulfillment. This understanding emphasizes both the “already, but not yet” aspect of biblical prophecy. Jesus currently reigns spiritually, but will one day return to reign physically over Israel and complete all the messianic promises.
When exactly this will happen is debated. Some believe the messianic kingdom will follow immediately after the tribulation period. Others think Jesus will come to reign for a thousand years (the millennium), then after a final rebellion will usher in the eternal state. There are good biblically-based arguments for each timeline.
Factors that determine the timing of fulfillment
There are several biblical factors that will determine when Christ ultimately returns to fulfill the promise of one shepherd over Israel:
- The timing of the tribulation period (Matthew 24:15-31). Scripture points to a coming time of great turmoil on the earth preceding Christ’s return. The fulfillment comes after these events.
- The national repentance of Israel (Romans 11:25-27). Many passages indicate Israel will turn back to God before they receive the kingdom promises.
- The salvation of the full number of Gentiles (Romans 11:25). There is a prophesied fullness of the Gentiles that must come before Christ returns.
- The preparation and global preaching of the church (Matthew 24:14). The gospel of the kingdom must be preached to all nations before the end comes.
- The signs of Christ’s coming (Matthew 24:4-14). Wars, rumors of wars, famines, earthquakes and other signs will increase before Christ’s return.
Seeing these factors already in motion gives expectation that the promise could be fulfilled in the days ahead. But the exact time remains unknown until God brings it to pass (Matthew 24:36).
Symbolism in the prophecy
The imagery of this prophecy contains important symbolism:
- Shepherd – A common Old Testament picture of a king or leader (2 Samuel 5:2, Psalm 23:1). Emphasizes tender care and guidance for the sheep.
- My servant David – Points to the messianic Davidic king. The new king will have the righteous heart of David.
- Feed/shepherd – Describes the king governing, leading, protecting and caring for his people. Fulfilling the role of shepherd.
- One shepherd – Suggests a unified leadership over God’s people. One main leader rather than many competing leaders.
This imagery shows God will fulfill his covenant promise to establish righteous Davidic leadership over Israel. Christ as the good shepherd will care for and unify the people of God.
Practical implications for believers today
This prophecy has important practical implications for Christians today as we await its complete fulfillment:
- It gives us hope for Christ’s return and establishment of God’s kingdom on earth.
- It increases our assurance in God’s faithfulness to keep his promises.
- It reminds us that Christ is the only good shepherd worthy of following.
- It calls us to pray for and hasten the day of Christ’s return (2 Peter 3:12).
- It gives us motivation to share the gospel so more may be saved.
- It leads us to holiness and readiness for Christ’s coming.
No matter when this prophecy finds complete fulfillment, we can trust in God’s perfect timing and live purposefully in light of Christ’s certain return.
New Testament connections
There are several New Testament passages that connect back to this prophecy in Ezekiel and provide additional insight:
Jesus as the Good Shepherd
- John 10:11 – “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”
- John 10:16 – “And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd.”
- Hebrews 13:20-21 – “Now may the God of peace… make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever.”
These and other verses portray Jesus as the promised shepherd over God’s people, giving abundant and eternal life.
The return of Christ in power and glory
- Matthew 24:30-31 – “The sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven… they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds…He will send out his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect.”
- Revelation 19:11-16 – “I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True… His eyes are like blazing fire…He has this name written on him: King of kings and Lord of lords.”
These depict Christ’s second coming to establish his kingdom on earth over Israel and all nations.
Old Testament connections
There are several other Old Testament prophecies that connect to this promise of one shepherd over Israel:
- 2 Samuel 7:12-16 – The promise to establish the throne and kingdom of David’s offspring forever.
- Psalm 89:20-37 – God’s covenant with David to preserve his line and throne despite disobedience.
- Isaiah 11:1-10 – The Branch will come from Jesse (David’s father) and rule in righteousness.
- Jeremiah 23:5-6 – God will raise up a righteous Branch from David who will reign as king.
- Hosea 3:4-5 – Israel will return and seek the Lord and David their king in the last days.
- Amos 9:11-15 – The fallen tabernacle of David will be restored under the Messiah.
Together these prophecies point to the same coming righteous Davidic ruler who will shepherd God’s people.
Interpretations and controversies
There are several interpretive issues and controversies related to this prophecy:
- How directly should “my servant David” be taken? As referring to David literally raised from the dead, or to the Messiah as a “new David”? Most see this as referring to the Messiah in the line of David.
- Is Ezekiel speaking of Christ’s spiritual reign now over the Church, or a future physical reign from Jerusalem over Israel and the nations? There are differing views on this.
- How might this prophecy tie into the resurrection of the dead (Daniel 12:2)? Will David and other Old Testament saints be raised to rule under Christ?
- Does this prophecy support premillennialism and a future earthly messianic kingdom? Or was this promise conditionally based on Israel’s obedience (now forfeited)?
- How do we reconcile prophecies of an earthly reign of Christ with passages about the eternal state (Revelation 21-22)?
These questions remain debated. But Bible scholars generally agree this is an important messianic prophecy that finds at least partial fulfillment in Jesus Christ, with complete fulfillment to come.
Conclusion
The promise in Ezekiel of one shepherd over Israel refers to the coming Davidic Messiah who will tenderly care for and govern God’s people. While fulfilled spiritually in Jesus, complete fulfillment awaits his glorious second coming. Exactly when this will happen remains unknown. But we can trust God will bring it to pass on his perfect timetable. Until then, we live with hope and readiness for the day we will see our Good Shepherd face to face.
