Ezekiel 34:11Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

When He locates the lost sheep, He finds them as sick, weary, and dispersed due to the neglect of their shepherds. He will rescue them from all places during the time of darkness and despair, as Joel prophesies: The day of the Lord is coming, indeed it is near: a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and thick darkness (Joel 2:1-2).

In this context, he refers to the darkness of ignorance that enveloped the world prior to the embodiment of our Lord and Savior. He likens this situation to a vigilant shepherd who cautiously protects his flock when he perceives a fog that poses a threat from wolves and thieves. He proclaims, “I will care for my sheep, I will bring together those who have been scattered, transforming the dispersed into one flock, which represents the Church formed from both Jews and Gentiles." He then makes a profound prophecy, for what is seen is exclusive to the Jews, yet the hidden and mysterious truths belong to all mankind. Furthermore, the experiences of the Jews serve as a foreshadowing of what has been fulfilled in us. Just as their emancipation from captivity and their return to Judea reflects our own journey from the grasp of the devil back to God, it mirrors our liberation from this burdensome bondage.