Ezekiel 34:13Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Blessed David also refers to this mountain, stating, "The mountain of God is a mountain of abundance; a mountain of belonging, a mountain of abundance" (Psalm 67:16). He then addresses the mountains of Israel, which hold envy for this height, asking, "Why do you not recognize the mountain of belonging?" (Psalm 67:17), implying that their envy is in vain; it pleases God to reside there, for the Lord will inhabit it eternally. Thus other interpreters have guided our understanding: Aquila remarks, "Why do you quarrel over the mountain of belonging?" and Theodotion questions, "Why do you engage in judgment of this mountain?" Furthermore, Isaiah proclaims, along with Micah, that in the latter days, the mountain of the Lord will be revealed, and the house of the Lord shall be established atop the mountains, attracting all nations to it (Isaiah 2:2, Micah 4:1). In the holy Gospel, the Lord asserts, "A city set on a hill cannot be hidden" (Matt. 5:14). Thus, the elevation and clarity of the Gospel message is also referred to by God as a mountain, on which, as He assured, the flock will experience glory. He further states: "And their enclosures shall be secure there." This specifically pertains to us and not to the Jews, who had one enclosure—the temple in Jerusalem—while we possess innumerable churches throughout the world. They shall find rest and solace in rich sustenance, laying down in abundant pastures upon the mountains of Israel (15). "And I will tend my flock." The nourishing and plentiful sustenance is found in the words of God, for it is said, "Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will grant you the desires of your heart" (Psalm 36:4). The mountains of Israel represent the prophetic scriptures, which previously fed us and provided us a means to ascend to a high mountain; through prophetic utterances, we are lifted to the Gospel truth they foreshadowed. As our shepherd, we have the Lord Himself, who declares, "I am the good shepherd" (John 10:11). Here, He prefigured this promise, stating, "And I will tend my sheep; I will give them rest, and they will know that I am the Lord." For we are His shepherds, finding rest in His teaching, akin to a green pasture, acknowledging His sovereignty.