Ezekiel 34:5Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The people of God were dispersed due to their vices or erroneous teachings, as there was no true shepherd willing to sacrifice himself for the sheep. Instead, there were hirelings of various sorts, who were only interested in the material gain from the flocks and would flee at the sight of danger. Consequently, the Lord's flock has been preyed upon by wild beasts, as it is written, ‘You have laid the darkness, and there was night, and in it all the beasts of the oak shall pass away: the snarling beasts of the forest shall roar, and seek their food from God (Psalm 103:20-21). Those who exalt themselves in their pride move across every mountain and high hill, showing disdain for the simplicity of the church, while wandering in search of earthly treasures rather than heavenly ones. No one has sought to reclaim them, for the shepherds, engrossed in their own pleasures, do not attend to the plight of the Lord's flock.

The term "beasts" is used metaphorically here, just as the term "sheep" is employed in a similar way. These beasts represent spiritual adversaries, demonic forces that seek to ruin souls, while also symbolizing carnal temptations that assail us from all sides.