Ezekiel 34:6Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The people of God became dispersed due to either sinful behaviors or doctrinal errors, as there was no true shepherd willing to sacrifice himself for the flock. Instead, various hired hands appeared, motivated solely by their own gain, running away when faced with danger. This neglect allowed the Lord’s flock to be consumed by wild beasts, leading to the fulfillment of the scripture, ‘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 elevate themselves above the knowledge of God wander aimlessly across every mountain, while those who embrace heretical pride scorn the simplicity found within the church. They are scattered throughout the earth, pursuing worldly desires instead of heavenly ones, and no one has sought to retrieve them. The shepherds, preoccupied with their indulgences, show no concern for the loss of the Lord’s flock.

My flock has been dispersed and has wandered across the mountains and high hills; they have been scattered over the face of the entire earth, and there has been neither search nor return. By mentioning mountains, hills, and other locations, He indicated the worship of idols that took place there, for idol temples were established on mountains, on the heights of the land, and in every location, with neither rulers nor priests denouncing this sin. Therefore, God declared that there is no one seeking or converting.