In real
life, the primary purpose in raising flocks is to gain income.
Herding is an
economic choice, a livelihood.
Any shepherd, ancient or modern, would be
surprised if he were criticized for raising animals only for their fiber, milk,
and meat.
Yet this is Ezekiel’s critique of the ‘shepherds of Israel’ in
Ezekiel 34. The criticism only makes sense if the leaders of Israel are undershepherds. In that case they have
no right to the products.
The parable goes right to the heart of the matter:
the rulers behaved like owners rather than hired servants. --Timothy S Laniak
