יחזקאל, פרק ל״ד, פסוק ב׳

Leadership carries a profound responsibility to serve and protect, yet those in power often succumb to the temptation of self-interest. A piercing critique is directed at leaders who exploit their positions for personal gain rather than caring for the needs of their people. Using the familiar metaphor of a shepherd and his flock, a deep moral failure within the highest levels of society is exposed. The shepherds in this context do not tend to actual animals; rather, they represent the kings, ministers, and public officials entrusted with guiding the nation [רש״י, מצודת דוד, רד״ק]. The warning is delivered with emphatic focus [רד״ק, מלבי״ם], opening with a cry of deep sorrow and mourning over the corrupt path these officials have chosen [מצודת ציון].

The heart of the tragedy is that these leaders have chosen to feed only themselves. Instead of looking out for the nation, they are consumed by personal pleasure, indulging their desires and enriching themselves at the expense of the public wealth they are supposed to protect [רש״י, מצודת דוד, רד״ק]. A sharp challenge is raised against this behavior, questioning the very nature of a leader's duty. The primary approach among commentators views this as a stark reminder of a leader's basic, natural obligation to oversee and sustain the people, rather than prioritizing themselves. Alternatively, this challenge is understood as a cry of shock at a twisted role reversal: society has become so distorted that the flock is now the one feeding and sustaining the shepherds [ביאור שטיינזלץ, חומת אנך].

These public figures happily consume the resources of the people, but they completely abandon their responsibility to care for the weak, the sick, and the lost. Instead of offering compassion and support, they rule over the public with harsh force [מלבי״ם]. The true calling of Israel's leaders is to guide the nation with knowledge and wisdom, leading them on the right path, teaching them Torah and justice, and offering correction when necessary. However, because the leaders themselves fell into sin and corrupted their own behavior, they lost all moral authority to guide or correct the people. Stripped of their integrity, they effectively abandoned the flock to its fate [רד״ק, חומת אנך].