NOTES for Eze 34:15-16
The prophet Ezekiel, himself from a priestly family called to spiritual leadership in Israel, sees how far this calling is not being fulfilled. He describes this figuratively, comparing Israel to sheep and the priests to negligent shepherds. Continuing the comparison, he speaks already on God's behalf, saying that He Himself will become the true shepherd for His people. Then Israel will acquire genuine leadership; then it will become the Kingdom of God, and God will guard it, heal it, and judge it justly. All is well, but it is not clear how God intends to become this shepherd. A few verses later it is stated that "My servant David" will become shepherd and king, that is, God's promise of the Messiah-Christ is recalled. More than five hundred years will pass, Jesus will say of Himself, "I am the good shepherd," and the promise will be fulfilled. And we live in the age of prophecy fulfilled and being fulfilled.