Ezekiel 34:18

Seemeth it a small thing vnto you, to haue eaten vp the good pasture, but ye must tread downe with your feet the residue of your pastures? and to haue drunke of the deepe waters, but yee must fonle the residue with your feete? Ezekiel 34:18 (KJV)

This verse belongs to a larger passage in which the prophet Ezekiel delivers a message from God, condemning the leaders of Israel for their negligence in shepherding and caring for the people. God employs the image of shepherds and their handling of pasture and water to expose the leaders’ abuse of their positions.

“Is it a small thing unto you to have eaten up the good pasture…?” – Here God questions whether the leaders regarded it as insignificant that they had consumed the best and most nourishing pasture that God had provided. The pasture symbolizes the resources and blessings given to the nation.

“…but ye must tread down with your feet the residue of your pastures?” – God rebukes the leaders for not only taking the good pasture but also trampling and destroying what remained. This illustrates their greed and total disregard for the welfare of those under their care.

“…and to have drunk of the deep waters…” – In the same manner God points out that the leaders have taken advantage of the abundant, refreshing waters that were available to the people.

“…but ye must foul the residue with your feet?” – The final phrase accuses the leaders of further contaminating the remaining water sources by defiling them with their feet, turning something pure into something polluted.

Overall, Ezekiel 34:18 serves as a sharp critique of selfish and oppressive leadership. The analogy of pasture and water draws attention to the leaders’ exploitation of the resources entrusted to them rather than using them responsibly for the welfare of the flock. The passage reminds both leaders and individuals that they must not exploit or harm others for personal gain. It underscores the importance of responsibility, integrity, and faithful stewardship in positions of authority, and it reflects God’s deep concern for the well‑being of His people and His expectation that those in leadership nurture and protect those under their care.