Isaiah 56:11
Yea they are greedy dogges which can neuer haue ynough, and they are shepheards that cannot vnderstand: they all looke to their owne way, euery one for his gaine, from his quarter. Isaiah 56:11 (KJV)
Yea,
they are greedy dogs
which can never have enough, and they
are shepherds
that cannot understand: they all look to their own way, every one for his gain, from his quarter. Isaiah 56:11 (KJV)
Isaiah was a prophet who lived during the time of the divided kingdoms of Israel and Judah, around the 8th century BC. During this period, the region faced various challenges, including political turmoil, idolatry, and moral decay. Isaiah’s prophecies addressed these issues and offered guidance and warnings to the people.
In Isaiah 56:11, the prophet uses vivid imagery to convey a message about the religious leaders of his time, referring to them as “greedy dogs” and “shepherds that cannot understand,” and also condemns the practice of creating and worshipping idols, noting that some people set up idols and pray to the work of their own hands.
The reference to “greedy dogs” implies that the religious leaders were driven by self‑interest and material gain. Dogs, in this context, represent their insatiable desire for more. They were consumed by their own selfish desires, pursuing wealth and personal gain instead of genuinely caring for the people they were meant to guide and shepherd.
The phrase “shepherds that cannot understand” suggests that the religious leaders lacked spiritual insight and understanding. They failed to grasp the true meaning of their role as spiritual guides. Instead of leading the people in righteousness and knowledge of God’s ways, they neglected their responsibilities and focused on their own agendas.
The reference to “setting up idols” implies that the religious leaders and the people were turning to man‑made objects for spiritual security. Their devotion to these creations reflects a self‑centered approach that replaces trust in God with confidence in human craftsmanship.
By noting that people pray to “the work of their own hands,” Isaiah underscores how personal ambition and pride can corrupt true worship. The warning against allowing personal achievements to become objects of reverence diverts devotion away from the divine.
The danger of self‑centeredness is clear: Isaiah’s message warns against the perils of selfishness and self‑centeredness. It reminds us that as leaders or individuals, our focus should not solely be on personal gain or satisfying our own desires. Instead, we should prioritise serving others and seeking the greater good.
The responsibility of spiritual leaders is highlighted: this verse emphasizes the crucial role of spiritual leaders to guard against idolatry—both literal and figurative—and to lead people toward authentic worship of God. Leaders should strive to shepherd their flocks faithfully, guiding them in truth, and helping them grow in their relationship with God.
The pursuit of righteousness is urged: Isaiah’s challenge encourages us to prioritize righteousness over personal gain. Aligning our actions and motivations with God’s principles helps prevent the temptation to elevate our own works to the status of idols.
The call for discernment is evident: the phrase “shepherds that cannot understand” and the warning against praying to “the work of their own hands” remind us of the importance of spiritual discernment. Individuals should continually seek wisdom and understanding from God, enabling us to make righteous decisions and discern between what is beneficial and what is self‑serving.
