And the LORD said unto me, Take unto thee yet the instruments of a foolish shepherd.
The taking up of the implements of a foolish shepherd stands as a sign of unfaithful leaders who would neglect God's people. Such a shepherd does not visit those that are cut off, does not seek the young, does not heal what is broken, and does not feed what stands still. Instead he eats the flesh of the fat and tears their claws in pieces, exploiting the flock for his own gain rather than serving it. The Jewish rulers exemplified this neglect, failing to minister to the needy and helpless entrusted to their care.
The taking up of the implements of a foolish shepherd stands as a sign of unfaithful leaders who would neglect God's people. Such a shepherd does not visit those that are cut off, does not seek the young, does not heal what is broken, and does not feed what stands still. Instead he eats the flesh of the fat and tears their claws in pieces, exploiting the flock for his own gain rather than serving it. The Jewish rulers exemplified this neglect, failing to minister to the needy and helpless entrusted to their care.