A message is sent to the Pharaoh of Egypt that God would gather him up like a wild animal and allow others to have possession of his land. This would be accomplished by the instrument of the Babylonian Empire. Egypt would face the same end as Assyria, Elam, Meschech, Tubal, Edom, Sidon and others who fell for their opposition to God and His commands.
By contrast, Ezekiel was to act as an early warning system to the nation. His duty was to sound the warning of God's coming judgment. If he would remain faithful to that responsibility, the consequences would rest on the people for their response. Were Ezekiel to fail to give the messages, he would bear responsibility for not warning the people. God's judgment would be fairly meted out on those deserving it who were unrepentant.
The city of Jerusalem did fall during Ezekiel's captivity. The people thought that their army, of impressive size, could effect a rescue of the city; but Ezekiel was given a message stating that they were not to trust in their might. However, the people refused to listen and act appropriately to the message God had sent. God compares these people to shepherds who feed themselves and not their own flocks, while He by contrast is a faithful and true Shepherd to His people.
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