The Davidic Ruler
A. B. Davidson, D. D. Ezekiel 34:23 And I will set up one shepherd over them, and he shall feed them, even my servant David; he shall feed them… The meaning cannot be that David would in person revive and reappear. It is more doubtful whether the prophet means that the line or family of David would again occupy the throne or that a single person would be king. It is possible that this question was not strictly before his mind; it is the character of the ruler that he thinks of. The Oriental mind hardly distinguishes between an ancient personage and one who appears in his power and spirit; when it compares it identifies. The new prince over the people will be David, the servant of the Lord. Both the person and the reign of David were idealised. He was not in general terms but in truth the man after God's own heart. His rule was not merely extensive; it was universal. He gave the people victory and secured them peace — he was a leader and commander of the people. Such shall be the king of the restored community when Jehovah is indeed the God of Israel. (A. B. Davidson, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: And I will set up one shepherd over them, and he shall feed them, even my servant David; he shall feed them, and he shall be their shepherd. WEB: I will set up one shepherd over them, and he shall feed them, even my servant David; he shall feed them, and he shall be their shepherd.