^5 (A)So they were ^(B)scattered because there was no shepherd; ^(C)and they became food for all the beasts of the field when they were scattered.

^36 (A)But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were ^[a]weary and scattered, ^(B)like sheep having no shepherd.

¹⁶ Then he said, “I saw all Israel ^(A)scattered on the mountains, as sheep that have no ^(B)shepherd. And the Lord said, ‘These have no master. Let each return to his house in peace.’ ”

⁸ “As I live,” says the Lord God, “surely because My flock became a prey, and My flock ^(A)became food for every beast of the field, because there was no shepherd, nor did My shepherds search for My flock, ^(B)but the shepherds fed themselves and did not feed My flock”—

² Therefore thus says the Lord God of Israel against the shepherds who feed My people: “You have scattered My flock, driven them away, and not attended to them. ^(A)Behold, I will attend to you for the evil of your doings,” says the Lord.

²⁹ For I know this, that after my departure ^(A)savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. ³⁰ Also ^(B)from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking ^[a]perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves. ³¹ Therefore watch, and remember that ^(C)for three years I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears.

Israel’s Irresponsible Leaders