Ezekiel 34:21 in the King James Version of the Bible reads, "Because ye have thrust with side and with shoulder, and pushed all the diseased with your horns, till ye have scattered them abroad." This verse is part of a larger passage in the book of Ezekiel that addresses the failures of the leaders of Israel to care for and protect their people, likening them to shepherds who have neglected their flock.

The context of this verse is important to understanding its meaning and significance. In the preceding verses, Ezekiel condemns the leaders of Israel for their negligence and abuse of power. In verse 4, he states that the shepherds have not sought out the scattered or lost, nor have they cared for the sick or injured. Instead, they have ruled over the people with harshness and cruelty, taking advantage of their position for their own gain.

In verse 5, Ezekiel prophesies that the people have been scattered and become prey for wild beasts due to the failure of their leaders. The metaphor of shepherds and sheep is a powerful and reoccurring theme throughout the Bible. It represents the relationship between leaders and their followers and the responsibility that leaders have to care for, protect, and guide their people.

In verse 21, the imagery continues with the mention of the leaders thrusting with side and shoulder and pushing the diseased with their horns until they are scattered. This language reflects the abusive and forceful manner in which the leaders have treated the vulnerable members of their community. Rather than caring for the sick and weak, they have callously pushed them away, causing further harm and detriment to the people they were meant to be tending to.

The symbolism in this verse is significant and carries a message that resonates throughout the Bible. The imagery of shepherds and sheep is one that is used repeatedly in the Bible to describe the relationship between leaders and their followers. In the New Testament, Jesus refers to himself as the Good Shepherd who lays down his life for his sheep (John 10:11). This contrasts sharply with the behavior of the leaders mentioned in Ezekiel, who use their power to harm and scatter their flock.

The themes present in this verse and the larger passage from which it comes include the responsibility of leaders to care for and protect their people, the consequences of abusing power and neglecting the vulnerable, and the promise of restoration and justice for the oppressed. While Ezekiel's words are a condemnation of the current leaders of Israel, they also carry a message of hope for the future. In the following verses, Ezekiel prophesies that God himself will become the shepherd of his people and will care for them in a way that their human leaders have failed to do.

Overall, Ezekiel 34:21 is a powerful and evocative verse that serves as a reminder of the importance of caring for the vulnerable and holding leaders accountable for their actions. It is a call to those in positions of power to use their authority for the betterment of those they lead, rather than for their own selfish gain. It also offers hope for those who have been mistreated, assuring them that there is a shepherd who watches over them and will bring justice and restoration.