They were corrupt leaders who pursued personal profit instead of protecting and guiding the people.
“And the dogs are greedy, they are not satisfied; And they are shepherds who have no understanding; They have all turned to their own way, Each one to his unjust gain, to the last one.” (Isaiah 56:11) This verse paints a stark picture of leaders who should be attentive caretakers of God's people but have instead become driven by self-interest. The reference to “dogs” metaphorically depicts unfaithful guardians. Instead of protecting those in their charge, they are described as being “greedy” and never content, suggesting that their desire for personal gain overrides their responsibility to care for others. They are also called “shepherds who have no understanding,” bringing to mind the biblical image of shepherds who lovingly guide their flock (John 10:11), an image utterly missing here.
“They have all turned to their own way, Each one to his unjust gain, to the last one.” (Isaiah 56:11) emphasizes the tragedy of spiritual leaders who pursue their own agendas rather than God’s will. In the ancient near eastern world of Isaiah’s time (around 739-681 BC), rulers and prophets were meant to uphold justice and point the people back to a covenant relationship with the LORD. Here, however, they choose self-service instead of faithful stewardship, indicating a deep-seated corruption. Isaiah, a prophet who ministered primarily in Judah, warns that such disregard for God’s commands only leads to further dishonor and eventual judgment.
In a broader biblical storyline, this verse highlights how neglecting the needs of the flock reflects broken fellowship with God. Jesus, the ultimate Good Shepherd, warns against those who feed on His sheep for gain rather than guiding them properly (John 10:12-13). These words in Isaiah carry both a rebuke and a call to repentance: a reminder that everyone tasked with leading must do so justly and in submission to the LORD’s standards.
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Isaiah 56:11 meaning
“And the dogs are greedy, they are not satisfied; And they are shepherds who have no understanding; They have all turned to their own way, Each one to his unjust gain, to the last one.” (Isaiah 56:11) This verse paints a stark picture of leaders who should be attentive caretakers of God's people but have instead become driven by self-interest. The reference to “dogs” metaphorically depicts unfaithful guardians. Instead of protecting those in their charge, they are described as being “greedy” and never content, suggesting that their desire for personal gain overrides their responsibility to care for others. They are also called “shepherds who have no understanding,” bringing to mind the biblical image of shepherds who lovingly guide their flock (John 10:11), an image utterly missing here.
“They have all turned to their own way, Each one to his unjust gain, to the last one.” (Isaiah 56:11) emphasizes the tragedy of spiritual leaders who pursue their own agendas rather than God’s will. In the ancient near eastern world of Isaiah’s time (around 739-681 BC), rulers and prophets were meant to uphold justice and point the people back to a covenant relationship with the LORD. Here, however, they choose self-service instead of faithful stewardship, indicating a deep-seated corruption. Isaiah, a prophet who ministered primarily in Judah, warns that such disregard for God’s commands only leads to further dishonor and eventual judgment.
In a broader biblical storyline, this verse highlights how neglecting the needs of the flock reflects broken fellowship with God. Jesus, the ultimate Good Shepherd, warns against those who feed on His sheep for gain rather than guiding them properly (John 10:12-13). These words in Isaiah carry both a rebuke and a call to repentance: a reminder that everyone tasked with leading must do so justly and in submission to the LORD’s standards.