12. just as a shepherd looks for lost sheep. My sheep have been lost since that dark and miserable day when they were scattered throughout the nations. But I will rescue them
13. and bring them back from the foreign nations where they now live. I will be their shepherd and will let them graze on Israel's mountains and in the valleys and fertile fields.
14. They will be safe as they feed on grassy meadows and green hills.
15. I promise to take care of them and keep them safe,
16. to look for those that are lost and bring back the ones that wander off, to bandage those that are hurt and protect the ones that are weak. I will also slaughter those that are fat and strong, because I always do right.
17. The Lord God said to his sheep, the people of Israel:I will carefully watch each one of you to decide which ones are the strong sheep and which ones are weak.
18. Some of you eat the greenest grass, then trample down what's left when you finish. Others drink clean water, then step in the water to make the rest of it muddy.
19. That means my other sheep have nothing fit to eat or drink.
20. So I, the Lord God, will separate you strong sheep from the weak.
21. You strong ones have used your powerful horns to chase off those that are weak,
22. but I will rescue them and no longer let them be ill-treated. I will separate the good from the bad.
23. After that, I will give you a shepherd from the family of my servant King David. All of you, both strong and weak, will have the same shepherd, and he will take good care of you.
24. He will be your leader, and I will be your God. I, the Lord, have spoken.