Therefore, you shepherds, hear the word of the LORD: God continues to address the shepherds (that is, Israel’s leaders) through Ezekiel. The connector Therefore introduces a result, which is God’s judgment on them for their mistreatment and neglect of his people. Hear the word of the LORD is a traditional introduction to a prophecy. New International Reader’s Version says “listen to the LORD’s message.” Since God is speaking, Good News Translation has “listen to what I, the LORD, am telling you.”

Quoted with permission from Gross, Carl & Stine, Philip C. A Handbook on Ezekiel. (UBS Helps for Translators). Miami: UBS, 2016. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .