In Isaiah, chapter fifty-six, verses ten through twelve, “His watchmen are blind: they are all ignorant, they are all dumb dogs, they cannot bark; sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber. Yea, they are greedy dogs which can never have enough, and they are shepherds that cannot understand: they all look to their own way, every one for his gain, from his quarter. Come ye, say they, I will fetch wine, and we will fill ourselves with strong drink; and to morrow shall be as this day, and much more abundant.”
God condemned the corrupt leaders and priests of Israel, for they did not know His Word, were greedy for selfish gain, and could not stay away from alcoholic beverages.
These are the guides of the people, and especially the self-styled prophets, who are “blind” to the signs of the times, who are “dumb,” and give no warning to the people of the real dangers that threaten them, who prophesy for the rewards of divination, who are conspicuous for their luxury and intemperance. Desolating judgments are called for, and this severe rebuke of the rulers and teachers of the church is applicable to other ages and places. It is bad with a people when their shepherds slumber, and are eager after the world. Let us pray the Great Shepherd to send us pastors after his own heart, who will feed us with knowledge, that we may rejoice in his holy name, and that believers may be daily added to the church.
The example reminds us of the sons of Jesse in First Samuel sixteen, verse ten. “Again, Jesse made seven of his sons to pass before Samuel. And Samuel said unto Jesse, The LORD hath not chosen these. Today, there are many leaders, but are not leading people to the Lord.