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Jeremiah 23

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‹ Chapter 22 Jeremiah — All Chapters Chapter 24 ›

1 “Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of My pasture!” declares the LORD. 2 Therefore this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says about the shepherds who tend My people: “You have scattered My flock and driven them away, and have not attended to them. Behold, I will attend to you for the evil of your deeds, declares the LORD. 3 Then I Myself will gather the remnant of My flock from all the lands to which I have banished them, and I will return them to their pasture, where they will be fruitful and multiply. 4 I will raise up shepherds over them who will tend them, and they will no longer be afraid or dismayed, nor will any go missing, declares the LORD. 5 Behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and He will reign wisely as King and will administer justice and righteousness in the land. 6 In His days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell securely. And this is His name by which He will be called: The LORD Our Righteousness. 7 So behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when they will no longer say, ‘As surely as the LORD lives, who brought the Israelites up out of the land of Egypt.’ 8 Instead they will say, ‘As surely as the LORD lives, who brought and led the descendants of the house of Israel up out of the land of the north and all the other lands to which He had banished them.’ Then they will dwell once more in their own land." 9 As for the prophets: My heart is broken within me, and all my bones tremble. I have become like a drunkard, like a man overcome by wine, because of the LORD, because of His holy words. 10 For the land is full of adulterers— because of the curse, the land mourns and the pastures of the wilderness have dried up— their course is evil and their power is misused. 11 “For both prophet and priest are ungodly; even in My house I have found their wickedness,” declares the LORD. 12 “Therefore their path will become slick; they will be driven away into the darkness and fall into it. For I will bring disaster upon them in the year of their punishment,” declares the LORD. 13 “Among the prophets of Samaria I saw an offensive thing: They prophesied by Baal and led My people Israel astray. 14 And among the prophets of Jerusalem I have seen a horrible thing: They commit adultery and walk in lies. They strengthen the hands of evildoers, so that no one turns his back on wickedness. They are all like Sodom to Me; the people of Jerusalem are like Gomorrah." 15 Therefore this is what the LORD of Hosts says concerning the prophets: “I will feed them wormwood and give them poisoned water to drink, for from the prophets of Jerusalem ungodliness has spread throughout the land." 16 This is what the LORD of Hosts says: “Do not listen to the words of the prophets who prophesy to you. They are filling you with false hopes. They speak visions from their own minds, not from the mouth of the LORD. 17 They keep saying to those who despise Me, ‘The LORD says that you will have peace,’ and to everyone who walks in the stubbornness of his own heart, ‘No harm will come to you.’ 18 But which of them has stood in the council of the LORD to see and hear His word? Who has given heed to His word and obeyed it? 19 Behold, the storm of the LORD has gone out with fury, a whirlwind swirling down upon the heads of the wicked. 20 The anger of the LORD will not turn back until He has fully accomplished the purposes of His heart. In the days to come you will understand this clearly. 21 I did not send these prophets, yet they have run with their message; I did not speak to them, yet they have prophesied. 22 But if they had stood in My council, they would have proclaimed My words to My people and turned them back from their evil ways and deeds." 23 “Am I only a God nearby,” declares the LORD, “and not a God far away?" 24 “Can a man hide in secret places where I cannot see him?” declares the LORD. “Do I not fill the heavens and the earth?” declares the LORD. 25 “I have heard the sayings of the prophets who prophesy lies in My name: ‘I had a dream! I had a dream!’ 26 How long will this continue in the hearts of these prophets who prophesy falsehood, these prophets of the delusion of their own minds? 27 They suppose the dreams that they tell one another will make My people forget My name, just as their fathers forgot My name through the worship of Baal. 28 Let the prophet who has a dream retell it, but let him who has My word speak it truthfully. For what is straw compared to grain?” declares the LORD. 29 “Is not My word like fire,” declares the LORD, “and like a hammer that smashes a rock?" 30 “Therefore behold,” declares the LORD, “I am against the prophets who steal from one another words they attribute to Me." 31 “Yes,” declares the LORD, “I am against the prophets who wag their own tongues and proclaim, ‘The LORD declares it.’" 32 “Indeed,” declares the LORD, “I am against those who prophesy false dreams and retell them to lead My people astray with their reckless lies. It was not I who sent them or commanded them, and they are of no benefit at all to these people,” declares the LORD. 33 “Now when this people or a prophet or priest asks you, ‘What is the burden of the LORD?’ you are to say to them, ‘What burden? I will forsake you, declares the LORD.’ 34 As for the prophet or priest or anyone who claims, ‘This is the burden of the LORD,’ I will punish that man and his household. 35 This is what each man is to say to his friend and to his brother: ‘What has the LORD answered?’ or ‘What has the LORD spoken?’ 36 But refer no more to the burden of the LORD, for each man’s word becomes the burden, so that you pervert the words of the living God, the LORD of Hosts, our God. 37 Thus you are to say to the prophet: ‘What has the LORD answered you?’ and ‘What has the LORD spoken?’ 38 But if you claim, ‘This is the burden of the LORD,’ then this is what the LORD says: Because you have said, ‘This is the burden of the LORD,’ and I specifically told you not to make this claim, 39 therefore I will surely forget you and will cast you out of My presence, both you and the city that I gave to you and your fathers. 40 And I will bring upon you everlasting shame and perpetual humiliation that will never be forgotten."

‹ Chapter 22 Jeremiah — All Chapters Chapter 24 ›

Study Notes — Jeremiah 23

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Chapter Summary

Jeremiah 23 begins by condemning the shepherds of Israel, who have scattered and destroyed the flock, prompting God to judge them and gather the remnant to Himself (Jeremiah 23:1-4). The chapter then shifts to a promise of a future Davidic king, a righteous Branch who will reign wisely and execute justice (Jeremiah 23:5-6). The prophets who speak lies and the people who follow them are also condemned, with a call to repentance and a warning of the consequences of disobedience (Jeremiah 23:9-40). Throughout the chapter, Jeremiah emphasizes the importance of listening to God's word and following His commands, rather than relying on false prophets or one's own understanding.

Context for the Chapter

Jeremiah 23 is part of the larger narrative of the book of Jeremiah, which chronicles the prophet's ministry to the nation of Judah during a time of great turmoil and upheaval. The chapter fits into the section of the book that deals with the judgment of Judah and the promise of restoration, emphasizing the importance of repentance and faithfulness to God's covenant. This chapter also connects to the broader biblical narrative, highlighting the theme of God's sovereignty and the promise of a Messiah who will bring salvation and redemption to His people.

Heart Application

As we reflect on Jeremiah 23, we are called to examine our own hearts and lives, considering whether we are following false prophets or the true Shepherd of our souls. We are also reminded of the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and wisdom, rather than relying on our own understanding or strength. May we be faithful to proclaim the truth of the gospel and to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit, that we may be found faithful servants of the Lord.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

Jeremiah 23 is a chapter about God's judgment on the spiritual leaders of Judah, who have failed to guide the people according to His will. The chapter highlights the consequences of their actions and the promise of a future Messiah who will shepherd God's people rightly. As we read this chapter, we are reminded of the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and wisdom, rather than relying on our own understanding or strength. We are also called to examine our own hearts and lives, considering whether we are following false prophets or the true Shepherd of our souls.

Voices from the Church

“The true shepherd of the flock is the Lord Jesus Christ, and all other shepherds are but undershepherds, accountable to Him for the care of His sheep.”

— Charles Spurgeon

“The prophet Jeremiah here sets before us the deplorable state of the Church, which had been corrupted by the false and wicked pastors who had been appointed to feed it.”

— John Calvin

Outline for Preaching

  1. Condemnation of the Shepherds (23:1-4) — The chapter begins by condemning the shepherds of Israel, who have scattered and destroyed the flock, prompting God to judge them and gather the remnant to Himself.
  2. Promise of a Righteous Branch (23:5-6) — The chapter then shifts to a promise of a future Davidic king, a righteous Branch who will reign wisely and execute justice.
  3. Condemnation of False Prophets (23:9-40) — The prophets who speak lies and the people who follow them are also condemned, with a call to repentance and a warning of the consequences of disobedience.
  4. The Dangers of False Teaching (23:16-22) — The chapter warns of the dangers of false teaching and the importance of discerning truth from error.
  5. The Hope of Redemption (23:23-40) — Despite the judgment and condemnation pronounced in the chapter, there is a clear hope of redemption and restoration, emphasizing the importance of holding onto hope in the midst of difficulty and trusting in God's promise of salvation.

Core Doctrines

The Sovereignty of God
Jeremiah 23 emphasizes God's sovereignty over all things, including the actions of false prophets and the destiny of His people. This highlights the importance of trusting in God's wisdom and power, rather than relying on human understanding or strength.
The Importance of Discernment
The chapter warns of the dangers of false teaching and the importance of discerning truth from error, serving as a call to believers to be vigilant in their pursuit of truth and to hold fast to the teachings of Scripture.
The Promise of Redemption
The chapter presents the hope of a future Messiah who will bring salvation and redemption to His people, emphasizing the importance of holding onto hope in the midst of difficulty and trusting in God's promise of salvation.
The Role of the Holy Spirit
The chapter highlights the importance of the Holy Spirit in guiding and empowering believers, as they seek to follow the leading of the Spirit and to proclaim the truth of the gospel.

Lessons from Jeremiah 23

  1. The Importance of Faithful Leadership — The chapter highlights the importance of faithful leadership in the Church, emphasizing the need for spiritual leaders to guide the people according to God's will and to proclaim the truth of the gospel.
  2. The Dangers of False Teaching — The chapter warns of the dangers of false teaching and the importance of discerning truth from error, serving as a call to believers to be vigilant in their pursuit of truth and to hold fast to the teachings of Scripture.
  3. The Hope of Redemption — The chapter presents the hope of a future Messiah who will bring salvation and redemption to His people, emphasizing the importance of holding onto hope in the midst of difficulty and trusting in God's promise of salvation.
  4. The Role of the Holy Spirit — The chapter highlights the importance of the Holy Spirit in guiding and empowering believers, as they seek to follow the leading of the Spirit and to proclaim the truth of the gospel.
  5. The Importance of Trusting in God's Sovereignty — The chapter emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and wisdom, rather than relying on human understanding or strength, and encourages believers to have faith in God's goodness and love.

Themes from Jeremiah 23

  1. God's Sovereignty — The chapter emphasizes God's sovereignty over all things, including the actions of false prophets and the destiny of His people.
  2. The Importance of Discernment — The chapter warns of the dangers of false teaching and the importance of discerning truth from error, serving as a call to believers to be vigilant in their pursuit of truth and to hold fast to the teachings of Scripture.
  3. The Promise of Redemption — The chapter presents the hope of a future Messiah who will bring salvation and redemption to His people, emphasizing the importance of holding onto hope in the midst of difficulty and trusting in God's promise of salvation.
  4. The Role of the Holy Spirit — The chapter highlights the importance of the Holy Spirit in guiding and empowering believers, as they seek to follow the leading of the Spirit and to proclaim the truth of the gospel.
  5. The Importance of Faithful Leadership — The chapter highlights the importance of faithful leadership in the Church, emphasizing the need for spiritual leaders to guide the people according to God's will and to proclaim the truth of the gospel.

Questions for Meditation

  1. What are some ways in which the spiritual leaders of Judah failed to guide the people according to God's will, and what are the consequences of their actions?
  2. How does the promise of a righteous Branch in Jeremiah 23:5-6 relate to the larger biblical narrative, and what hope does it offer to believers today?
  3. What are some dangers of false teaching, and how can believers discern truth from error in their pursuit of spiritual growth and maturity?
  4. How does the chapter's emphasis on God's sovereignty and wisdom encourage believers to trust in Him, rather than relying on their own understanding or strength?
  5. What are some ways in which the hope of redemption presented in Jeremiah 23 can bring comfort and encouragement to believers in the midst of difficulty and hardship?

Detailed Chapter Outline

1. Condemnation of the Shepherds (23:1-4)

23:1 The chapter begins by condemning the shepherds of Israel, who have scattered and destroyed the flock.
23:2 The shepherds are condemned for their failure to care for the flock, and God promises to judge them for their actions.

2. Promise of a Righteous Branch (23:5-6)

23:5 The chapter then shifts to a promise of a future Davidic king, a righteous Branch who will reign wisely and execute justice.
23:6 The righteous Branch will be called 'The Lord Our Righteousness,' emphasizing His role in providing righteousness and redemption for His people.

3. Condemnation of False Prophets (23:9-40)

23:9 The prophets who speak lies and the people who follow them are also condemned, with a call to repentance and a warning of the consequences of disobedience.
23:10 The false prophets are accused of stealing the words of others and claiming them as their own, and of speaking lies in the name of the Lord.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main theme of Jeremiah 23?

The main theme of Jeremiah 23 is God's judgment on the spiritual leaders of Judah, who have failed to guide the people according to His will, and the promise of a future Messiah who will bring salvation and redemption to His people (Jeremiah 23:1-6).

Who is the righteous Branch mentioned in Jeremiah 23:5-6?

The righteous Branch is a future Davidic king who will reign wisely and execute justice, and is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ (Jeremiah 23:5-6, Romans 3:21-26).

What are some dangers of false teaching mentioned in Jeremiah 23?

The chapter warns of the dangers of false teaching, including the leading of people away from the truth and the promotion of lies and deceit (Jeremiah 23:16-22, 25-32).

Top Cross References

ReferenceConnection
1 Jeremiah 23:5 → Isaiah 11:1-5 The promise of a righteous Branch in Jeremiah 23:5-6 is similar to the promise of a shoot from the stump of Jesse in Isaiah 11:1-5, emphasizing the hope of a future Messiah who will bring salvation and redemption to His people.
2 Jeremiah 23:6 → Romans 3:21-26 The name 'The Lord Our Righteousness' given to the Messiah in Jeremiah 23:6 is fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate source of righteousness and redemption for God's people (Romans 3:21-26).
3 Jeremiah 23:9 → Matthew 7:15-20 The condemnation of false prophets in Jeremiah 23:9-40 is similar to the warning against false prophets in Matthew 7:15-20, emphasizing the importance of discerning truth from error and following the leading of the Holy Spirit.
4 Jeremiah 23:16 → 2 Peter 2:1-3 The warning against false prophets in Jeremiah 23:16-22 is similar to the warning against false teachers in 2 Peter 2:1-3, emphasizing the importance of being vigilant in the pursuit of truth and holding fast to the teachings of Scripture.
5 Jeremiah 23:25 → John 10:1-18 The condemnation of false prophets in Jeremiah 23:25-32 is similar to the warning against false shepherds in John 10:1-18, emphasizing the importance of following the true Shepherd of our souls and being guided by the Holy Spirit.
6 Jeremiah 23:30 → Deuteronomy 18:20 The warning against false prophets in Jeremiah 23:30-32 is similar to the warning against false prophets in Deuteronomy 18:20, emphasizing the importance of discerning truth from error and following the leading of the Holy Spirit.
7 Jeremiah 23:33 → Matthew 23:1-36 The condemnation of the spiritual leaders of Judah in Jeremiah 23:33-40 is similar to the condemnation of the Pharisees in Matthew 23:1-36, emphasizing the importance of humility and faithfulness in leadership.
8 Jeremiah 23:39 → 1 Corinthians 11:1 The call to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit in Jeremiah 23:39-40 is similar to the call to follow the example of Christ in 1 Corinthians 11:1, emphasizing the importance of being guided by the Spirit and following the teachings of Scripture.
9 Jeremiah 23:1 → Ezekiel 34:1-31 The condemnation of the shepherds of Israel in Jeremiah 23:1-4 is similar to the condemnation of the shepherds of Israel in Ezekiel 34:1-31, emphasizing the importance of faithful leadership and the care of the flock.
10 Jeremiah 23:5 → Psalm 89:1-52 The promise of a righteous Branch in Jeremiah 23:5-6 is similar to the promise of a Davidic king in Psalm 89:1-52, emphasizing the hope of a future Messiah who will bring salvation and redemption to His people.

Sermons on Jeremiah 23

SermonDescription
David Wilkerson (Israel) Preaching Christ With Authority by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of preaching the word of God with spiritual authority. He shares a personal experience of a young man who came seeking wisdom
David Wilkerson (Costa Rica) Shiloh Church vs. Samuel Church by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the preacher discusses two choices that people are making and how it will affect their lives. He warns that some may be angered or feel a spiritual stirring as a re
Art Katz Fren-18 Fondements Apostoliques - La Vraie Prdication by Art Katz In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that the words he speaks are not his own, but are given to him by God. He shares his experience of feeling physically weak and disoriented, b
David Wilkerson Hearing the Voice of God by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of not letting busyness, lust, covetousness, and the cares of life drown out the voice of God. He warns of a dreadful consequ
Zac Poonen (1 Corinthians) ch.1:25-2:16 by Zac Poonen In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not relying on human wisdom or cleverness when preaching the word of God. He highlights the need to speak about the things
David Wilkerson When Jesus Lays His Hands on You by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the preacher expresses his desire for God to raise up young men and women in the congregation to become missionaries, pastors, and evangelists. He emphasizes the im
David Wilkerson Zadok and Abaithar Priesthoods - Part 2 by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being a Bible preacher and encourages others to do the same. He highlights the power of using both the eye and ear to conv
Neil T. Anderson Bondage Breaker - Part 4 by Neil T. Anderson In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of finding fulfillment in God rather than in the world. He highlights the cycle of sin, confession, and giving up, and explain
Zac Poonen Seeking God With All Our Heart by Zac Poonen In this sermon, the speaker encourages the audience to reflect on their lives and identify where they may have gone astray from following God. He emphasizes the importance of prior
Chuck Smith False Prophets by Chuck Smith This sermon focuses on the dangers of false prophets and the importance of discerning the truth of God's Word. It highlights the consequences of following deceptive teachings, usin

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Jeremiah 23

In this chapter, we see the Lord's controversy with the shepherds of Israel, who have failed to feed and care for the flock, and have instead scattered and destroyed them. The Lord promises to judge these shepherds and to gather the remnant to Himself, and to set over them shepherds who will feed them with knowledge and understanding. The chapter also presents the promise of a righteous Branch, a future Davidic king who will reign wisely and execute justice, and who will be called 'The Lord Our Righteousness.' This Branch is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate source of righteousness and redemption for God's people. As we reflect on this chapter, we are reminded of the importance of faithful leadership and the care of the flock, and of the hope of a future Messiah who will bring salvation and redemption to His people. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?

God's Sovereignty

Throughout the chapter, Jeremiah emphasizes God's sovereignty over all things, including the actions of false prophets and the destiny of His people. This highlights the importance of trusting in God's wisdom and power, rather than relying on human understanding or strength.

The Dangers of False Teaching

The chapter warns of the dangers of false teaching and the importance of discerning truth from error. This serves as a call to believers to be vigilant in their pursuit of truth and to hold fast to the teachings of Scripture.

The Hope of Redemption

Despite the judgment and condemnation pronounced in the chapter, there is a clear hope of redemption and restoration. This emphasizes the importance of holding onto hope in the midst of difficulty and trusting in God's promise of salvation.

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