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. Therefore this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says about the shepherds who tend My people:This phrase establishes the authority of the message, coming directly from the LORD, the covenant God of Israel. The term "shepherds" refers to the leaders of Israel, including kings, priests, and prophets, who were responsible for guiding and caring for the people. In biblical times, shepherding was a common occupation, and the metaphor of shepherds for leaders is used throughout Scripture (e.g., Psalm 23, Ezekiel 34). The leaders were expected to protect and nurture the people, much like a shepherd does with sheep. You have scattered My flock and driven them away, and have not attended to them:
Here, God accuses the leaders of failing in their duties. Instead of gathering and caring for the people, they have caused division and dispersion. This scattering can be understood both literally, as in the exile of the Israelites, and spiritually, as in leading the people away from true worship. The leaders' neglect and misguidance have resulted in the people being spiritually lost and vulnerable. This echoes the warnings found in Ezekiel 34:4-6, where God condemns the shepherds for their failure to care for the flock. Behold, I will attend to you for the evil of your deeds, declares the LORD:
God promises to hold the leaders accountable for their actions. The phrase "I will attend to you" indicates divine judgment and retribution. This is a common theme in prophetic literature, where God assures that He will not let injustice and neglect go unpunished. The "evil of your deeds" highlights the moral and spiritual corruption of the leaders, which has led to the suffering of the people. This judgment serves as a warning and a call to repentance, emphasizing God's justice and righteousness. The concept of divine retribution is also seen in passages like Isaiah 10:1-3 and Hosea 4:9, where leaders are held accountable for their failure to uphold God's standards. Persons / Places / Events 1. The LORD (Yahweh)The covenant God of Israel, who speaks through the prophet Jeremiah, expressing His judgment against the leaders of Israel. 2. The ShepherdsSymbolic of the leaders of Israel, including kings, priests, and prophets, who were responsible for guiding and caring for God's people but failed in their duties. 3. The FlockRepresents the people of Israel, who have been neglected and scattered due to the failure of their leaders. 4. JeremiahThe prophet through whom God delivers this message of judgment and impending accountability for the leaders of Israel. 5. IsraelThe nation chosen by God, currently suffering due to the misguidance and neglect of its leaders. Teaching Points Accountability of LeadersGod holds leaders accountable for their actions, especially when they neglect their responsibilities. Leaders today must remember that they are stewards of God's people. The Importance of ShepherdingTrue shepherding involves care, guidance, and protection. Leaders in the church should emulate the Good Shepherd, Jesus, in their leadership style. God's JusticeGod promises to address the wrongs committed by leaders. This serves as a reminder that God sees and will act against injustice and neglect. The Role of the FlockWhile leaders are accountable, the flock also has a responsibility to seek truth and hold leaders accountable to God's standards. Restoration and HopeDespite the failures of human leaders, God promises restoration and care for His people, offering hope and assurance of His ultimate sovereignty and goodness. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the role of the shepherds in Jeremiah 23:2 compare to the role of church leaders today? 2. In what ways can we, as members of the "flock," support and hold our leaders accountable to their God-given responsibilities? 3. Reflect on a time when you experienced neglect or care from a leader. How did it affect your faith journey, and what did you learn from it? 4. How does the promise of God's justice in Jeremiah 23:2 provide comfort in situations where leadership fails? 5. Considering John 10, how can we apply the example of Jesus as the Good Shepherd in our own lives, whether we are in positions of leadership or not? Connections to Other Scriptures Ezekiel 34This chapter also addresses the failure of Israel's shepherds and God's promise to be the true shepherd to His people, highlighting the same themes of neglect and divine accountability. John 10Jesus refers to Himself as the Good Shepherd, contrasting His care and sacrifice for His flock with the neglectful shepherds of Israel's past. 1 Peter 5Peter exhorts church leaders to shepherd God's flock willingly and eagerly, not for personal gain, reflecting the responsibilities highlighted in Jeremiah 23:2. People David, Israelites, JeremiahPlaces Babylon, Egypt, Gomorrah, Jerusalem, Samaria, SodomTopics Affirmation, Attend, Attended, Behold, Bestow, Bestowed, Broken, Care, Caring, Charging, Declares, Deeds, Doings, Drive, Driven, Driving, Evil, Feed, Flock, Inspected, Keepers, Pastors, Punishment, Says, Scattered, Shepherds, Tend, Tending, Thus, Visit, VisitedDictionary of Bible Themes Jeremiah 23:2 5493 retribution Jeremiah 23:1-2 7786 shepherd, king and leader
9250 woe Jeremiah 23:1-5 7130 flock, God's Library Jehovah Tsidkenu: the Lord Our Righteousness
Having introduced the doctrine of imputed righteousness, I proofed to map out my subject. First, by way of affirmation; we say of the text--it is so--Christ is the Lord or righteousness; secondly, I shall exhort you to do him homage; let us call him so: for this is the name whereby he shall be called; and thirdly, I shall appeal to your gratitude; let us wonder at the reigning grace, which has caused us to fulfill the promise, for have been sweetly compelled to call him the Lord our righteousness. …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 7: 1861Justification
'Being justified freely by his grace.' Rom 3:34. Q-xxxiii: WHAT IS JUSTIFICATION? A: It is an act of God's free grace, whereby he pardons all our sins, and accepts us as righteous in his sight, only for the righteousness of Christ, imputed to us, and received by faith alone. Justification is the very hinge and pillar of Christianity. An error about justification is dangerous, like a defect in a foundation. Justification by Christ is a spring of the water of life. To have the poison of corrupt doctrine …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity A Defence of the Doctrine of Justification, by Faith in Jesus Christ;
SHEWING, TRUE GOSPEL-HOLINESS FLOWS FROM THENCE; OR, MR. FOWLER'S PRETENDED DESIGN OF CHRISTIANITY, PROVED TO BE NOTHING MORE THAN TO TRAMPLE UNDER FOOT THE BLOOD OF THE SON OF GOD; AND THE IDOLIZING OF MAN'S OWN RIGHTEOUSNESS AS ALSO, HOW WHILE HE PRETENDS TO BE A MINISTER OF THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND, HE OVERTHROWETH THE WHOLESOME DOCTRINE CONTAINED IN THE 10TH, 11TH, AND 13TH, OF THE THIRTY-NINE ARTICLES OF THE SAME, AND THAT HE FALLETH IN WITH THE QUAKER AND ROMANIST, AGAINST THEM. BY JOHN BUNYAN …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 A vision of Judgement and Cleansing
'And he shewed me Joshua the high priest standing before the Angel of the Lord, and Satan standing at his right hand to resist him. 2. And the Lord said unto Satan, The Lord rebuke thee, O Satan; even the Lord that hath chosen Jerusalem rebuke thee: is not this a brand plucked out of the fire? 3. Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments, and stood before the Angel. 4. And He answered and spake unto those that stood before Him, saying, Take away the filthy garments from him. And unto him He said, …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Discourse on the Good Shepherd.
(Jerusalem, December, a.d. 29.) ^D John X. 1-21. ^d 1 Verily, verily, I say to you [unto the parties whom he was addressing in the last section], He that entereth not by the door into the fold of the sheep, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. [In this section Jesus proceeds to contrast his own care for humanity with that manifested by the Pharisees, who had just cast out the beggar. Old Testament prophecies were full of declarations that false shepherds would arise to …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel Conversion --Varied Phenomena or Experience.
We have spoken of the meaning of this term, inquired into the nature of the change, and noted its essential elements. We have also learned that there are some who do not need it because they are in a converted state, and that all who are not in such a state of Grace, do need conversion, regardless of anything that may or may not have taken place in the past. We inquire now as to the agencies or means by which this change is brought about. For it is a change which man can certainly not effect by his …
G. H. Gerberding—The Way of Salvation in the Lutheran Church The Trinity
Q-6. HOW MANY PERSONS ARE THERE IN THE GODHEAD? A: Three persons, yet but one God. 'There are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost, and these three are one.' I John 5:5. God is but one, yet are there three distinct persons subsisting in one Godhead. This is a sacred mystery, which the light within man could never have discovered. As the two natures in Christ, yet but one person, is a wonder; so three persons, yet but one Godhead. Here is a great deep, the Father …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity The Nature of Spiritual Hunger
Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness Matthew 5:6 We are now come to the fourth step of blessedness: Blessed are they that hunger'. The words fall into two parts: a duty implied; a promise annexed. A duty implied: Blessed are they that hunger'. Spiritual hunger is a blessed hunger. What is meant by hunger? Hunger is put for desire (Isaiah 26:9). Spiritual hunger is the rational appetite whereby the soul pants after that which it apprehends most suitable and proportional …
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12 A vision of the King.
ONE of the most blessed occupations for the believer is the prayerful searching of God's holy Word to discover there new glories and fresh beauties of Him, who is altogether lovely. Shall we ever find out all which the written Word reveals of Himself and His worthiness? This wonderful theme can never be exhausted. The heart which is devoted to Him and longs through the presence and indwelling of the Holy Spirit to be closer to the Lord, to hear and know more of Himself, will always find something …
Arno Gaebelein—The Lord of Glory Interpretation of Prophecy.
1. The scriptural idea of prophecy is widely removed from that of human foresight and presentiment. It is that of a revelation made by the Holy Spirit respecting the future, always in the interest of God's kingdom. It is no part of the plan of prophecy to gratify vain curiosity respecting "the times or the seasons which the Father hath put in his own power." Acts 1:7. "Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God"--this is its key-note. In its form it is carefully adapted to this great end. …
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible Concerning Justification.
Concerning Justification. As many as resist not this light, but receive the same, it becomes in them an holy, pure, and spiritual birth, bringing forth holiness, righteousness, purity, and all those other blessed fruits which are acceptable to God: by which holy birth, to wit, Jesus Christ formed within us, and working his works in us, as we are sanctified, so are we justified in the sight of God, according to the apostle's words; But ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in …
Robert Barclay—Theses Theologicae and An Apology for the True Christian Divinity The Providence of God
Q-11: WHAT ARE GOD'S WORKS OF PROVIDENCE? A: God's works of providence are the acts of his most holy, wise, and powerful government of his creatures, and of their actions. Of the work of God's providence Christ says, My Father worketh hitherto and I work.' John 5:17. God has rested from the works of creation, he does not create any new species of things. He rested from all his works;' Gen 2:2; and therefore it must needs be meant of his works of providence: My Father worketh and I work.' His kingdom …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity The Lord's Prayer.
(Jerusalem. Thursday Night.) ^D John XVII. ^d 1 These things spake Jesus; and lifting up his eyes to heaven [the action marked the turning of his thoughts from the disciples to the Father], he said, Father, the hour is come [see pp. 116, 440]; glorify thy Son, that the son may glorify thee: 2 even as thou gavest him authority over all flesh, that to all whom thou hast given him, he should give eternal life. [The Son here prays for his glorification, viz.: resurrection, ascension, coronation, etc., …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel The Unity of God
Q-5: ARE THERE MORE GODS THAN ONE? A: There is but one only, the living and true God. That there is a God has been proved; and those that will not believe the verity of his essence, shall feel the severity of his wrath. Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God is one Lord.' Deut 6:6. He is the only God.' Deut 4:49. Know therefore this day, and consider it in thy heart, that the Lord he is God in heaven above, and upon the earth beneath, there is none else.' A just God and a Saviour; there is none beside …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity Jehovah. The "I Am. "
WHEN Moses in the desert beheld the burning bush God answered his question by the revelation of His name as the "I Am." "And God said unto Moses, I am, that I am: and He said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you" (Exod. iii:14). He who spake thus out of the bush to Moses was the same who in the fullness of time appeared upon the earth in the form of man. Our Lord Jesus Christ is no less person, than the I AM. If we turn to the fourth Gospel in which the Holy …
Arno Gaebelein—The Lord of Glory His Future Work
The Lord Jesus Christ, who finished the work on earth the Father gave Him to do, who is now bodily present in the highest heaven, occupying the Father's throne and exercising His priesthood in behalf of His people, is also King. To Him belongeth a Kingdom and a kingly Glory. He has therefore a kingly work to do. While His past work was foretold by the Spirit of God and His priestly work foreshadowed in the Old Testament, His work as King and His glorious Kingdom to come are likewise the subjects …
A. C. Gaebelein—The Work Of Christ A Preliminary Discourse to Catechising
'If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled.' - Col 1:23. Intending next Lord's day to enter upon the work of catechising, it will not be amiss to give you a preliminary discourse, to show you how needful it is for Christians to be well instructed in the grounds of religion. If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled.' I. It is the duty of Christians to be settled in the doctrine of faith. II. The best way for Christians to be settled is to be well grounded. I. It is the duty of Christians …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity Repentance
Then has God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.' Acts 11: 18. Repentance seems to be a bitter pill to take, but it is to purge out the bad humour of sin. By some Antinomian spirits it is cried down as a legal doctrine; but Christ himself preached it. From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent,' &c. Matt 4: 17. In his last farewell, when he was ascending to heaven, he commanded that Repentance should be preached in his name.' Luke 24: 47. Repentance is a pure gospel grace. …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments Its Instrument
"Being justified freely by His grace" (Rom. 3:24); "being now justified by His blood" (Rom. 5:9); "being now justified by faith" (Rom. 5:1). A full exposition of the doctrine of justification requires that each of these propositions should be interpreted in their Scriptural sense, and that they be combined together in their true relations as to form one harmonious whole. Unless these three propositions be carefully distinguished there is sure to be confusion; unless all the three are steadily borne …
Arthur W. Pink—The Doctrine of Justification An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of the Eleventh
An unfinished commentary on the Bible, found among the author's papers after his death, in his own handwriting; and published in 1691, by Charles Doe, in a folio volume of the works of John Bunyan. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR Being in company with an enlightened society of Protestant dissenters of the Baptist denomination, I observed to a doctor of divinity, who was advancing towards his seventieth year, that my time had been delightfully engaged with John Bunyan's commentary on Genesis. "What," …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 Links Jeremiah 23:2 NIVJeremiah 23:2 NLTJeremiah 23:2 ESVJeremiah 23:2 NASBJeremiah 23:2 KJV
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