Jeremiah 23

Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of My pasture!

The LORD is against the leaders and rulers who did not take care of His people, but instead sent them in the wrong direction with lies, scattering them. He will deal with those false teachers accordingly.

However, the Lord will gather together the remnant of His people from all the countries they were scattered and bring them back into the fold, where they will be "fruitful and increase." Then there will be good shepherds over them who will care for them, and the people will "fear no more." (This is a future promise that has yet to happen.)

Behold, the days are coming, that I will raise to David a Branch of Righteousness; a KING shall reign and prosper and execute judgment and righteousness in the earth. In His days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell safely; now this is His name by which He will be called: THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS. 

(This is Jesus to come, and who has come and will come again.)

The LORD said, "...behold the days are coming that they shall...say...As the LORD lives who brought up and led the descendants of the house of Israel from the north country and from all the countries where I had driven them. And they shall dwell in their own land." (More future promises.)

The LORD lamented over the false prophets and the curse over the land. He warned the people not to listen to them because of the lies that come from them. 

The anger of the LORD will not turn back until He has executed and performed the thoughts of His heart. In the latter days you will understand it perfectly. (Still has not happened, yet.)

Beware of false teachers. They existed for Israel, and they are plenty more today. "For every man's word will be his oracle, for you have perverted the words of the living God..."

I, will utterly forget you and forsake you, and the city that I gave you and your fathers, and will cast you out of My presence. And I will bring an everlasting repreach upon you, and a perpetual shame, which shall not be forgotten.  

COMMENTARY

In chapter 23, the LORD judged the rulers of Israel. 

He also promised to come and take over and care for the poor, who were being neglected and abused. The Jews will return to their land after the church has been raptured, and the LORD will send "faithful shepherds" to care for them. (Future promises.)

When Jesus came to earth, He said: "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." He was telling them that their King had arrived. But they rejected Him then. However, He says He will return and set up His kingdom, and righteousness will reign.

The day is coming when I will bring them back into their land that they will forget the deliverance out of Egypt and they will remember this new deliverance which I intend to accomplish. 

God is not through with Israel!

The false prophets always spoke of peace, but men cannot bring peace on the earth. Even if man could it would be a false peace and very temporary. Only Jesus can and will bring peace. "The heart of a man is desperately wicked."

The LORD is patient, but His judgment is coming. 

from Bible Study Tools