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Jeremiah 23

40 verses

TL;DR

Jeremiah 23 condemns corrupt shepherds, priests, and prophets who mislead Israel, while promising a righteous Davidic king who will restore the nation and bring justice.

Summary

The chapter opens with the Lord cursing the negligent shepherds who scatter His flock, vowing to gather the remnant from all directions and reestablish them under true shepherds. The prophet then declares that a righteous branch from David will arise, bringing salvation to Judah and safety to Israel, and the Lord’s name will be known as righteousness. Jeremiah accuses the prophets and priests of wickedness, false prophecy, and leading Israel astray; He condemns them for profane words, lies, and dreams that cause the people to forget God. The Lord declares that He will bring swift judgment upon those who falsely claim to speak His word, using imagery of wormwood and bitter water. The chapter concludes with the Lord’s lament that He has not spoken to the corrupt prophets, but they have run on their own hearts, and He vows to punish those who perpetuate deception. Throughout, the theme of justice and restoration is juxtaposed against the widespread corruption that undermines Israel’s faithfulness.

Outline
  1. 1. Condemnation of corrupt shepherds and promise of restoration
  2. 2. Prophecy of a righteous Davidic king and the Lord’s name as righteousness
  3. 3. Accusation of false prophets, priests, and judgment against them
Themes
Judicial justice and restorationFalse prophecy and deceptionThe faithful covenant vs. idolatry
Keywords
prophetsshepherdsDavidbranchrighteousnessburden of the LORDwormwooddreamsjusticeidolatrycorruption
People
JeremiahProphetsPriestsShepherdsDavid (future king)
Places
IsraelJudahSamariaJerusalem
Things
Righteous BranchKing from DavidShepherdsWormwoodWater of GallDreamsBurden of the LORDProphecyJusticeRighteousness
Key Verses
  • Jeremiah 23:5: Announces the coming of a righteous king from David
  • Jeremiah 23:15: Highlights God’s judgment against false prophets with imagery of wormwood
  • Jeremiah 23:23: Emphasizes God’s presence and His watchful gaze over all
  • Jeremiah 23:27: Calls for honest prophecy rather than deceitful dreams
Questions
  • What does Jeremiah mean by the ‘burden of the LORD’ and why is it condemned?
  • How does the promise of a righteous Davidic king contrast with the current state of Israel’s leadership?
  • In what ways can modern believers recognize and avoid the ‘false dreams’ warned against in this chapter?
  • Why does the prophet emphasize the importance of honest prophecy over personal visions?
  • How might the imagery of wormwood and bitter water reflect the consequences of corruption?
Sentiment

negative
The passage largely condemns corrupt leaders and warns of impending judgment.