Albert Barnes Commentary Jeremiah 23
Albert Barnes Commentary
Jeremiah 23
Albert Barnes Commentary
Jeremiah 23
"Woe unto the shepherds that destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! saith Jehovah." — Jeremiah 23:1 (ASV)
The pastors – shepherds, that is, civil rulers (Jeremiah 2:8).
The sheep of My pasture – literally, of My pasturing, the sheep of whom I am shepherd. The people do not belong to the rulers but to God.
"Therefore thus saith Jehovah, the God of Israel, against the shepherds that feed my people: Ye have scattered my flock, and driven them away, and have not visited them; behold, I will visit upon you the evil of your doings, saith Jehovah." — Jeremiah 23:2 (ASV)
They had scattered them, first spiritually, by leading them into idolatry. Secondly, many had literally been taken to Egypt with Jehoahaz. In Jehoiakim’s time, many had fled there, while others fell away to the Chaldeans. Finally, the best of the land had been carried to Babylon with Jeconiah.
Driven away – that is, made them outcasts. In the East, shepherds never drive their flocks but go ahead of them (John 10:4–5).
Have not visited them – that is, have not concerned yourselves about their conduct.
"And I will gather the remnant of my flock out of all the countries whither I have driven them, and will bring them again to their folds; and they shall be fruitful and multiply." — Jeremiah 23:3 (ASV)
While there is no promise of restoration for the kings, there is for the people , because they had been led astray by their rulers.
Have driven them – The evil shepherds drove the people into exile by leading them into sin: and God by inflicting punishment.
Their folds – Or, their pastures.
"And I will set up shepherds over them, who shall feed them; and they shall fear no more, nor be dismayed, neither shall any be lacking, saith Jehovah." — Jeremiah 23:4 (ASV)
Shepherds - Men like Ezra, Nehemiah, and the Maccabees, raised up especially by God. It is a revocation of the promise made to David (2 Samuel 7:12–16) as far as the earthly throne was concerned.
They shall fear no more ... - The effect of good government will be general security.
Neither shall they be lacking - Not one sheep shall be missing or lost.
"Behold, the days come, saith Jehovah, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and he shall reign as king and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land." — Jeremiah 23:5 (ASV)
Even with the temporal kingship abolished, David’s mercies are still sure.
A righteous Branch - Or, sprout, germ (see Isaiah 4:2 note). The sprout is that in which the root springs up and grows, and which, if it is destroyed, makes the root perish also.
And a king shall reign ... - Rather, and he shall reign as king. David’s family is to be dethroned (temporally), that it may reign gloriously (spiritually). But compare Jeremiah 33:17, note; Jeremiah 33:25, note.
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