John Calvin Commentary Jeremiah 23:4

"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)

He confirms the promise, for he would give them faithful and true pastors, who would perform their office as they should; for it would not be enough that the sheep should be restored to their folds, unless they were fed. We indeed know that a sheep is a simple animal, and therefore needs a shepherd to rule and guide it. God then intimates by these words, that after he had collected his flock into the fold it would be the object of his constant care; for he would appoint pastors, who would discharge their office in a far different way from wolves and sacrilegious robbers. He then adds a promise as to their security, which we shall consider tomorrow.

Grant, Almighty God, that since you formerly took such heavy vengeance on the impiety of your ancient people, that you did not spare even kings, who were representatives of Christ, nor their counselors, — O grant, that we today may continue in obedience to your word, and not so kindle your vengeance against us by our ingratitude, as to provoke you to punish us with that sad and dreadful desolation which you formerly pronounced against your people, and not in vain; but may your Church become more and more fruitful, so that we may know that you are really gracious to us; and may we thus in quietness give you thanks, and allow ourselves to be ruled by you, even by the hand of your only-begotten Son, until we shall be gathered from our scattering in this world into that eternal rest which he has obtained for us by his own blood. — Amen.

We said in our yesterday’s Lecture, that when the Lord promised to give pastors, he pointed out by this mode of speaking the continuance of his favor; as though he had said, that he would not only be the Redeemer of his people, but would also take care of the safety of those whom he delivered from exile. The two things are indeed necessary, for it would have profited them nothing to have the hand of God stretched out once in their behalf, unless he continued his favors to them to the end. The sum of the whole, then, is this, that the Jews, after being restored to their own country, would be under God’s protection, so that their safety would be secured, and be permanent and not momentary.

By adding, they shall not fear, nor dread, nor fail, or be lessened, he intimates that the Jews would be in a tranquil state under the pastors whom he would set over them. And we know that the duty of a true pastor consists of two parts; for it is not enough for him to rule and guide the sheep, unless he also defends them against all violence, the incursions of robbers and wolves. Now, this tranquility is set in contrast with the disquiet with which the Jews had been for a long time harassed; for we know that they had been tossed with great anxieties, owing to the continual incursions of their enemies. Since, then, they were continually trembling when they heard rumors of war, God promises them here a better condition, as we shall later see more clearly.