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Jeremiah 23

KJ3 Literal Translation — Chapter 23 of 52

1 Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of My pasture, says Jehovah!

2 Therefore, so says Jehovah the God of Israel against the shepherds who are feeding My people: You have scattered My flock, and have driven them away, and have not visited them. Behold, I will visit on you the evil of your doings, says Jehovah.

3 And I will gather the remnant of My flock out of all the lands where I have driven them there, and I will bring them back to their fold. And they shall be fruitful and multiply.

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Chapter Summary

He prophesies a restoration of the scattered flock. Christ shall rule and save them. Against false prophets, and mockers of true prophets.

Key Hebrew Words

צֶ֫מַח Branch (Messianic) H6780 · TWOT 1928a
נָבִיא prophet H5030 · TWOT 1277a
רָעָה shepherd H7462 · TWOT 2185
מַשָּׂא burden, oracle H4853 · TWOT 1421e
חֲלוֹם dream H2472 · TWOT 663a
צֶ֫דֶק righteousness H6664 · TWOT 1879a

People & Context

David

The ancient king; Jehovah promises to raise up to him a righteous Branch who shall reign as King (v5).

Timeline

Condemnation of Evil Shepherds and the Righteous Branch

God pronounces woe on the shepherds scattering His flock. He promises to gather the remnant, set up good shepherds, and raise up a Righteous Branch for David called 'Jehovah Our Righteousness'.

Jeremiah 23:1-8
Denunciation of False Prophets

Jeremiah is heartbroken over prophets in Jerusalem acting like Sodom and Gomorrah, speaking false visions of peace. God contrasts their empty dreams (straw) with His true Word, which is like a fire and a rock-shattering hammer.

Jeremiah 23:9-32
The Burden of Jehovah

Jehovah commands the people and prophets to stop mockingly asking 'What is the burden of Jehovah?'. He threatens to forsake and exile anyone who misuses this phrase, replacing it with an everlasting reproach.

Jeremiah 23:33-40

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