TRV
Study This Verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Jeremiah 23:1–8. His four-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
I.Here is a word of terror to the negligent shepherds.
The day is at hand when God will reckon with them concerning the trust and charge committed to them: Woe be to the pastors (to the rulers, both in church and state) who should be to those they are set over as pastors to lead them, feed them, protect them, and take care of them. They are not owners of the sheep. God here calls them the sheep of my pasture, whom I am interested in, and have provided good pasture for. Woe be to those therefore who are commanded to feed God's people, and pretend to do it, but who, instead of that, scatter the flock, and drive them away by their violence and oppression, and have not visited them, nor taken any care for their welfare, nor concerned themselves at all to do them good. In not visiting them, and doing their duty to them, they did in effect scatter them and drive them away. The beasts of prey scattered them, and the shepherds are in the fault, who should have kept them together. Woe be to them when God will visit upon them the evil of their doings and deal with them as they deserve. They would not visit the flock in a way of duty, and therefore God will visit them in a way of vengeance.
II.Here is a word of comfort to the neglected sheep.
Though the under-shepherds take no care of them, no pains with them, but betray them, the chief Shepherd will look after them. When my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord taketh me up. Though the interests of God's church in the world are neglected by those who should take care of them, and postponed to their own private secular interests, yet they shall not therefore sink. God will perform his promise, though those he employs do not perform their duty.
1.The dispersed Jews shall at length return to their own land, and be happily settled there under a good government, Jer 23:3, Jer 23:4. Though there be but a remnant of God's flock left, a little remnant, that has narrowly escaped destruction, he will gather that remnant, will find them out wherever they are and find out ways and means to bring them back out of all countries whither he had driven them. It was the justice of God, for the sin of their shepherds, that dispersed them; but the mercy of God shall gather in the sheep, when the shepherds that betrayed them are cut off. They shall be brought to their former habitations, as sheep to their folds, and there they shall be fruitful, and increase in numbers. And, though their former shepherds took no care of them, it does not therefore follow that they shall have no more. If some have abused a sacred office, that is no good reason why it should be abolished. "They destroyed the sheep, but I will set shepherds over them who shall make it their business to feed them." Formerly they were continually exposed and disturbed with some alarm or other; but now they shall fear no more, nor be dismayed; they shall be in no danger from without, in no fright from within. Formerly some or other of them were ever and anon picked up by the beasts of prey; but now none of them shall be lacking, none of them missing. Though the times may have been long bad with the church, it does not follow that they will be ever so. Such pastors as Zerubbabel and Nehemiah, though they lived not in the pomp that Jehoiakim and Jeconiah did, nor made such a figure, were as great blessings to the people as the others were plagues to them. The church's peace is not bound up in the pomp of her rulers.
2.Messiah the Prince, that great and good Shepherd of the sheep, shall in the latter days be raised up to bless his church, and to be the glory of his people Israel, Jer 23:5, Jer 23:6. The house of David seemed to be quite sunk and ruined by that threatening against Jeconiah (Jer 22:30), that none of his seed should ever sit upon the throne of David. But here is a promise which effectually secures the honour of the covenant made with David notwithstanding; for by it the house will be raised out of its ruins to a greater lustre than ever, and shine brighter far than it did in Solomon himself. We have not so many prophecies of Christ in this book as we had in that of the prophet Isaiah; but here we have one, and a very illustrious one; of him doubtless the prophet here speaks, of him, and of no other man. The first words intimate that it would be long ere this promise should have its accomplishment: The days come, but they are not yet. I shall see him, but not now. But all the rest intimate that the accomplishment of it will be glorious.
(1.)Christ is here spoken of as a branch from David, the man the branch (Zac 3:8), his appearance mean, his beginnings small, like those of a bud or sprout, and his rise seemingly out of the earth, but growing to be green, to be great, to be loaded with fruits. A branch from David's family, when it seemed to be a root in a dry ground, buried, and not likely to revive. Christ is the root and offspring of David, Rev 22:16. In him doth the horn of David bud, Psa 132:17, Psa 132:18. He is a branch of God's raising up; he sanctified him, and sent him into the world, gave him his commission and qualifications. He is a righteous branch, for he is righteous himself, and through him many, even all that are his, are made righteous. As an advocate, he is Jesus Christ the righteous.
(2.)He is here spoken of as his church's King. This branch shall be raised as high as the throne of his father David, and there he shall reign and prosper, not as the kings that now were of the house of David, who went backward in all their affairs. No; he shall set up a kingdom in the world that shall be victorious over all opposition. In the chariot of the everlasting gospel he shall go forth, he shall go on conquering and to conquer. If God raise him up, he will prosper him, for he will own the work of his own hands; what is the good pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in the hands of those to whom it is committed. He shall prosper; for he shall execute judgment and justice in the earth, all the world over, Psa 96:13. The present kings of the house of David were unjust and oppressive, and therefore it is no wonder that they did not prosper. But Christ shall, by his gospel, break the usurped power of Satan, institute a perfect rule of holy living, and, as far as it prevails, make all the world righteous. The effect of this shall be a holy security and serenity of mind in all his faithful loyal subjects. In his days, under his dominion, Judah shall be saved and Israel shall dwell safely; that is, all the spiritual seed of believing Abraham and praying Jacob shall be protected from the curse of heaven and the malice of hell, shall be privileged from the arrests of God's law and delivered from the attempts of Satan's power, shall be saved from sin, the guilt and dominion of it, and then shall dwell safely, and be quiet from the fear of all evil. See Luk 1:74, Luk 1:75. Those that shall be saved hereafter from the wrath to come may dwell safely now; for, if God be for us, who can be against us? In the days of Christ's government in the soul, when he is uppermost there, the soul dwells at ease.
(3.)He is here spoken of as The Lord our righteousness. Observe,
[1.]Who and what he is. As God, he is Jehovah, the incommunicable name of God, denoting his eternity and self-existence. As Mediator, he is our righteousness. By making satisfaction to the justice of God for the sin of man, he has brought in an everlasting righteousness, and so made it over to us in the covenant of grace that, upon our believing consent to that covenant, it becomes ours. His being Jehovah our righteousness implies that he is so our righteousness as no creature could be. He is a sovereign, all-sufficient, eternal righteousness. All our righteousness has its being from him, and by him it subsists, and we are made the righteousness of God in him.
[2.]The profession and declaration of this: This is the name whereby he shall be called, not only he shall be so, but he shall be known to be so. God shall call him by this name, for he shall appoint him to be our righteousness. By this name Israel shall call him, every true believer shall call him, and call upon him. That is our righteousness by which, as an allowed plea, we are justified before God, acquitted from guilt, and accepted into favour; and nothing else have we to plead but this, "Christ has died, yea, rather has risen again;" and we have taken him for our Lord.
3.This great salvation, which will come to the Jews in the latter days of their state, after their return out of Babylon, shall be so illustrious as far to outshine the deliverance of Israel out of Egypt (Jer 23:7, Jer 23:8): They shall no more say, The Lord liveth that brought up Israel out of Egypt; but, The Lord liveth that brought them up out of the north. This we had before, Jer 16:14, Jer 16:15. But here it seems to point more plainly than it did there to the days of the Messiah, and to compare not so much the two deliverances themselves (giving the preference to the latter) as the two states to which the church by degrees grew after those deliverances. Observe the proportion: Just 480 years after they had come out of Egypt Solomon's temple was built (Kg1 6:1); and at that time that nation, which was so wonderfully brought up out of Egypt, had gradually arrived to its height, to its zenith. Just 490 years (70 weeks) after they came out of Babylon Messiah the Prince set up the gospel temple, which was the greatest glory of that nation that was so wonderfully brought out of Babylon; see Dan 9:24, Dan 9:25. Now the spiritual glory of the second part of that nation, especially as transferred to the gospel church, is much more admirable and illustrious than all the temporal glory of the first part of it in the days of Solomon; for that was no glory compared with the glory which excelleth.
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
One surviving comment on this verse from the historical church.
(Chapter 23, Verse 1 and following) Woe to the shepherds who scatter and tear apart the flock of my pasture, says the Lord. Therefore, thus says the Lord God of Israel to the shepherds who feed my people: You have scattered my flock, driven them away, and have not attended to them. Behold, I will attend to the evil of your doings, says the Lord. And I will gather the remnant of my flock from all the lands where I have driven them, and I will bring them back to their pasture (or I will restore them to their pastures), and they shall increase and multiply. And I will raise up shepherds over them, and they shall feed them. They shall not fear anymore, nor be terrified, nor shall any be missing, says the Lord. The prophetic discourse is directed to the shepherds, or concerning the shepherds. And because we read in the writing about Jechoniah, the second-to-last king of Judah, who was of the lineage of David: 'Earth, earth, earth, hear the words of the Lord, write down this man as childless, as a man who will not have any descendants to sit on the throne of David' (Jeremiah 22:29-30), all hope of the kingdom of Judah had been cut off: it passes on to the leaders of the Church, and the Synagogue is abandoned and condemned with its shepherds, the discourse is directed to the Apostles, of whom it is said: 'And I will raise up shepherds over them, and they shall feed them, they shall not fear anymore, nor be terrified, nor shall any be missing, says the Lord' (Ezekiel 34:24). For the apostles, with confidence and without any fear, will feed the Church's flock, and the remnant of the people of Israel will be saved from all lands and will return to their fields or pastures, and they will grow and multiply. But the Lord will visit the wicked shepherds, the scribes and Pharisees, because of the malice of their studies. And we can understand this in a tropological sense, and apply it to the leaders of the Church, who do not govern the Lord's sheep worthily. In this way, the people who have been rejected and condemned are saved, while those who are deserving will remain and be saved. The shepherds who teach heresy destroy the sheep. Those who create schisms tear apart and scatter. They cast them out, those who separate from the Church against justice. Those who withhold their hand from the repentant do not visit. The Lord will have mercy on all of them, restoring them to their former pastures and removing the wicked shepherds.
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Summary
Jeremiah 23:4 presents a powerful divine promise of restoration and righteous leadership for God's scattered and oppressed people. Following a severe indictment of the corrupt and negligent human leaders, this verse declares the Lord's unwavering intent to raise up faithful shepherds who will genuinely care for His flock. The profound result will be a future marked by security, freedom from fear and dismay, and a complete absence of any lack, signifying a new era of peace, abundant provision, and holistic well-being under God's direct and benevolent oversight.
Context
Literary Context
Jeremiah 23:4 serves as a pivotal turning point and a beacon of hope within a chapter that opens with a scathing denunciation of the unfaithful "shepherds" (kings, priests, and prophets) of Judah. Verses 1-2 pronounce a solemn "woe" upon these leaders for their failure to protect and nurture God's flock, instead scattering them and exposing them to danger. This immediate preceding context vividly highlights the catastrophic consequences of human leadership failures, setting up a stark contrast with God's perfect faithfulness. Verse 3 then introduces God's direct intervention, promising that He Himself will gather the remnant of His flock from all the lands where they have been driven, bringing them back to their rightful pasture. Jeremiah 23:4 thus builds directly upon this promise of regathering, assuring that once reunited, the flock will be placed under new, divinely appointed leadership, ensuring their safety, provision, and flourishing. This promise prepares the reader for the even greater messianic prophecy in Jeremiah 23:5-6, which identifies the ultimate "Righteous Branch" who will reign as the perfect King and Shepherd.
Historical & Cultural Context
Jeremiah's prophetic ministry unfolded during one of the most tumultuous periods in Judah's history, spanning the reigns of the last kings before the Babylonian exile (late 7th to early 6th century BCE). The nation was characterized by pervasive idolatry, social injustice, political instability, and a succession of unfaithful kings like Jehoiakim and Zedekiah, whose corrupt leadership led the people further into sin and ultimately to national catastrophe. In the ancient Near East, the metaphor of "shepherds" for rulers was deeply ingrained, symbolizing their sacred responsibility to protect, guide, provide for, and govern their people, much as a shepherd diligently cares for his flock. Jeremiah's prophecy, therefore, directly addresses the egregious failure of these human "shepherds" to fulfill their divine mandate. Against this backdrop of despair and impending judgment, Jeremiah 23:4 offers a powerful message of divine intervention, promising a future where God Himself rectifies the consequences of human negligence, providing genuine hope amidst national collapse.
Key Themes
This verse profoundly contributes to several overarching themes found throughout the book of Jeremiah and the broader biblical narrative. It powerfully underscores the theme of Divine Sovereignty and Providence, asserting that despite the abject failure of human leaders, God remains firmly in control and will ultimately fulfill His covenant purposes for His people. The promise of new, righteous "shepherds" highlights the critical theme of Righteous Leadership, presenting a vivid contrast to the pervasive corruption of Jeremiah's day and foreshadowing the ideal, just leadership embodied by the Messiah. The threefold assurance that the people "shall fear no more, nor be dismayed, neither shall they be lacking" speaks directly to the themes of Security, Peace, and Divine Provision, which are central to God's covenant relationship with Israel. This vision of a restored, secure, and abundantly provided-for flock under God's perfect care is a recurring motif in Scripture, echoing the comforting imagery found in Psalm 23 and pointing towards the ultimate eschatological restoration of God's people under His perfect rule, as also seen in Ezekiel 34.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
A primitive root; properly, to rise; hence, to establish, confirm, ordain, or cause to stand. In this context, "set up" signifies God's deliberate, authoritative, and sovereign act of establishing new, legitimate leaders. It is an act of divine ordination, ensuring the stability, permanence, and divine backing of this new leadership, contrasting sharply with human attempts at reform or political maneuvering.
A primitive root; to tend a flock, pasture, graze; by extension, to rule or associate with. This word is the very root from which "shepherds" (rōʿeh) is derived. Translated as "feed," it encapsulates the comprehensive range of a shepherd's duties: guiding, protecting, providing nourishment, and caring for the flock's holistic well-being. It implies a compassionate, effective, and responsible leadership that stands in stark opposition to the destructive and neglectful behavior of the condemned former leaders.
A primitive root; to prostrate; hence, to break down by violence, confusion, or fear; to terrify or discourage. This term describes a profound state of utter terror, confusion, and internal collapse, often resulting from overwhelming external threats or prolonged insecurity. The promise that they "shall not be dismayed" signifies a deep inner peace, confidence, and psychological stability, a complete absence of the emotional and mental distress caused by insecure, corrupt, or absent leadership.
Verse Breakdown
"And I will set up shepherds over them"
This opening clause immediately establishes God's direct, sovereign initiative. The change in leadership and the subsequent restoration are not the result of human effort or political reform, but a divine act of appointing new, righteous leaders. The "them" refers to the scattered and oppressed people of Israel, whom God has just promised to gather from their dispersion.
"which shall feed them"
This clause defines the essential characteristic and primary responsibility of these divinely appointed shepherds. Unlike the previous leaders who "scattered" and "destroyed" the flock (Jeremiah 23:1), these new shepherds will genuinely "feed" them, implying comprehensive care, wise guidance, spiritual nourishment, diligent protection, and abundant provision for all their needs.
"and they shall fear no more"
This marks a dramatic and transformative shift in the people's condition. Under corrupt and oppressive leadership, the people lived in constant fear—fear of injustice, fear of enemies, fear of punishment, and fear of abandonment. This promise signifies a profound sense of external security and freedom from all forms of external threats and internal anxiety.
"nor be dismayed"
This phrase reinforces the previous one, emphasizing an internal state of peace and psychological well-being. "Dismayed" speaks to a deep sense of terror, confusion, or being utterly broken in spirit. God's promise ensures that His people will no longer experience this debilitating psychological and emotional distress, finding true stability and unwavering confidence.
"neither shall they be lacking"
This final assurance speaks to complete provision, wholeness, and meticulous care. It means that none of the flock will be lost, strayed, or wanting for anything essential. It implies comprehensive oversight and divine provision, ensuring that every member of the flock is accounted for, protected, and fully provided for, reflecting God's perfect and benevolent oversight.
"saith the LORD."
This concluding phrase serves as a powerful divine authentication, emphasizing the absolute certainty, authority, and unchangeable nature of the promise. It is not a human hope or a mere possibility, but a solemn, covenantal declaration from Yahweh (H3068), the self-existent and faithful God, guaranteeing its ultimate fulfillment.
Literary Devices
Jeremiah 23:4 is rich in Metaphor, primarily employing the pervasive shepherd-flock motif, which is central to understanding God's relationship with His people and the crucial role of leadership. God is consistently depicted as the ultimate Shepherd, and His people as His flock, while human leaders are portrayed as subordinate shepherds whose faithfulness is measured by their diligent and compassionate care for the flock. The verse also utilizes effective Parallelism in the threefold promise of security and well-being: "fear no more, nor be dismayed, neither shall they be lacking." This rhetorical device amplifies the completeness, certainty, and holistic nature of the promised peace and provision. Furthermore, the concluding phrase, "saith the LORD," is a classic example of a Divine Oracle Formula, which authenticates the prophecy as a direct, authoritative, and infallible word from God, imbuing the promise with absolute certainty and divine guarantee.
Theological and Thematic Connections
This verse is a profound declaration of God's unwavering faithfulness and His steadfast commitment to His covenant people, even in the face of spectacular human leadership failures. It underscores the divine prerogative to establish and sustain righteous leadership, ensuring the spiritual and physical well-being of His flock. The promise of freedom from fear, dismay, and lack speaks to God's deep desire for His people's holistic flourishing—encompassing their spiritual, emotional, and physical security. This prophetic vision prefigures a time of ultimate peace and abundant provision under God's perfect rule, a theme that resonates powerfully throughout biblical prophecy concerning the Messianic age and the eschatological restoration of Israel.
Reflection and Application
Jeremiah 23:4 offers both profound comfort and a challenging call to action for believers today. In a world frequently characterized by corrupt leadership, pervasive instability, and widespread fear, this verse serves as a powerful reminder that God Himself remains the ultimate, faithful Shepherd who watches over His flock with perfect care. It calls us to place our ultimate trust not in fallible human institutions or leaders, but in the sovereign and benevolent care of the Lord, who alone promises to provide true spiritual nourishment, unwavering protection, and profound peace. For those called to positions of leadership, whether within the church, family, or wider society, this verse stands as a sober reminder of the high and sacred calling to selfless, compassionate, and responsible care for those entrusted to them, mirroring God's own shepherding heart. It encourages us to earnestly pray for and actively support righteous leaders, and to humbly strive to embody these shepherding qualities in our own spheres of influence, always pointing to the ultimate Good Shepherd who perfectly fulfills these promises.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Who are these "shepherds" that God promises to set up over His people?
The "shepherds" promised in Jeremiah 23:4 refer to a new generation of righteous and faithful leaders, divinely appointed by God, who will genuinely care for His people. Historically, this promise began to be fulfilled through figures like Zerubbabel and later post-exilic leaders who guided the returned exiles in rebuilding the nation. Theologically and prophetically, however, these "shepherds" find their ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the coming Messiah, the "Righteous Branch" mentioned just one verse later in Jeremiah 23:5. He is the one true and perfect Shepherd who embodies all the qualities of righteous leadership, ensuring His flock will never fear, be dismayed, or be lacking. In the New Testament, this shepherding role extends to the apostles, elders, and pastors who are called to shepherd God's flock under the supreme authority of Christ, the Chief Shepherd (1 Peter 5:2-4).
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Jeremiah 23:4 finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The promise of God raising up faithful "shepherds" who will genuinely "feed" His people and ensure they "fear no more, nor be dismayed, neither shall they be lacking" is perfectly and completely realized in Jesus, the Good Shepherd. He is the "Righteous Branch" prophesied just one verse later in Jeremiah 23:5, who reigns with perfect wisdom and executes justice and righteousness on earth. Unlike the false shepherds who scattered the flock, Jesus actively gathers His sheep, laying down His very life for them (John 10:15) to bring them into His fold. Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross and His triumphant resurrection, He provides the ultimate spiritual nourishment, absolute protection from the enemy, and eternal security for all who believe. In Him, believers truly "fear no more" because He has definitively overcome the world and its trials (John 16:33), and they are not "dismayed" because His supernatural peace, which surpasses all understanding, guards their hearts and minds in Him (Philippians 4:7). Furthermore, in Christ, His followers "shall not be lacking" any spiritual blessing (Ephesians 1:3) and are assured of His constant, meticulous provision, for He is the one who satisfies every need according to His glorious riches (Philippians 4:19). He is the living embodiment of God's perfect, compassionate, and eternally effective shepherding care, ensuring the everlasting well-being of His redeemed flock.