Jeremiah 23:5

Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth.

Behold, the days {H3117} come {H935}, saith {H5002} the LORD {H3068}, that I will raise {H6965} unto David {H1732} a righteous {H6662} Branch {H6780}, and a King {H4428} shall reign {H4427} and prosper {H7919}, and shall execute {H6213} judgment {H4941} and justice {H6666} in the earth {H776}.

"The days are coming," says ADONAI when I will raise a righteous Branch for David. He will reign as king and succeed, he will do what is just and right in the land.

Behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and He will reign wisely as King and will administer justice and righteousness in the land.

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.

Commentary

Jeremiah 23:5 is a profound prophetic declaration, offering a beacon of hope amidst the darkness of Judah's decline. It speaks of a future, divinely appointed King who will bring true righteousness and justice to the earth, a stark contrast to the corrupt leadership of Jeremiah's time.

Context

The prophet Jeremiah ministered during a tumultuous period for the Southern Kingdom of Judah, leading up to the Babylonian exile. Chapters 21-24 are particularly focused on the failures of Judah's kings and false prophets. The "shepherds" (kings and leaders) had scattered and destroyed God's flock (Jeremiah 23:1). In this context of despair and divine judgment, verse 5 stands out as a glorious promise of future restoration and righteous leadership under God's appointed ruler, the Messiah.

Key Themes

  • The Righteous Branch (Messianic Prophecy): The phrase "a righteous Branch" is a significant messianic title, pointing directly to Jesus Christ. It signifies a legitimate, divinely ordained descendant of David who will bring forth new life and true spiritual fruit. This imagery is also found in other prophetic books, such as Isaiah 4:2 and Zechariah 6:12, solidifying the expectation of a coming deliverer from David's lineage.
  • Fulfillment of the Davidic Covenant: This verse reaffirms God's unconditional promise to King David, that his throne and kingdom would be established forever (2 Samuel 7:16). The "righteous Branch" is the ultimate fulfillment of this covenant, ensuring a perpetual reign of a righteous King.
  • Just and Prosperous Reign: Unlike the human kings who had failed to "execute judgment and justice," this future King will reign with perfect equity and righteousness. His rule will bring true prosperity, not just material wealth, but spiritual well-being and societal order based on divine principles. This speaks to the ultimate reign of Christ, where all wrongs will be made right.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "Branch" here is Tzemach (Χ¦ΦΆΧžΦ·Χ—), which literally means "sprout" or "growth." This term emphasizes organic, natural development and legitimate lineage, contrasting with the cut-off, corrupt lines of the contemporary kings. The phrase "execute judgment and justice" (mishpat u'tzedakah) highlights the King's role in upholding divine law, administering fairness, and demonstrating perfect righteousness in governance.

Practical Application

Jeremiah 23:5 offers immense hope and a clear focus for believers today. It reminds us that:

  • God is Faithful to His Promises: Despite human failure and sin, God's covenant promises, particularly the promise of a King from David's line, will ultimately be fulfilled through Jesus Christ.
  • Christ's Reign is Supreme: We can trust in the ultimate authority and perfect justice of Jesus, who is the promised "righteous Branch." His kingdom is not of this world, yet it will ultimately prevail and establish true righteousness on earth (Revelation 11:15).
  • Live in Anticipation: This prophecy calls us to live righteously, reflecting the character of our coming King, and to anticipate the full establishment of His just and peaceful reign.
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Cross-References

  • Isaiah 4:2 (18 votes)

    ΒΆ In that day shall the branch of the LORD be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the earth [shall be] excellent and comely for them that are escaped of Israel.

  • Luke 1:32 (17 votes)

    He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:

  • Luke 1:33 (17 votes)

    And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.

  • Isaiah 52:13 (15 votes)

    ΒΆ Behold, my servant shall deal prudently, he shall be exalted and extolled, and be very high.

  • Isaiah 9:7 (14 votes)

    Of the increase of [his] government and peace [there shall be] no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.

  • Zechariah 6:12 (10 votes)

    And speak unto him, saying, Thus speaketh the LORD of hosts, saying, Behold the man whose name [is] The BRANCH; and he shall grow up out of his place, and he shall build the temple of the LORD:

  • Zechariah 6:13 (10 votes)

    Even he shall build the temple of the LORD; and he shall bear the glory, and shall sit and rule upon his throne; and he shall be a priest upon his throne: and the counsel of peace shall be between them both.