Ep. 182. Jeremiah 23-24 | Woe to the Shepherds
EPISODE 182
WOE TO THE SHEPHERDS: JEREMIAH 23-24
I can't wait until we get to John chapter 10 and then revisit this chapter of Jeremiah, but for now, I'll just give you a few highlights. When the Bible talks about the "shepherds," it is referencing those who are leading the people. In the context of Jeremiah, this is often a reference to the priests and prophets, and as we saw a few days ago, those particular leaders are unfaithful in their work.
Here, God is condemning the shepherds because they are not caring for the people of God but rather doing harm to them and scattering them. But God promises that he will raise up "shepherds who will care for them." He goes so far as to mention, "David a righteous Branch." Of course, we've seen this already in Isaiah 11 and know that this is not a reference to King David, who is long since dead, but to Jesus, who will come to lead the people of God. The name that will be given to him is "The Lord our Righteousness," which is exactly who he became for all who believe in him.
None of these wicked shepherds have stood in the council of the Lord to hear and know his word. If they had stood in God's presence, they would have proclaimed God's words to his people and turned them from their sins. Instead, the priest and the prophets were first in sin. They were the ones who led the people astray.
There is a clear application today to the false teachers who twist God's word. In some cases, they don't even know the Scripture well enough to discuss it rightly. They prophesy "the deceit of their own heart."
There is a comparison here between the wicked and the righteous shepherd. One gives straw and one wheat, and the two have nothing in common. We find this same comparison in 1 Corinthians, where Paul, speaking about those who would endeavor to proclaim the word of God, warns shepherds to build with worthwhile things rather than worthless things. Wood, hay, and stubble will all be burned up in the judgment. But the gold, silver, and precious stones will endure. Again, regarding false teachers, Paul says not to be unequally yoked together with an unbeliever. Though people typically use this passage to talk about marriage, Paul has the false apostles and their false teachings in mind.
God is against all false teachers and those who pretend they were sent by God. In the end, they will get what they deserve.
ADDITIONAL READING: Isaiah 11; Jeremiah 33:16; Jeremiah 31:31-34; Jeremiah 16:14-15; Isaiah 43:18-19; Isaiah 1:9-10; Psalm 139:7-12; 2 Corinthians 6:14-16; Jeremiah 29:11; Ezekiel 34; 1 Corinthians 3:10-15
