Jeremiah 23:5
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.
The days are coming
This phrase is a prophetic introduction commonly used in the Old Testament to signal a future event ordained by God. In Hebrew, "הִנֵּה יָמִים בָּאִים" (hinneh yamim ba'im) conveys a sense of certainty and divine timing. It reassures the faithful that God's promises are not bound by human timelines but are assuredly forthcoming. This phrase sets the stage for hope and anticipation, reminding believers that God's plans are unfolding according to His perfect will.

declares the LORD
The phrase underscores the authority and certainty of the prophecy. In Hebrew, "נְאֻם יְהוָה" (ne'um YHWH) is a solemn declaration, emphasizing that the message is not from the prophet's own imagination but from God Himself. This divine endorsement assures the audience of the truth and reliability of the forthcoming promise, reinforcing the trustworthiness of God's word.

when I will raise up for David
This phrase refers to God's covenant with David, promising a lineage that would culminate in a righteous ruler. The Hebrew root "קוּם" (qum), meaning "to raise up," suggests an active divine intervention. The mention of David connects this prophecy to the Davidic Covenant (2 Samuel 7), highlighting God's faithfulness to His promises and the continuity of His redemptive plan through David's line.

a righteous Branch
The term "Branch" (צֶמַח, tsemach) is a messianic title, symbolizing new growth and life emerging from the lineage of David. The imagery of a branch conveys vitality, renewal, and hope. The adjective "righteous" (צַדִּיק, tsaddiq) emphasizes the moral and just nature of this future leader, contrasting with the corrupt leaders of Jeremiah's time. This righteous Branch is a foretelling of the Messiah, who Christians believe is fulfilled in Jesus Christ.

and He will reign wisely
This phrase highlights the wisdom and discernment of the coming ruler. The Hebrew word for "wisely" (שָׂכַל, sakal) implies prudence, insight, and success. It suggests that this leader will govern with divine wisdom, making decisions that reflect God's justice and righteousness. This stands in stark contrast to the foolish and unjust reigns of previous kings, offering hope for a future of godly leadership.

and execute justice and righteousness in the land
The promise of executing "justice" (מִשְׁפָּט, mishpat) and "righteousness" (צְדָקָה, tsedaqah) speaks to the core of God's character and His expectations for leadership. These terms are often paired in the Old Testament to describe the ideal rule that reflects God's own nature. The emphasis on justice and righteousness assures the people that the coming king will restore order, fairness, and moral integrity, fulfilling the divine mandate for leadership and bringing peace and prosperity to the land. This vision of a just and righteous reign is central to the hope of the Messianic age, where God's kingdom is fully realized on earth.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jeremiah
A major prophet in the Old Testament, known for his prophecies concerning the judgment and restoration of Israel and Judah.

2. David
The second king of Israel, a man after God's own heart, whose lineage is significant in biblical prophecy concerning the Messiah.

3. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant name of God, emphasizing His eternal and unchanging nature and His relationship with Israel.

4. The Righteous Branch
A messianic title referring to the future King from David's line, who Christians believe is fulfilled in Jesus Christ.

5. The Land
Refers to the land of Israel, which is central to God's promises and the location where the Messiah will establish His reign.
Teaching Points
The Promise of a Righteous King
God's promise to raise a "righteous Branch" from David's line assures us of His faithfulness to His covenant. This encourages believers to trust in God's promises, knowing they are fulfilled in Christ.

The Reign of Wisdom and Justice
The prophecy highlights the qualities of the coming King—wisdom and justice. As followers of Christ, we are called to reflect these attributes in our lives, seeking to live wisely and justly in our communities.

Hope in God's Future Plans
The phrase "the days are coming" points to a future hope. Christians are reminded to live with an eternal perspective, anticipating the full realization of God's kingdom.

The Centrality of Christ
Understanding Jesus as the fulfillment of the "righteous Branch" emphasizes His central role in God's redemptive plan. This should deepen our devotion and commitment to Him as our Lord and Savior.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the promise of a "righteous Branch" from David's line strengthen your faith in God's faithfulness to His promises?

2. In what ways can you reflect the wisdom and justice of the coming King in your daily life?

3. How does the prophecy in Jeremiah 23:5 connect with the New Testament understanding of Jesus as the Messiah?

4. What does it mean for you personally to live with an eternal perspective, knowing that "the days are coming" when God's kingdom will be fully realized?

5. How can the qualities of the coming King—wisdom, justice, and righteousness—guide your interactions and decisions in your community?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Isaiah 11:1-5
This passage also speaks of a "Branch" from Jesse's roots, highlighting the Messiah's wisdom, understanding, and righteousness.

Zechariah 3:8 and 6:12
These verses refer to the "Branch" as a servant and a king, further developing the messianic expectation.

2 Samuel 7:12-16
God's covenant with David, promising an everlasting kingdom through his lineage, which is foundational to understanding Jeremiah 23:5.

Matthew 1:1
The genealogy of Jesus Christ, establishing Him as the son of David and the fulfillment of the messianic prophecies.
Christ's Divine TitlesJ. G. Angley, M. A.Jeremiah 23:5
The Kingdom of the MessiahSketches of Four Hundred SermonsJeremiah 23:5
The Lord Our RighteousnessH. M'Neile.Jeremiah 23:5
The Nature and Prosperity of the Messiah's ReignSketches of Four Hundred SermonsJeremiah 23:5
Christ is Our RighteousnessPhilip Henry.Jeremiah 23:5-6
Christ the Righteousness of Those Who Believe in HimBp. Hobart.Jeremiah 23:5-6
Christ, the Lord Our RighteousnessE. B. Pusey, D. D.Jeremiah 23:5-6
Christ's Supreme NameS. Thodey.Jeremiah 23:5-6
Jehovah Our RighteousnessDean Alford.Jeremiah 23:5-6
Jehovah-TsidkenuJ. Waite Jeremiah 23:5, 6
Jehovah-TsidkenuA. Saphir, D. D.Jeremiah 23:5-6
Jehovah-TsidkenuE. H. Hopkins.Jeremiah 23:5-6
The Lord Our RighteousW. Jay.Jeremiah 23:5-6
The Lord Our RighteousnessA.F. Muir Jeremiah 23:5, 6
The Lord Our RighteousnessProf. Stanley Leathes.Jeremiah 23:5-6
The Lord Our RighteousnessJeremiah 23:5-6
The Lord Our RighteousnessC. J. Brown, D. D.Jeremiah 23:5-6
The Lord Our RighteousnessR. Newton, D. D.Jeremiah 23:5-6
The Lord Our RighteousnessM. F. Sadler, M. A.Jeremiah 23:5-6
The Lord Our RighteousnessE. Blencowe, M.A.Jeremiah 23:5-6
The Lord Our RighteousnessW. L. Alexander, D. D.Jeremiah 23:5-6
The Righteous Scion of DavidD. Young Jeremiah 23:5, 6
People
David, Israelites, Jeremiah
Places
Babylon, Egypt, Gomorrah, Jerusalem, Samaria, Sodom
Topics
TRUE, Acted, Acting, Affirmation, Behold, Branch, David, Deal, Declares, Execute, Judging, Judgment, Justice, Prosper, Raise, Raised, Reign, Reigned, Righteous, Righteousness, Ruling, Says, Shoot, Uprightly, Wisely
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Jeremiah 23:5

     2215   Christ, Son of David
     4416   branch
     7145   remnant
     8227   discernment, nature of

Jeremiah 23:1-5

     7130   flock, God's

Jeremiah 23:4-5

     7786   shepherd, king and leader

Jeremiah 23:5-6

     1351   covenant, with David
     1511   Trinity, relationships in
     2042   Christ, justice of
     2072   Christ, righteousness
     2078   Christ, sonship of
     2206   Jesus, the Christ
     2354   Christ, mission
     2376   kingdom of God, coming
     5089   David, significance
     5366   king
     5370   kingship, human
     5511   safety
     6708   predestination
     9145   Messianic age

Library
Jehovah Tsidkenu: the Lord Our Righteousness
Having introduced the doctrine of imputed righteousness, I proofed to map out my subject. First, by way of affirmation; we say of the text--it is so--Christ is the Lord or righteousness; secondly, I shall exhort you to do him homage; let us call him so: for this is the name whereby he shall be called; and thirdly, I shall appeal to your gratitude; let us wonder at the reigning grace, which has caused us to fulfill the promise, for have been sweetly compelled to call him the Lord our righteousness.
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 7: 1861

Justification
'Being justified freely by his grace.' Rom 3:34. Q-xxxiii: WHAT IS JUSTIFICATION? A: It is an act of God's free grace, whereby he pardons all our sins, and accepts us as righteous in his sight, only for the righteousness of Christ, imputed to us, and received by faith alone. Justification is the very hinge and pillar of Christianity. An error about justification is dangerous, like a defect in a foundation. Justification by Christ is a spring of the water of life. To have the poison of corrupt doctrine
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

A Defence of the Doctrine of Justification, by Faith in Jesus Christ;
SHEWING, TRUE GOSPEL-HOLINESS FLOWS FROM THENCE; OR, MR. FOWLER'S PRETENDED DESIGN OF CHRISTIANITY, PROVED TO BE NOTHING MORE THAN TO TRAMPLE UNDER FOOT THE BLOOD OF THE SON OF GOD; AND THE IDOLIZING OF MAN'S OWN RIGHTEOUSNESS AS ALSO, HOW WHILE HE PRETENDS TO BE A MINISTER OF THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND, HE OVERTHROWETH THE WHOLESOME DOCTRINE CONTAINED IN THE 10TH, 11TH, AND 13TH, OF THE THIRTY-NINE ARTICLES OF THE SAME, AND THAT HE FALLETH IN WITH THE QUAKER AND ROMANIST, AGAINST THEM. BY JOHN BUNYAN
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

A vision of Judgement and Cleansing
'And he shewed me Joshua the high priest standing before the Angel of the Lord, and Satan standing at his right hand to resist him. 2. And the Lord said unto Satan, The Lord rebuke thee, O Satan; even the Lord that hath chosen Jerusalem rebuke thee: is not this a brand plucked out of the fire? 3. Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments, and stood before the Angel. 4. And He answered and spake unto those that stood before Him, saying, Take away the filthy garments from him. And unto him He said,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Discourse on the Good Shepherd.
(Jerusalem, December, a.d. 29.) ^D John X. 1-21. ^d 1 Verily, verily, I say to you [unto the parties whom he was addressing in the last section], He that entereth not by the door into the fold of the sheep, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. [In this section Jesus proceeds to contrast his own care for humanity with that manifested by the Pharisees, who had just cast out the beggar. Old Testament prophecies were full of declarations that false shepherds would arise to
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Conversion --Varied Phenomena or Experience.
We have spoken of the meaning of this term, inquired into the nature of the change, and noted its essential elements. We have also learned that there are some who do not need it because they are in a converted state, and that all who are not in such a state of Grace, do need conversion, regardless of anything that may or may not have taken place in the past. We inquire now as to the agencies or means by which this change is brought about. For it is a change which man can certainly not effect by his
G. H. Gerberding—The Way of Salvation in the Lutheran Church

The Trinity
Q-6. HOW MANY PERSONS ARE THERE IN THE GODHEAD? A: Three persons, yet but one God. 'There are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost, and these three are one.' I John 5:5. God is but one, yet are there three distinct persons subsisting in one Godhead. This is a sacred mystery, which the light within man could never have discovered. As the two natures in Christ, yet but one person, is a wonder; so three persons, yet but one Godhead. Here is a great deep, the Father
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

The Nature of Spiritual Hunger
Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness Matthew 5:6 We are now come to the fourth step of blessedness: Blessed are they that hunger'. The words fall into two parts: a duty implied; a promise annexed. A duty implied: Blessed are they that hunger'. Spiritual hunger is a blessed hunger. What is meant by hunger? Hunger is put for desire (Isaiah 26:9). Spiritual hunger is the rational appetite whereby the soul pants after that which it apprehends most suitable and proportional
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12

A vision of the King.
ONE of the most blessed occupations for the believer is the prayerful searching of God's holy Word to discover there new glories and fresh beauties of Him, who is altogether lovely. Shall we ever find out all which the written Word reveals of Himself and His worthiness? This wonderful theme can never be exhausted. The heart which is devoted to Him and longs through the presence and indwelling of the Holy Spirit to be closer to the Lord, to hear and know more of Himself, will always find something
Arno Gaebelein—The Lord of Glory

Interpretation of Prophecy.
1. The scriptural idea of prophecy is widely removed from that of human foresight and presentiment. It is that of a revelation made by the Holy Spirit respecting the future, always in the interest of God's kingdom. It is no part of the plan of prophecy to gratify vain curiosity respecting "the times or the seasons which the Father hath put in his own power." Acts 1:7. "Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God"--this is its key-note. In its form it is carefully adapted to this great end.
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible

Concerning Justification.
Concerning Justification. As many as resist not this light, but receive the same, it becomes in them an holy, pure, and spiritual birth, bringing forth holiness, righteousness, purity, and all those other blessed fruits which are acceptable to God: by which holy birth, to wit, Jesus Christ formed within us, and working his works in us, as we are sanctified, so are we justified in the sight of God, according to the apostle's words; But ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in
Robert Barclay—Theses Theologicae and An Apology for the True Christian Divinity

The Providence of God
Q-11: WHAT ARE GOD'S WORKS OF PROVIDENCE? A: God's works of providence are the acts of his most holy, wise, and powerful government of his creatures, and of their actions. Of the work of God's providence Christ says, My Father worketh hitherto and I work.' John 5:17. God has rested from the works of creation, he does not create any new species of things. He rested from all his works;' Gen 2:2; and therefore it must needs be meant of his works of providence: My Father worketh and I work.' His kingdom
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

The Lord's Prayer.
(Jerusalem. Thursday Night.) ^D John XVII. ^d 1 These things spake Jesus; and lifting up his eyes to heaven [the action marked the turning of his thoughts from the disciples to the Father], he said, Father, the hour is come [see pp. 116, 440]; glorify thy Son, that the son may glorify thee: 2 even as thou gavest him authority over all flesh, that to all whom thou hast given him, he should give eternal life. [The Son here prays for his glorification, viz.: resurrection, ascension, coronation, etc.,
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

The Unity of God
Q-5: ARE THERE MORE GODS THAN ONE? A: There is but one only, the living and true God. That there is a God has been proved; and those that will not believe the verity of his essence, shall feel the severity of his wrath. Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God is one Lord.' Deut 6:6. He is the only God.' Deut 4:49. Know therefore this day, and consider it in thy heart, that the Lord he is God in heaven above, and upon the earth beneath, there is none else.' A just God and a Saviour; there is none beside
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

Jehovah. The "I Am. "
WHEN Moses in the desert beheld the burning bush God answered his question by the revelation of His name as the "I Am." "And God said unto Moses, I am, that I am: and He said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you" (Exod. iii:14). He who spake thus out of the bush to Moses was the same who in the fullness of time appeared upon the earth in the form of man. Our Lord Jesus Christ is no less person, than the I AM. If we turn to the fourth Gospel in which the Holy
Arno Gaebelein—The Lord of Glory

His Future Work
The Lord Jesus Christ, who finished the work on earth the Father gave Him to do, who is now bodily present in the highest heaven, occupying the Father's throne and exercising His priesthood in behalf of His people, is also King. To Him belongeth a Kingdom and a kingly Glory. He has therefore a kingly work to do. While His past work was foretold by the Spirit of God and His priestly work foreshadowed in the Old Testament, His work as King and His glorious Kingdom to come are likewise the subjects
A. C. Gaebelein—The Work Of Christ

A Preliminary Discourse to Catechising
'If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled.' - Col 1:23. Intending next Lord's day to enter upon the work of catechising, it will not be amiss to give you a preliminary discourse, to show you how needful it is for Christians to be well instructed in the grounds of religion. If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled.' I. It is the duty of Christians to be settled in the doctrine of faith. II. The best way for Christians to be settled is to be well grounded. I. It is the duty of Christians
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

Repentance
Then has God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.' Acts 11: 18. Repentance seems to be a bitter pill to take, but it is to purge out the bad humour of sin. By some Antinomian spirits it is cried down as a legal doctrine; but Christ himself preached it. From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent,' &c. Matt 4: 17. In his last farewell, when he was ascending to heaven, he commanded that Repentance should be preached in his name.' Luke 24: 47. Repentance is a pure gospel grace.
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments

Its Instrument
"Being justified freely by His grace" (Rom. 3:24); "being now justified by His blood" (Rom. 5:9); "being now justified by faith" (Rom. 5:1). A full exposition of the doctrine of justification requires that each of these propositions should be interpreted in their Scriptural sense, and that they be combined together in their true relations as to form one harmonious whole. Unless these three propositions be carefully distinguished there is sure to be confusion; unless all the three are steadily borne
Arthur W. Pink—The Doctrine of Justification

An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of the Eleventh
An unfinished commentary on the Bible, found among the author's papers after his death, in his own handwriting; and published in 1691, by Charles Doe, in a folio volume of the works of John Bunyan. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR Being in company with an enlightened society of Protestant dissenters of the Baptist denomination, I observed to a doctor of divinity, who was advancing towards his seventieth year, that my time had been delightfully engaged with John Bunyan's commentary on Genesis. "What,"
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

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