◄ Jeremiah 23 ►
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Berean Standard Bible | Par ▾
David’s Righteous Branch 1“Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of My pasture!” declares the LORD. 2Therefore this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says about the shepherds who tend My people: “You have scattered My flock and driven them away, and have not attended to them. Behold, I will attend to you for the evil of your deeds, declares the LORD. 3Then I Myself will gather the remnant of My flock from all the lands to which I have banished them, and I will return them to their pasture, where they will be fruitful and multiply. 4I will raise up shepherds over them who will tend them, and they will no longer be afraid or dismayed, nor will any go missing, declares the LORD. 5Behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when I will raise up for Davida a righteous Branch, and He will reign wisely as King and will administer justice and righteousness in the land. 6In His days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell securely. And this is His name by which He will be called: The LORD Our Righteousness.b 7So behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when they will no longer say, ‘As surely as the LORD lives, who brought the Israelites up out of the land of Egypt.’ 8Instead they will say, ‘As surely as the LORD lives, who brought and led the descendants of the house of Israel up out of the land of the north and all the other lands to which He had banished them.’ Then they will dwell once more in their own land.” Lying Prophets 9As for the prophets: My heart is broken within me, and all my bones tremble. I have become like a drunkard, like a man overcome by wine, because of the LORD, because of His holy words. 10For the land is full of adulterers— because of the curse, the land mourns and the pastures of the wilderness have dried up— their course is evil and their power is misused. 11“For both prophet and priest are ungodly; even in My house I have found their wickedness,” declares the LORD. 12“Therefore their path will become slick; they will be driven away into the darkness and fall into it. For I will bring disaster upon them in the year of their punishment,” declares the LORD. 13“Among the prophets of Samaria I saw an offensive thing: They prophesied by Baal and led My people Israel astray. 14And among the prophets of Jerusalem I have seen a horrible thing: They commit adultery and walk in lies. They strengthen the hands of evildoers, so that no one turns his back on wickedness. They are all like Sodom to Me; the people of Jerusalem are like Gomorrah.” 15Therefore this is what the LORD of Hosts says concerning the prophets: “I will feed them wormwood and give them poisoned water to drink, for from the prophets of Jerusalem ungodliness has spread throughout the land.” 16This is what the LORD of Hosts says: “Do not listen to the words of the prophets who prophesy to you. They are filling you with false hopes. They speak visions from their own minds, not from the mouth of the LORD. 17They keep saying to those who despise Me, ‘The LORD says that you will have peace,’ and to everyone who walks in the stubbornness of his own heart, ‘No harm will come to you.’ 18But which of them has stood in the council of the LORD to see and hear His word? Who has given heed to His word and obeyed it? 19Behold, the storm of the LORD has gone out with fury, a whirlwind swirling down upon the heads of the wicked. 20The anger of the LORD will not turn back until He has fully accomplished the purposes of His heart. In the days to come you will understand this clearly. 21I did not send these prophets, yet they have run with their message; I did not speak to them, yet they have prophesied. 22But if they had stood in My council, they would have proclaimed My words to My people and turned them back from their evil ways and deeds.” 23“Am I only a God nearby,” declares the LORD, “and not a God far away?” 24“Can a man hide in secret places where I cannot see him?” declares the LORD. “Do I not fill the heavens and the earth?” declares the LORD. 25“I have heard the sayings of the prophets who prophesy lies in My name: ‘I had a dream! I had a dream!’ 26How long will this continue in the hearts of these prophets who prophesy falsehood, these prophets of the delusion of their own minds? 27They suppose the dreams that they tell one another will make My people forget My name, just as their fathers forgot My name through the worship of Baal. 28Let the prophet who has a dream retell it, but let him who has My word speak it truthfully. For what is straw compared to grain?” declares the LORD. 29“Is not My word like fire,” declares the LORD, “and like a hammer that smashes a rock?” 30“Therefore behold,” declares the LORD, “I am against the prophets who steal from one another words they attribute to Me.” 31“Yes,” declares the LORD, “I am against the prophets who wag their own tongues and proclaim, ‘The LORD declares it.’” 32“Indeed,” declares the LORD, “I am against those who prophesy false dreams and retell them to lead My people astray with their reckless lies. It was not I who sent them or commanded them, and they are of no benefit at all to these people,” declares the LORD. False Prophecies 33“Now when this people or a prophet or priest asks you, ‘What is the burden of the LORD?’ you are to say to them, ‘What burden? I will forsake you, declares the LORD.’ 34As for the prophet or priest or anyone who claims, ‘This is the burden of the LORD,’ I will punish that man and his household. 35This is what each man is to say to his friend and to his brother: ‘What has the LORD answered?’ or ‘What has the LORD spoken?’ 36But refer no more to the burden of the LORD, for each man’s word becomes the burden, so that you pervert the words of the living God, the LORD of Hosts, our God. 37Thus you are to say to the prophet: ‘What has the LORD answered you?’ and ‘What has the LORD spoken?’ 38But if you claim, ‘This is the burden of the LORD,’ then this is what the LORD says: Because you have said, ‘This is the burden of the LORD,’ and I specifically told you not to make this claim, 39therefore I will surely forget you and will cast you out of My presence, both you and the city that I gave to you and your fathers. 40And I will bring upon you everlasting shame and perpetual humiliation that will never be forgotten.” Footnotes: 5 a Or up for David’s line 6 b Hebrew YHWH Tsidqenu Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub Jeremiah 23 Summary David's Righteous Branch Verses 1–4 – Woe to Unfaithful Shepherds Judah’s leaders are pictured as negligent shepherds. Because they have scattered God’s flock, the LORD promises to remove them and gather His people back into safe pasture under faithful overseers. Verses 5–8 – The Righteous Branch and the Great Regathering A future ideal King from David’s line—called “the LORD our Righteousness”—will rule wisely. His reign will eclipse even the Exodus, for God will bring His people home from every land. Verses 9–12 – A Broken Heart over False Prophets Jeremiah trembles because the land is cursed; the prophets misuse God’s name, and drought follows their deceitful words. Verses 13–15 – Samaria and Jerusalem Compared Prophets in Samaria led Israel into idolatry, but prophets in Jerusalem commit spiritual adultery and strengthen evildoers. Therefore, divine judgment is inevitable. Verses 16–22 – Empty Dreams vs. God’s Counsel People love optimistic visions, but only the word from God’s throne has power. A true messenger must “stand in My council” before speaking. Verses 23–24 – God’s Omnipresence No hiding place exists from the LORD; He fills heaven and earth. Verses 25–32 – Stolen Words and Straw Sermons Prophets borrow one another’s sayings, yet their sermons are like straw compared with the hammer and fire of genuine revelation. Verses 33–40 – The Burden of the LORD Reversed Because scoffers mock Jeremiah’s warnings by calling them a “burden,” God turns the word back on them: the only burden will be the disaster they must bear. Jeremiah 23 deals with the stark contrast between false shepherds who led God's people astray and the promised true Shepherd who will reign in righteousness. This chapter is a stern admonition for those who manipulate God's word for their own gain and a beacon of hope, portraying the coming of a Messiah who will bring justice, righteousness, and salvation to God's people. Historical Setting • Timeframe: final decades of Judah’s monarchy (c. 627–586 BC). • Kings on the throne: from Josiah’s reforming zeal to Zedekiah’s collapse. Jeremiah speaks while Babylon rises and Assyria wanes. • Religious climate: public worship continues in the temple, yet idolatry and injustice dominate daily life. Archaeological Notes • Lachish Letters (c. 588 BC) echo Jeremiah’s era—panic as Babylon advances. • Bullae (seal impressions) bearing names of royal officials mentioned in Jeremiah 37–38 confirm the prophet’s historical milieu. Literary Structure 1. Indictment of leaders (vv. 1–4) 2. Messianic promise (vv. 5–8) 3. Exposure of false prophets (vv. 9–32) 4. Wordplay on “burden” (vv. 33–40) Key Themes • Leadership Accountability: God holds pastors, kings, and prophets responsible for people’s welfare. • Hope in Judgment: even as doom looms, a righteous King is promised. • Authentic Revelation: true words come from intimacy with God, not borrowed slogans. • God’s Nearness: His presence fills creation, leaving no room for secret sin. Messianic Foreshadowing • v 5: “I will raise up for David a righteous Branch”. Points to Jesus (Luke 1:32–33; Acts 13:22–23). • Title “the LORD our Righteousness” links with 1 Corinthians 1:30—Christ becomes our righteousness. Connections to Other Scriptures • Ezekiel 34 parallels the evil shepherd motif and promises one Shepherd. • Isaiah 11 foretells a Branch from Jesse with similar attributes. • John 10:11, 14—Jesus claims to be the Good Shepherd, gathering scattered sheep. • Hebrews 4:13 echoes vv. 23–24: nothing is hidden from God’s sight. Leadership Lessons 1. Care over control—leaders serve for the flock’s good, not personal gain. 2. Accountability—titles do not shield anyone from God’s scrutiny. 3. Integrity—message must come from time in God’s presence, not recycled clichés. Practical Application • Guard against ear-tickling messages; weigh teachings against Scripture. • Rest in Christ, the promised Branch, whose righteousness covers our failures. • Maintain honesty—God’s omnipresence means secrets cannot stay hidden. • Support and pray for pastors to shepherd with courage and humility. Key Hebrew Insights (simplified) • “Shepherds” (ra‘ah) can mean rulers or pastors, showing overlap between civic and spiritual duties. • “Branch” (tsemach) conveys new life sprouting from what looked dead—hope rising from judgment. • “Burden” (massa‘) becomes a pun: the people’s sarcastic nickname for prophecy turns literal as God lays the burden of judgment on them. Brief Phrases within Limit 1. “Woe to the shepherds who scatter My flock” (v1). 2. “I will raise up for David a righteous Branch” (v5). Together they underline both warning and promise: judgment on failed leaders, hope in the coming King. Connections to Additional Scriptures Ezekiel 34:11-16 God's promise to shepherd His people and seek out the lost. John 10:11-16 Jesus as the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep. Matthew 7:15-20 Jesus' warning about false prophets and recognizing them by their fruits. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 The authority and sufficiency of Scripture for teaching and correction. Teaching Points Condemnation of False Shepherds Jeremiah 23:1-2 highlights God's judgment against the leaders who have scattered and destroyed His flock. Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of My pasture! declares the LORD. This serves as a warning against spiritual leaders who fail to care for their people. Promise of Restoration In verses 3-4, God promises to gather the remnant of His flock and appoint faithful shepherds over them. Then I Myself will gather the remnant of My flock out of all the lands where I have banished them, and I will return them to their pasture, where they will be fruitful and multiply. The Righteous Branch Verses 5-6 introduce the prophecy of the coming Messiah, the Righteous Branch from David's line. 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. Denunciation of False Prophets Verses 9-32 address the false prophets who speak lies and lead people astray. God declares that He did not send them, and their visions are deceitful. I did not send these prophets, yet they have run with their message; I did not speak to them, yet they have prophesied. God's Word as the True Standard In verse 29, God emphasizes the power of His word: Is not My word like fire, declares the LORD, and like a hammer that smashes a rock? This underscores the authority and transformative power of Scripture. Practical Applications Discernment in Leadership Evaluate the teachings and character of spiritual leaders. Are they leading according to God's Word, or are they promoting their own agendas? Hope in Christ Find assurance in the promise of the Righteous Branch, Jesus Christ, who reigns with justice and righteousness. Trust in His leadership and guidance. Commitment to Truth Prioritize the study and application of God's Word in your life. Let it be the standard by which you measure all teachings and prophecies. Guard Against Deception Be vigilant against false teachings and prophets. Test everything against the truth of Scripture. People 1. The LORD (Yahweh) The central figure in the chapter, the LORD is depicted as the sovereign God who speaks against the false shepherds of Israel. He promises to gather the remnant of His flock and raise up a righteous Branch. The Hebrew name used is יהוה (YHWH), emphasizing His covenantal relationship with Israel. 2. The Shepherds These are the leaders of Israel, including kings, priests, and prophets, who have failed in their duties. They are criticized for scattering and destroying the sheep of God's pasture. The term "shepherds" (רֹעִים, ro'im) is metaphorical for leaders. 3. The Righteous Branch A prophetic reference to the Messiah, who will reign wisely and execute justice and righteousness. This figure is understood by Christians to be Jesus Christ. The Hebrew term צֶמַח (tsemach) is used, meaning "branch" or "sprout." 4. The Prophets These are the false prophets who speak lies and lead the people astray. They claim to speak in the name of the LORD but are not sent by Him. The Hebrew word נְבִיאִים (nevi'im) is used for prophets. 5. The People of Judah and Jerusalem The inhabitants of Judah and Jerusalem are the recipients of the false prophecies and are led into error by their leaders. They are the "sheep" mentioned in the context of the shepherds' failure. 6. David Mentioned in the context of the "righteous Branch," David is the ancestral line from which the Messiah is prophesied to come. The reference to David highlights the promise of a future king from his lineage. Places 1. Judah This is the southern kingdom of the Israelites, consisting of the tribes of Judah and Benjamin. In Jeremiah 23, Judah is the primary audience of the prophet's message, as he addresses the leaders and people of this region. The Hebrew root for Judah is "יְהוּדָה" (Yehudah), which means "praised." 2. Jerusalem The capital city of Judah and a central location for the Jewish faith and governance. In Jeremiah 23, Jerusalem is significant as the seat of the kings and prophets who are being admonished for their unfaithfulness. The Hebrew root for Jerusalem is "יְרוּשָׁלַיִם" (Yerushalayim), meaning "foundation of peace." Events 1. Condemnation of the Shepherds The chapter begins with a strong rebuke against the leaders of Israel, referred to as "shepherds," who have failed in their duties. The Lord declares, "Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of My pasture!" (Jeremiah 23:1). The Hebrew word for "woe" (הוֹי, hoy) is an expression of lament and impending judgment. 2. Promise of Restoration God promises to gather the remnant of His flock from all the lands where they have been driven and bring them back to their pasture. He will "raise up shepherds over them who will tend them" (Jeremiah 23:4), ensuring they will no longer be afraid or dismayed. 3. The Righteous Branch A prophecy is given about the coming of a righteous leader from David's line. "Behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch" (Jeremiah 23:5). The Hebrew term for "Branch" (צֶמַח, tsemach) signifies a sprout or shoot, symbolizing new growth and hope. 4. The Name of the Righteous King This future king will be called "The LORD Our Righteousness" (YHWH Tsidkenu), emphasizing His divine nature and role in bringing righteousness to His people (Jeremiah 23:6). 5. A New Exodus The chapter foretells a time when the deliverance from Egypt will be overshadowed by a new act of salvation. "They will no longer say, ‘As surely as the LORD lives, who brought the Israelites up out of the land of Egypt,’ but ‘As surely as the LORD lives, who brought and led the descendants of the house of Israel out of the land of the north’" (Jeremiah 23:7-8). 6. Denunciation of False Prophets The Lord condemns the false prophets who lead His people astray with lies and deceit. "Do not listen to the words of the prophets who prophesy to you. They are filling you with false hopes" (Jeremiah 23:16). The Hebrew word for "false" (שָׁוְא, shav) implies emptiness or vanity. 7. God’s Omnipresence and Omniscience The Lord asserts His omnipresence and omniscience, questioning whether anyone can hide from Him. "Can a man hide in secret places where I cannot see him?" (Jeremiah 23:24). This emphasizes God's all-seeing nature. 8. The Power of God’s Word The Lord compares His word to fire and a hammer that breaks rock, illustrating its power and effectiveness. "Is not My word like fire, declares the LORD, and like a hammer that smashes a rock?" (Jeremiah 23:29). 9. Warning Against False Oracles The chapter concludes with a warning against those who claim to speak oracles from the Lord without His command. "You must not say, ‘The oracle of the LORD,’" (Jeremiah 23:38), highlighting the seriousness of falsely claiming divine revelation. Lessons from Jeremiah 23 1. The Importance of True Leadership In Jeremiah 23, God speaks against the shepherds who are leading His people astray. This chapter reminds us of the critical role of leadership in guiding others toward truth. As it says, "Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of My pasture!" (Jeremiah 23:1). True leaders are called to nurture and protect, not to mislead or harm. This is a call to seek leaders who are grounded in Scripture and to strive to be such leaders ourselves. 2. God’s Promise of Restoration Despite the failures of human leaders, God promises to gather His people and restore them. "I will gather the remnant of My flock out of all the lands to which I have banished them, and I will return them to their pasture, where they will be fruitful and multiply" (Jeremiah 23:3). This is a powerful reminder that God is always working to bring us back to Him, no matter how far we may have strayed. 3. The Righteous Branch Jeremiah 23 introduces the prophecy of the Righteous Branch, a clear reference to Jesus Christ. "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" (Jeremiah 23:5). This prophecy assures us of the coming of a perfect leader who embodies justice and righteousness, offering hope and salvation. 4. The Name of the Lord Our Righteousness In verse 6, we learn that the name of this Righteous Branch will be "The LORD Our Righteousness" (Jeremiah 23:6). This highlights the profound truth that our righteousness comes not from ourselves but from God. It is a reminder to rely on His grace and not our own efforts for salvation. 5. The Danger of False Prophets Jeremiah 23 warns against false prophets who speak lies in God’s name. "Do not listen to the words of the prophets who prophesy to you. They are filling you with false hopes. They speak visions from their own minds, not from the mouth of the LORD" (Jeremiah 23:16). This is a call to discernment, urging us to test everything against Scripture and to be wary of teachings that deviate from God’s Word. 6. God’s Word is Like Fire The chapter vividly describes God’s Word as a powerful force: "Is not My word like fire, declares the LORD, and like a hammer that smashes a rock?" (Jeremiah 23:29). This metaphor emphasizes the transformative and purifying power of Scripture. It challenges us to let God’s Word refine us and break down the barriers in our hearts. 7. Accountability for Words Jeremiah 23 underscores the responsibility that comes with speaking in God’s name. "Therefore, behold, I am against the prophets, declares the LORD, who steal My words from each other" (Jeremiah 23:30). This serves as a reminder to speak truthfully and to ensure that our words align with God’s truth, recognizing the weight they carry. 8. God’s Omnipresence The chapter affirms God’s omnipresence, reminding us that nothing is hidden from Him. "Can a man hide in secret places where I cannot see him? declares the LORD. Do I not fill the heavens and the earth?" (Jeremiah 23:24). This truth reassures us that God is always with us, providing comfort and guidance in every situation. 9. The Futility of Human Wisdom Jeremiah 23 highlights the futility of relying on human wisdom over divine revelation. "They speak visions from their own minds, not from the mouth of the LORD" (Jeremiah 23:16). This encourages us to prioritize God’s wisdom over our own understanding, seeking His guidance in all things. 10. The Assurance of God’s Justice Finally, Jeremiah 23 assures us of God’s ultimate justice. "I will bring disaster on them—the year of their punishment, declares the LORD" (Jeremiah 23:12). This is a reminder that God will hold accountable those who lead others astray, and it reassures us that His justice will prevail in the end. It encourages us to trust in His timing and righteousness. Topics 1. The Righteous Branch (Jeremiah 23:1-6) This section addresses the failure of Israel's leaders, referred to as "shepherds," who have scattered and destroyed the flock. God promises to raise up a "Righteous Branch" from David's line, a prophecy Christians interpret as referring to Jesus Christ. The Hebrew term for "Branch" (צֶמַח, ^tsemach^) signifies a sprout or shoot, symbolizing new growth and hope. Quote: "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." (Jeremiah 23:5) 2. False Prophets and Their Lies (Jeremiah 23:9-32) This passage condemns the false prophets who lead the people astray with lies and deceit. They claim to speak for God but are driven by their own imaginations. The Hebrew word for "lies" (שֶׁקֶר, ^sheqer^) emphasizes the falsehood and deception propagated by these prophets. Quote: "I did not send these prophets, yet they have run with their message; I did not speak to them, yet they have prophesied." (Jeremiah 23:21) 3. The Burden of the LORD (Jeremiah 23:33-40) This section discusses the misuse of the phrase "the burden of the LORD" by the people and prophets. God warns against using this phrase lightly or falsely, as it misrepresents His message. The Hebrew word for "burden" (מַשָּׂא, ^massa^) can mean a load or oracle, indicating the weight and seriousness of God's word. Quote: "But you must not mention 'the burden of the LORD' again, because each man’s word becomes his own burden, and so you distort the words of the living God, the LORD of Hosts, our God." (Jeremiah 23:36) Themes 1. Condemnation of False Shepherds Jeremiah 23 begins with a strong rebuke against the leaders of Israel, referred to as shepherds, who have failed in their duties. The Lord declares, "Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of My pasture!" (Jeremiah 23:1). The Hebrew word for "woe" (אוֹי, 'oy) conveys a deep lament and impending judgment. 2. Promise of Righteous Leadership God promises to raise up faithful shepherds who will care for His people. "I will raise up shepherds over them who will tend them, and they will no longer be afraid or dismayed, nor will any go missing," declares the LORD (Jeremiah 23:4). This theme highlights God's commitment to providing righteous leadership. 3. The Righteous Branch A messianic prophecy is introduced with the promise of a "Righteous Branch" from David's line. "Behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch" (Jeremiah 23:5). The Hebrew term for "Branch" (צֶמַח, tsemach) signifies a sprout or shoot, symbolizing new growth and hope. 4. The Name of the Messiah The coming Messiah is given a significant name: "The LORD Our Righteousness" (YHWH Tsidkenu). "And this is the name by which He will be called: The LORD Our Righteousness" (Jeremiah 23:6). This theme emphasizes the divine nature and righteousness of the Messiah. 5. Restoration of Israel God promises to gather His people from exile and restore them to their land. "Then they will dwell in their own land" (Jeremiah 23:8). This theme underscores God's faithfulness to His covenant and His power to restore. 6. Denunciation of False Prophets The chapter addresses the deceit and lies of false prophets who lead the people astray. "Do not listen to the words of the prophets who prophesy to you. They are filling you with false hopes" (Jeremiah 23:16). The Hebrew root for "false" (שָׁוְא, shav) implies emptiness and deception. 7. God's Omniscience and Omnipresence God declares His awareness of all things, contrasting His truth with the lies of false prophets. "Am I only a God nearby, declares the LORD, and not a God far away?" (Jeremiah 23:23). This theme highlights God's omnipresence and omniscience. 8. The Power of God's Word The chapter emphasizes the transformative and powerful nature of God's word. "Is not My word like fire, declares the LORD, and like a hammer that smashes a rock?" (Jeremiah 23:29). The imagery of fire and a hammer illustrates the purifying and breaking power of divine truth. Prayer Points Pray for discernment to recognize true and false teachings. Ask God to raise up faithful leaders who will shepherd His people with integrity. Thank God for the hope and salvation found in Jesus, the Righteous Branch. Seek God's guidance in aligning your life with His Word and truth. Answering Tough Questions 1. Jeremiah 23:1–2: How can God condemn “shepherds” who mislead the flock while, historically, many oppressive leaders seem to go unpunished? 2. Jeremiah 23:5: Does the prophecy of a Davidic “righteous Branch” conflict with the genealogical records presented elsewhere in Scripture? 3. Jeremiah 23:11–12: Are there any historical or archaeological findings that confirm or refute the portrayal of corrupt prophets and priests in Jeremiah’s era? 4. Jeremiah 23:21–22: Why would God allow false prophets to speak in His name if He disapproves of their messages? 5. Jeremiah 23:36: How can the warning against perverting “the words of the living God” be reconciled with claims that the Bible has been edited or redacted over time? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. How does God's rebuke of the shepherds in Jeremiah 23 apply to today's leaders? 2. Reflect on the image of the 'Righteous Branch' as portrayed in this chapter. How does this prophecy connect to Jesus' life and ministry? 3. What are the characteristics of the false prophets as depicted in Jeremiah 23? Are these traits evident in today's world? 4. How does God's reaction to the false prophets inform your understanding of His nature? 5. In what ways are people today potentially led astray like the Israelites were by false prophets? 6. How can we ensure we are not falling for 'false prophets' in our current day-to-day lives? 7. How does God's promise to restore His people provide hope amidst condemnation? 8. Discuss the implication of the name given to the future King, "The LORD Our Righteous Savior." 9. How can we apply the lessons from the condemnation of false prophets to discern truth in today's information age? 10. In what ways does the promise of a Righteous Branch bring comfort to you personally? 11. How does Jeremiah 23 contribute to our understanding of God's justice? 12. God promises to gather the remnant of His flock from all countries. How does this resonate with the theme of inclusivity in Christianity? 13. What can we learn from the severe consequences the false prophets face in Jeremiah 23? 14. How can we discern true from false teachings in our daily lives? 15. How does the concept of the 'Righteous Branch' relate to the Christian understanding of salvation? 16. How can the modern church guard itself against the influence of false prophets? 17. How does the imagery of God as a shepherd resonate with you in your present situation? 18. What implications does the prophecy in Jeremiah 23 have for the future hope of Christians? 19. In the light of God's anger towards false teachings, how can Christians today stand firm in true doctrine? 20. How does the prophecy about the future King reflect God's love and concern for His people? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions