Chapter 23

False Shepherds, True King, and Hashem’s Word Like Fire

Overview

This chapter contrasts corrupt leaders and prophets with Hashem’s promise of a righteous king from David’s line. It denounces spiritual deception, warns of judgment, and affirms the unstoppable power of Hashem’s word. The tone moves from hope to heartbreak, exposing the moral collapse of priests and prophets and the danger of false visions.

1. Woe to the Shepherds

Hashem rebukes leaders who scatter His flock instead of caring for them:

• “You drove them away and neglected them.”
• Judgment will fall on these shepherds for their evil.

Promise:

• Hashem will gather His scattered people from all lands and restore them to safety.
• Faithful shepherds will lead them without fear or loss.

2. The Righteous King

Hashem declares:

• “Days are coming when I will raise up a righteous branch from David.”
• This king will rule wisely, bringing justice and righteousness.
• In his reign, Judah will be saved, Israel secure.
• His name: “Hashem is our righteousness.”

This future deliverance will overshadow the Exodus:

• People will swear by Hashem who brought Israel back from all lands of exile.

3. Yermiyahu’s Grief Over Corruption

The prophet trembles at Hashem’s words:

• The land mourns; it is full of adultery and false oaths.
• Even priests and prophets are corrupt—even in Hashem’s house.
• Their path is slippery; disaster awaits in the year of judgment.

4. False Prophets Exposed

Hashem condemns prophets who:

• Speak visions from their own hearts, not His word.
• Promise peace to the rebellious and safety to the stubborn.
• Spread lies through dreams, making people forget Hashem’s name like their ancestors did with Baal.

Reality:

• Hashem’s word is like fire and a hammer that shatters rock—unstoppable and true.
• False prophets steal words, fabricate messages, and mislead the people.
• Hashem declares: “I did not send them; they do not benefit My people.”

5. Hashem’s Omnipresence and Warning

Hashem asks:

• “Am I only near and not far? Can anyone hide from Me?”
• He fills heaven and earth; nothing escapes His sight.

6. The “Burden of Hashem” Misuse

People mockingly ask, “What is the burden of Hashem?”

• Hashem forbids this phrase—it perverts His word.
• Those who persist will face exile and everlasting shame.

1. Takeaway

Chapter 23 delivers three powerful truths:

• Leadership without integrity destroys communities.
• False prophecy offers comfort but leads to ruin.
• Hashem’s word is living power—like fire and a hammer—bringing truth and judgment.

Key message:

Hope rests in the coming righteous King, not in empty promises. Hashem sees all, and His word cannot be silenced.