The Bible Says
Jeremiah 23:1-4 Meaning

In the days of Jeremiah, who was a prophet serving from around 627 BC until after the fall of Jerusalem in 586 BC, the LORD spoke through him to warn the leaders of Judah. This warning continues in Jeremiah 23:1-4 as He says, "Woe to the shepherds who are destroying and scattering the sheep of My pasture!" declares the LORD (v. 1). The “shepherds” here represent the spiritual and political leaders who were entrusted to care for God’s people, yet they failed in their duties. Instead of guiding the flock with righteousness, these shepherds harmed them and led them astray.

The idea of shepherds speaks to a rich biblical metaphor: leaders are called to watch over their people, as a shepherd cares for sheep (Ezekiel 34:1-10). When they lead badly, the consequences are grave, because the well-being of the entire flock is at stake. Here, the scattering of God’s people points to both physical exile and spiritual confusion, reflecting the leaders’ betrayal of their instruction. Rather than nurturing the people of God, these authorities created an environment of disobedience and despair in Judah.

Jeremiah 23:1 thus exposes the depth of corruption among those in power and sets the tone for the correction God would bring. Even in this rebuke, though, the LORD’s heart for His “sheep” is evident: He holds the leadership to account on behalf of the vulnerable. It captures the seriousness with which God sees leadership and the tender love He has for His flock.

He continues His charge in Jeremiah 23:2:Therefore thus says the LORD God of Israel concerning the shepherds who are tending My people: "You have scattered My flock and driven them away, and have not attended to them; behold, I am about to attend to you for the evil of your deeds," declares the LORD (v. 2). He specifically identifies the ultimatum: the shepherds under His scrutiny failed in their commission, and now the LORD Himself will intervene. The “God of Israel” accentuates that this message comes from the true ruler over the nation, the One who gave them their identity and original covenant promise.

This verse underscores the principle of accountability. The leaders not only lacked proper care for the people, but they also drove them to foreign lands-whether literally through conquest and exile, or figuratively by encouraging idolatrous pursuits. In turn, God promises that He will “attend to” the shepherds for the misdeeds they have committed. This is a pivotal reminder that God sees the injustices done to His people and will respond with justice.

The emphasis on attentive leadership resonates with broader themes of Scripture: God desires shepherd-like figures who will guide, protect, and nurture. Anyone who fails in this role must answer to Him. This warning was as relevant in Jeremiah’s day as it is in any generation where leaders neglect their God-given responsibilities.

In the midst of this judgment, the LORD promises restoration, proclaiming, "Then I Myself will gather the remnant of My flock out of all the countries where I have driven them and bring them back to their pasture, and they will be fruitful and multiply" (v. 3). This promise speaks of hope and a future gathering of God’s people from every place of their dispersion. The mention of “all the countries” reflects the far-reaching scope of exile, as many in Judah were taken captive-first by the Assyrians (affecting the northern kingdom, Israel) and later by the Babylonians in Jeremiah’s context.

This verse reveals that even though the people were out of their homeland, God had not abandoned them. Instead, He would bring back a faithful “remnant,” a recurring concept in the Bible denoting those who remain committed to Him (Romans 9:27). The picture of fruitfulness indicates that there will be new life and productivity. God’s people will not remain in shame, but will experience revival and blessing when they return under His care.

By emphasizing that He Himself will do this, the LORD demonstrates His personal commitment to their welfare. Human shepherds may fail, but God’s faithfulness remains. Jeremiah 23:3 echoes the broader biblical narrative that God saves a faithful group and causes them to flourish, even when everything seems lost (Isaiah 10:20-22).

Finally, God promises a new leadership structure: "I will also raise up shepherds over them and they will tend them; and they will not be afraid any longer, nor be terrified, nor will any be missing," declares the LORD (v. 4). In place of the corrupt shepherds who misled the people, He will appoint righteous ones. These future leaders will ensure that fear no longer rules the hearts of the people. When true shepherds who reflect God’s heart guide the nation, no one is neglected or lost.

This transition hints at a future moment when righteous leadership would come to fruition-ultimately pointing forward to the perfect Shepherd, Jesus Christ, who would gather His flock in complete care (John 10:11). The immediate fulfillment likely included leaders like Zerubbabel and faithful priests after the exile. In the broader sense, the prophet Jeremiah’s vision transcends his era and looks toward a final restoration under God’s eternal reign.

In this encouraging conclusion, the LORD not only judges wrongdoing but provides restoration, comfort, and hope. His plan includes both the necessary judgment of negligent leaders and the establishment of new leaders to guide His people into peace.