Question 1

What does it mean that the pastors destroy and scatter the sheep?

Accepted Answer

When God says the pastors destroy and scatter the sheep, He is talking about leaders who were supposed to care for His people but instead harmed them. These “shepherds” include kings, officials, priests, and prophets. Instead of feeding the flock with truth and justice, they used people, led them into sin, and did not visit or help the weak. Because of this, the people were scattered into other nations and suffered. God makes it clear that He will hold such leaders to account for misusing the trust He gave them.

Question 2

Who is the righteous Branch and why is He called the Lord Our Righteousness?

Accepted Answer

The righteous Branch is a future King from David’s family line. He is described as a wise and just ruler who will bring real justice on earth. In His days, Judah will be saved and Israel will live in safety. His special name is “The Lord Our Righteousness,” which shows that He is not just a good man but shares God’s own righteousness. God’s people do not stand before Him in their own goodness, but in the goodness and right standing that this King gives them. Many readers see this as pointing to Christ.

Question 3

How does God promise to restore His scattered flock in this passage?

Accepted Answer

God says He Himself will gather the remnant of His flock from all the countries where they were driven. He will bring them back to their folds, where they will be fruitful and increase. He also promises to set up new shepherds who will truly feed them so they will no longer fear, be dismayed, or lack anything. This shows that even when leaders fail badly, God does not forget His people. He keeps a remnant for Himself and takes personal care to bring them home and give them faithful guidance.

Question 4

What is wrong with the prophets and priests described here?

Accepted Answer

The prophets and priests in this passage are corrupt in many ways. The land is full of adultery and swearing, and even in God’s house He finds their wickedness. They walk in lies, commit sexual sin, and strengthen the hands of evildoers so that no one turns from his wickedness. They speak visions from their own hearts, not from God’s mouth. They tell those who despise God that they will have peace and that no evil will come, even while people follow their own imaginations. Their light, easy words hide the truth and encourage sin.

Question 5

What does it mean that God’s word is like fire and like a hammer?

Accepted Answer

When God says His word is like fire and like a hammer that breaks rock in pieces, He is showing how powerful and searching His true message is. Fire burns, purifies, and consumes what is false. A hammer crushes what seems hard and unbreakable. In the same way, God’s real word burns away lies, exposes sin, and breaks stubborn hearts. It is not light or empty talk. This picture also separates true words from false dreams: chaff may look like wheat for a moment, but only the real word has this kind of power and effect.

Question 6

How can we tell the difference between true prophets and false prophets here?

Accepted Answer

This passage gives several signs. False prophets speak visions from their own hearts instead of standing in the counsel of the Lord. They make people vain, promise peace to those who despise God, and say no trouble will come to those who follow their own hearts. They often claim, “He saith,” when God has not sent them. True messengers, by contrast, would cause people to hear God’s real words and turn them from their evil ways. They speak God’s word faithfully, like wheat instead of chaff, even when it is hard to hear.

Question 7

What does this passage teach about God’s knowledge and presence?

Accepted Answer

God asks, “Am I a God at hand, and not a God afar off?” and then says no one can hide in secret places where He does not see them. He states that He fills heaven and earth. This shows that God is near and far at the same time. He is not limited to the temple or to public places. He sees hidden sins and hears false prophets even when they think no one is watching. His presence fills all creation, so lies told in His name and secret sins among leaders are fully known to Him and will be judged.

Question 8

Why does God tell them to stop saying the phrase the burden of the Lord?

Accepted Answer

People, prophets, and priests were using the phrase “the burden of the Lord” in a careless and mocking way, as if God’s warnings were just heavy loads that prophets liked to throw on them. They turned a solemn saying into a joke. God tells them to stop using this phrase, and instead to ask, “What has the Lord answered?” or “What has the Lord spoken?” Because they twisted His words and made light of His messages, He says their own words will become a burden to them and He will punish those who keep speaking in that way.

Question 9

How can this passage about false shepherds and prophets apply today?

Accepted Answer

This passage warns that having a religious title is not enough. Leaders can call themselves pastors or prophets yet harm the flock if they care more about their own ideas and comfort than God’s word. Today, it reminds us to listen for teaching that truly matches Scripture and leads people away from sin, not into it. It also comforts believers who feel failed by leaders, because God promises to care for His flock Himself and to raise up faithful shepherds. Our hope finally rests in the righteous King, not in any human leader.

Jeremiah 23:1

Woe be unto the pastors that destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! saith the Lord.

David’s Righteous Branch

Lying Prophets

False Prophecies

David’s Righteous Branch

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Jeremiah 23:1

Woe be unto the pastors that destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! saith the Lord.

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David’s Righteous Branch

Lying Prophets

False Prophecies

David’s Righteous Branch

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