Jeremiah 23 reminds us that God is no respecter of persons. When the prophets of Jerusalem walked in lies and strengthened the hands of evildoers – then Jerusalem itself became like Sodom and Gomorrah, and God declares that he will wipe Jerusalem from the face of the earth.
But it’s important to see the relationship in Jeremiah 23 between the shepherds and the prophets.
The shepherds of Israel are the sons of David. David was the shepherd-king – and the kings in Jerusalem are the ones who set the tone. When the king is faithful, then he will not put up with false prophets and wicked priests. But when the king is faithless – when the shepherd does not care for the sheep – then prophets and priests alike practice deceit, with no one to restrain them.
It all starts with the shepherd. It all starts with the King. When God raises up for David a righteous Branch – a faithful Shepherd who will lead, and feed, and protect his sheep – “In his days Judah will be saved and Israel will dwell securely. And this is the name by which he will be called: ‘The LORD is our righteousness.’”
And so of course we must sing Psalm 23 in response! Because in Psalm 23 we hear Jesus singing, “the LORD is my shepherd”! The LORD brought his beloved Son through the valley of the shadow of death, and he now dwells in the house of the LORD forever!
And therefore Jesus has also become for us “The LORD our righteousness” – the one who is true God and true man – in one person!
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