Bible Chapter Summary
Jeremiah 23 Summary
Judgment on False Prophets and Wicked Shepherds
God denounces the shepherds (rulers and prophets) who have scattered His flock and failed to care for them, promising to gather the remnant and establish righteous shepherds in their place. The chapter proclaims a future righteous Branch descended from David who will reign justly and bring salvation to Judah and Israel. In contrast, Jeremiah grieves over the wickedness of actual prophets and priests in Jerusalem who commit adultery, speak lies, and strengthen evildoers. God declares He will feed these false prophets with wormwood and gall, that they prophesy lies not sent by Him, and that He stands against all who steal His words and prophesy from their own hearts rather than from His counsel.
Key themes
Key verses
Jeremiah 23:5-6
“Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth.”
Jeremiah 23:15
“Therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts concerning the prophets; Behold, I will feed them with wormwood, and make them drink the water of gall: for from the prophets of Jerusalem is profaneness gone forth into all the land.”
Jeremiah 23:28-29
“The prophet that hath a dream, let him tell a dream; and he that hath my word, let him speak my word faithfully. What is the chaff to the wheat? saith the LORD.”
Jeremiah 23:30-32
“Therefore, behold, I am against the prophets, saith the LORD, that steal my words every one from his neighbour.”
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