Jeremiah 23:1
“Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture!” declares the LORD.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The rulers are called "shepherds," but this title is used ironically because they're actually destroying the very flock God entrusted to them. God emphasizes that the sheep aren't theirs to ruin; they belong to Him, and He holds these false shepherds accountable for their devastating neglect.
The prophet Jeremiah is addressing the corrupt leaders of Judah, whom God calls "shepherds." These rulers, both civil and religious, have failed to care for God's people, instead exploiting and scattering them. This declaration of "woe" sets the stage for a message of judgment against these unfaithful leaders, contrasting their destruction with God's future plan to gather and restore a remnant of His flock.
The leaders of God's people are called 'shepherds.' But whose sheep are they really tending?
Jeremiah 23:1 opens with a stark 'Woe!' directed at the 'shepherds.' Who are these shepherds? The commentary points out they are the civil rulers—kings, princes, and magistrates—of Israel. God calls the people 'the sheep of my pasture,' emphasizing that they belong to Him, not to these earthly leaders. The leaders were entrusted with caring for God's flock, but instead, they acted like predators, destroying and scattering them. This is a powerful reminder that all authority on earth is borrowed from God, and leaders are accountable to Him for how they treat His people.
These leaders are called 'shepherds,' yet their actions are the opposite of what a shepherd does. What does this reveal about their true nature?
The text uses a biting irony: calling these destructive rulers 'shepherds.' A shepherd protects, guides, and nurtures the flock. These leaders, however, 'destroy and scatter.' They didn't just neglect their duty; they actively harmed God's people through their 'evil doings'—their tyranny, corruption, and bad examples that led people into sin and exile. This 'shepherding' was actually the work of wolves in disguise. God condemns them not just for their failures, but for their active malice and betrayal of the trust placed in them.
This judgment on false shepherds wasn't just for Jeremiah's audience. How does it still resonate today?
The 'woe' in Jeremiah 23:1 is a timeless warning. It calls out leaders, whether in government, church, or other spheres of influence, who exploit or harm those under their care. The commentary notes that this judgment extends to both civil and ecclesiastical rulers who fail in their God-given responsibilities. The scattering of God's people into exile was a direct consequence of their leaders' actions. This isn't just an ancient history lesson; it's a perpetual call to accountability for anyone in a position of leadership, reminding them that God sees their 'wickedness' and will hold them responsible.
Understand the original words
hoy · Hebrew Interjection
A prophetic cry of judgment or grief, often used to announce impending doom, divine displeasure, or condemnation upon those who persist in wickedness.
ro‘im · Hebrew Noun (plural)
A metaphor for leaders—kings, priests, or prophets—entrusted by God to guide, protect, and feed His people. Biblical shepherds are accountable to the Great Shepherd, Yahweh, for the well-being of the flock.
tson · Hebrew Noun
Refers to the covenant people of God, whom He claims as His own possession. As a flock, they are dependent on His guidance, protection, and provision.
YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun
The personal, covenantal name of God in the Old Testament, representing His holiness, faithfulness, and eternal nature as the Redeemer of Israel.
This prophecy from Jeremiah comes at the climax of Judah's national disaster, the destruction of Jerusalem and the exile to Babylon. The 'shepherds' are the kings, princes, priests, and prophets who failed in their God-given duty to lead and protect the people, leading directly to this scattering.
8th Century BC
Assyrian Deportations
The Assyrian Empire frequently deported conquered populations, including Israelites, to break their national spirit and prevent rebellion. This established a precedent for exile and scattering.
605 BC
First Babylonian Deportation
Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon captures Jerusalem and deports a group of Judean elite, including the prophet Daniel. This marks the beginning of the Babylonian exile and a significant weakening of Judah's leadership.
597 BC
Second Babylonian Deportation
Following a revolt, Nebuchadnezzar deports more Judeans, including King Jehoiachin and the prophet Ezekiel. This event deeply impacted Jerusalem and its remaining population, highlighting the failure of its leaders.
586 BC— this verse
Fall of Jerusalem and Temple Destruction
Babylon completely destroys Jerusalem and its Temple, exiling the majority of the remaining population. This catastrophic event represents the ultimate failure of Judah's leadership and the scattering of God's people.
This passage directly parallels Jeremiah's message, also pronouncing 'woe' upon the shepherds of Israel for consuming the flock and scattering the sheep, highlighting God's displeasure with unfaithful leaders.
Ezekiel 34:11-16This passage shows God's response to the destruction of His sheep, promising that He Himself will seek out His flock and rescue them, contrasting the unfaithful shepherds with His own tender care.
John 10:11-13Jesus identifies Himself as the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep, in stark contrast to the hireling shepherds who do not care for the flock and flee when danger comes.
Matthew 9:36This verse describes Jesus' compassion for the crowds, seeing them as 'harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd,' which echoes the plight of the sheep in Jeremiah's prophecy.
1 Peter 5:2-3Peter instructs elders to 'shepherd the flock of God,' emphasizing selfless service and genuine care, directly countering the destructive and self-serving actions of the 'shepherds' condemned in Jeremiah.
clarkeJeremiah 23:1: "Woe be unto the pastors that destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! saith the LORD."
Wo be unto the pastors - There shall a curse fall on the kings, princes, priests, and prophets; who, by their vicious conduct and example, have brought desolation upon the people.
calvinJeremiah 23:1-3: "Woe be unto the pastors that destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! saith the LORD."
Therefore thus saith the LORD God of Israel against the pastors that feed my people; Ye have scattered my flock, and driven them away, and have not visited them: behold, I will visit upon you the evil of your doings, saith the LORD.
Propterea sic dicit Jehova, Deus Israel, super Pastores pascentes populum meum, Vos dissipastis gregem meum et dispulistis, et non visitastis eos (vel…
The rulers are called "shepherds," but this title is used ironically because they're actually destroying the very flock God entrusted to them. God emphasizes that the sheep aren't theirs to ruin; they belong to Him, and He holds these false shepherds accountable for their devastating neglect.
The prophet Jeremiah is addressing the corrupt leaders of Judah, whom God calls "shepherds." These rulers, both civil and religious, have failed to care for God's people, instead exploiting and scattering them. This declaration of "woe" sets the stage for a message of judgment against these unfaithful leaders, contrasting their destruction with God's future plan to gather and restore a remnant of His flock.
The prophet Jeremiah is addressing the corrupt leaders of Judah, whom God calls "shepherds." These rulers, both civil and religious, have failed to care for God's people, instead exploiting and scattering them. This declaration of "woe" sets the stage for a message of judgment against these unfaithful leaders, contrasting their destruction with God's future plan to gather and restore a remnant of His flock.
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c. 586-539 BC
Babylonian Exile
The Judean people live in exile in Babylon, scattered and without their land or Temple. This period is characterized by spiritual struggle and a longing for restoration, as reflected in Jeremiah's prophecies.
539 BC
Persian Conquest of Babylon
Cyrus the Great of Persia conquers Babylon, paving the way for the return of Jewish exiles to Jerusalem.
"“Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture!” declares the LORD." — The rulers are called "shepherds," but this title is used ironically because they're actually destroying the very flock God entrusted to them. God emphasizes that the sheep aren't theirs to ruin; the…
