Then I will gather the remnant of my flock out of all the countries where I have driven them, and I will bring them back to their fold, and they shall be fruitful and multiply.
English Standard Version (ESV)
God's promise to "gather the remnant" isn't just about rescue; it’s about restoration to a place where they can thrive. The word for "folds" can also mean "homesteads" or "habitats," suggesting a return not just to a geographic location, but to a settled life where they can flourish. This emphasizes God's desire for His people to not just survive, but to truly live and multiply in security.
Then I will gather the remnant of my flock out of all the countries where I have driven them, and I will bring them back to their fold, and they shall be fruitful and multiply.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The prophet Jeremiah has just delivered a scathing condemnation against the corrupt leaders, calling them "shepherds" who have scattered and destroyed God's people instead of caring for them. Following this powerful denunciation, God promises to personally intervene for the sake of His flock, vowing to gather the scattered survivors and restore them to safety and prosperity. This verse is a direct response of hope and restoration after the severe judgment just announced against the unfaithful leaders.
Jeremiah opens with a harsh 'Woe!' against leaders who should protect God's people. What does this accusation reveal about why the flock was scattered in the first place?
Jeremiah begins by calling out the 'pastors' – the spiritual and political leaders – for destroying and scattering God's flock. This wasn't accidental; it was a direct consequence of their poor leadership and neglect.
Wolves in Sheep's Clothing
These leaders were supposed to care for God's people, but instead, they acted like 'destroyers.' They scattered the flock, drove them away, and failed to 'visit' or care for them. This betrayal of trust led to the people’s exile and suffering.
God's Judgment and the People's Sin
While the leaders bear immense guilt, the people weren't entirely blameless. Their own sins had invited God's judgment. However, the leaders' corruption turned a deserved punishment into utter devastation. God holds them accountable for making things worse.
After detailing the scattering, God shifts to His own sovereign action. What does it mean that God gathers a remnant?
Despite the widespread scattering and judgment, God promises a faithful act of gathering. He doesn't just let His people stay lost; He actively intervenes.
A Chosen Few
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God specifically speaks of gathering the 'remnant.' This highlights that not everyone returns; only a chosen few, those preserved through judgment. This points to God's electing love – His persistent faithfulness to a chosen people, even when they are few and broken.
From Exile to Abundance
God will bring this remnant 'back to their folds.' This signifies a return to safety, belonging, and divine care. It’s a promise of restoration and provision. The result? 'They shall be fruitful and multiply.' This isn't just about population growth; it's about renewed life, prosperity, and the fulfillment of God’s covenant promises.
Understand the original words
she’erit · Hebrew Noun
A small portion of the original community that remains or survives after a period of judgment or dispersion. It signifies God’s faithfulness in maintaining His covenant despite human failure.
This prophecy of gathering and restoration comes in the wake of devastating exiles, particularly the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple in 586 BC. It reassures a scattered and broken people that God's covenant love endures, promising not just a return but a future of fruitfulness and multiplication, pointing to a deeper fulfillment in the Messiah.
c. 722 BC
Fall of Samaria and Assyrian Exile
The Northern Kingdom of Israel falls to Assyria, and many of its inhabitants are exiled, marking the first major scattering of the Israelites.
605 BC
First Babylonian Deportation
Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon conquers Judah and deports a portion of the population, including members of the royal family and educated elite, to Babylon.
597 BC
Second Babylonian Deportation
Following a Judean revolt, Nebuchadnezzar deports more of the population, including the prophet Ezekiel and King Jehoiachin, to Babylon.
586 BC— this verse
Destruction of Jerusalem and Temple
The Babylonians destroy Jerusalem and its Temple, exiling the remaining significant portion of the Judean population, leaving only the poorest behind.
539 BC
Cyrus the Great's Conquest of Babylon
Cyrus the Persian conquers Babylon, allowing exiled peoples, including the Jews, to return to their homelands and rebuild their temples.
c. 520-516 BC
Rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem
Under the leadership of Zerubbabel and Joshua the high priest, the second Temple is rebuilt in Jerusalem, a significant step in the restoration process for the returned exiles.
This passage directly parallels Jeremiah's message, with God Himself stepping in to gather His scattered sheep, feed them, and bring them to safety when the human shepherds failed.
Ezekiel 37:21-28Here, God promises to gather Israel from all nations and bring them back to their own land, establishing a perpetual covenant and dwelling place among them, mirroring the restoration described in Jeremiah.
Isaiah 54:7-8This passage speaks of God's 'brief anger' and 'forsaking' His people, followed by His 'great compassion' and gathering them, echoing the theme of divine discipline leading to restoration and abundance.
John 10:11-16Jesus identifies Himself as the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep and gathers them into one fold, fulfilling Jeremiah's prophecy of divine shepherding and the flourishing of the flock.
Zechariah 10:8-10This prophecy describes God whistling for His sheep, gathering them from all the lands where He scattered them, and bringing them back to their homeland where they will multiply, much like Jeremiah's vision.
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…
cambridgeJeremiah 23:3: "And I will gather the remnant of my flock out of all countries whither I have driven them, and will bring them again to their folds; and they shall be fruitful and increase."
3 . folds ] rather, “homestead,” as Dr. Cp. Jeremiah 10:25 , Jeremiah 25:30 .
God's promise to "gather the remnant" isn't just about rescue; it’s about restoration to a place where they can thrive. The word for "folds" can also mean "homesteads" or "habitats," suggesting a return not just to a geographic location, but to a settled life where they can flourish. This emphasizes God's desire for His people to not just survive, but to truly live and multiply in security.
The prophet Jeremiah has just delivered a scathing condemnation against the corrupt leaders, calling them "shepherds" who have scattered and destroyed God's people instead of caring for them. Following this powerful denunciation, God promises to personally intervene for the sake of His flock, vowing to gather the scattered survivors and restore them to safety and prosperity. This verse is a direct response of hope and restoration after the severe judgment just announced against the unfaithful leaders.
The prophet Jeremiah has just delivered a scathing condemnation against the corrupt leaders, calling them "shepherds" who have scattered and destroyed God's people instead of caring for them. Following this powerful denunciation, God promises to personally intervene for the sake of His flock, vowing to gather the scattered survivors and restore them to safety and prosperity. This verse is a direct response of hope and restoration after the severe judgment just announced against the unfaithful leaders.
"Then I will gather the remnant of my flock out of all the countries where I have driven them, and I will bring them back to their fold, and they shall be fruitful and multiply." — God's promise to "gather the remnant" isn't just about rescue; it’s about restoration to a place where they can thrive. The word for "folds" can also mean "homesteads" or "habitats," suggesting a ret…
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Last reviewed October 2026