I will set shepherds over them who will care for them, and they shall fear no more, nor be dismayed, neither shall any be missing, declares the LORD.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse offers a beautiful promise that the leaders God will raise up won't just rule, but will actively "feed" the people. The original Hebrew hints that "feed" carries a deeper sense of nurturing and caring for each individual, ensuring not one is lost or forgotten—a stark contrast to the selfish leaders who previously preyed on God's flock.
I will set shepherds over them who will care for them, and they shall fear no more, nor be dismayed, neither shall any be missing, declares the LORD.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jeremiah has just delivered a scathing rebuke against the corrupt leaders of Israel, calling them "shepherds" who have failed to care for God's people, scattering and harming them instead. This verse marks a shift, as God promises to intervene and appoint new shepherds who will genuinely nurture and protect His flock, ensuring their safety and presence. This contrasts sharply with the previous failures and points toward a future of security and wholeness under divine leadership.
The leaders God promised weren't just figureheads; they were meant to actively care for His people. What does 'shepherding' truly look like in leadership?
Jeremiah's prophecy in chapter 23 is a direct response to the 'shepherds' who had failed God's people. These were leaders who had 'fed themselves' instead of the flock, leaving them vulnerable and scattered.
A Counter-Promise
God declares, 'I will set up shepherds over them.' This isn't just a vague hope; it's a divine appointment. Unlike the corrupt leaders, these new shepherds would feed them. This means providing spiritual nourishment, guidance, and protection. Think of it as ensuring the flock is not only safe but also well-cared for, healthy, and thriving.
The Impact on the Flock
The result? 'They shall fear no more, nor be dismayed, neither shall any be missing.' True leadership, as God defines it, brings security and wholeness. It eliminates the terror caused by neglect and ensures that no one is lost or abandoned. This is the opposite of what the people had endured.
When God promises 'shepherds,' what qualities define their leadership? It goes beyond mere authority to a deep, protective concern.
The term 'shepherds' here carries significant weight. It's a call to a specific kind of leadership that reflects God's own heart for His people.
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A Contrast in Character
The earlier leaders, described as 'evil shepherds,' were self-serving and neglectful. God’s promised shepherds, however, are defined by their action – they will 'feed' the flock. This feeding isn't just about providing physical sustenance but also spiritual guidance and protection from danger.
Security and Wholeness
The outcome of this dedicated shepherding is profound: 'they shall fear no more, nor be dismayed, neither shall any be missing.' This speaks to a complete sense of security and well-being. It implies that under such care, the people would be safe from external threats and internal anxieties. The promise that 'none shall be missing' emphasizes a care that extends to every individual, ensuring no one is lost or forgotten.
The promise of fearlessness and completeness points to a rescue far beyond a temporary fix. What does this ultimate security look like?
Jeremiah's prophecy in 23:4 isn't just about a political restoration; it's a foretaste of God's ultimate plan for His people's security and joy.
Beyond Exile
While the immediate context relates to the people's return from exile and the need for good leadership, interpreters see a deeper fulfillment. The anxieties and fears faced even after returning from Babylon (e.g., from figures like Sanballat) suggest that this promise points beyond mere earthly security.
The Shepherd's Care and the Lost Sheep
The assurance that 'neither shall any be missing' strongly echoes Jesus' words about His sheep. He declared, 'I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand' (John 10:28). This points to a spiritual deliverance where God's people are eternally safe in His care, free from the fear of spiritual loss or final destruction.
The Lord Our Righteousness
Ultimately, this ultimate fearlessness and wholeness are found in union with Christ, whom Jeremiah also identifies as 'The LORD our Righteousness' (Jeremiah 23:6). In Him, believers are not only protected but are also made righteous, experiencing a peace that transcends all circumstances.
Understand the original words
yare’ · Hebrew Verb
A reverent awe or profound respect for God’s character and power. In a biblical context, it results in turning away from evil and trusting in God’s provision rather than being overwhelmed by circumstances.
Jeremiah's prophecy of 'good shepherds' points beyond the immediate post-exilic leaders like Nehemiah, foreshadowing a future ruler who will perfectly embody care and security, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd.
c. 605 BC
First Deportation to Babylon
As part of Nebuchadnezzar's conquest, a significant portion of the Judean elite, including the prophet Daniel, are deported to Babylon. This marks the beginning of Judah's subjugation.
597 BC
Second Deportation and Jehoiachin's Exile
King Jehoiachin and thousands more Judeans are exiled to Babylon. Jeremiah continues to prophesy during this period, often facing opposition.
586 BC— this verse
Destruction of Jerusalem and Temple
The Babylonians destroy Jerusalem and its Temple, ending the Davidic monarchy and scattering the remaining population. This is the nadir of Israel's national and religious life.
c. 538 BC
Cyrus' Decree and Return from Exile
After Babylon falls to Persia, Cyrus the Great allows the exiled Jews to return to Judah and rebuild their Temple. This begins the return period, though leadership challenges and rebuilding efforts are difficult.
c. 445 BC
Nehemiah Arrives in Jerusalem
Nehemiah, cupbearer to the Persian king, is appointed governor of Judah and leads the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls. He, along with Ezra the priest, represents a model of righteous leadership after the exile.
This passage directly contrasts the failed shepherds who fed themselves with God's promise to personally seek and care for His sheep, ensuring none are lost or afraid, mirroring Jeremiah's promise of faithful shepherds.
John 10:11-14Jesus declares Himself the 'good shepherd' who lays down His life for the sheep and knows them individually, fulfilling the ideal of care promised in Jeremiah and contrasted with negligent leaders.
1 Peter 5:1-4Peter, an apostle, instructs elders to 'shepherd the flock of God' willingly and not for personal gain, reflecting the nature of the true shepherds God promised to raise up.
Jeremiah 3:15This earlier prophecy speaks of giving leaders who would 'feed you with knowledge and understanding,' echoing the purpose of the 'shepherds' promised in Jeremiah 23:4.
Isaiah 32:1-2This passage describes a future king and princes who will reign with righteousness, bringing security and peace, directly aligning with the protective and reassuring reign of the 'shepherds' promised in Jeremiah.
pulpitJeremiah 23:4: "And I will set up shepherds over them which shall feed them: and they shall fear no more, nor be dismayed, neither shall they be lacking, saith the LORD."
Verse 4. - And I will set up shepherds; e.g. rulers, not necessarily kings (see on next verse). Which shall feed them. For the evil shepherds "fed themselves, and fed not my flock" (Ezekiel 34:8). And they shall fear no more. Ezekiel again contributes an essential feature to the description. The neglect of the shepherds left t…
ellicottJeremiah 23:4: "And I will set up shepherds over them which shall feed them: and they shall fear no more, nor be dismayed, neither shall they be lacking, saith the LORD."
(4) I will set up shepherds . . . —The words imply, in one sense, a return to the theocracy, the breaking off the hereditary succession of the house of David, and the giving of power to those who, like Ezra and Nehemiah, and, later on in history, the Maccabees, were called to rule because they had the capacity for ruling well.…
This verse offers a beautiful promise that the leaders God will raise up won't just rule, but will actively "feed" the people. The original Hebrew hints that "feed" carries a deeper sense of nurturing and caring for each individual, ensuring not one is lost or forgotten—a stark contrast to the selfish leaders who previously preyed on God's flock.
Jeremiah has just delivered a scathing rebuke against the corrupt leaders of Israel, calling them "shepherds" who have failed to care for God's people, scattering and harming them instead. This verse marks a shift, as God promises to intervene and appoint new shepherds who will genuinely nurture and protect His flock, ensuring their safety and presence. This contrasts sharply with the previous failures and points toward a future of security and wholeness under divine leadership.
Jeremiah has just delivered a scathing rebuke against the corrupt leaders of Israel, calling them "shepherds" who have failed to care for God's people, scattering and harming them instead. This verse marks a shift, as God promises to intervene and appoint new shepherds who will genuinely nurture and protect His flock, ensuring their safety and presence. This contrasts sharply with the previous failures and points toward a future of security and wholeness under divine leadership.
"I will set shepherds over them who will care for them, and they shall fear no more, nor be dismayed, neither shall any be missing, declares the LORD." — This verse offers a beautiful promise that the leaders God will raise up won't just rule, but will actively "feed" the people. The original Hebrew hints that "feed" carries a deeper sense of nurturin…
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Last reviewed October 2026