Preaching against false prophets, Pt1 Jeremiah 23:1-8
From the outset of this chapter God makes it clear that He is against the men whose ministry is described in these verses. It is another important aspect of Jeremiah’s ministry that he stands against such men! He has spoken against the wickedness of the kings who rule; and he speaks in God’s name against the wickedness that pervades the ‘pulpits’ of the land.
As he begins this message of condemnation, he takes time under Divine instruction, to consider the glorious future of the cause of God he represents and is part of. This was encouragement for him in a very difficult phase of that work! For the benefit of His people, the Lord often details His future plans for the cause of God, proceeding then to document the difficult path that leads to that glorious climax. It truly is ‘light at the end of the tunnel’.
What Jeremiah speaks of here still pertains to the future. The standard terminology of the OT relating to the last days is used, v5, 7, 20. It is also clear from the words of this passage that these are things the Lord has not yet done. The Lord therefore, gives Jeremiah a vision of the distant future to encourage him in the present.
I A RESTORATION OF THE FLOCK OF ISRAEL.
- The nation. The nation of Israel occupies a peculiar place in God’s affections and purpose. They are described, v1, 3 as God’s flock. Cp 13:20.
- Scattered in judgement, v1-3. The ministry of the false prophets and its effects in the land was to be seen as the judgement of God on Israel because of their sin. The flock would be scattered to the winds, v3.
- A remnant saved and restored, v8. The Lord pledges to gather again a remnant and restore them/bring them again to the land of Israel. Their folds is the land, the place that God prepared for their rest and security. This rest once given will never be removed, v4—no more… This restoration will involve a time of increase and prosperity. Cp Ezek 36:37-38, Micah 2:12-13.
- Spiritual restoration. The recovery will not merely be a political one but spiritual. Truth will again be taught in the land of Israel, v4. The nation will be ruled and nourished by the servants of God, shepherds appointed by Himself—in contrast to the false shepherds seen currently. Cp Matt 19:28.
II A RESTORATION OF THE THRONE OF ISRAEL.
What comfort it must have been to the heart of the prophet, vexed by the wickedness of the current occupants of the throne who were daily securing its demise!
- An heir to David’s throne. The King is thus identified in various ways. He is Jehovah, but of the seed of David. He is the Messiah, the branch. Cp Jn 1:49. There is a connection with what has already been said of the shepherds God will raise up. David was the shepherd-King, Ps 78:70-72. The administration of this King will involve the ministry of the shepherds, v4. This description indicates that it is a natural/political throne, of Israel, in Jerusalem that is in view.
- He will be the King of Israel, v5-6. The subjects of His kingdom are identified here. The reunified kingdom is in view! Cp Ezek 37:15-28. Justice and security will be the marks of this kingdom. The laws of God will be the rule of life, enemy threats will be protected against, peace will prevail in the land. Cp 33:14-16.
- His kingdom will be a gospel kingdom, v6. The King is presented here as the Justifier of His people. The conversion of the nation of Israel is a vital aspect of the reign of Christ. Cp Rom 10:1-4. Yet, in this kingdom, Christ is recognized as our righteousness. The course of events is simply explained in Scripture, Ezek 36:21-28. He is coming as the Redeemer King.
III A MEASURE OF THE REALITY OF THIS RESTORATION.
Cp v7-8.
- An historic event. Future events are tied by the Lord to an event in the past history of Israel—the Passover night deliverance from Egypt. Cp Ps 78:52-54. This event was prophetic in nature! It indicated what the Lord purposes to do in the future. Cp also 16:14-18. The Passover is beyond doubt a part of history. As really, dramatically, miraculously, as before the Lord will work again. What a triumph the exodus was! Another such event is coming. Cp Is 11:11-16.
- Israel. This link again fixes this prophecy in the experience of the nation of Israel. The Passover was part of their history; this restoration is part of their future.
- Spiritual. The report of these events climaxes in the words, The Lord liveth. A consciousness and experience of the life of the living God is the result. The restoration of Israel to her land, to her God and to her Christ-King, will be the evidence that God lives!