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Daily Devotions

Jeremiah

Jeremiah 
Day 
Day 260

"You have scattered My flock"

Text: Jeremiah 23:2

A CRY AGAINST THE SHEPHERDS

The word “shepherd” can be understood literally, to describe those who look after sheep. This word can also be used to describe people who led the nation. These could be political or religious leaders! The term “shepherd” was used figuratively by Jeremiah to describe both types of leaders, secular and religious.

“‘Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter
the sheep of My pasture!’ says the LORD.
Therefore thus says the LORD God of Israel
against the shepherds who feed My people:
‘You have scattered My flock, driven them away, and not attended to them.
Behold, I will attend to you for the evil of your doings,’ says the LORD.”
Jeremiah 23:1-2

1. “‘Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of My pasture!’ says the LORD.”

a) This word came from the LORD Himself.

b) The word “Woe”

i) It is a word of warning.

ii) It is a word of rebuke.

iii) It is a word that must be taken seriously lest disaster breaks forth as a punishment from God.

c) Why was this woe pronounced against the shepherd?

i) Because they destroy the sheep of God’s pasture.

ii) Because they scatter God’s flock.

2. “Therefore thus says the LORD God of Israel against the shepherds who feed My people”

a) The shepherds were supposed to feed the people.

b) The sheep are fully dependent upon the shepherds.

c) The LORD sees Himself as the God of Israel.

3. “You have scattered My flock, driven them away, and not attended to them.”

a) There were charges made against the shepherds.

b) These were highlighted:

i) Scattering of the flock.

ii) Driving them away.

iii) No attention given to the flock.

4. “‘Behold, I will attend to you for the evil of your doings,’ says the LORD.”

a) God declared that these things were “evil”.

b) He would attend to these shepherds.

i) He would hold them responsible.

ii) He would hold them accountable.

iii) He would punish them for their evil doings.