Study
15 From the Book of Jeremiah is: Jeremiah 23
1.
Verses 1:8. To meet the situation created by the failure of
Judah’s rulers, what does God say He will do?
Cf. Ezk. 34:1-16. How much of what is promised here has been
fulfilled? Cf. Jn. 10:1-18; Lk. 1:32,
68, 70; 1 Cor. 1:30.
2.
What does Jeremiah say concerning (a) the religious life,
worship and ministry of the prophets of his day; (b) their moral character and
conduct; and (c) their influence? What qualifications are essential in those
who are called to speak in the name of the Lord?
Notes
1.
Verse 1: ‘Shepherds’ see 2:8 and mg.
2.
Verse 5. ‘Branch’: better, ‘shoot’ or ‘sprout’, i.e., a growth
of new life. Cf. 33:15; Is. 11:1.
3.
Verses 7:8. ‘The new and more wonderful Exodus’ (R.C. North).
4.
Verse 9 describes the effect of God’s words upon Jeremiah
himself.
5.
Verses 33-40. The Hebrew word translated ‘burden’ could also
mean, figuratively, a solemn utterance, and oracle, normally of ominous import.
Cf. Is. 13:1; 15: 1; 17:1). The people had evidently been speaking mockingly of
the prophet’s utterances ‘burdens’. Jeremiah uses it to rebuke its users.
(verses 33, 39), and forbids its employment in such an irreverent context.
