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Return from captivity (Jer 23:1-8)

Judah’s political leaders are likened to shepherds over a flock, but instead of caring for the sheep they have exploited them. They are the ones chiefly responsible for driving God’s flock into captivity, and therefore God will punish them (Jer 23:1-2).

Even in a foreign country, however, the flock still belongs to God. He does not forget his people, but will bring them back to their homeland and give them good leaders (Jer 23:3-4).

As a new branch shoots from the stump of a fallen tree, so will new leadership shoot from the fallen dynasty of David. The rule of the Davidic dynasty will be restored, so that it can reach its goal in a king who will be the embodiment of God’s righteousness, the true Messiah (Jer 23:5-6).

The nation’s return from exile will be a sign of God’s covenant faithfulness, just as his deliverance from Egypt was in the days of Moses (Jer 23:7-8).