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Pentecost Season · Christ the King · Year C

Jeremiah 23:1-6

The Righteous Branch

November 26, 2028

The Keeper of the Flock, Jean-François Millet
The Keeper of the Flock, Jean-François Millet, 1871–74The Art Institute of Chicago
A shepherd standing at the edge of his flock in failing light, almost featureless, the whole figure given to the posture of waiting.Then I myself will gather the remnant of my flock out of all the lands where I have driven them, and I will bring them back to their fold. I will raise up shepherds over them who will shepherd them.Jean-François MilletA founder of the Barbizon school (1814-1875), who painted peasant labour at a scale previously reserved for history painting and was attacked as a political radical for it.The Art Institute of ChicagoFounded in 1879 as both a museum and a school, and the home of American Gothic and of a famous Impressionist collection.The Art Institute of Chicago
Revised Common Lectionary
GospelLuke 23:33-43Lk 23:33-43
EpistleCol. 1:11-20Col 1:11-20
Old TestamentJer. 23:1-6Jer 23:1-6Alt. OTJer. 23:1-6Jer 23:1-6
PsalterLuke 1:68-79Lk 1:68-79Alt. PsalmPs. 46Ps 46

Overview & Insights

“I will raise up for David a righteous Branch... and this is the name by which he will be called: The Lord is our righteousness.” (Jeremiah 23:5-6)

The previous chapter issued an oracle against Zedekiah, and now the prophet continues the diatribe against Judah’s kings. At first the oracle is addressed to the “king of Judah” without specification (22:1–10). After this initial speech Jeremiah addresses Shallum (22:11–17 also know as Jehoahaz, who ruled for only a few months in 609 B.C.). Then (22:18–23) he turns his attention to Jehoiakim (609–597 B.C.), followed by Jehoiachin, who ruled only a few months in Jerusalem before he was taken away in captivity to Babylon and replaced by Zedekiah, the last king of Judah (597–586 B.C.). In essence, these oracles cover the post-Josianic kings who ruled during the period of Jeremiah’s prophetic activity.

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Commentary

Commentary on Jeremiah 23:1-6Commentary on Jer 23:1-6 Working Preacher

Notes how disappointment in human leaders sharpens the longing this text answers.

Jeremiah 23:1-6 CommentaryJer 23:1-6 Commentary Center for Excellence in Preaching

Preaching notes on the contrast between failed shepherds and the righteous Branch.

Jeremiah 23 Commentary: False and True ShepherdsJer 23 Commentary: False and True Shepherds Enduring Word · David Guzik

Verse-by-verse evangelical commentary on the shepherd oracle and its Messianic promise.

Jeremiah 23:1 CommentariesJer 23:1 Commentaries BibleHub

Classic commentators gathered on the opening woe against the shepherds.

Jeremiah 23 CommentaryJer 23 Commentary Precept Austin

Verse-by-verse study notes on the righteous Branch and its royal name.

Jeremiah 23:1 InterlinearJer 23:1 Interlinear BibleHub

Hebrew interlinear text for the shepherd and Branch imagery.

Background & Word Study

Jeremiah 23:1-6Jer 23:1-6 Sefaria

Hebrew-English text with classical Jewish commentary links alongside.

JeremiahJer BibleProject

Video overview of Jeremiah's structure, including its oracles of judgment and hope.

The Church Fathers

Catena on Jeremiah 23Catena on Jer 23 Catena

Patristic and reformation-era comments gathered on the shepherd and Branch oracle.

Questions preachers ask

Who is the righteous Branch of Jeremiah 23?

Against faithless shepherds who scatter the flock, God promises a true King from David's line who will reign wisely and do justice, the hope Advent sees fulfilled in Christ.

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