Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Jeremiah 3:15
And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.
15. shepherds ] See on ch. Jer 2:8.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
Pastors – Kings, rulers (compare Jer 2:8). Not military usurpers Hos 8:4, but true servants of God, as David 1Sa 13:14.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
Jer 3:15
I will give you pastors according to Mine heart.
The character and teaching of Christs ministers
I. Their character. To be a pastor after Gods heart, a man must not only theoretically understand, but practically feel the truths he sets forth in his teaching. How describe the burden of a guilty conscience, if he has never felt it himself? How expatiate on the love and unfold the preciousness of a Saviour, whilst himself still out of Christ? How exhort hearers to set affections on things above, when his own thoughts are entirely absorbed by things below?
II. Their teaching. What they have found to be, by Gods blessing, useful to themselves, they will bring before their people. They will not daub the wall with untempered mortar, crying, Peace, peace, when there is no peace; but, will cry aloud and lift up their voice like a trumpet, to warn the unconverted of their danger, and convince them of their guilt. Nor will they show the disease without, at the same time, declaring the remedy. They will prove to their hearers their numberless shortcomings, in order that they may be led the more highly to prize the Saviours merits. Conclusion–
1. Seek the increase of such pastors.
2. Help to provide for such pastors. (C. Clayton, M. A.)
The duty of a pastor
I. To feed the Church with knowledge and understanding. This is by preaching the Gospel.
1. There is spiritual wisdom in understanding the mysteries of the Gospel, that we may be able to declare the whole counsel of God, and the riches and treasures of the grace of Christ unto the souls of men (Act 20:27; 1Co 2:1-4; Eph 3:7-9).
2. Authority is required. What is authority in a preaching ministry? It is a consequent of unction, and not of office.
3. Experience of the things preached.
4. Skill to divide the Word aright.
5. The knowledge and consideration of the state of the flock.
6. To be actuated by zeal for the glory of God, and compassion to the souls of men.
II. Continual prayer for the Churches over which Christ has made them overseers.
1. No man can have any evidence in his own soul, that he doth conscientiously perform any ministerial duty towards his flock, who doth not continually pray for them.
2. This is the way whereby we may bless our congregations.
3. What shall we pray for?
(1) For the success of the Word that we preach unto them.
(2) For the presence of Christ in all our assemblies.
III. To preserve the truth and doctrine of the Gospel that is committed to the Church. What is required hereunto?
1. A clear apprehension in ourselves of those doctrines and truths which we are so to defend.
2. Love of the truth.
3. Let us take heed in ourselves of any inclination to novel opinions, especially in, or about, or against such points of faith, as those wherein they who are fallen asleep, found life, comfort, and power.
4. There is skill and ability required hereunto, to discover and be able to oppose and confound the cunning sophistry of adversaries. Great prayer, watchfulness, and diligence are required, that we may be able to attend unto these things. And those who are less skilled may do well to advise with those who are more exercised in them to give them assistance.
5. That we labour diligently for the conversion of souls. (John Owen, D. D.)
The true teacher
1. There are some teachers of religion who are teachers according to Gods heart.
2. All such teachers are the gift of God.
(1) He prepares them for their office.
(2) He designates the sphere of their ministry
3. They are distinguished by the care and fidelity with which they minister to the spiritual wants of their people. (E. Cooper, M. A.)
Pastors according to Gods own heart
I. What those qualifications are which render men pastors after Gods own heart.
1. Their being sent and commissioned by God.
2. Their being thoroughly instructed in the knowledge of Gods mind and will.
3. Their being exemplary in their conversation of the goodness and purity of their own doctrine (1Ti 3:12).
(1) In word, that is, in observing a decent gravity in discourse.
(2) In conversation; a sweet and obliging deportment.
(3) In charity; a hearty goodwill to all men as we have opportunity.
(4) In spirit; that is, in an active zeal for the glory of God, and the good of souls.
(5) In faith, that is, in an immoveable constancy and fidelity to our religion, in holding fast the form of sound words, and contending earnestly for the faith once delivered to the saints.
(6) In purity, that is, in abstaining from all fleshy lusts, from worldly mindedness, intemperance, and wantonness.
II. How much such pastors do conduce to the glory, and beauty, and perfection of the Church.
1. In soundness of faith, to which there is nothing can more conduce than pious and learned pastors; who being not only purged from vicious affections, and inspired with an hearty zeal for truth; but also accomplished with parts and learning to distinguish between truth and falsehood, and to separate the innovations of false teachers from the ancient truths of Christianity, cannot but be highly instrumental to the restoring the faith of their Churches, wherever they find it corrupted and sophisticated, to its primitive lustre and simplicity.
2. In purity of worship; for the end of all Church assemblies being to worship God, and the worship of God consisting in a devout acknowledgment of the infinite perfections of His nature, by such internal and external acts, as right, reason, and revelation directs: all such as are truly devout, and sincerely affected with the Divine perfections, must look upon themselves, as greatly concerned to worship God, in such manner as is most suitable to His will and nature. And this the pastors of the Church are more peculiarly concerned in, being the guides of the public worship.
3. A Churchs glory and perfection consists also in the vigour of its discipline, in the just and vigilant administration of the power of the keys, in admonishing such as go astray, in excluding them the communion of the Church if they continue obstinate, and readmitting them upon their repentance.
4. A Churchs glory and perfection consists in unity of communion and affections, so that there be no schisms in the body, but that all its members, being incorporate in the same communion, be knit and fastened to one another by the ligaments of mutual love and charity; to which excellent effect there is nothing in the world can more conduce than learned, prudent, and pious pastors.
5. The glory and perfection of a Church consists also in sanctity of manners; to promote which, also, nothing can be more conducive than pastors according to Gods own heart.
(1) Their being commissioned from God to teach and govern His flock must give their doctrine a very great authority in the minds of all that have any reverence for God, and thereby render it more prevalent and effectual
(2) Their doctrine, supposing they are pious and learned, will be throughout holy, and in all points tending to promote the interest of piety and virtue.
(3) Their holy doctrine will be enforced by their holy examples, which will preach more effectually than their tongues. (John Scott, D. D.)
The constitution, character, and duties of the Gospel ministry
I. God is engaged by covenant to provide a perpetual public ministry for His Church.
1. A public stated ministry in the Christian Church is a Divine institution.
2. It is the ordinance of God that a public ministry should be continued in His Church unto the end of the world.
3. God hath covenanted with His Church to supply her congregations with a public ministry–And I will give you pastors.
(1) Promises, made upon the footing of a permanent relation between God and His Church, which have respect to a benefit of a permanent nature, are to be understood as securing to the Church that benefit indefinitely throughout every period of time.
(2) Many promises delivered by the prophets were designed to refer immediately to the New Testament Church; and were so applied by the apostles of our Lord. Some of these refer to the Christian ministry (Isaiah Iii. 6, 7, 10; Rom 10:14-15).
(3) The Redeemer, in whom the promises are made, and in whom they are accomplished, has solemnly engaged never to leave His Church entirely destitute of a public ministry. He walks amidst the golden candlesticks. He holds the stars in His right hand. He gives power to His witnesses.
II. God hath set distinguishing marks upon the ministry, of which He approves–Pastors according to Mine heart.
1. The pastor according to Gods heart has received a regular call to the ministry.
(1) The call of God to ecclesiastical office is inward, when there is a Divine influence experienced upon the mind, inclining and commanding the person to devote himself to the service of the Church.
(2) It is outward, when accompanied with external evidence for the satisfaction of the Church. The inward call may satisfy a mans own mind; but others must, in order to receive Him, have some external evidence.
(a) Ordination constitutes the call of God to the ministry of reconciliation in the Gospel Church (1Ti 3:1-7; Tit 1:5-9; Rom 10:15).
(b) Ordination to the holy ministry is to be performed by imposition of hands (1Ti 5:22; 1Ti 4:14; Heb 6:2; Act 13:2-3).
2. The pastor according to Gods heart has a life corresponding to the functions of his holy office.
(1) A ministry evidently impious will meet with few advocates. This evil can be tolerated only in a Church which has far departed from truth and holiness.
(2) The pious minister is constrained by the love of a crucified Saviour to diligence in his sacred office. He perceives the danger of sinners; and, anxious for their salvation, he warns them of it frequently and fervently. From house to house he visits, examines, exhorts. In afflictions, he soothes; in temptation, admonishes; in sickness, comforts; and in death, resigns their departing spirits into the hands of that God who created both him and them.
(3) The pastor, who is near the heart of God, is faithful to God and His Church. He deals plainly with sinners, uninfluenced by their frowns or their smiles.
III. The sum of pastoral duty is the edification of the Church.
1. The pastor according to Gods heart preaches to his congregation the Gospel of Christ. This is the food which he diligently provides for immortal souls.
2. The pastor of whom God approves is in duty bound, from time to time, to examine the religious state of his congregation.
3. It is the duty of the Christian pastor to administer the sacraments of the New Testament to the members of his Church.
4. It is the duty of a Christian minister to exercise authority over his flock. This is necessary to their edification, and is implied in feeding with knowledge. The power of the keys of the kingdom of heaven is in the hands of every Christian minister. (A. MLeod, D. D.)
Pastors office no sinecure
To a person who regretted, to the celebrated Dr. Johnson, that he had become a clergyman, because he considered the life of a clergyman an easy and comfortable one, the Doctor made this memorable reply: The life of a conscientious clergyman is not easy. I have always considered a clergyman as the father of a larger family than he is able to maintain. No, sir, I do not envy a clergymans life as an easy life, nor do I envy the clergyman who makes it an easy life.
The pastors obligation to feed the people
The Rev. Robert Hall of Bristol was asked what he thought of a sermon which had been delivered by a proverbially fine preacher, and which had seemed to excite a great sensation among the congregation: Very fine, sir, he replied, but a man cannot feed upon flowers.
Fuente: Biblical Illustrator Edited by Joseph S. Exell
Verse 15. I will give you pastors according to mine heart] The pastor means either the king or the prophet; and the pastors here promised may be either kings or prophets, or both. These shall be according to God’s own heart; they shall be of his own choosing and shall be qualified by himself: and in consequence they shall feed the people with knowledge, deah, that Divine truth concerning the true God and the best interests of man, which was essentially necessary to their salvation; and understanding haskeil, the full interpretation of every point, that in receiving the truth they might become wise, holy, and happy.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
Pastors; either civil magistrates, which are sometimes so called, Mic 5:5; or rather ecclesiastical, as appears both from the reason of Gods judgments upon Israel, viz. their pastors being generally either thieves or dumb dogs; and also from the nature of their office, in the close of the verse, and thus they are called Eph 4:11.
According to mine heart; such as I will both choose for you and approve of, and that shall faithfully and skilfully declare unto you my mind; which intimates not only a single act of deliverance, but his constant preservation of them.
Which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding: this notes either the nature of their food: see Neh 8:8; Mal 2:7. Or rather the manner of their feeding: see Psa 78:72; 1Pe 5:2. See more of this promise Jer 23:4.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
15. pastorsnot religious, butcivil rulers, as Zerubbabel, Nehemiah (Jer 23:4;Jer 2:8).
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
And I will give you pastors according to mine heart,…. Which is to be understood not of political rulers and governors, but ministers of the word; who are “pastors” or “shepherds” under Christ the great Shepherd, and are “gifts” of his to the churches, and “according to his heart”; or “conformable to his mind”, as the Arabic version; whom he calls, qualifies, puts into the ministry, and sends forth; whom he holds in his right hand, and keeps as the apple of his eye; who do his will, as the Targum, and feed men according to his heart: and as this prophecy belongs to Gospel times, as appears both by what goes before and by what follows, the apostles of Christ and first ministers of the Gospel are chiefly designed; though it might have some accomplishment in Nehemiah and Ezra, Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi, at and after the Jews return from Babylon; but a more complete one in the times mentioned: so Kimchi says, these are they that shall be with the King Messiah, according to Mic 5:5:
which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding; with things worthy to be known and understood; with the solid and substantial truths of the Gospel, and by faithfully administering the ordinances of it; and in all directing to Christ the bread of life: or, “shall rule you” f not in an arbitrary way, according to their own ills, but according to the laws of Christ: these words, with knowledge and understanding, may either intend the matter with which these pastors should feed the church; which is what tends to spiritual knowledge and understanding, and an increase thereof; and which is blessed of God to such a purpose, though they themselves cannot give it: or else the manner in which they should feed or rule; that is, wisely and “prudently”, as the Arabic version renders it: they feed wisely and prudently when they rightly divide the word of truth, and give to every one their portion of meat in due season; and feed them in proportion to their age and capacity, give milk to babes, and meat to strong men: and they rule with wisdom and prudence when they govern according to the laws of Christ, and take care that they are put in execution; and do all things decently and in order; and, as David, feed the flock according to the integrity of their hearts, and guide them by the skilfulness of their hands, Ps 78:72.
f “regent”, Gataker.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
Here God promises that he would so provide for the salvation of his people after their return from exile, that they should not again perish. But the cause of God’s vengeance ought to be observed, which is expressed in the fifth chapter of Isaiah, “My people,” he says, “have been led captive, because they had no knowledge; therefore the grave has widened its soul or its throat. (86) He then says, that the cause of the people’s ruin was, because instruction had ceased among them, and pastors had become mute dogs or robbers. Here, on the other hand, God declares that he would give them faithful pastors, who would discharge in a befitting manner their office. I, indeed, allow, that under this term are included faithful and wise magistrates; but he especially refers to prophets and priests, whose office it is in particular to reform idolatry. (87)
We hence learn that the Church cannot continue without having faithful pastors to shew the way of salvation. The wellbeing of the Church then is secured, when God raises up true and faithful teachers to proclaim his truth: but when the Church is deprived of sound teachers, all things soon fall into ruin. For God, no doubt, intimates by this promise that he would not only be the deliverer of his people, so as to restore them from exile, but that he would be also their perpetual guardian after the people had returned to their own country. It hence follows, that the Church of God is not only begotten by means of holy and godly pastors, but that its life is also cherished, nourished, and confirmed by them to the end. As it is not enough for civil order to be once set up, except the magistrates continue in their office, so nothing is more ruinous to the Church than for God to take away faithful pastors. It cannot indeed be, that people will return to God, unless prophets be first sent: but God speaks here of a continued course of instruction, and of a well regulated government in the Church, as though he had said, “I will not only give you prophets to lead you from your wanderings to me, and to restore you to the way of salvation, but I will also continually set over you sound and faithful teachers.” But we must notice, that those who preside cannot rightly discharge their office unless they are endued with wisdom. God also intimates his paternal love, when he says, that good pastors would be dear to him. It afterwards follows —
(86) Rather, “itself;” for the word often rendered soul, has sometimes this meaning. See note on Jer 3:11. — Ed.
(87) Blayney, following the Targum, renders pastors “rulers,” and feed, “rule:” but this is to interpret and not to translate, as the words have never strictly these meanings, though what are sometimes to be understood by pastors are rulers, and by feeding, ruling or governing. But the interpretation in this instance seems not to be correct, and for the reason here assigned by Calvin It is indeed the opinion of Henry, Scott, Adam Clarke, and others, that both civil and ecclesiastical pastors are intended; and if so, “knowledge” may be applied to the latter, and “wisdom” to the former. The Septuagint have omitted “wisdom,” and retain only “knowledge.” The Targum has “knowledge and wisdom;” the Vulgate, “ knowledge and doctrine;” the Syriac, “ knowledge and prudence;” and Blayney, “ knowledge and discretion.” The verb רעה means “to feed on,“ as in Isa 44:20, or, as here, to “feed with.” It means also to “feed itself” as a beast does, Isa 11:7
Fuente: Calvin’s Complete Commentary
D. The Blessings of Repentance Jer. 3:15-22 a
TRANSLATION
(15) And I will give you shepherds according to My heart who shall feed you with knowledge and wisdom. (16) And it shall come to pass when you have multi plied and grown numerous in the land in those days (oracle of the LORD) they will no longer say, The Ark of the Covenant of the LORD! It will not enter the mind; they will neither remember it nor miss it, nor shall one be made again. (17) In that time they shall call Jerusalem The throne of the LORD and all nations shall be gathered unto it, to the Name of the LORD and to Jerusalem; and they shall not go any more after the stubbornness of their evil heart. (18) In those days the house of Judah shall walk with the house of Israel and they shall come together from the land of the north unto the land which I caused your fathers to inherit. (19) But I said, How can I put you among the sons, and give you a pleasant land, the most beautiful inheritance of the nations? Then I said, You must call me my Father and you must not turn back from after Me. (20) Surely as a wife treacherously departs from her husband thus you have dealt treacherously with Me, O house of Israel (oracle of the LORD). (21) A voice is heard upon the bare heights, weeping supplications of the children of Israel; because they have perverted their ways, they have forsaken the LORD their God. (22) Return, O backsliding sons, I will heal your backsliding.
COMMENTS
If individuals of the ten northern tribes truly repent and are brought by God into spiritual Zion they will experience many wonderful blessings. First, they will be blessed with a new leadership (Jer. 3:15). After evangelism must come education and conservation. God is not just concerned to win back His people but also to preserve them in the faith. Thus He will provide for them shepherds, spiritual leaders who will be in harmony with His will and who will impart to the converts wisdom and knowledge of God. One thinks of Christ, the Good Shepherd (Joh. 6:35-63), and the faithful men of God who have fed the flock through the centuries.
The second blessing is that of prosperity and growth. The rapid increase of the spiritual Israel of God is one of the characteristic traits of Messianic prophecy.[148] The Book of Acts contains the record of the thrilling fulfillment of this prediction. The number of the New Israel of God grew from 120 souls (Act. 1:15) to 3,000 souls (Act. 2:41) to 5,000 souls (Act. 4:4). And that was only the beginning! Surely God has kept His promise and blessed the New Israel numerically.
[148] See Gen. 15:5-6; Gen. 17:2; Gen. 28:14; Jer. 23:3; Eze. 36:11; Hos. 1:10; Hos. 2:23.
In the Messianic age a new covenant will replace the cherished Ark of the Covenant (Jer. 3:16). The Ark of the Covenant was vital to the religious life in Old Testament times. It must have come as a shock to even the most devout Jew to hear for the first time the announcement that the Ark would not play any role whatsoever in the New Israel. After all, the God-ordained worship of the Old Testament centered around the Sanctuary and around the Ark. The Ark is represented in the law of Moses as the throne of the Lord. It was the tangible, visible symbol of Gods presence. But worship of the New Israel would be internalized and spiritual. A symbol of Gods presence would no longer be needed when God Himself in the person of His Son would dwell in the midst of His people. The once for all time sacrifice on Calvary would make unnecessary and superfluous the mercy seat upon which blood was sprinkled annually for the sins of the people. The Ark will disappear, says the prophet. So it did. When the Jews returned from Babylon to rebuild their Temple they had no Ark to place in the Holy of Holies. The absence of that Ark was an evident token to those who were spiritually wise that the Old Covenant was ready to vanish away and make way for the New.
In years to come a new city would replace earthly Jerusalem (Jer. 3:17). The throne of God will no longer be the Ark of the Covenant[149] but rather the holy city, the new Jerusalem. The New Covenant Jerusalem is none other than the New Testament Church. The Apostle Paul calls it the Jerusalem which is above i.e., spiritual Jerusalem of which all believers are citizens (Gal. 4:24-31). Jesus Christ sits on the throne of God and rules over His church and in the midst of His church (Eph. 1:20-23). Ezekiel speaks of that same city when he says the name of the city from that day shall be, the LORD is there (Eze. 48:35).
[149] The Ark of the Covenant is never called in the Old Testament the throne of God, yet it was in fact no less than that.
In the Messianic age Jerusalem will be blessed with a new attractiveness. Jerusalem shall become the spiritual center of the world and all nations shall gather there. The gathering of Gentiles into the Church of Christ is another frequent theme in Messianic prophecy (e.g., Isaiah 60; Isaiah 62). Because they have experienced genuine conversion these Gentiles no longer walk after the stubbornness of their evil heart. But what is it that attracts these Gentiles to the New Covenant Jerusalem, the Church? The verse seems to suggest that it is the Name of the Lord which attracts them. The name of God in the Old Testament was very significant. It revealed something of the character and nature of God. The Name of God in this verse is not an abstract idea or even a personification but a person.[150] It is the Lord Jesus Christ who came into the world to reveal to men the character and nature of God. The Name here is virtually equivalent to the Logos or Word of John 1.
[150] Note the language of Isa. 30:27; Isa. 26:8; Isa. 59:19 where the name of God is personalized.
A new fellowship shall characterize the Israel of the future. Israel and Judah shall be reunited for the first time since the great schism of 931 B.C. The reunion of these two estranged sister nations is also a major theme in the Messianic prophecy of the Old Testament.[151] The Israelites and Jews are depicted returning together from the land of the north, i.e., Assyria and Babylonia, to the land of Canaan which God had given to their fathers centuries earlier. The Apostle Paul quotes a similar reunion passage from Hosea and applies it to the unity of believers that exists in the Church of Christ (Rom. 9:25-26). Therefore while the present passage may have had a prefillment in the days of the restoration from Babylon, its fulfillment came in the Messianic age.
[151] Jer. 2:4; Isa. 11:12; Eze. 37:16 ff.; Hos. 2:2; Hos. 1:11.
In Jer. 3:19 a God asks,[152] in effect, How shall I give you this wonderful heritage of which I have been speaking in view of the fact that you have rejected Me? God then answers His own question, I can thus bless you if you will call Me my Father and not turn away from Me. The most wonderful inheritance that can befall a man is to be part of the kingdom of heaven. That, says Jeremiah, is the most beautiful inheritance of the nations. One is only entitled to that inheritance when he is able by virtue of the New Birth to call God my Father. One can only claim that inheritance when he has been faithful unto death.
[152] The American Standard Version and a number of commentators prefer to render the first half of Jer. 3:19 as an exclamation instead of a question. Either rendering is possible.
From an idealistic view of the distant future the prophet returns in Jer. 3:20 to a realistic view of the present. As God looks upon the nation all he presently sees in the whole house of Israel i.e., the whole nation, is unfaithfulness and apostasy. Just as a faithless wife departs from her husband so has the covenant nation departed from the divine Husband (Jer. 3:20). The sad description of the present state of affairs ends abruptly and the prophet moves on to a graphic description of the repentance for which God yearns. Like a father listening for the faintest cry of a lost child, so God listens for some sign that the long apostasy has ended. Finally, He hears it. On the high places where once their boisterous idolatrous festivities were conducted now comes forth lamentation and mourning, and prayers pleading for forgiveness for having perverted their ways and having forsaken the Lord (Jer. 3:21). Lest they feel that their sin is too grievous and their repentance futile the Lord immediately offers them words of encouragement. He addresses them as sons and calls upon them to return to Him. He, the Great physician, will heal them of their spiritual maladies and restore them to spiritual health if they will but come unto Him (Jer. 3:22 a).
Fuente: College Press Bible Study Textbook Series
(15) Pastors.As in Jer. 2:8, of kings and rulers, not of priests. Compare Jer. 23:1-5. The phrase according to mine heart brings David to our thoughts (1Sa. 13:14). There should be a return to the true pattern of the ideal ruler. In the knowledge and understanding we have an echo from Isa. 11:1-4.
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
15. Pastors No matter how few and poor and scattered the flock, they shall have shepherds. Under this term are included, not prophets and priests, but rulers who held to the people a parental relation, and were, under the great Shepherd, their guardians and guides.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
Reader! doth not your heart go forth, At the reading of those blessed promises, with an earnestness of desire, that the Lord would fulfil them, and give his people pastors indeed according to his own heart! Oh! that the Lord would send forth faithful, disinterested ministers, in his Churches, and among his people. If this were once the case, Judah and Israel, Jews and Gentiles, would walk together, and all would be of one heart and of one mind, in the service and fellowship of the Lord Jesus! Gal 3:26 to the end.
Fuente: Hawker’s Poor Man’s Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
Jer 3:15 And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.
Ver. 15. And I will give you pastors according to my heart. ] God gives faithful pastors oft for the sake of but a few that are there to be converted: Et vilissimus pagus est palatium eburneum, in quo est pastor et credentes aliqui, saith Luther, a The poorest village is an ivory palace, if there be but in it a pastor and some few believers. Such pastors as God here promiseth (and more largely describeth, Jer 23:1-40 Eze 34:1-31 ), are special gifts of God: “I will give you pastors.” David, after he had discomfited the Amalekites, sent gifts to his friends in Judah. 1Sa 30:26 Great Alexander, when he had prevailed at the river Granicus, and was now ascended into the upper parts of Asia, sent back many gifts to assure them of his love in Macedonia. The like doth God to his Church by sending them pastors, with such two adjuncts as are here – (1.) Adherent, his own approbation; (2.) Inherent, skill to teach the people. See Eph 4:8 . See Trapp on “ Eph 4:8 “
a Luth., tom. iii. p. 81.
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: Jer 3:15-18
15Then I will give you shepherds after My own heart, who will feed you on knowledge and understanding. 16It shall be in those days when you are multiplied and increased in the land, declares the LORD, they will no longer say, ‘The ark of the covenant of the LORD.’ And it will not come to mind, nor will they remember it, nor will they miss it, nor will it be made again. 17At that time they will call Jerusalem ‘The Throne of the LORD,’ and all the nations will be gathered to it, to Jerusalem, for the name of the LORD; nor will they walk anymore after the stubbornness of their evil heart. 18In those days the house of Judah will walk with the house of Israel, and they will come together from the land of the north to the land that I gave your fathers as an inheritance.
Jer 3:15 God’s leaders (i.e., shepherds, BDB 944), both civil and religious, will
1. be after YHWH’s own heart (BDB 524)
2. feed the people with knowledge (BDB 395, only here in Jeremiah)
3. feed the people with understanding (BDB 968, cf. Jer 9:24)
Numbers 2, 3 could refer to the shepherds themselves or what they give the people.
Jer 3:16 in those days This refers to the New Covenant period (cf. Jer 3:16-18; Jer 31:31-34; Eze 36:22-38) or the Messianic age.
ark of the covenant Whether it was actually missing at this point in time is uncertain; this passage points to internal worship (cf. Joh 4:23). There will be no need for a physical object representing YHWH. He Himself will be among His people!
SPECIAL TOPIC: THE ARK OF THE COVENANT
Jer 3:17 Jerusalem I think this refers to the New Jerusalem (i.e., the new people of God, cf. Rev 21:1-4).
all nations will be gathered to it Notice the universal element (cf. Jer 4:2; Jer 12:15-16; Jer 16:19; Isa 2:2-4; Isa 25:6-9; Isa 45:22; Isa 49:6; Isa 54:4-5; Isa 56:6-8; Isa 60:3; Isa 66:18; Isa 66:23). This would have shocked and offended these Judean readers/hearers, just as Isaiah’s inclusion of the nations shocked the readers/hearers of his day!
nor will they walk any more after the stubbornness of their evil heart This had been the problem since Genesis 3 (cf. Jer 11:8)! But the new day will reverse this self-centeredness. Compare Eze 18:31 with Eze 36:26-27. The new covenant (Jer 31:31-34) will be based on God’s acts, not human acts!
The real question is to whom does they refer?
1. the faithful remnant of Abraham’s seed
2. all of Abraham’s seed alive in that day
3. the Gentiles gathered to Jerusalem
For me, I have been deeply influenced by Rom 2:28-29; Gal 3:7-9; Gal 3:28; Gal 6:16; Eph 3:11 to Eph 4:13; 1Pe 3:6. Abraham is the father of those who believe, not a racial/ethnic group.
Jer 3:18 the land of the north This is not a reference to a country to the north, but to the route of return (cf. Jer 31:8).
to the land that I gave your fathers as an inheritance See Gen 12:1-3; Gen 22:16-18; Amo 9:15. YHWH acted toward this generation, and every generation of Abraham’s seed, because of His love and promises to the Patriarchs!
God has an eternal redemptive plan that involves Israel and the Messiah. His plan is for all humanity. His plan will not be defeated, delayed, or destroyed! See Special Topic: YHWH’s Eternal Redemptive Plan !
Fuente: You Can Understand the Bible: Study Guide Commentary Series by Bob Utley
pastors. Literally shepherds; but used in Jeremiah of kings, priests, and prophets, who were the guides of the people. See Jer 2:8; Jer 3:15; Jer 10:21; Jer 23:1, Jer 23:2, Jer 23:4; Jer 25:34; Jer 35:36.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
And I: Jer 23:4, 1Sa 13:14, Isa 30:20, Isa 30:21, Eze 34:23, Eze 37:24, Mic 5:4, Mic 5:5, Joh 10:1-5, Joh 21:15-17, Eph 4:11, Eph 4:12, 1Pe 5:1-4
which shall: Pro 10:21, Luk 12:42, Joh 21:15, Joh 21:17, Act 20:28, 1Co 2:6, 1Co 2:12, 1Co 2:13, 1Co 3:1, 1Co 3:2, Heb 5:12-14, 1Pe 2:2, 1Pe 5:2
Reciprocal: Num 27:16 – set a man 2Sa 7:7 – feed 1Ch 11:2 – Thou shalt Ezr 8:18 – a man of understanding Eze 34:15 – General Hos 2:19 – And I will Mat 9:38 – that Luk 10:2 – the Lord Col 1:28 – in all
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
Jer 3:15. See the comments at Jer 2:8 for the meaning of pastors. The prediction in this verse was fulfilled according to Neh 8:7-8.
Fuente: Combined Bible Commentary
Jer 3:15. I will give you pastors according to my heart This is likewise an evangelical promise, (compare Jer 23:4,) implying that under the happy times here foretold all governors, both civil and ecclesiastical, should faithfully discharge their trust, in duly governing and instructing the people committed to their charge; and that all in authority should answer the character which God gives of David, namely, that he was a man after his own heart, whereas, at the time when Jeremiah lived, the princes, the priests, and prophets were the ringleaders in seducing the people, and enticing them to idolatry: see Jer 2:8, and Lowth. Those are pastors after Gods own heart, says Henry, that make it their business to feed the flock; not to feed themselves and fleece the flock, but to do all they can for the good of those that are under their charge; that feed them with wisdom and understanding That is, wisely and understandingly, as David fed them, in the integrity of his heart and by the skilfulness of his hands, Psa 78:72. Those that are not only pastors, or rulers, but teachers, must feed them with the word of God, which is wisdom and understanding, and is able to make us wise unto salvation.
Fuente: Joseph Bensons Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
After their return, the Lord would give the truly repentant Israelites good leaders who had hearts for Himself and who would instruct them in sound "knowledge" (wisely) and "understanding" (well). Kind-hearted shepherds would provide wholesome and nourishing food for their sheep (cf. Jer 23:1-4; Eze 34:23; Eze 37:24).