Book of Jeremiah - Chapter 23 - Verse 1

In this verse, the Lord is warning against false and irresponsible leadership within the church. The term "pastors" refers to the leaders of the church who are entrusted with guiding and caring for God's people, symbolized as the sheep of his pasture. When these pastors fail in their duties or deliberately lead their followers astray, they are described as "destroying and scattering" the sheep. This can manifest in various ways, such as teaching false doctrine, exploiting their congregation for personal gain, or neglecting the spiritual needs of their flock. The consequences of such actions are severe, as the Lord declares "Woe be unto the pastors" who engage in such behavior. This warning serves as a reminder of the importance of faithful and responsible leadership within the church, and the accountability that pastors have to care for and nurture God's people.

In this verse, the term "pastors" refers to religious leaders or shepherds of a flock, who are responsible for guiding and caring for the people under their care. The word "destroy" implies the pastors are causing harm or leading their flock astray, while "scatter" suggests a lack of unity and cohesion among the people. The use of the metaphor of sheep being scattered highlights the vulnerability and dependence of the people on their spiritual leaders. The phrase "of my pasture" indicates that the people belong to the Lord, and it is His will that they be protected and cared for by their pastors. The proclamation of "saith the Lord" emphasizes the authority and seriousness of the warning against the actions of these pastors. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of faithful and responsible leadership in guiding and nurturing the spiritual growth of the community.