2024-07-21 Ninth Sunday after Pentecost
Ninth Sunday after Pentecost Jeremiah 23:1-6 Jeremiah prophesied in the final years of the Kingdom of Judah, through the reign of the final king, Zedekiah. Shepherds are responsible for protecting and providing sustenance for their flocks, keeping peace within the flock, defending against attackers, searching for sheep that have gone astray, and rescuing those in danger. Yet the opening verse of Jeremiah 23 accuses the shepherds of destroying and scattering God’s sheep! Shepherds in Jeremiah 23:1, are the kings — specifically the kings of Judah. God’s anger is aroused by the “evil doings” of the descendants of good King Josiah (640-609 BCE) who “judged the cause of the poor and the needy”, unfortunately, ruled Judah for dishonest gain, for shedding innocent blood, and for practising oppression and violence Shallum/Jehoahaz (ruled 3 months in 609 BCE) Jehoiakim (ruled for 11 years from 609-598 BCE) Jehoiachin (ruled 3 months in 597 BCE) Zedekiah (ruled for 10 years from 597-587 BCE...