THEOSISJerome of Stridon
The prophetic message is directed toward or concerning shepherds, and regarding Jechoniah, the second-to-last king of Judah from the lineage of David, we find: "Earth, earth, earth! Hear the word of the Lord: write this man as rejected or barren, for no descendant of his shall occupy the throne of David" (Jer. 22:29, 30). This declaration extinguished any hope for the continued reign of Judah and subsequently transitioned to the leaders of the Church.
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After the synagogue and its ministers faced abandonment and condemnation, the message shifts to the apostles, who are described as: "I will appoint shepherds over them, and they shall lack nothing; they shall no longer be frightened or dismayed, nor shall any be missing, says the Lord." The apostles will guide the Church’s flock with assurance and without trepidation, while the remnant of Israel will be gathered from all nations, returning to their communities, resulting in a flourishing and multiplying flock. However, the Lord will hold the deceitful shepherds, including the scribes and Pharisees, accountable for their misguided ambitions. This can also be interpreted metaphorically regarding church leaders who inappropriately govern the Lord's flock; upon their rejection and condemnation, the people will find salvation through others deemed worthy, ensuring the preservation of the remnant. The flock suffers under shepherds who propagate false teachings, are distressed and depleted by those inciting division, scattered by those who unjustly excommunicate members, and neglected by those who lack compassion for the repentant. The Lord will extend mercy to all such individuals, restoring them to their rightful pastures and removing corrupt shepherds.