Matthew Poole and continuators on Jeremiah 23:1

1 WO be unto the pastors that destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture, saith the LORD .

There is the like Woe against the Pastors denounced, Ezek. 34.2. Interpreters judge that by the Pastors are to be understood the Civil Magistrates, for verse 9. he denounceth the judgements of God against their Ecclesiastical Officers, the Civil Magistrates at this time in Iudah were great Tyrants, and whereas God had committed, his people (whom he calls the Sheep of his Pasture) to them in trust, that they should protect, and govern them, and that they might live under them, godly and peaceable lives, in all prosperity, they had acted quite contrary to their trust, and worried the people like Wolves, instead of seeding them like Shepherds. God took notice of their Oppressions, and by the Prophet denounceth this Woe against them, to verifie that of Solomon, Eccles. 5.8.

Marginal references: chap. 10.21.