Jeremiah 10:20

My tabernacle is spoiled, and all my cords are broken: my children are gone forth of me, and they [are] not: [there is] none to stretch forth my tent any more, and to set up my curtains.

My tabernacle {H168} is spoiled {H7703}, and all my cords {H4340} are broken {H5423}: my children {H1121} are gone forth {H3318} of me, and they are not: there is none to stretch forth {H5186} my tent {H168} any more, and to set up {H6965} my curtains {H3407}.

But now my tent is ruined, all its cords are severed; my children have left me and are no more; there is no one to set up my tent again, no one to raise its curtains.

My tent is destroyed, and all its ropes are snapped. My sons have departed from me and are no more. I have no one left to pitch my tent or set up my curtains.

My tent is destroyed, and all my cords are broken: my children are gone forth from me, and they are not: there is none to spread my tent any more, and to set up my curtains.

Context of Jeremiah 10:20

Jeremiah 10:20 is a poignant lament, likely spoken by the city of Jerusalem or the nation of Judah personified. This chapter contrasts the futility of idolatry with the sovereignty of the true God. Verses 19-25 form a lamentation over the impending or ongoing judgment, specifically the Babylonian captivity. The preceding verse, Jeremiah 10:19, sets the tone of deep sorrow, crying, "Woe is me for my hurt! my wound is grievous." Verse 20 continues this lament, describing the complete devastation and desolation of the land and its people.

Key Themes in Jeremiah 10:20

  • Utter Desolation and Ruin: The imagery of a "spoiled tabernacle" and "broken cords" vividly portrays a complete collapse. A tent, representing a home or a nation, is rendered uninhabitable, signifying the destruction of Jerusalem and the national structure.
  • Loss of Population: "My children are gone forth of me, and they are not" speaks directly to the depopulation of the land through exile and death. This highlights the immense human cost of the judgment.
  • Inability to Recover: The phrase "none to stretch forth my tent any more, and to set up my curtains" emphasizes the depth of the disaster. From a human perspective, there is no one left, no strength, no capacity to rebuild or restore what has been lost. This conveys a profound sense of abandonment and hopelessness.
  • Consequences of Disobedience: While not explicitly stated in this verse, the broader context of Jeremiah's prophecies makes it clear that this devastation is the direct result of Judah's persistent idolatry and rebellion against God's covenant.

Linguistic Insights

The term "tabernacle" here is from the Hebrew word sukkah (סֻכָּה), which literally means a booth, hut, or tent. It emphasizes the temporary, nomadic nature of life, contrasting with a permanent dwelling. In this context, it symbolizes the nation's dwelling, which is now plundered and destroyed. The "cords" are essential for holding a tent upright and stable, so their breaking signifies the complete disintegration of national stability, societal order, and communal ties.

Significance and Application

Jeremiah 10:20 is a powerful expression of grief and despair in the face of overwhelming loss. It illustrates the profound consequences of turning away from God and the fragility of human institutions and security when divine favor is withdrawn. For the people of Judah, it was a stark reality of their future.

For us today, this verse serves as a sobering reminder:

  • It underscores the severe consequences of persistent disobedience and the importance of heeding God's warnings.
  • It highlights the transient nature of earthly possessions and structures. Our true security is found not in physical dwellings or worldly stability, but in God alone.
  • Even in moments of deep despair and utter loss, as depicted here, the broader narrative of Jeremiah (e.g., Jeremiah 29:11) ultimately points to God's ultimate plan for restoration and hope for His people, even if it comes after a period of intense suffering and discipline.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Jeremiah 4:20

    Destruction upon destruction is cried; for the whole land is spoiled: suddenly are my tents spoiled, [and] my curtains in a moment.

  • Jeremiah 31:15

    Thus saith the LORD; A voice was heard in Ramah, lamentation, [and] bitter weeping; Rahel weeping for her children refused to be comforted for her children, because they [were] not.

  • Isaiah 49:20

    The children which thou shalt have, after thou hast lost the other, shall say again in thine ears, The place [is] too strait for me: give place to me that I may dwell.

  • Isaiah 49:22

    Thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I will lift up mine hand to the Gentiles, and set up my standard to the people: and they shall bring thy sons in [their] arms, and thy daughters shall be carried upon [their] shoulders.

  • Isaiah 54:2

    Enlarge the place of thy tent, and let them stretch forth the curtains of thine habitations: spare not, lengthen thy cords, and strengthen thy stakes;

  • Proverbs 12:7

    ¶ The wicked are overthrown, and [are] not: but the house of the righteous shall stand.

  • Isaiah 51:16

    And I have put my words in thy mouth, and I have covered thee in the shadow of mine hand, that I may plant the heavens, and lay the foundations of the earth, and say unto Zion, Thou [art] my people.

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