Jeremiah 11:19

But I [was] like a lamb [or] an ox [that] is brought to the slaughter; and I knew not that they had devised devices against me, [saying], Let us destroy the tree with the fruit thereof, and let us cut him off from the land of the living, that his name may be no more remembered.

But I was like a lamb {H3532} or an ox {H441} that is brought {H2986} to the slaughter {H2873}; and I knew {H3045} not that they had devised {H2803} devices {H4284} against me, saying, Let us destroy {H7843} the tree {H6086} with the fruit {H3899} thereof, and let us cut him off {H3772} from the land {H776} of the living {H2416}, that his name {H8034} may be no more remembered {H2142}.

But I was like a tame lamb led to be slaughtered; I did not know that they were plotting schemes against me - "Let's destroy the tree with its fruit, we'll cut him off from the land of the living, so that his name will be forgotten."

For I was like a gentle lamb led to slaughter; I did not know that they had plotted against me: “Let us destroy the tree with its fruit; let us cut him off from the land of the living, that his name may be remembered no more.”

But I was like a gentle lamb that is led to the slaughter; and I knew not that they had devised devices against me, saying, Let us destroy the tree with the fruit thereof, and let us cut him off from the land of the living, that his name may be no more remembered.

Commentary

Context

Jeremiah 11:19 is a deeply personal lament from the prophet Jeremiah, revealing the profound danger and betrayal he faced during his ministry. This verse falls within a section (Jeremiah 11:1-17) where God reiterates His covenant with Israel and Judah, reminding them of its terms and warning of severe judgment for their persistent idolatry and disobedience. The people, however, rejected God's word delivered through Jeremiah. Specifically, in verses 18-23, Jeremiah recounts how he discovered a plot against his life by the men of his hometown, Anathoth, who sought to silence his prophetic voice. His message of impending judgment was so unpopular that those closest to him, including his own family, became his adversaries.

Key Themes

  • Prophetic Persecution: Jeremiah’s experience vividly illustrates the hostility often faced by those who faithfully deliver God's unpopular truths. He was hated not for his own actions, but for the divine message he carried.
  • Innocence and Vulnerability: Jeremiah likens himself to a "lamb or an ox that is brought to the slaughter," emphasizing his innocence and unawareness of the malicious plot against him. This imagery evokes a sense of defenselessness and predestined sacrifice, resonating with the Suffering Servant of Isaiah 53.
  • Malicious Intent of Enemies: The conspirators' goal was total annihilation: "destroy the tree with the fruit thereof" (meaning his very being, influence, and posterity), "cut him off from the land of the living" (kill him), and "that his name may be no more remembered" (erase his legacy and memory). This reveals a deep-seated desire not just to silence, but to obliterate.
  • Divine Awareness and Justice: While Jeremiah was unaware of the plot, God was fully cognizant of it. The subsequent verses (Jeremiah 11:20-23) show God's swift promise of justice against those who plotted against His servant, highlighting that no evil scheme escapes divine notice.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "like a lamb or an ox that is brought to the slaughter" uses two Hebrew terms: `seh` (lamb/sheep) and `alluph` (ox/cattle). Both convey an image of an animal that is docile, unsuspecting, and prepared for sacrifice, highlighting Jeremiah's innocence and the premeditated nature of his enemies' actions.

The expression "destroy the tree with the fruit thereof" is a powerful Hebrew idiom for utter destruction, implying the complete eradication of a person, their lineage, and their entire influence, leaving no trace behind. This metaphor underscores the extreme malice of Jeremiah's adversaries.

Related Scriptures

  • Jeremiah's deep personal suffering and lament are also evident in other passages, such as Jeremiah 20:7-18, where he expresses his anguish directly to God.
  • The theme of plotting against the righteous is a recurring one in Scripture, seen in many Psalms, for example, Psalm 37:12.
  • The desire to "cut him off from the land of the living" echoes judgments found elsewhere, such as in Psalm 52:5, often signifying divine judgment or extreme human malice.
  • This verse has often been seen as a poignant foreshadowing of Jesus Christ, the ultimate innocent Lamb who was led to the slaughter, unaware of the full extent of the plot against Him by human hands, yet fulfilling God's redemptive plan.

Practical Application

Jeremiah 11:19 reminds us that faithfulness to God's word can lead to opposition, even from unexpected sources. It teaches us:

  1. The Reality of Persecution: Those who stand for truth may face hostility, misrepresentation, and even plots against their well-being. This verse offers comfort in knowing that such experiences are not new and are part of the prophetic tradition.
  2. Trust in Divine Providence: Even when we are unaware of the dangers or plots against us, God knows. Jeremiah's subsequent vindication by God (Jeremiah 11:20-23) assures us that God is a righteous judge who sees all and will ultimately deliver His faithful servants.
  3. Empathy for the Suffering: This verse fosters empathy for those who suffer unjustly, particularly for their faith. It encourages us to pray for and support those who face persecution for righteousness' sake.
  4. The Cost of Discipleship: Following Christ often involves carrying a cross, which can include suffering and opposition, just as Jeremiah did and just as Christ Himself did.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Jeremiah 20:10

    For I heard the defaming of many, fear on every side. Report, [say they], and we will report it. All my familiars watched for my halting, [saying], Peradventure he will be enticed, and we shall prevail against him, and we shall take our revenge on him.

  • Isaiah 53:7

    He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.

  • Isaiah 53:8

    He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his generation? for he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was he stricken.

  • Psalms 83:4

    They have said, Come, and let us cut them off from [being] a nation; that the name of Israel may be no more in remembrance.

  • Jeremiah 18:18

    ¶ Then said they, Come, and let us devise devices against Jeremiah; for the law shall not perish from the priest, nor counsel from the wise, nor the word from the prophet. Come, and let us smite him with the tongue, and let us not give heed to any of his words.

  • Job 28:13

    Man knoweth not the price thereof; neither is it found in the land of the living.

  • Psalms 31:13

    For I have heard the slander of many: fear [was] on every side: while they took counsel together against me, they devised to take away my life.
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