Jeremiah 13:20

Lift up your eyes, and behold them that come from the north: where [is] the flock [that] was given thee, thy beautiful flock?

Lift up {H5375} your eyes {H5869}, and behold {H7200} them that come {H935} from the north {H6828}: where is the flock {H5739} that was given {H5414} thee, thy beautiful {H8597} flock {H6629}?

Raise your eyes, and you will see them coming from the north. Where is the flock once entrusted to you, the sheep that were your pride?

Lift up your eyes and see those coming from the north. Where is the flock entrusted to you, the sheep that were your pride?

Lift up your eyes, and behold them that come from the north: where is the flock that was given thee, thy beautiful flock?

Context

Jeremiah 13:20 is situated within a series of prophecies delivered by the prophet Jeremiah, often referred to as the "weeping prophet," concerning the impending judgment upon the kingdom of Judah. Chapters 13-19 vividly portray Judah's spiritual adultery, pride, and obstinacy, leading to their inevitable exile. This particular verse follows a symbolic act involving a linen girdle, which illustrates Judah's corruption and God's intention to destroy their pride. The warning here shifts to a direct call to observe the approaching threat, highlighting the tragic loss that will ensue.

Key Themes

  • Impending Judgment and Invasion: The phrase "them that come from the north" unequivocally points to the Babylonian Empire, which God used as an instrument of judgment against Judah for their idolatry and disobedience. This was a recurring theme in Jeremiah's prophecies, a direct warning of the coming destruction by Nebuchadnezzar.
  • Loss of the "Beautiful Flock": The "flock" represents the people of Judah, God's chosen nation, whom He had cared for and cherished. The rhetorical question, "where is the flock that was given thee, thy beautiful flock?", underscores the profound loss and dispersion that would accompany the invasion. It implies a failure of leadership (kings, priests, prophets) who were entrusted with the care of God's people but allowed them to stray.
  • Divine Accountability: The verse implicitly holds Judah's leaders accountable for the state of the nation. God had entrusted them with His "beautiful flock," and their failure to shepherd them faithfully led to their scattering and captivity. This theme of accountability for spiritual leadership is vital throughout scripture, as seen in Ezekiel 34's indictment of negligent shepherds.

Linguistic Insights

The term "flock" (Hebrew: tzo'n) is a common biblical metaphor for God's people, emphasizing His role as their Shepherd and their dependence on Him. The description "beautiful flock" (Hebrew: yiphah, meaning "beautiful" or "splendid") highlights God's original esteem and blessing upon Israel, contrasting sharply with their current fallen state and impending devastation. The "north" (Hebrew: tzafon) consistently serves as the direction from which major invaders, particularly Babylon, would descend upon Judah.

Practical Application

Jeremiah 13:20 serves as a somber reminder of the consequences of spiritual negligence and disobedience, both for individuals and for a nation. It calls believers to:

  • Heed Divine Warnings: Just as Judah faced a tangible threat, we are called to be vigilant and discern the spiritual dangers that can lead us astray from God's path.
  • Value Spiritual Leadership: The verse implicitly challenges leaders within the church and community to faithfully shepherd those entrusted to their care, recognizing their profound responsibility before God.
  • Examine Our Own Hearts: We are part of God's flock. This verse prompts self-reflection: Are we following our Shepherd, or have we strayed? The call to humble ourselves and repent remains timeless.

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 6:22

    Thus saith the LORD, Behold, a people cometh from the north country, and a great nation shall be raised from the sides of the earth.

  • Jeremiah 1:14

    Then the LORD said unto me, Out of the north an evil shall break forth upon all the inhabitants of the land.

  • Jeremiah 23:2

    Therefore thus saith the LORD God of Israel against the pastors that feed my people; Ye have scattered my flock, and driven them away, and have not visited them: behold, I will visit upon you the evil of your doings, saith the LORD.

  • Habakkuk 1:6

    For, lo, I raise up the Chaldeans, [that] bitter and hasty nation, which shall march through the breadth of the land, to possess the dwellingplaces [that are] not theirs.

  • Jeremiah 10:22

    Behold, the noise of the bruit is come, and a great commotion out of the north country, to make the cities of Judah desolate, [and] a den of dragons.

  • Jeremiah 13:17

    But if ye will not hear it, my soul shall weep in secret places for [your] pride; and mine eye shall weep sore, and run down with tears, because the LORD'S flock is carried away captive.

  • Acts 20:26

    Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I [am] pure from the blood of all [men].

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