Jeremiah 13:24

KJV

Therefore will I scatter them as the stubble that passeth away by the wind of the wilderness.

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore will I scatter {H6327} them as the stubble {H7179} that passeth away {H5674} by the wind {H7307} of the wilderness {H4057}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"So I will scatter them like chaff that flies away in the desert wind.

Berean Standard Bible

“I will scatter you like chaff driven by the desert wind.

American Standard Version

Therefore will I scatter them, as the stubble that passeth away, by the wind of the wilderness.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 13:24 delivers a stark prophetic warning from the Lord to the unrepentant kingdom of Judah, vividly portraying their impending judgment and dispersion. Through the powerful metaphor of stubble scattered by a desert wind, the verse underscores the complete vulnerability and helplessness of a people who have stubbornly rejected God's covenant and embraced idolatry. It serves as a severe declaration of divine judgment, emphasizing the inevitable and comprehensive consequences of persistent disobedience and spiritual defilement, leading to their scattering and eventual exile.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 13:24 is situated within a series of prophetic pronouncements and symbolic actions designed to warn Judah of their impending doom due to unfaithfulness. The chapter begins with the **parable of the linen girdle** (Jeremiah 13:1-11), which illustrates how Judah, once intimately bound to God, has become defiled and worthless through their idolatry and pride. This is followed by the **parable of the wine jars** (Jeremiah 13:12-14), which foretells the utter shattering of the nation, from king to commoner, without mercy. Immediately preceding verse 24, Jeremiah laments Judah's inability to change their ingrained habits of evil, asking, "Can the Ethiopian change his skin or the leopard its spots? Neither can you do good who are accustomed to doing evil" (Jeremiah 13:23). This rhetorical question highlights the deep-seated nature of their sin, making the subsequent declaration of scattering in verse 24 a direct and inevitable consequence of their spiritual stubbornness and moral decay. The verse thus serves as a culminating statement of divine judgment, directly flowing from the preceding demonstrations of Judah's defilement and incorrigibility.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy in Jeremiah 13:24 is set during the late 7th and early 6th centuries BCE, a tumultuous period leading up to the Babylonian exile. The southern kingdom of Judah, despite witnessing the fall of the northern kingdom of Israel to Assyria, continued its descent into idolatry, injustice, and political intrigue, often seeking alliances with foreign powers rather than trusting in God. King Jehoiakim's reign (609-598 BCE) was particularly marked by rebellion against God and oppression of the people, directly contributing to the spiritual decay Jeremiah confronted. The imagery of "stubble" and "wind of the wilderness" would have resonated deeply with an agrarian society in an arid region. After the harvest, worthless stubble was left in the fields, easily swept away by the powerful, often destructive, dry winds (like the sirocco) that blew across the Judean desert. This cultural understanding amplified the message: Judah, in its spiritual worthlessness and rejection of God, was as vulnerable and easily dispersed as the dry stubble before an unstoppable, divine force, symbolizing the impending invasion and deportation by the Babylonian Empire, God's chosen instrument of judgment (as seen in [Jeremiah 25:9](/jeremiah/25-9 "Jeremiah 25:9 - Nebuchadnezzar, God's Servant")).
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 13:24 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Jeremiah and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Judgment** as a direct consequence of covenant infidelity. God, as the sovereign Lord, actively brings about judgment upon His people when they persistently violate their covenant obligations, demonstrating that sin has real and severe repercussions. This judgment is not arbitrary but is a righteous response to Judah's deep-seated idolatry and moral corruption, as highlighted throughout the book (e.g., [Jeremiah 7:1-15](/jeremiah/7 "Jeremiah 7 - The Temple Sermon")). Secondly, the verse emphasizes the **Consequences of Rebellion and Spiritual Stubbornness**. Judah's refusal to heed Jeremiah's repeated calls to repentance and their ingrained evil (Jeremiah 13:23) rendered them spiritually helpless, leading directly to this severe outcome. The imagery of "stubble" powerfully conveys the theme of **Vulnerability and Helplessness** in the face of God's wrath. Just as dry stubble offers no resistance to the wind, Judah would be utterly defenseless against the divine decree, stripped of their strength and significance. Finally, the verse explicitly foretells the **Scattering and Exile** of the people, a central theme in Jeremiah's prophecies. This dispersion, primarily through the Babylonian captivity, would be a painful and humiliating experience, stripping them of their land, identity, and national security, fulfilling earlier covenant curses (e.g., [Deuteronomy 28:64](/deuteronomy/28-64 "Deuteronomy 28:64 - Scattering Among All Peoples")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **scatter (Hebrew, _pûwts_):** This verb (H6327) signifies a forceful and widespread dispersion, to "dash in pieces," "break up," or "spread abroad." In the context of divine judgment, as here, it implies an active, intentional act by God to break apart and scatter His unfaithful people, much like an object is shattered and its fragments are dispersed. It conveys a sense of violent disruption and loss of cohesion, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of the impending judgment upon Judah.
* **stubble (Hebrew, _qash_):** This noun (H7179) refers to the dry, light stalks remaining in a field after grain has been harvested. It is a common biblical metaphor for something worthless, easily consumed, or swiftly destroyed. Its inherent flimsiness and lack of substance make it an apt symbol for the people of Judah, who, having rejected their divine foundation, possessed no inherent strength or value to withstand God's judgment. It highlights their utter insignificance and powerlessness when confronted by divine wrath.
* **passeth away (Hebrew, _ʻâbar_):** This verb (H5674) means "to cross over" or "to pass by/through." In this context, it describes the swift, unhindered movement of the wind through the stubble, causing it to be carried away. It emphasizes the ease and inevitability with which the stubble (Judah) will be swept away by the wind (divine judgment). The transient nature implied by "passeth away" underscores the fleeting existence of the scattered people, highlighting their lack of permanence or stability once God's judgment is enacted.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore will I scatter them":** This opening clause declares the divine decree. "Therefore" links this judgment directly to the preceding verses that detail Judah's incorrigible sin and defilement. The "I" is God, emphasizing His active role and sovereign decision in bringing about this consequence. "Scatter them" directly predicts the dispersion and fragmentation of the people of Judah, signifying the breaking up of their nation and their forced removal from their land.
* **"as the stubble":** This introduces a vivid simile, comparing the people of Judah to "stubble." This imagery immediately conveys worthlessness, dryness, and extreme vulnerability. Stubble is the discarded remnant of a harvest, without value or strength, easily manipulated and destroyed. This comparison powerfully illustrates Judah's weakened and defenseless state before God's judgment.
* **"that passeth away":** This phrase further emphasizes the ease and inevitability of the scattering. Just as stubble offers no resistance and is effortlessly carried off, so too will Judah be swept away. The transient nature of "passeth away" highlights the swiftness and completeness of their removal, implying a loss of stability, identity, and place.
* **"by the wind of the wilderness":** This final phrase identifies the destructive agent and its source. The "wind of the wilderness" (often a hot, dry, and powerful sirocco) is an unstoppable, relentless force. It symbolizes the overwhelming and irresistible nature of God's judgment, which will sweep through Judah with devastating effect, leaving nothing in its wake. The "wilderness" context adds to the desolation and harshness of the impending experience, suggesting a place of barrenness and hardship for those scattered.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 13:24 is rich in **Imagery** and employs a powerful **Simile** and **Metaphor** to convey its message of divine judgment. The core of the verse is a **Simile**, comparing the people of Judah to "stubble" that is scattered "as" it "passeth away by the wind of the wilderness." This comparison is highly effective, immediately evoking a sense of worthlessness, vulnerability, and utter helplessness. The "stubble" itself functions as a **Metaphor** for Judah's spiritual state: dry, lifeless, and without substance or resistance against the divine force. Similarly, the "wind of the wilderness" acts as a **Metaphor** for God's irresistible judgment, an unstoppable force that brings about desolation and dispersion. The use of such vivid natural imagery, drawn from the familiar agrarian and geographical context of the audience, makes the abstract concept of divine judgment tangible and terrifyingly real. The verse also contains an element of **Foreshadowing**, predicting the literal scattering and exile of Judah by Babylon. The starkness of the imagery contributes to the overall **Pathos** of the prophecy, aiming to evoke fear and a desperate need for repentance in the hearts of the hearers.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 13:24 stands as a profound declaration of God's righteous judgment against persistent sin and covenant infidelity. It underscores the biblical truth that while God is merciful and patient, He is also just and will not tolerate unrepentant rebellion indefinitely. The scattering of Judah serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of rejecting divine warnings and embracing idolatry, demonstrating God's sovereignty over nations and His commitment to upholding His covenant, even through severe discipline. This judgment is not arbitrary but is a direct outcome of Judah's choices, reflecting the principle that "what a man sows, that he will also reap." The vulnerability of "stubble" against the "wind of the wilderness" highlights humanity's utter powerlessness when standing against God's decree, emphasizing the need for humility and submission to His will. Ultimately, this passage points to God's ultimate control over history and His unwavering commitment to justice, even as it grieves over the necessity of such severe action against His own people.

* [Deuteronomy 28:64](/deuteronomy/28-64 "Deuteronomy 28:64 - Scattering Among All Peoples")
* [Psalm 1:4](/psalms/1-4 "Psalm 1:4 - The Wicked are Like Chaff")
* [Isaiah 17:13](/isaiah/17-13 "Isaiah 17:13 - Nations Scattered Like Chaff")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 13:24 serves as a timeless and sobering reminder that spiritual choices have profound and often severe consequences. For believers today, this verse challenges us to examine the state of our own hearts and communities. Are we, like Judah, becoming spiritually dry and worthless, easily swept away by the "winds" of cultural trends, personal desires, or worldly philosophies? The "stubble" metaphor warns against spiritual complacency, pride, and the insidious nature of unconfessed sin, which can render us vulnerable to divine discipline. It calls us to cultivate a vibrant, living faith, rooted deeply in God's Word and sustained by genuine repentance and obedience. This passage also reminds us of God's unwavering justice; while He is abundant in mercy, He is also righteous in His judgments. Therefore, we are called to humility, acknowledging our dependence on Him, and to active repentance, turning away from anything that defiles our relationship with Him. The severity of Judah's scattering should motivate us to heed God's warnings in our own lives, seeking to walk in integrity and faithfulness before Him, lest we too experience a scattering of peace, purpose, or blessing.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be accumulating "stubble"—spiritual dryness or worthlessness—that makes me vulnerable to the "winds" of life or divine discipline?**
* **How does this verse challenge my understanding of God's justice in relation to His mercy?**
* **What specific "winds" (cultural pressures, personal habits, unaddressed sins) might be threatening to scatter my spiritual stability today?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate deeper spiritual roots and avoid the fate of the "stubble"?**

### FAQ
**What does "stubble that passeth away by the wind of the wilderness" mean in a practical sense for Judah?**

Answer: In a practical sense, the imagery of "stubble that passeth away by the wind of the wilderness" vividly describes the complete and devastating dispersion of the people of Judah. Just as dry, worthless stubble is easily swept away by a strong, hot desert wind, so too would the Judeans be scattered from their homeland and dispersed among foreign nations. This was fulfilled primarily through the successive waves of Babylonian invasions and deportations, culminating in the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple in 586 BCE. The people were uprooted, their national identity shattered, and they were forced into exile, losing their land, their political autonomy, and their central place of worship. The "wind of the wilderness" symbolizes the irresistible and destructive force of God's judgment, often executed through foreign empires like Babylon, which would sweep through Judah, leaving desolation and scattering its inhabitants far and wide, much like how the prophet Habakkuk describes the Babylonians as a "dreadful and terrifying" nation (Habakkuk 1:7).

**Why would God "scatter" His own people?**

Answer: God scattered His people, Judah, as a severe act of divine judgment and discipline for their persistent and unrepentant sin, particularly their idolatry and rejection of His covenant. Throughout the book of Jeremiah, the prophet repeatedly warns Judah about their unfaithfulness, their worship of false gods, their social injustice, and their refusal to heed God's calls to repentance (e.g., [Jeremiah 7:1-15](/jeremiah/7 "Jeremiah 7 - The Temple Sermon") and [Jeremiah 2:13](/jeremiah/2-13 "Jeremiah 2:13 - Forsaking the Fountain of Living Waters")). The scattering was a fulfillment of the covenant curses outlined in passages like [Deuteronomy 28:64](/deuteronomy/28-64 "Deuteronomy 28:64 - Scattering Among All Peoples"), which warned that disobedience would lead to dispersion among all peoples. While painful, this judgment was intended to purify a remnant, lead them to repentance, and ultimately preserve a people through whom God's redemptive plan would continue. It was a demonstration of God's holiness and justice, showing that He takes sin seriously, even among His chosen people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 13:24, with its stark imagery of a people scattered like worthless stubble by the wind of divine judgment, finds its Christ-centered fulfillment not in a literal scattering of believers, but in the profound spiritual reality of humanity's condition apart from God and Christ's ultimate work of gathering and salvation. Humanity, in its fallen state, is spiritually scattered and alienated from God due to sin, much like the stubble, possessing no inherent power to withstand the righteous judgment of a holy God. However, Jesus Christ, the promised Messiah, came not to scatter but to gather. He is the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep, bringing together those who were scattered by sin and death (John 10:11-16). His sacrifice on the cross became the ultimate judgment against sin, absorbing the divine wrath that would otherwise scatter us eternally. Through His atoning work, believers are delivered from the domain of darkness and transferred into the kingdom of His beloved Son (Colossians 1:13-14). The "wind of the wilderness" that scatters the unfaithful is transformed, for those in Christ, into the life-giving breath of the Holy Spirit, who gathers and empowers the church, uniting diverse peoples into one body (Acts 2:1-4; Ephesians 2:13-16). Thus, Jeremiah's prophecy of scattering highlights the dire need for a Savior, and Christ emerges as the one who gathers His elect from the four winds (Matthew 24:31), offering refuge and eternal security from the judgment that consumes the "stubble" of the world.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 1:4

¶ The ungodly [are] not so: but [are] like the chaff which the wind driveth away.

Leviticus 26:33

And I will scatter you among the heathen, and will draw out a sword after you: and your land shall be desolate, and your cities waste.

Hosea 13:3

Therefore they shall be as the morning cloud, and as the early dew that passeth away, as the chaff [that] is driven with the whirlwind out of the floor, and as the smoke out of the chimney.

Ezekiel 5:2

Thou shalt burn with fire a third part in the midst of the city, when the days of the siege are fulfilled: and thou shalt take a third part, [and] smite about it with a knife: and a third part thou shalt scatter in the wind; and I will draw out a sword after them.

Ezekiel 5:12

A third part of thee shall die with the pestilence, and with famine shall they be consumed in the midst of thee: and a third part shall fall by the sword round about thee; and I will scatter a third part into all the winds, and I will draw out a sword after them.

Jeremiah 4:11

At that time shall it be said to this people and to Jerusalem, A dry wind of the high places in the wilderness toward the daughter of my people, not to fan, nor to cleanse,

Jeremiah 4:12

[Even] a full wind from those [places] shall come unto me: now also will I give sentence against them.