Jeremiah 2:34

Also in thy skirts is found the blood of the souls of the poor innocents: I have not found it by secret search, but upon all these.

Also in thy skirts {H3671} is found {H4672} the blood {H1818} of the souls {H5315} of the poor {H34} innocents {H5355}: I have not found {H4672} it by secret search {H4290}, but upon all these.

Right there on your clothing is the blood of the innocent poor, although you never caught them breaking and entering. Yet concerning all these things,

Moreover, your skirts are stained with the blood of the innocent poor, though you did not find them breaking in. But in spite of all these things

Also in thy skirts is found the blood of the souls of the innocent poor: thou didst not find them breaking in; but it is because of all these things.

Jeremiah 2:34 delivers a stark and powerful indictment against ancient Judah, revealing the depth of their moral corruption and God's unwavering perception of their sin. This verse emphasizes the inescapable nature of divine judgment when injustice and violence prevail within a society.

Context

This verse is found within Jeremiah Chapter 2, a foundational passage where the prophet Jeremiah, active in the late 7th century BC, recounts God's historical faithfulness to Israel from the Exodus onwards, contrasting it sharply with Judah's profound unfaithfulness and spiritual apostasy. The chapter details how the nation has abandoned God, their "first love," turning instead to idolatry and foreign alliances. The accusations range from spiritual adultery to widespread social injustice. Specifically, verse 34 highlights the shedding of innocent blood, a grave sin that underscores the nation's profound moral decay and its disregard for the vulnerable, which was often linked to pagan practices and systemic oppression.

Key Themes

  • Inescapable Guilt and Divine Judgment: The phrase "I have not found it by secret search, but upon all these" underscores that Judah's sin was not hidden from God; it was openly evident and pervasive, leading to an inevitable and just divine judgment. God's knowledge of their deeds is complete and undeniable.
  • Social Injustice and Oppression: The "blood of the souls of the poor innocents" points to the rampant social injustice prevalent in Judah. This signifies the exploitation, murder, or unjust treatment of the most vulnerable members of society, a direct violation of God's covenant commands to care for the needy. This was a direct contradiction to the Law's commands, as seen in passages like Deuteronomy 19:10.
  • Visible Corruption: The imagery of blood found "in thy skirts" implies that the nation's sin was not merely internal or hidden, but outwardly manifest in their actions, their societal structure, and their public behavior. Their guilt was exposed for all, especially God, to see.

Linguistic Insights

The term "skirts" translates the Hebrew word kanaph (כָּנָף), which literally means "wing" or "extremity," often referring to the hem or corner of a garment. In this context, it symbolizes what is exposed or evident. The blood found "in thy skirts" means the guilt is openly displayed, not concealed. The phrase "poor innocents" combines evyonim (אֶבְיוֹנִים), referring to the needy or poor and emphasizing their vulnerability, with neqiyim (נְקִיִּים), meaning innocent, clean, or blameless, highlighting the utter injustice of their suffering and death.

Practical Application

The commentary on Jeremiah 2:34 serves as a timeless reminder that God sees all injustice, especially against the vulnerable and marginalized. It highlights that nations and individuals are accountable for their actions and the moral state of their society. This verse calls us to examine our own lives and communities for hidden or open injustices, urging us to defend the rights of the oppressed. It underscores the profound need for repentance and a return to God's standards of justice and mercy, recognizing that true spiritual health is inseparable from ethical conduct and compassion for others. Just as Judah had forsaken God for idols (Jeremiah 2:13), we are called to prioritize righteousness and genuine faith.

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.

  • 2 Kings 21:16

    Moreover Manasseh shed innocent blood very much, till he had filled Jerusalem from one end to another; beside his sin wherewith he made Judah to sin, in doing [that which was] evil in the sight of the LORD.

  • 2 Kings 24:4

    And also for the innocent blood that he shed: for he filled Jerusalem with innocent blood; which the LORD would not pardon.

  • Jeremiah 19:4

    Because they have forsaken me, and have estranged this place, and have burned incense in it unto other gods, whom neither they nor their fathers have known, nor the kings of Judah, and have filled this place with the blood of innocents;

  • Exodus 22:2

    If a thief be found breaking up, and be smitten that he die, [there shall] no blood [be shed] for him.

  • Jeremiah 6:15

    Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? nay, they were not at all ashamed, neither could they blush: therefore they shall fall among them that fall: at the time [that] I visit them they shall be cast down, saith the LORD.

  • Ezekiel 24:7

    For her blood is in the midst of her; she set it upon the top of a rock; she poured it not upon the ground, to cover it with dust;

  • Psalms 106:37

    Yea, they sacrificed their sons and their daughters unto devils,

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