Jeremiah 3:24

For shame hath devoured the labour of our fathers from our youth; their flocks and their herds, their sons and their daughters.

For shame {H1322} hath devoured {H398} the labour {H3018} of our fathers {H1} from our youth {H5271}; their flocks {H6629} and their herds {H1241}, their sons {H1121} and their daughters {H1323}.

But from our youth the shameful thing [idolatry] has devoured the fruit of our ancestors' work, their flocks and herds, their sons and daughters.

From our youth, that shameful god has consumed what our fathers have worked for— their flocks and herds, their sons and daughters.

But the shameful thing hath devoured the labor of our fathers from our youth, their flocks and their herds, their sons and their daughters.

Jeremiah 3:24 powerfully describes the devastating consequences of Israel's (specifically Judah's) spiritual unfaithfulness and idolatry, illustrating how their pursuit of false gods led to profound loss and national disgrace.

Context

The prophet Jeremiah delivered this message during a time of profound spiritual apostasy in the Kingdom of Judah, leading up to the Babylonian exile. The nation had repeatedly turned away from the true God to worship idols, engaging in practices that brought moral decay and societal ruin. This verse is part of Judah's confession of sin, acknowledging the bitter fruit of their rebellion after Jeremiah's persistent calls for repentance. It follows a declaration in Jeremiah 3:23 that false worship brought no salvation, only disappointment.

Key Themes

  • The Destructive Nature of Idolatry: The 'shame' is not merely embarrassment but the inherent worthlessness and destructive power of false gods. What they worshipped brought no benefit, only ruin. Idolatry leads to spiritual emptiness and material devastation.
  • Total Loss and Devastation: The phrase "devoured the labour of our fathers" signifies the squandering of generations of effort, heritage, and prosperity. The mention of "flocks and their herds" points to economic ruin and loss of livelihood, while "their sons and their daughters" tragically implies the loss of future generations, possibly through child sacrifice to pagan deities (like Moloch) or the devastating impact of war and exile that would claim lives and lead to captivity.
  • Shame as a Consequence: The "shame" (Hebrew: bosheth) is the ultimate disgrace and humiliation that comes from trusting in false gods. It’s the realization that their entire spiritual investment was utterly futile and brought only destruction instead of blessing. This contrasts sharply with the blessing of not being put to shame for those who trust in the Lord.

Linguistic Insights

  • 'Shame' (Hebrew: bosheth): This term is often used in the Old Testament to describe the futility and disgrace associated with idol worship. Idols could not deliver, and trusting in them inevitably led to disappointment and humiliation. The very word 'Bosheth' was sometimes used as a derogatory substitute for 'Baal' in names, emphasizing the idol's shamefulness.
  • 'Devoured' (Hebrew: 'akal): While literally meaning 'to eat,' here it metaphorically signifies consuming, wasting, or utterly destroying. It paints a vivid picture of the idols or the consequences of idol worship ravenously consuming all that was valuable and cherished.

Practical Application

Jeremiah's words resonate today, warning against any form of idolatry – whether it be the worship of material possessions, power, pleasure, or self. When anything other than God becomes the central focus of our lives, it inevitably 'devours' our true well-being, relationships, and spiritual heritage. This can manifest as financial ruin, broken families, or a deep sense of emptiness and purposelessness. The verse serves as a timeless reminder that true security and blessing come only from faithfully serving the Lord, and that turning from Him leads to ultimate shame and loss. It underscores the biblical principle that what one sows, one will also reap.

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.

  • Hosea 9:10

    I found Israel like grapes in the wilderness; I saw your fathers as the firstripe in the fig tree at her first time: [but] they went to Baalpeor, and separated themselves unto [that] shame; and [their] abominations were according as they loved.

  • Hosea 2:8

    For she did not know that I gave her corn, and wine, and oil, and multiplied her silver and gold, [which] they prepared for Baal.

  • Ezekiel 16:61

    Then thou shalt remember thy ways, and be ashamed, when thou shalt receive thy sisters, thine elder and thy younger: and I will give them unto thee for daughters, but not by thy covenant.

  • Ezekiel 16:63

    That thou mayest remember, and be confounded, and never open thy mouth any more because of thy shame, when I am pacified toward thee for all that thou hast done, saith the Lord GOD.

  • Jeremiah 11:13

    For [according to] the number of thy cities were thy gods, O Judah; and [according to] the number of the streets of Jerusalem have ye set up altars to [that] shameful thing, [even] altars to burn incense unto Baal.

  • Hosea 10:6

    It shall be also carried unto Assyria [for] a present to king Jareb: Ephraim shall receive shame, and Israel shall be ashamed of his own counsel.

Add TrulyRandomVerse to your Home Screen for quick access!

← Back