Jeremiah 50:6

KJV

My people hath been lost sheep: their shepherds have caused them to go astray, they have turned them away [on] the mountains: they have gone from mountain to hill, they have forgotten their restingplace.

KJV (with Strong's)

My people {H5971} hath been lost {H6} sheep {H6629}: their shepherds {H7462} have caused them to go astray {H8582}, they have turned them away {H7725}{H7726} on the mountains {H2022}: they have gone {H1980} from mountain {H2022} to hill {H1389}, they have forgotten {H7911} their restingplace {H7258}.

Complete Jewish Bible

My people have been lost sheep. My shepherds made them go astray, turning them loose in the mountains. As they wandered from mountain to hill, they lost track of where their home is.

Berean Standard Bible

My people are lost sheep; their shepherds have led them astray, causing them to roam the mountains. They have wandered from mountain to hill; they have forgotten their resting place.

American Standard Version

My people have been lost sheep: their shepherds have caused them to go astray; they have turned them away on the mountains; they have gone from mountain to hill; they have forgotten their resting-place.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 50:6 serves as a profound lament over the spiritual condition of God's people, Israel, portraying them as "lost sheep" tragically led astray by their own unfaithful "shepherds." This vivid imagery underscores a deep spiritual wandering, a pursuit of false paths across "mountains" and "hills," culminating in the heartbreaking consequence of having "forgotten their restingplace"—their true security, identity, and peace found only in their covenant relationship with God. The verse stands as a poignant indictment of failed leadership and a sorrowful depiction of a people adrift from their divine calling and source of well-being.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 50:6 is strategically placed within a lengthy prophetic oracle (chapters 50-51) primarily dedicated to the impending judgment and downfall of Babylon, the very empire responsible for Judah's exile. While the surrounding verses vividly describe Babylon's arrogance, its role as God's instrument of judgment, and its ultimate destruction, Jeremiah 50:6 pivots the prophetic focus back to the plight of Israel and Judah. This lament for "My people" serves as a crucial theological interlude, providing the divine rationale for their vulnerability to conquest and subsequent exile. It underscores that their suffering was not merely an external geopolitical event but a direct consequence of internal spiritual decay and the profound failure of their own leadership, setting the stage for God's eventual promise to gather and restore His scattered flock, as anticipated in later passages like [Jeremiah 50:19-20](/jeremiah/50-19-20 "Jeremiah 50:19-20 - God's Promise to Restore Israel").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for this verse is the tumultuous period of the Babylonian exile (6th century BCE), a time of national catastrophe and spiritual crisis for the kingdom of Judah. The metaphor of "shepherds" was a common and deeply significant trope in the ancient Near East, referring to rulers, kings, priests, and prophets who bore the responsibility of guiding, protecting, and nourishing their people. In Israel's case, many of these divinely appointed leaders had gravely failed to uphold God's covenant, instead leading the people into widespread idolatry, social injustice, and moral corruption. The imagery of wandering "on the mountains" and "from mountain to hill" vividly evokes not only aimless, dangerous wandering away from secure pastures but also potentially alludes to the pervasive practice of pagan worship on "high places" or cultic sites often located on hills and mountains. The "restingplace" (Hebrew: *rêbets*) contrasts sharply with this perilous wandering, symbolizing the security, peace, and abundant provision of a safe sheepfold or lush pasture, reflecting Israel's tragic departure from the secure and life-giving covenant relationship with Yahweh.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 50:6 encapsulates several profound themes central to the book of Jeremiah and the broader prophetic corpus. Firstly, **Spiritual Lostness and Apostasy** is powerfully conveyed by the "lost sheep" imagery, symbolizing Israel's profound deviation from God's righteous path and their inherent vulnerability when separated from divine guidance. Secondly, the theme of **Corrupt and Unfaithful Leadership** is a direct and scathing indictment, as "their shepherds have caused them to go astray," highlighting the severe and devastating consequences when those entrusted with spiritual and national oversight betray their sacred trust. This theme finds powerful echoes throughout the prophets, notably in [Ezekiel 34](/ezekiel/34 "Ezekiel 34 - Prophecy Against the Shepherds of Israel"), where God Himself promises to intervene and become the true Shepherd of His flock. Thirdly, the **Forgetting of God's Covenant and Presence** is poignantly underscored by the phrase "they have forgotten their restingplace." This "restingplace" represents the ultimate security, peace, and provision found in their covenant relationship with God and His promises, including the land itself. To forget it implies a profound spiritual amnesia, a loss of identity, and an existential homelessness that leaves them adrift.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **lost (Hebrew, _ʼâbad'_):** Derived from the primitive root H6, this word signifies "to wander away," "to lose oneself," and by strong implication, "to perish" or "be undone." It conveys a profound sense of disorientation, a lack of direction, and an imminent threat of destruction. For "My people" (Israel), it vividly describes their spiritual and national state of being utterly adrift, vulnerable, and having strayed far from God's protective care and the covenant path.
* **shepherds (Hebrew, _râʻâh'_):** From the primitive root H7462, this word means "to tend a flock," "to pasture it," and by extension, "to rule" or "to associate with as a friend." In this context, it refers to the leaders of Israel—the kings, priests, and prophets—who were divinely appointed to guide and care for God's "flock." The active verb form used here ("have caused them to go astray") directly attributes culpability to these shepherds, highlighting their profound failure to fulfill their God-given mandate to lead and protect the people in righteousness.
* **restingplace (Hebrew, _rêbets'_):** This noun (H7258), derived from a root meaning "to lie down," denotes a "couch" or "place of repose," specifically referring to a secure, abundant pasture where sheep can safely lie down and find rest. For Israel, it powerfully symbolizes the spiritual security, peace, and bountiful provision found exclusively in their covenant relationship with God, within the promised land, and under His faithful protection. Forgetting this "restingplace" signifies a devastating spiritual amnesia, a profound loss of their true source of peace, identity, and well-being.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"My people hath been lost sheep:"** This opening declaration immediately sets a tone of lament and deep concern, identifying Israel as sheep that are not merely wandering but are fundamentally "lost." This powerful metaphor underscores their inherent vulnerability, their lack of proper direction, and their separation from their rightful divine Shepherd and Protector. It conveys God's sorrowful recognition of their perilous spiritual and national condition.
* **"their shepherds have caused them to go astray, they have turned them away [on] the mountains:"** This segment directly assigns the blame for the people's lostness. The "shepherds"—the appointed leaders of Israel—are explicitly indicted for actively misleading the flock. The phrase "turned them away on the mountains" suggests that these leaders deliberately diverted the people from the safe, fertile pastures of God's truth and covenant faithfulness, leading them instead to dangerous, barren, or idolatrous high places, symbolizing profound spiritual deviation and exposure to peril.
* **"they have gone from mountain to hill, they have forgotten their restingplace."** This final clause vividly portrays the tragic consequence of being led astray: an aimless, relentless, and exhausting wandering. "From mountain to hill" signifies a continuous, unproductive journey without true purpose or destination, emblematic of a life lived outside of God's secure guidance. The ultimate tragedy is that in their spiritual aimlessness, they have "forgotten their restingplace," which represents their true home, security, and peace found only in God's presence and His covenant. This forgetting implies a profound spiritual amnesia, a catastrophic loss of identity, and a disconnection from the very source of their well-being and rest.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 50:6 is profoundly enriched by its use of **Metaphor**, primarily through the pervasive biblical imagery of "sheep" representing the vulnerable people of Israel and "shepherds" symbolizing their leaders (kings, priests, and prophets). This central metaphor immediately evokes themes of dependence, guidance, and the dire consequences of neglect or betrayal. The stark contrast between the "lost sheep" and their unfaithful "shepherds" highlights a profound breach of trust and responsibility. **Imagery** is powerfully employed with the depiction of wandering "on the mountains" and "from mountain to hill," which vividly conveys a sense of aimless, perilous, and exhausting spiritual drift. This chaotic movement stands in sharp contrast to the implied safety and provision of a "restingplace," a secure and peaceful pasture. The phrase "forgotten their restingplace" utilizes **Personification** by attributing the act of forgetting to the collective "people," emphasizing their spiritual amnesia and the tragic loss of their true home and identity in God. The overall tone of the verse is one of deep **Pathos** and lament, conveying God's profound sorrow over the state of His beloved but wayward people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 50:6 resonates deeply with the broader biblical narrative of God's covenantal relationship with His people, Israel. It underscores the dual obligation: the people's to obey and the leaders' to guide righteously. The imagery of "lost sheep" is a recurring motif throughout Scripture, speaking to humanity's inherent tendency to stray from God's path, a theme evident from the disobedience in Eden to the lamentations of the prophets. The failure of the "shepherds" highlights God's righteous indignation against those who abuse their positions of authority, leading His flock into spiritual peril rather than toward righteousness and life. This verse implicitly sets the stage for the prophetic hope of a future, faithful Shepherd—God Himself or a divinely appointed Messiah—who will gather His scattered flock and lead them to true rest and security. It emphasizes that true security, peace, and identity are found not in human institutions or self-reliance, but solely in remembering and returning to God, their ultimate "restingplace."

* [Ezekiel 34:2-10](/ezekiel/34-2-10 "Ezekiel 34:2-10 - God's Judgment on Unfaithful Shepherds") - A powerful and extended prophetic oracle where God pronounces severe judgment on the unfaithful shepherds of Israel, promising to rescue His flock from their destructive hands.
* [Psalm 23:1-3](/psalms/23-1-3 "Psalm 23:1-3 - The Lord as Our Shepherd") - Beautifully portrays the Lord as the good Shepherd who faithfully leads His sheep to "green pastures" and "still waters," restoring their soul and guiding them in paths of righteousness, providing the ultimate "restingplace."
* [Matthew 9:36](/matthew/9-36 "Matthew 9:36 - Jesus' Compassion for the Crowds") - Records Jesus' profound compassion for the crowds, seeing them as "harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd," directly echoing the lament of Jeremiah 50:6 and highlighting humanity's ongoing need for true, divine leadership.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 50:6 serves as a timeless and convicting mirror for both leaders and individuals within the contemporary community of faith. For those entrusted with spiritual authority—pastors, teachers, parents, and mentors—it is a stark and sober reminder of the immense responsibility to faithfully shepherd God's people, guiding them towards biblical truth and Christ-likeness rather than inadvertently or deliberately leading them astray through neglect, false teaching, or the pursuit of personal ambition. It challenges us to critically examine whether our leadership truly fosters genuine spiritual growth, security, and a deeper relationship with Christ, or if it contributes to aimless wandering and spiritual confusion. For every individual believer, this verse issues a powerful call for personal vigilance, discernment, and active participation in our own spiritual journey. We are not merely passive sheep; we are called to know the voice of our true Shepherd, Jesus Christ, and to actively seek our "restingplace" in God's presence and His authoritative Word. In a world saturated with competing voices, fleeting distractions, and alluring promises of false security, the temptation to wander "from mountain to hill"—to seek fulfillment in temporary pleasures, worldly philosophies, or self-reliant pursuits—is ever-present. This verse profoundly urges us to intentionally remember, return to, and abide in our ultimate source of peace, identity, and security in God, ensuring that we never forget the true "restingplace" He graciously offers.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might contemporary spiritual or societal "shepherds" inadvertently or deliberately lead people astray from God's truth and their true "restingplace"?**
* **How can individual believers cultivate deep spiritual discernment to avoid being "lost sheep" and instead consistently follow the voice of the true Shepherd?**
* **What does "forgetting their restingplace" look like in our lives today, and what practical steps can we take to intentionally remember and return to God as our ultimate source of rest and security?**
* **Beyond the role of leadership, what personal responsibility do we bear for our spiritual direction and well-being, even when leadership may be lacking or misguided?**

### FAQ
**Who are the "shepherds" mentioned in Jeremiah 50:6, and what was their failure?**

Answer: In the context of ancient Israel, the "shepherds" (Hebrew: *râʻâh*) refer primarily to the nation's appointed leaders: kings, priests, and prophets. These were the individuals entrusted by God to guide, protect, and instruct His people according to the Mosaic Covenant and divine will. Their profound failure, as depicted in Jeremiah 50:6, was their active role in causing the people to "go astray" (Hebrew: *tâʻâh*), turning them away from God's righteous paths and towards idolatry, injustice, and spiritual rebellion. This deviation is often symbolized by wandering "on the mountains," which could refer to places of pagan worship or simply aimless, dangerous wandering. Instead of leading the flock to secure "restingplaces" in God's truth and presence, they led them into spiritual wilderness and peril, ultimately contributing to their national downfall.

**What does "they have forgotten their restingplace" signify for Israel, and for believers today?**

Answer: For ancient Israel, "their restingplace" (Hebrew: *rêbets*) symbolized the profound security, peace, and abundant provision found in their covenant relationship with Yahweh, within the promised land, and under His protective care. To "forget" this restingplace meant a profound spiritual amnesia—a forgetting of God's identity, His promises, His laws, and His constant, gracious presence. It signified a departure from their true home and source of identity, leading to spiritual homelessness, vulnerability, and a loss of their unique calling. For believers today, this phrase serves as a powerful metaphor for the danger of forgetting our true identity, security, and peace found exclusively in Jesus Christ. In a world full of distractions, anxieties, and false promises of rest, we can easily forget that our ultimate "restingplace" is in God's presence, His Word, and His finished work on the cross. Jesus Himself invites all who are weary and burdened to [come to Him and find rest for their souls](/matthew/11-28-30 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Jesus' Invitation to Rest"). Forgetting this divine invitation and provision can lead to spiritual aimlessness, a pursuit of worldly securities, and an unfulfilled life.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 50:6, with its poignant lament over lost sheep and the devastating failure of unfaithful shepherds, finds its profound and ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament's recurring tragic theme of corrupt leaders who scatter God's flock culminates in the desperate, universal human need for a true and faithful Shepherd—a role Jesus perfectly embodies. He declares Himself the [Good Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - Jesus, the Good Shepherd"), standing in stark contrast to the hirelings and false shepherds who abandon or mislead God's people. Where Israel's shepherds led them astray "on the mountains" of idolatry, aimless wandering, and spiritual peril, Jesus actively seeks out the [lost sheep](/luke/15-4 "Luke 15:4 - The Parable of the Lost Sheep"), gathering them into His secure and life-giving fold. Furthermore, the "restingplace" that Israel tragically forgot is fully and eternally realized in Christ. He is not merely a place of repose but the very source and embodiment of true rest, inviting all who are weary and burdened to [come to Him and find rest for their souls](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Jesus' Invitation to Rest"). Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, Jesus leads His people to the ultimate "green pastures" and "still waters" of eternal life, restoring their souls and bringing them into a secure, everlasting covenant relationship with God. This divine rest is not merely a future hope but a present reality that the author of [Hebrews urges believers to enter today](/hebrews/4-9-11 "Hebrews 4:9-11 - The Promise of God's Rest for His People"). Thus, Jeremiah's lament foreshadows the glorious arrival of the one Shepherd who would perfectly fulfill God's redemptive purpose, bringing His lost people home to their true and eternal restingplace in Himself.

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

Isaiah 53:6

All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.

Matthew 9:36

But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.

Ezekiel 34:14

I will feed them in a good pasture, and upon the high mountains of Israel shall their fold be: there shall they lie in a good fold, and [in] a fat pasture shall they feed upon the mountains of Israel.

Matthew 10:6

But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.

Psalms 119:176

¶ I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek thy servant; for I do not forget thy commandments.

Jeremiah 50:17

Israel [is] a scattered sheep; the lions have driven [him] away: first the king of Assyria hath devoured him; and last this Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon hath broken his bones.

Jeremiah 3:6

¶ The LORD said also unto me in the days of Josiah the king, Hast thou seen [that] which backsliding Israel hath done? she is gone up upon every high mountain and under every green tree, and there hath played the harlot.