Jeremiah 6:2

I have likened the daughter of Zion to a comely and delicate [woman].

I have likened {H1820} the daughter {H1323} of Zion {H6726} to a comely {H5116} and delicate {H6026} woman.

Although she is beautiful and delicate, I am cutting off the daughter of Tziyon."

Though she is beautiful and delicate, I will destroy the Daughter of Zion.

The comely and delicate one, the daughter of Zion, will I cut off.

Jeremiah 6:2 portrays a poignant image of Judah, often referred to as the "daughter of Zion," likening her to a "comely and delicate woman." This verse, situated within a broader prophecy of impending judgment, highlights the tragic contrast between Jerusalem's inherent beauty and her extreme vulnerability in the face of divine wrath.

Context

The prophet Jeremiah was called by God to deliver stern warnings to the kingdom of Judah concerning their widespread idolatry, social injustice, and spiritual apostasy. Chapter 6 specifically describes the imminent invasion by a powerful enemy from the north, which God would use as an instrument of judgment. By comparing Zion to a "comely and delicate woman," Jeremiah emphasizes that despite her privileged status as God's chosen city and her outward beauty, she was unprepared and unprotected against the coming devastation due to her persistent rebellion. This imagery sets the stage for the severe consequences detailed in the surrounding verses, such as Jeremiah 6:1 and Jeremiah 6:3, which speak of the besieging armies.

Key Themes

  • Vulnerability and Impending Judgment: The primary message is that Jerusalem, despite its beauty and past favor, was utterly vulnerable. Her "delicate" nature implies she was pampered and ill-equipped for the harsh realities of war, reflecting her spiritual unpreparedness for God's judgment against her sin.
  • Divine Sorrow: The imagery also conveys God's deep sorrow over the state of His people. He sees Zion as something beautiful that He cherished, yet now must allow her to face destruction because of her unfaithfulness, as expressed in similar laments found in Lamentations 1:1.
  • Consequences of Disobedience: This verse serves as a powerful reminder that spiritual beauty and past blessings do not exempt a people from the consequences of persistent disobedience and rebellion against God's commands.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "comely" is naveh (נָוֶה), which can mean beautiful, pleasant, or a delightful dwelling. It suggests an inherent attractiveness or desirable quality. The word translated "delicate" is me'unnagah (מְעֻנָּגָה), derived from a root meaning "to be pampered," "to live in luxury," or "to be soft." This term highlights Zion's privileged and comfortable existence, perhaps even indicating a spiritual softness or a lack of resilience that made her susceptible to external threats. It emphasizes a state of ease that was ill-suited for the impending crisis.

Practical Application

For believers today, Jeremiah 6:2 serves as a sobering reminder that spiritual complacency and a reliance on past blessings or outward appearances can lead to profound vulnerability. Just as ancient Judah was called to account for its unfaithfulness, so too are we called to maintain a vibrant, active faith and to be spiritually prepared. It encourages introspection: are we "delicate" in our faith, easily swayed or unprepared for spiritual battles, or are we building spiritual resilience? This verse underscores the importance of ongoing repentance, obedience, and a humble dependence on God, rather than presuming upon His grace without genuine transformation, echoing the call to humble ourselves and turn from wicked ways.

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.

  • Isaiah 1:8

    And the daughter of Zion is left as a cottage in a vineyard, as a lodge in a garden of cucumbers, as a besieged city.

  • Jeremiah 4:31

    For I have heard a voice as of a woman in travail, [and] the anguish as of her that bringeth forth her first child, the voice of the daughter of Zion, [that] bewaileth herself, [that] spreadeth her hands, [saying], Woe [is] me now! for my soul is wearied because of murderers.

  • Lamentations 2:13

    What thing shall I take to witness for thee? what thing shall I liken to thee, O daughter of Jerusalem? what shall I equal to thee, that I may comfort thee, O virgin daughter of Zion? for thy breach [is] great like the sea: who can heal thee?

  • Isaiah 3:16

    ¶ Moreover the LORD saith, Because the daughters of Zion are haughty, and walk with stretched forth necks and wanton eyes, walking and mincing [as] they go, and making a tinkling with their feet:

  • Isaiah 3:17

    Therefore the Lord will smite with a scab the crown of the head of the daughters of Zion, and the LORD will discover their secret parts.

  • Lamentations 2:1

    ¶ How hath the Lord covered the daughter of Zion with a cloud in his anger, [and] cast down from heaven unto the earth the beauty of Israel, and remembered not his footstool in the day of his anger!

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