Jeremiah 6:3

KJV

The shepherds with their flocks shall come unto her; they shall pitch [their] tents against her round about; they shall feed every one in his place.

KJV (with Strong's)

The shepherds {H7462} with their flocks {H5739} shall come {H935} unto her; they shall pitch {H8628} their tents {H168} against her round about {H5439}; they shall feed {H7462} every one {H376} in his place {H3027}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Shepherds advance on her with their flocks; all around her they pitch their tents, each grazing his own plot of pasture.

Berean Standard Bible

Shepherds and their flocks will come against her; they will pitch their tents all around her, each tending his own portion:

American Standard Version

Shepherds with their flocks shall come unto her; they shall pitch their tents against her round about; they shall feed every one in his place.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 6:3 vividly portrays the impending, devastating judgment upon Jerusalem, personified as the "Daughter of Zion." Through the striking imagery of "shepherds with their flocks" encamping and "feeding" around the city, the verse prophesies a relentless and thorough military siege and occupation by an invading army, signifying God's righteous wrath against Judah's persistent rebellion and idolatry. It underscores the certainty and comprehensive nature of the coming desolation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 6:3 is situated within a broader prophetic lament and warning concerning the imminent destruction of Judah and Jerusalem. The preceding verses establish Jerusalem's spiritual decline and God's sorrow over His people's unfaithfulness. Specifically, [Jeremiah 6:2](/jeremiah/6-2 "Jeremiah 6:2 - The Daughter of Zion") introduces Jerusalem as the "Daughter of Zion," a beautiful and delicate dwelling that is about to be laid waste. Verse 3 immediately follows, transitioning from a description of Jerusalem's vulnerable state to the concrete, terrifying image of the invading forces. This verse solidifies the threat, moving from abstract lament to a graphic depiction of the siege, setting the stage for the detailed descriptions of judgment that follow throughout the chapter, such as the call to flee in [Jeremiah 6:1](/jeremiah/6-1 "Jeremiah 6:1 - Call to Flee from Danger") and the lament over the people's obstinacy in [Jeremiah 6:10](/jeremiah/6-10 "Jeremiah 6:10 - The People's Unwillingness to Hear").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop to Jeremiah's prophecy is the volatile geopolitical landscape of the late 7th and early 6th centuries BCE. Judah, caught between the declining Assyrian Empire and the rising power of Babylon, faced constant threats. Jeremiah's warnings consistently point to an unnamed "foe from the north," which historically came to be identified with the Babylonian army under Nebuchadnezzar. The imagery of "shepherds" and "flocks" encamping "round about" a city directly reflects ancient siege warfare tactics, where an army would surround a city, set up camp, and systematically cut off resources and prepare for assault. The phrase "every one in his place" suggests a disciplined, organized military operation, not a chaotic raid, which was characteristic of well-trained armies like the Babylonians. The "Daughter of Zion" refers to Jerusalem, often personified as a female figure, emphasizing its vulnerability and the intimate relationship God once had with His chosen city.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes prevalent in Jeremiah. The most prominent is **Divine Judgment**, where God, as the righteous judge, brings severe consequences upon His people for their persistent idolatry, social injustice, and rejection of His covenant. The invasion is not merely a political event but a divinely ordained punishment. Another crucial theme is the **Impending Siege and Desolation**, vividly described through the military imagery of encampment and "feeding," which symbolizes the thorough consumption and destruction of the land and its resources. This imagery highlights the completeness of the coming catastrophe, echoing warnings found in passages like [Jeremiah 5:15-17](/jeremiah/5-15 "Jeremiah 5:15-17 - The Invading Nation from Afar"). Furthermore, the verse employs **Metaphorical Language**, using terms like "shepherds" and "flocks" in an unexpected, inverted way. While typically symbols of care and provision, here they represent destructive forces, underscoring the shocking and unnatural nature of the judgment that is about to befall Judah. This thematic inversion emphasizes the severity of the spiritual deviation that necessitated such a drastic divine response.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **shepherds (Hebrew, _râʻâh'_):** H7462, a primitive root meaning "to tend a flock; i.e. pasture it; intransitively, to graze (literally or figuratively); generally to rule; by extension, to associate with (as a friend)." In this context, _râʻâh_ is used ironically to describe the invading military commanders and their soldiers. While a shepherd typically cares for his flock, here the "shepherds" are those who "feed" (also _râʻâh_) upon the land and its people in a destructive manner, acting as instruments of judgment.
* **flocks (Hebrew, _ʻêder'_):** H5739, from עֲדַר; "an arrangement, i.e. muster (of animals); drove, flock, herd." In this metaphorical sense, the "flocks" represent the disciplined and numerous soldiers of the invading army. The term emphasizes their collective strength and their organized movement, much like a well-ordered herd, as they descend upon Jerusalem.
* **pitch (Hebrew, _tâqaʻ'_):** H8628, a primitive root meaning "to clatter, i.e. slap (the hands together), clang (an instrument); by analogy, to drive (a nail or tent-pin, a dart, etc.); by implication, to become bondsman by handclasping)." Here, it specifically refers to the act of driving in tent-pegs to set up a military camp. This word conveys the deliberate and firm establishment of the siege, indicating a sustained and determined assault rather than a fleeting raid.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The shepherds with their flocks shall come unto her":** This clause introduces the agents of divine judgment. The "shepherds" are not benevolent protectors but military commanders, and their "flocks" are their armies. The phrase "shall come unto her" signifies their direct approach and hostile intent towards Jerusalem ("her," referring to the "Daughter of Zion" from [Jeremiah 6:2](/jeremiah/6-2 "Jeremiah 6:2 - The Daughter of Zion")). This sets the stage for the impending invasion, emphasizing the organized and purposeful movement of the enemy forces.
* **"they shall pitch [their] tents against her round about":** This vividly describes the commencement of a siege. "Pitch their tents" indicates the establishment of a military encampment, a common tactic for surrounding and isolating a city. The phrase "against her round about" underscores the complete encirclement of Jerusalem, cutting off escape routes and supplies, and preparing for a sustained assault. This imagery conveys the overwhelming nature of the threat and the city's entrapment.
* **"they shall feed every one in his place":** This final clause deepens the ominous picture. The verb "feed" (from the same root as "shepherds," _râʻâh_) here implies consumption, devastation, and plunder rather than sustenance. "Every one in his place" suggests a systematic and thorough occupation, where each soldier or unit takes their designated position to exploit or destroy the resources of the land. It speaks to the comprehensive nature of the desolation, leaving nothing untouched or spared from the invaders' destructive "grazing."

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 6:3 employs several powerful **Literary Devices** to convey its message of impending doom. Most notably, it uses **Metaphor** and **Irony**. The terms "shepherds" and "flocks," traditionally associated with care, provision, and peaceful pastoral life, are ironically subverted to represent destructive military commanders and their invading armies. This inversion heightens the sense of unnaturalness and the severity of the judgment, as what should protect now devours. The phrase "feed every one in his place" further extends this metaphor, transforming the act of grazing into one of ruthless consumption and systematic plunder of the land. Additionally, the verse utilizes vivid **Imagery**, painting a clear mental picture of a city surrounded by an enemy encampment. The visual of tents pitched "round about" and soldiers "feeding" on the land creates a palpable sense of entrapment, inevitability, and thorough desolation, making the prophetic warning deeply impactful and unsettling for the original audience.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 6:3 serves as a stark reminder of God's unwavering justice and the inevitable consequences of persistent sin and rebellion. It underscores the theological truth that God, though merciful and patient, will ultimately act in judgment when His covenant people repeatedly reject His warnings and embrace idolatry and injustice. The invasion is not a random act of geopolitical aggression but a divinely orchestrated instrument of discipline, demonstrating God's sovereignty over nations and His commitment to upholding His righteous standards. This passage highlights the principle that spiritual unfaithfulness leads to tangible, often devastating, consequences, both for individuals and for nations. It reveals a God who is not indifferent to sin but actively intervenes in history to bring about His purposes, which include both restoration and judgment.

* [Deuteronomy 28:49-52](/deuteronomy/28-49 "Deuteronomy 28:49-52 - Prophecy of Siege and Devastation")
* [Isaiah 5:26-30](/isaiah/5-26 "Isaiah 5:26-30 - God Summons an Invading Nation")
* [Lamentations 2:2](/lamentations/2-2 "Lamentations 2:2 - The Lord Swallows Up Jacob's Habitations")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 6:3, though describing a historical judgment on ancient Judah, carries profound spiritual and practical applications for believers today. It calls us to sober reflection on the seriousness with which God views sin and disobedience. Just as Judah faced a literal siege for its spiritual rebellion, we are reminded that persistent unfaithfulness can lead to spiritual desolation, a "siege" on our souls, relationships, and even our witness. This verse urges us to heed divine warnings, whether through Scripture, the Holy Spirit, or the counsel of godly mentors, and to cultivate a posture of repentance and obedience. It challenges us to examine our own lives for areas where we might be "feeding" on things that are contrary to God's will, allowing spiritual enemies (like pride, apathy, or worldly desires) to encamp around our hearts. The thoroughness of the judgment in the verse also prompts us to consider the comprehensive nature of God's call to holiness and the need for wholehearted devotion. Ultimately, it encourages us to remain vigilant, to seek God's face, and to walk in the light, trusting in His grace to preserve us from spiritual ruin.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "shepherds" or "flocks" (influences, habits, or desires) might be "encamping" around my spiritual life, threatening to "feed" on my joy or devotion to God?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be neglecting God's warnings or resisting His call to repentance?**
* **How does the imagery of a thorough, systematic "feeding" challenge my understanding of the consequences of unaddressed sin?**
* **What steps can I take today to cultivate greater spiritual vigilance and ensure my heart remains fully devoted to the Lord?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of "shepherds" and "flocks" in this verse?**

Answer: In Jeremiah 6:3, the terms "shepherds" and "flocks" are used metaphorically and ironically. Traditionally, shepherds are protectors and providers for their sheep. However, here they represent the invading military commanders and their soldiers. This inversion highlights the shocking and devastating nature of the judgment. The very imagery of care and provision is twisted to depict destruction and consumption. It emphasizes that these invaders are not random marauders but an organized, disciplined force, much like a shepherd leads his flock, albeit for a destructive purpose. This powerful metaphor underscores the severity of God's judgment and the unexpected instruments He uses.

**Who is "her" that the invaders come against?**

Answer: "Her" refers to Jerusalem, which is personified as the "Daughter of Zion" in the preceding verse, [Jeremiah 6:2](/jeremiah/6-2 "Jeremiah 6:2 - The Daughter of Zion"). This poetic designation emphasizes Jerusalem's beauty, vulnerability, and its special, intimate relationship with God as His chosen city. The imagery of invaders coming against "her" underscores the direct and personal nature of the judgment against the city and its inhabitants, who had repeatedly rejected God's covenant and warnings.

**How does "they shall feed every one in his place" contribute to the verse's meaning?**

Answer: This phrase signifies the thoroughness and systematic nature of the impending destruction. The verb "feed" (Hebrew: _râʻâh_) here means to graze or consume, implying that the invaders will devour the land, its resources, and its people. "Every one in his place" suggests a disciplined army, with each soldier or unit taking their assigned position to systematically plunder, occupy, and devastate the city and its surrounding areas. It conveys that no part of Jerusalem or Judah will be spared from the invaders' destructive "grazing," emphasizing the completeness of the desolation that God's judgment will bring upon the rebellious nation. This imagery is consistent with the descriptions of thorough judgment found elsewhere in Jeremiah, such as in [Jeremiah 5:17](/jeremiah/5-17 "Jeremiah 5:17 - The Invaders Will Consume").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Jeremiah 6:3 primarily depicts a judgment of desolation, its underlying themes of divine justice, the consequences of rebellion, and the need for a true shepherd find profound Christ-centered fulfillment. The "shepherds" who come to destroy Jerusalem foreshadow the ultimate judgment for sin, a judgment that would otherwise fall upon humanity. However, in Christ, we see the true and good Shepherd, who does not come to destroy but to lay down His life for His "flock" ([John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - Jesus, the Good Shepherd")). He is the one who gathers His sheep, protects them, and leads them to abundant life, in stark contrast to the destructive "shepherds" of Jeremiah's prophecy. Furthermore, the thoroughness of the judgment described in Jeremiah 6:3 points to the radical nature of sin and the necessity of a complete atonement. This atonement is perfectly accomplished in Jesus, the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), who bore the full weight of God's wrath against sin on the cross, thereby shielding His people from the ultimate spiritual "siege" and desolation. Through His sacrifice, the righteous demands of God's justice were met, offering a path to salvation and restoration that Jeremiah's audience desperately needed but could not achieve on their own ([Romans 3:23-26](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23-26 - Righteousness Through Faith")). Thus, Jeremiah 6:3, while a dark prophecy of judgment, implicitly highlights the desperate need for the saving work of Christ, the Shepherd who redeems His flock from the consequences of their rebellion.

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

Luke 19:43

For the days shall come upon thee, that thine enemies shall cast a trench about thee, and compass thee round, and keep thee in on every side,

Jeremiah 39:1

¶ In the ninth year of Zedekiah king of Judah, in the tenth month, came Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon and all his army against Jerusalem, and they besieged it.

Jeremiah 39:3

And all the princes of the king of Babylon came in, and sat in the middle gate, [even] Nergalsharezer, Samgarnebo, Sarsechim, Rabsaris, Nergalsharezer, Rabmag, with all the residue of the princes of the king of Babylon.

Jeremiah 12:10

Many pastors have destroyed my vineyard, they have trodden my portion under foot, they have made my pleasant portion a desolate wilderness.

Nahum 3:18

Thy shepherds slumber, O king of Assyria: thy nobles shall dwell [in the dust]: thy people is scattered upon the mountains, and no man gathereth [them].

2 Kings 25:1

¶ And it came to pass in the ninth year of his reign, in the tenth month, in the tenth [day] of the month, [that] Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came, he, and all his host, against Jerusalem, and pitched against it; and they built forts against it round about.

2 Kings 25:4

And the city was broken up, and all the men of war [fled] by night by the way of the gate between two walls, which [is] by the king's garden: (now the Chaldees [were] against the city round about:) and [the king] went the way toward the plain.