Jeremiah 6:3

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.

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}.

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

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

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

Jeremiah 6:3 paints a vivid, ominous picture of impending judgment upon Jerusalem, often referred to as the "Daughter of Zion." This verse continues the prophetic declaration of God's wrath due to the people's persistent idolatry and disobedience.

Context

This verse is situated within a chapter that describes the severe consequences facing Judah and Jerusalem. The prophet Jeremiah has been warning the people of an approaching calamity, specifically a military invasion, as a divine judgment. In the preceding verses, God laments the spiritual state of His people and announces that a destructive force is coming from the north. The imagery here transitions from the lament over Jerusalem's beauty (Jeremiah 6:2) to the concrete threat of its destruction.

Key Themes

  • Divine Judgment: The primary theme is God's righteous judgment against a rebellious people. The "shepherds" and "flocks" are instruments of this divine wrath, not random invaders.
  • Impending Siege and Invasion: The verse vividly describes a military encampment and siege. The phrase "pitch their tents against her round about" clearly indicates a surrounding force preparing for attack, a common tactic for overwhelming a city.
  • Metaphorical Language: The use of "shepherds" (Hebrew: ro'im) and "flocks" (*tse'on*) as metaphors for invading armies and their soldiers is powerful. While typically associated with care and provision, here they represent destructive forces. This highlights the unexpected nature of the invaders – they are not just plunderers but organized forces under command.
  • Thoroughness of Destruction: "They shall feed every one in his place" suggests a complete and systematic occupation or consumption of resources, leaving nothing untouched. It underscores the thoroughness of the coming desolation.

Linguistic Insights

The term "shepherds" (Hebrew: ro'im) in this context is a striking metaphor. While usually referring to those who tend sheep, in prophetic literature, it can also denote leaders, rulers, or, as here, military commanders. Their "flocks" are their soldiers, organized and disciplined. The verb "feed" (Hebrew: ra'ah) can mean to graze, but also to consume or devour, emphasizing the destructive impact of the invading forces on the land and its resources. The phrase "pitch their tents" (Hebrew: yaḥanu) specifically implies establishing a military camp for a siege, underscoring the hostile intent.

Related Scriptures

  • The theme of judgment coming from the north is reiterated throughout Jeremiah, for example in Jeremiah 1:14.
  • This invasion is a direct consequence of Judah's unfaithfulness, as warned in Jeremiah 5:25, where their iniquities are said to have "withholden good things from you."
  • The specific imagery of the "Daughter of Zion" facing destruction is also prominent in Jeremiah 6:2, which immediately precedes this verse.

Practical Application

Jeremiah 6:3 serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of persistent disobedience to God's commands. For ancient Judah, it was a literal invasion, but for believers today, it highlights the seriousness with which God views sin and the inevitability of His justice. It underscores the importance of heeding divine warnings and turning from paths of rebellion. This verse encourages introspection and a renewed commitment to living in accordance with God's will, understanding that neglecting spiritual truths can lead to severe spiritual or relational consequences. It also reminds us that God can use unexpected means ("shepherds" as invaders) to accomplish His purposes, even in judgment.

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Cross-References

  • Luke 19:43 (5 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    ¶ 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 (3 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    ¶ 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 (2 votes)

    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.