Jeremiah 13:20
Lift up your eyes, and behold them that come from the north: where is the flock that was given thee, thy beautiful flock?
Original Language Analysis
שְׂא֤יּ
Lift up
H5375
שְׂא֤יּ
Lift up
Strong's:
H5375
Word #:
1 of 11
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
עֵֽינֵיכֶם֙
your eyes
H5869
עֵֽינֵיכֶם֙
your eyes
Strong's:
H5869
Word #:
2 of 11
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
וּרְא֔יּ
and behold
H7200
וּרְא֔יּ
and behold
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
3 of 11
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
הַבָּאִ֖ים
them that come
H935
הַבָּאִ֖ים
them that come
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
4 of 11
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
מִצָּפ֑וֹן
from the north
H6828
מִצָּפ֑וֹן
from the north
Strong's:
H6828
Word #:
5 of 11
properly, hidden, i.e., dark; used only of the north as a quarter (gloomy and unknown)
הָעֵ֙דֶר֙
where is the flock
H5739
הָעֵ֙דֶר֙
where is the flock
Strong's:
H5739
Word #:
7 of 11
an arrangement, i.e., muster (of animals)
נִתַּן
that was given
H5414
נִתַּן
that was given
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
8 of 11
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
Cross References
Jeremiah 6:22Thus saith the LORD, Behold, a people cometh from the north country, and a great nation shall be raised from the sides of the earth.Jeremiah 23:2Therefore thus saith the LORD God of Israel against the pastors that feed my people; Ye have scattered my flock, and driven them away, and have not visited them: behold, I will visit upon you the evil of your doings, saith the LORD.Jeremiah 1:14Then the LORD said unto me, Out of the north an evil shall break forth upon all the inhabitants of the land.Habakkuk 1:6For, lo, I raise up the Chaldeans, that bitter and hasty nation, which shall march through the breadth of the land, to possess the dwellingplaces that are not their's.Jeremiah 10:22Behold, the noise of the bruit is come, and a great commotion out of the north country, to make the cities of Judah desolate, and a den of dragons.Jeremiah 13:17But if ye will not hear it, my soul shall weep in secret places for your pride; and mine eye shall weep sore, and run down with tears, because the LORD'S flock is carried away captive.
Historical Context
Jerusalem as responsible shepherd for Judah's population echoes the shepherd/flock imagery throughout Jeremiah (2:8, 10:21, 23:1-4, 25:34-36). The leaders of Jerusalem—kings, priests, prophets, nobles—were responsible for the nation's welfare. Their failure led to the flock's destruction. The approaching enemy would scatter the sheep Jerusalem should have protected.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the shepherd/flock imagery suggest about Jerusalem's leadership responsibility?
- How does the accusatory question 'where is your flock?' indict failed stewardship?
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Analysis & Commentary
This verse personifies Jerusalem: 'Lift up your eyes, and behold them that come from the north.' The command addresses Jerusalem (feminine singular) to observe approaching enemy. 'Them that come from the north' identifies Babylon. 'Where is the flock that was given thee, thy beautiful flock?' The Hebrew eder (עֵדֶר, flock) represents Judah's population, Jerusalem's 'beautiful flock' (tson tiph'artekh) entrusted to her care. Jerusalem was responsible for her people like a shepherd for sheep. 'Given thee' (nittan lakh) indicates stewardship responsibility. The question is accusatory: where are those you should have protected?