Jeremiah 2:24
A wild ass used to the wilderness, that snuffeth up the wind at her pleasure; in her occasion who can turn her away? all they that seek her will not weary themselves; in her month they shall find her.
Original Language Analysis
מִדְבָּ֗ר
to the wilderness
H4057
מִדְבָּ֗ר
to the wilderness
Strong's:
H4057
Word #:
3 of 16
a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert
נַפְשָׁוּ֙
H5315
נַפְשָׁוּ֙
Strong's:
H5315
Word #:
5 of 16
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
שָׁאֲפָ֣ה
that snuffeth up
H7602
שָׁאֲפָ֣ה
that snuffeth up
Strong's:
H7602
Word #:
6 of 16
to inhale eagerly; figuratively, to cover; by implication, to be angry; also to hasten
ר֔וּחַ
the wind
H7307
ר֔וּחַ
the wind
Strong's:
H7307
Word #:
7 of 16
wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the
תַּאֲנָתָ֖הּ
in her occasion
H8385
תַּאֲנָתָ֖הּ
in her occasion
Strong's:
H8385
Word #:
8 of 16
an opportunity or (subjectively) purpose
מִ֣י
H4310
מִ֣י
Strong's:
H4310
Word #:
9 of 16
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
יְשִׁיבֶ֑נָּה
who can turn her away
H7725
יְשִׁיבֶ֑נָּה
who can turn her away
Strong's:
H7725
Word #:
10 of 16
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
11 of 16
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
מְבַקְשֶׁ֙יהָ֙
all they that seek
H1245
מְבַקְשֶׁ֙יהָ֙
all they that seek
Strong's:
H1245
Word #:
12 of 16
to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after
לֹ֣א
H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
13 of 16
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
Historical Context
This verse from Jeremiah 2 continues God's covenant lawsuit against Judah, delivered during the late 7th century BC as the nation spiraled toward Babylonian exile. The prophetic indictment addresses systematic idolatry, failed political alliances, and spiritual adultery that characterized Judah from Manasseh through Jehoiakim's reigns. Archaeological evidence confirms widespread syncretistic worship practices condemned here.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this accusation against ancient Israel reveal patterns of spiritual unfaithfulness that might appear in different forms today?
- What does God's persistent lawsuit demonstrate about His desire for His people's return versus immediate judgment?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Israel is compared to a wild donkey in heat, sniffing the wind in mating season—unrestrained lust pursuing lovers (false gods). Those seeking her need not weary themselves; she is easily found in her promiscuity.