Jeremiah 6:26
O daughter of my people, gird thee with sackcloth, and wallow thyself in ashes: make thee mourning, as for an only son, most bitter lamentation: for the spoiler shall suddenly come upon us.
Original Language Analysis
בַּת
O daughter
H1323
בַּת
O daughter
Strong's:
H1323
Word #:
1 of 17
a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)
עַמִּ֤י
of my people
H5971
עַמִּ֤י
of my people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
2 of 17
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
שָׂק֙
thee with sackcloth
H8242
שָׂק֙
thee with sackcloth
Strong's:
H8242
Word #:
4 of 17
properly, a mesh (as allowing a liquid to run through), i.e., coarse loose cloth or sacking (used in mourning and for bagging); hence, a bag (for grai
יָחִיד֙
as for an only son
H3173
יָחִיד֙
as for an only son
Strong's:
H3173
Word #:
8 of 17
properly, united, i.e., sole; by implication, beloved; also lonely; (feminine) the life (as not to be replaced)
עֲשִׂ֣י
make
H6213
עֲשִׂ֣י
make
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
9 of 17
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
כִּ֣י
H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
13 of 17
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
Cross References
Jeremiah 4:8For this gird you with sackcloth, lament and howl: for the fierce anger of the LORD is not turned back from us.Zechariah 12:10And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn.
Historical Context
Sackcloth (coarse goat hair) and ashes were traditional Ancient Near Eastern mourning practices. The comparison to losing an only son would resonate deeply in a culture where sons secured family inheritance and name.
Questions for Reflection
- What role does grief and lament play in genuine repentance?
- How does the loss of an 'only son' as a metaphor help us understand the severity of God's judgment?
- Why does God call people to mourn before judgment arrives rather than only after?
Analysis & Commentary
The call to 'gird thee with sackcloth' and 'wallow thyself in ashes' prescribes extreme mourning practices. The reason: 'the spoiler shall suddenly come upon us.' The description of the expected mourning—'as for an only son, most bitter lamentation'—evokes the deepest grief. Loss of an only son meant the end of family line and inheritance, representing total loss. This intensity of mourning reflects the severity of coming judgment. The command to mourn in advance demonstrates that repentance must include genuine grief over sin and its consequences. Reformed theology emphasizes that true repentance involves godly sorrow (2 Corinthians 7:10).