Jeremiah 13:10
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Jeremiah 13:10
10 This evil people, which refuse to hear my words, which walk in the imagination of their heart, and walk after other gods, to serve them, and to worship them, shall even be as this girdle, which is good for nothing.
Chapter Context
Jeremiah 13 is a prophetic oracle chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of discipleship, redemption, grace. Written during the final years of Judah and early exile (c. 627-580 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Prophesied during Judah's final years as Babylon became the dominant power.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-27: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it illustrates divine judgment and mercy in response to human actions. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Jeremiah and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Jeremiah 13:10
10 This evil people, which refuse to hear my words, which walk in the imagination of their heart, and walk after other gods, to serve them, and to worship them, shall even be as this girdle, which is good for nothing.
Analysis
This verse specifies the sins: 'This evil people, which refuse to hear my words, which walk in the imagination of their heart, and walk after other gods, to serve them, and to worship them, shall even be as this girdle, which is good for nothing.' The indictment has three elements: refusing to hear (me'anim lishmoa), following stubborn hearts (sheriruth libbam), and serving other gods. These summarize covenant violation: rejecting revelation, following self, pursuing idols. The conclusion: 'shall be as this girdle'—worthless, ruined, discarded. Israel's potential intimacy with God becomes worthless corruption.
Historical Context
These three accusations appear throughout Jeremiah: refusing to hear (5:21, 7:13, 26), stubborn heart (3:17, 7:24, 9:14), and serving other gods (1:16, 5:19, 11:10). The three-fold description comprehensively covers their failure: rejecting God's word, following their own desires, worshipping idols. The outcome—uselessness—is the consequence of corrupted relationship.
Reflection
- How do the three accusations—refusing to hear, stubborn heart, serving other gods—comprehensively describe covenant violation?
- What makes corrupt relationship 'good for nothing' despite original potential?
Word Studies
- God: אֱלֹהִים (Elohim) H430 - God (plural of majesty)
Cross-References
- Evil: Jeremiah 3:17, 16:12
- Parallel theme: Jeremiah 9:14, 13:7, Numbers 14:11, Acts 7:51