Jeremiah 13:21
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Jeremiah 13:21
21 What wilt thou say when he shall punish thee? for thou hast taught them to be captains, and as chief over thee: shall not sorrows take thee, as a woman in travail?
Chapter Context
Jeremiah 13 is a prophetic oracle chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of redemption, hope, obedience. 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 reveals key aspects of God's character through divine actions and declarations. 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 13:21
21 What wilt thou say when he shall punish thee? for thou hast taught them to be captains, and as chief over thee: shall not sorrows take thee, as a woman in travail?
Analysis
This verse announces unexpected reversal: 'What wilt thou say when he shall punish thee? for thou hast taught them to be captain, and as chief over thee.' When punishment comes, what excuse will remain? 'Thou hast taught them' (limmadt otham)—Jerusalem trained her own destroyers! Those she cultivated as 'captain' (alluf, chief, leader) and 'chief' (rosh, head) now rule over her as conquerors. The nations she courted as allies become oppressors. 'Shall not sorrows take thee, as a woman in travail?' Birth pangs (chavalim) picture sudden, inescapable, intensifying pain. Judgment arrives like labor—unavoidable once begun.
Historical Context
Judah's alliance politics—courting Egypt, then Babylon—created the relationships that destroyed her. Nebuchadnezzar, once Judah's suzerain whom they acknowledged, became the instrument of destruction when they rebelled. The nations they trained themselves to trust betrayed that trust. Political maneuvering produced the very enemies who destroyed them.
Reflection
- How did Judah 'teach' her oppressors to dominate her through alliance politics?
- What does the birth pangs imagery suggest about judgment's inevitability once begun?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Jeremiah 4:31, 5:31, 38:22, Isaiah 10:3, 13:8