Jeremiah 13:22
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Jeremiah 13:22
22 And if thou say in thine heart, Wherefore come these things upon me? For the greatness of thine iniquity are thy skirts discovered, and thy heels made bare.
Chapter Context
Jeremiah 13 is a prophetic oracle chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of grace, holiness, mercy. 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 13:22
22 And if thou say in thine heart, Wherefore come these things upon me? For the greatness of thine iniquity are thy skirts discovered, and thy heels made bare.
Analysis
This verse addresses internal response: 'And if thou say in thine heart, Wherefore come these things upon me?' The internal question represents confused self-justification—why is this happening to me? 'For the greatness of thine iniquity are thy skirts discovered, and thy heels made bare.' The Hebrew imagery is of shameful exposure—skirts lifted, heels exposed. This represents the shame of captivity (prisoners stripped, women violated) resulting from 'greatness of iniquity' (rob awonek). The answer to 'why' is sin—not mysterious fate but moral cause. Shame corresponds to sin; suffering matches iniquity.
Historical Context
Conquered peoples were often stripped, women raped, prisoners led naked—ultimate public humiliation. This fate awaited Jerusalem's inhabitants. The theological explanation is straightforward: covenant violation produces covenant curse. The question 'why' has a clear answer: sin. This interpretive framework would help exiles understand their suffering as deserved judgment rather than divine abandonment.
Reflection
- Why do people ask 'why' about suffering while ignoring the 'why' of their sin?
- How does understanding suffering as consequence of sin provide meaning during judgment?
Word Studies
- Iniquity: עָוֹן (Avon) H5771 - Iniquity, guilt, punishment
Cross-References
- Sin: Lamentations 1:8
- Parallel theme: Jeremiah 5:19, 13:26, Deuteronomy 7:17, Isaiah 3:17, Hosea 2:10, Nahum 3:5