Jeremiah 13:25
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Jeremiah 13:25
25 This is thy lot, the portion of thy measures from me, saith the LORD; because thou hast forgotten me, and trusted in falsehood.
Chapter Context
Jeremiah 13 is a prophetic oracle chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of truth, creation, holiness. 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 demonstrates God's faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. 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 13:25
25 This is thy lot, the portion of thy measures from me, saith the LORD; because thou hast forgotten me, and trusted in falsehood.
Analysis
This verse confirms desert: 'This is thy lot, the portion of thy measures from me, saith the LORD.' 'Lot' (goral) is the portion assigned by lot—destiny, fate. 'Portion of thy measures' (menath middayikh) indicates the measured-out share. God assigns exile as Judah's deserved portion. 'Because thou hast forgotten me, and trusted in falsehood.' The Hebrew shakach (שָׁכַח, forget) and batach basheqer (trust in falsehood) identify the cause: forgetting God (covenant abandonment) and trusting lies (false prophets, foreign alliances, idols). Forgotten God assigns remembered judgment; trusted lies produce deserved consequences.
Historical Context
This summary explains exile as deserved portion for specific sins: forgetting God (covenant relationship abandoned) and trusting falsehood (false prophets' assurances, political alliances, idol worship). The 'lot' language recalls Israel's original land inheritance by lot (Joshua 14-19)—now their lot is exile. What they received as gift they lose as judgment.
Reflection
- How does describing judgment as 'thy lot from Me' indicate it's deserved rather than arbitrary?
- What does 'forgetting God' and 'trusting falsehood' summarize about covenant violation?
Word Studies
- Lord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai) H3068 - The LORD / Lord
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Jeremiah 2:32, Job 20:29, Psalms 9:17, 11:6, Matthew 24:51