Jeremiah 16:13
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Jeremiah 16:13
13 Therefore will I cast you out of this land into a land that ye know not, neither ye nor your fathers; and there shall ye serve other gods day and night; where I will not shew you favour.
Chapter Context
Jeremiah 16 is a prophetic oracle chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of sacrifice, discipleship, redemption. 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 21-21: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it addresses timeless questions about faith, suffering, and divine purpose. 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 16:13
13 Therefore will I cast you out of this land into a land that ye know not, neither ye nor your fathers; and there shall ye serve other gods day and night; where I will not shew you favour.
Analysis
The sentence pronounced: 'Therefore will I cast you out of this land into a land that ye know not, neither ye nor your fathers; and there shall ye serve other gods day and night; for I will not shew you favour.' The punishment fits the crime: they chose other gods, so they'll be exiled to serve them exclusively. The ironic justice: in the foreign land they'll serve pagan gods 'day and night' without Yahweh's interference. The land 'ye know not, neither ye nor your fathers' emphasizes total disorientation. The final phrase 'I will not shew you favour' indicates withdrawal of covenant mercy. This judgment demonstrates that persistent idol pursuit results in abandonment to idols.
Historical Context
In Babylonian exile, Jews were surrounded by pagan worship and tempted to assimilate. The ironic judgment gave them what they'd chosen—life dominated by other gods without Yahweh's protective presence.
Reflection
- How does God's judgment often involve giving people over to what they've chosen?
- What does exile to unknown lands represent about the disorientation of life apart from God?
- What is the significance of God withdrawing favor as part of judgment?
Word Studies
- God: אֱלֹהִים (Elohim) H430 - God (plural of majesty)
Cross-References
- References God: Jeremiah 5:19, Deuteronomy 28:36
- Parallel theme: Jeremiah 6:15, 14:8, 15:4, 15:14, 17:4, 22:28