Jeremiah 25:36
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Jeremiah 25:36
36 A voice of the cry of the shepherds, and an howling of the principal of the flock, shall be heard: for the LORD hath spoiled their pasture.
Chapter Context
Jeremiah 25 is a prophetic oracle chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of judgment, mercy, fellowship. 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 21-38: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it provides guidance for worship and spiritual devotion. 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 25:36
36 A voice of the cry of the shepherds, and an howling of the principal of the flock, shall be heard: for the LORD hath spoiled their pasture.
Analysis
A voice of the cry of the shepherds, and an howling of the principal of the flock, shall be heard: for the LORD hath spoiled their pasture. The phrase qôl ṣaʿăqaṯ hārōʿîm wîlĕlaṯ ʾabbîrê haṣṣōʾn (קוֹל צַעֲקַת הָרֹעִים וִילֲלַת אַבִּירֵי הַצֹּאן, voice of the cry of the shepherds and howling of the principal of the flock) depicts the leaders' anguish when judgment arrives. Their confident arrogance turns to desperate wailing. The reason: kî šōḏēḏ YHWH ʾeṯ-marʿîṯām (כִּי שֹׁדֵד יְהוָה אֶת־מַרְעִיתָם, for the LORD has destroyed their pasture).
The pasture imagery continues the shepherd metaphor—leaders lose the land and people they governed. The verb šāḏaḏ (שָׁדַד, destroy/devastate) appears frequently in Jeremiah to describe Babylon's destruction. The leaders' grief comes not from repentance but from loss—they mourn their destroyed power and wealth, not their sin. This demonstrates false grief versus godly sorrow. Paul distinguished these: 'godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation...but the sorrow of the world worketh death' (2 Corinthians 7:10). The leaders' howling was worldly sorrow—grief over consequences without repentance toward God.
Historical Context
When Jerusalem fell and Judah's elite were executed or exiled, survivors reported hearing the cries and lamentations of the once-powerful. The book of Lamentations records this grief: 'How doth the city sit solitary, that was full of people! how is she become as a widow! she that was great among the nations, and princess among the provinces, how is she become tributary!' (Lamentations 1:1). But this grief focused on lost glory rather than forsaken covenant, proving the leaders had learned nothing even from judgment.
Reflection
- How can we distinguish between worldly sorrow (grief over consequences) and godly sorrow (grief over sin leading to repentance)?
- What does the leaders' howling when 'their pasture is destroyed' teach about the difference between loving God versus loving what God provides?
- In what ways might we grieve loss of comfort, status, or security while remaining impenitent toward actual sin?
Word Studies
- Lord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai) H3068 - The LORD / Lord
Cross-References
- References Lord: Jeremiah 4:8