Jeremiah 10:21 - For the shepherds have become brutish, and have not inquired of Yahweh. Therefore they have not prospered, and all their flocks have scattered.
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What does "Jeremiah 10:21" mean?
Jeremiah 10:21 is a strong condemnation of the leadership of Judah, specifically referring to them as "shepherds," a common metaphor for those in authority, especially religious and political leaders. Let's break down the verse:
"For the shepherds have become brutish..." The word "brutish" (or "stupid," depending on the translation) implies that these leaders have acted foolishly, lacking wisdom, and displaying a lack of understanding. They've abandoned their responsibilities and acted without the discernment that should characterize good leaders.
"...and have not inquired of Yahweh." This is the core of their failure. They haven't sought God's guidance or wisdom. They haven't consulted God in their decision-making or sought to understand His will. This suggests a lack of faith, dependence on their own limited understanding, and a turning away from God's law and commands.
"Therefore they have not prospered..." Because of their neglect of God, they haven't succeeded in their roles. "Prospered" can refer to material wealth, but more importantly, it likely refers to success in leading the nation according to God's will and ensuring the well-being of the people. Their failure to seek God has led to their own downfall and the nation's.
"...and all their flocks have scattered." The "flocks" represent the people of Judah. The leaders' foolishness and failure to seek God have resulted in the people being scattered – either literally through exile or metaphorically through spiritual disarray and a loss of unity. The scattering suggests vulnerability, a loss of direction, and the breakdown of the community.
In essence, Jeremiah is saying that the leaders of Judah have failed in their responsibilities because they've rejected God's guidance. Their foolish leadership has led to their own downfall and the scattering of the people they were meant to protect and guide. It's a judgment on their spiritual negligence and the devastating consequences for the nation.
Jeremiah 10:21 - For the shepherds have become brutish, and have not inquired of Yahweh. Therefore they have not prospered, and all their flocks have scattered.
What does "Jeremiah 10:21" mean?
Jeremiah 10:21 is a strong condemnation of the leadership of Judah, specifically referring to them as "shepherds," a common metaphor for those in authority, especially religious and political leaders. Let's break down the verse:
"For the shepherds have become brutish..." The word "brutish" (or "stupid," depending on the translation) implies that these leaders have acted foolishly, lacking wisdom, and displaying a lack of understanding. They've abandoned their responsibilities and acted without the discernment that should characterize good leaders.
"...and have not inquired of Yahweh." This is the core of their failure. They haven't sought God's guidance or wisdom. They haven't consulted God in their decision-making or sought to understand His will. This suggests a lack of faith, dependence on their own limited understanding, and a turning away from God's law and commands.
"Therefore they have not prospered..." Because of their neglect of God, they haven't succeeded in their roles. "Prospered" can refer to material wealth, but more importantly, it likely refers to success in leading the nation according to God's will and ensuring the well-being of the people. Their failure to seek God has led to their own downfall and the nation's.
"...and all their flocks have scattered." The "flocks" represent the people of Judah. The leaders' foolishness and failure to seek God have resulted in the people being scattered – either literally through exile or metaphorically through spiritual disarray and a loss of unity. The scattering suggests vulnerability, a loss of direction, and the breakdown of the community.
In essence, Jeremiah is saying that the leaders of Judah have failed in their responsibilities because they've rejected God's guidance. Their foolish leadership has led to their own downfall and the scattering of the people they were meant to protect and guide. It's a judgment on their spiritual negligence and the devastating consequences for the nation.