Jeremiah 25:34
Jeremiah 25:34 in Multiple Translations
Wail, you shepherds, and cry out; roll in the dust, you leaders of the flock. For the days of your slaughter have come; you will fall and be shattered like fine pottery.
¶ Howl, ye shepherds, and cry; and wallow yourselves in the ashes, ye principal of the flock: for the days of your slaughter and of your dispersions are accomplished; and ye shall fall like a pleasant vessel.
Wail, ye shepherds, and cry; and wallow in ashes, ye principal of the flock; for the days of your slaughter and of your dispersions are fully come, and ye shall fall like a goodly vessel.
Give cries of grief, you keepers of sheep; give cries for help, rolling yourselves in the dust, you chiefs of the flock: for the days of your destruction have fully come, and I will send you in all directions, and your fall will be like that of the males of the flock.
Cry out and weep, you shepherds! Roll around on the ground mourning, you leaders of the flock. The time for you to be killed has come; you will fall, smashed like the finest pottery.
Howle, ye shepherdes, and crie, and wallowe your selues in the ashes, ye principall of the flocke: for your dayes of slaughter are accomplished, and of your dispersion, and ye shall fall like precious vessels.
Howl, ye shepherds, and cry, And roll yourselves, ye honourable of the flock, For full have been your days, For slaughtering, and [for] your scatterings, And ye have fallen as a desirable vessel.
Wail, you shepherds, and cry. Wallow in dust, you leader of the flock; for the days of your slaughter and of your dispersions have fully come, and you will fall like fine pottery.
Howl, ye shepherds, and cry; and wallow yourselves in the ashes , ye principal of the flock: for the days of your slaughter and of your dispersions are accomplished; and ye shall fall like a pleasant vessel.
Howl, ye shepherds, and cry: and sprinkle yourselves with ashes, ye leaders of the flock: for the days of your slaughter and your dispersion are accomplished, and you shall fall like precious vessels.
You evil leaders, weep and moan! You who should take care of my people, fall down and roll in the dust/dirt. It is time for you to be slaughtered; you will fall down and be shattered like a fragile vase shatters when it falls to the ground.
Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 25:34
BAB
Word Study
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Jeremiah 25:34 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
הֵילִ֨ילוּ
הָ/רֹעִ֜ים
וְ/זַעֲק֗וּ
וְ/הִֽתְפַּלְּשׁוּ֙
אַדִּירֵ֣י
הַ/צֹּ֔אן
כִּֽי
מָלְא֥וּ
יְמֵי/כֶ֖ם
לִ/טְב֑וֹחַ
וּ/תְפוֹצ֣וֹתִי/כֶ֔ם
וּ/נְפַלְתֶּ֖ם
כִּ/כְלִ֥י
חֶמְדָּֽה
הֵילִ֨ילוּ
yâlal
H3213
to wail
V-Hiphil-Impv-2mp
הָ/רֹעִ֜ים
râʻâh
H7462
House of Shepherds
Art | V-Qal
וְ/זַעֲק֗וּ
zâʻaq
H2199
to cry out
Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2mp
וְ/הִֽתְפַּלְּשׁוּ֙
pâlash
H6428
to wallow
Conj | V-Hithpael-Impv-2mp
אַדִּירֵ֣י
ʼaddîyr
H117
great
Adj
הַ/צֹּ֔אן
tsôʼn
H6629
Sheep (Gate)
Art | N-cs
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
מָלְא֥וּ
mâlêʼ
H4390
to fill
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
יְמֵי/כֶ֖ם
yôwm
H3117
day
N-mp | Suff
לִ/טְב֑וֹחַ
ṭâbach
H2873
to slaughter
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
וּ/תְפוֹצ֣וֹתִי/כֶ֔ם
tᵉphôwtsâh
H8600
dispersion
Conj | N-fp | Suff
וּ/נְפַלְתֶּ֖ם
nâphal
H5307
to fall
Conj | V-Qal-2mp
כִּ/כְלִ֥י
kᵉlîy
H3627
article/utensil
Prep | N-ms
חֶמְדָּֽה
chemdâh
H2532
desire
N-fs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Jeremiah 25:34
הֵילִ֨ילוּ
yâlal
H3213
"to wail"
V-Hiphil-Impv-2mp
This word means to wail or howl, expressing strong emotions like sadness or pain, used to describe a loud, mournful cry.
Definition: (Hiphil) to howl, wail, make a howling
Usage: Occurs in 28 OT verses. KJV: (make to) howl, be howling. See also: Isaiah 13:6; Jeremiah 48:31; Isaiah 14:31.
הָ/רֹעִ֜ים
râʻâh
H7462
"House of Shepherds"
Art | V-Qal
This verb means to care for or tend to someone or something, like a shepherd with his flock. It can also mean to rule over or associate with someone as a friend, and is sometimes used to describe a close relationship.
Definition: Ra'ah = "pasturing" perh. "binding-house of the shepherds"
Usage: Occurs in 139 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] break, companion, keep company with, devour, eat up, evil entreat, feed, use as a friend, make friendship with, herdman, keep (sheep) (-er), pastor, [phrase] shearing house, shepherd, wander, waste. See also: Genesis 4:2; Isaiah 40:11; Psalms 23:1.
וְ/זַעֲק֗וּ
zâʻaq
H2199
"to cry out"
Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2mp
This verb means to cry out for help or announce something publicly, often in a loud voice, like a herald calling people together. It is used in the Bible to describe people crying out to God for aid. It can also mean to summon or assemble people.
Definition: 1) to cry, cry out, call, call for help 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to call (to one's aid) 1a2) to cry, cry out (in need) 1b) (Niphal) to be assembled, be called together, be joined together 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to call, call out, call together, summon 1c2) to make a crying, proclaim 1c3) to have a proclamation made 1c4) to call out to, call out at Aramaic equivalent: ze.iq (זְעִ֑ק "to cry out" H2200)
Usage: Occurs in 72 OT verses. KJV: assemble, call (together), (make a) cry (out), come with such a company, gather (together), cause to be proclaimed. See also: Exodus 2:23; Nehemiah 9:28; Psalms 22:6.
וְ/הִֽתְפַּלְּשׁוּ֙
pâlash
H6428
"to wallow"
Conj | V-Hithpael-Impv-2mp
This Hebrew word means to roll around in dust or ashes, often as a sign of sadness or mourning, like in a funeral procession. It is used to describe acts of sorrow in the Bible. This action shows deep emotional pain.
Definition: 1) to roll 1a) (Hithpael) to roll in ashes or dust (as an act of mourning)
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: roll (wallow) self. See also: Jeremiah 6:26; Ezekiel 27:30; Jeremiah 25:34.
אַדִּירֵ֣י
ʼaddîyr
H117
"great"
Adj
Describes something or someone as great or powerful, such as the mighty waters of the sea in Psalm 107.
Definition: 1) great, majestic 1a) of waters of sea 1b) of a tree 1c) of kings, nations, gods 2) great one, majestic one 2a) of nobles, chieftains, servants
Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: excellent, famous, gallant, glorious, goodly, lordly, mighty(-ier one), noble, principal, worthy. See also: Exodus 15:10; Psalms 136:18; Psalms 8:2.
הַ/צֹּ֔אן
tsôʼn
H6629
"Sheep (Gate)"
Art | N-cs
This word refers to a flock of sheep or goats, and is sometimes used to describe people in a figurative sense. It is also associated with the Sheep Gate in Jerusalem, a significant location in biblical times.
Definition: This name means sheep and goats Also named: probatikos (προβατικός "Sheep Gate" G4262)
Usage: Occurs in 247 OT verses. KJV: (small) cattle, flock ([phrase] -s), lamb ([phrase] -s), sheep(-cote, -fold, -shearer, -herds). See also: Genesis 4:2; Deuteronomy 28:31; Psalms 44:12.
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
מָלְא֥וּ
mâlêʼ
H4390
"to fill"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
To fill means to make something full or complete, like filling a container or fulfilling a promise. This word is used in many contexts, including being full of joy or having a job completed.
Definition: 1) to fill, be full 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be full 1a1a) fulness, abundance (participle) 1a1b) to be full, be accomplished, be ended 1a2) to consecrate, fill the hand 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be filled, be armed, be satisfied 1b2) to be accomplished, be ended 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to fill 1c2) to satisfy 1c3) to fulfil, accomplish, complete 1c4) to confirm 1d) (Pual) to be filled 1e) (Hithpael) to mass themselves against Aramaic equivalent: me.la (מְלָא "to fill" H4391)
Usage: Occurs in 242 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, confirm, [phrase] consecrate, be at an end, be expired, be fenced, fill, fulfil, (be, become, [idiom] draw, give in, go) full(-ly, -ly set, tale), (over-) flow, fulness, furnish, gather (selves, together), presume, replenish, satisfy, set, space, take a (hand-) full, [phrase] have wholly. See also: Genesis 1:22; 2 Chronicles 16:14; Psalms 10:7.
יְמֵי/כֶ֖ם
yôwm
H3117
"day"
N-mp | Suff
The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow
Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.
לִ/טְב֑וֹחַ
ṭâbach
H2873
"to slaughter"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to slaughter or kill animals or people, often in a ruthless manner, as seen in violent battles or sacrifices. It is used in various forms throughout the Old Testament. This concept is also used figuratively to describe spiritual slaughter.
Definition: 1) to slaughter, slay, butcher, kill ruthlessly 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to slaughter, butcher 1a2) to slay, kill ruthlessly (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: kill, (make) slaughter, slay. See also: Genesis 43:16; Proverbs 9:2; Psalms 37:14.
וּ/תְפוֹצ֣וֹתִי/כֶ֔ם
tᵉphôwtsâh
H8600
"dispersion"
Conj | N-fp | Suff
This Hebrew word describes a dispersal or scattering of people, often used to describe the exile of the Israelites. In Psalm 147:2, it refers to the gathering of the dispersed Israelites. The word is also used in Nehemiah 1:9.
Definition: dispersion
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: dispersion. See also: Jeremiah 25:34.
וּ/נְפַלְתֶּ֖ם
nâphal
H5307
"to fall"
Conj | V-Qal-2mp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to fall, and it's used in many ways, like falling down, failing, or being defeated. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah. God's people often fell away from Him, but He always offered a way back.
Definition: : fall/drop/fail 1) to fall, lie, be cast down, fail 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to fall 1a2) to fall (of violent death) 1a3) to fall prostrate, prostrate oneself before 1a4) to fall upon, attack, desert, fall away to, go away to, fall into the hand of 1a5) to fall short, fail, fall out, turn out, result 1a6) to settle, waste away, be offered, be inferior to 1a7) to lie, lie prostrate 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to fall, fell, throw down, knock out, lay prostrate 1b2) to overthrow 1b3) to make the lot fall, assign by lot, apportion by lot 1b4) to let drop, cause to fail (fig.) 1b5) to cause to fall 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to throw or prostrate oneself, throw oneself upon 1c2) to lie prostrate, prostrate oneself 1d) (Pilel) to fall
Usage: Occurs in 403 OT verses. KJV: be accepted, cast (down, self, (lots), out), cease, die, divide (by lot), (let) fail, (cause to, let, make, ready to) fall (away, down, -en, -ing), fell(-ing), fugitive, have (inheritance), inferior, be judged (by mistake for H6419 (פָּלַל)), lay (along), (cause to) lie down, light (down), be ([idiom] hast) lost, lying, overthrow, overwhelm, perish, present(-ed, -ing), (make to) rot, slay, smite out, [idiom] surely, throw down. See also: Genesis 2:21; 1 Samuel 17:52; Esther 9:3.
כִּ/כְלִ֥י
kᵉlîy
H3627
"article/utensil"
Prep | N-ms
This Hebrew word refers to any object or tool, like a utensil or a piece of furniture. It is used to describe a wide range of items, from musical instruments to weapons. It emphasizes the object's purpose or function.
Definition: 1) article, vessel, implement, utensil 1a) article, object (general) 1b) utensil, implement, apparatus, vessel 1b1) implement (of hunting or war) 1b2) implement (of music) 1b3) implement, tool (of labour) 1b4) equipment, yoke (of oxen) 1b5) utensils, furniture 1c) vessel, receptacle (general) 1d) vessels (boats) of paper-reed
Usage: Occurs in 276 OT verses. KJV: armour(-bearer), artillery, bag, carriage, [phrase] furnish, furniture, instrument, jewel, that is made of, [idiom] one from another, that which pertaineth, pot, [phrase] psaltery, sack, stuff, thing, tool, vessel, ware, weapon, [phrase] whatsoever. See also: Genesis 24:53; 1 Samuel 14:13; Ezra 8:26.
חֶמְדָּֽה
chemdâh
H2532
"desire"
N-fs
This Hebrew term describes something that brings great joy and pleasure, like a precious gift. It's used in the Bible to talk about the good things in life that bring happiness and fulfillment. In Genesis and Psalms, it describes the delight of being in a loving relationship.
Definition: desire, that which is desirable
Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: desire, goodly, pleasant, precious. See also: Genesis 27:15; Jeremiah 12:10; Psalms 106:24.
Study Notes — Jeremiah 25:34
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Jeremiah 25:34 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 25:34
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 25:34
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 25:34
- Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 25:34
- Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 25:34
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 25:34
- Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 25:34
- Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 25:34
- Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 25:34
- Sermons on Jeremiah 25:34
Context — The Cry of the Shepherds
32This is what the LORD of Hosts says: “Behold! Disaster is spreading from nation to nation; a mighty storm is rising from the ends of the earth.”
33Those slain by the LORD on that day will be spread from one end of the earth to the other. They will not be mourned, gathered, or buried. They will be like dung lying on the ground.
34Wail, you shepherds, and cry out; roll in the dust, you leaders of the flock. For the days of your slaughter have come; you will fall and be shattered like fine pottery.
35Flight will evade the shepherds, and escape will elude the leaders of the flock. 36Hear the cry of the shepherds, the wailing of the leaders of the flock, for the LORD is destroying their pasture.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jeremiah 6:26 | O daughter of my people, dress yourselves in sackcloth and roll in ashes. Mourn with bitter wailing, as you would for an only son, for suddenly the destroyer will come upon us. |
| 2 | Jeremiah 50:27 | Kill all her young bulls; let them go down to the slaughter. Woe to them, for their day has come— the time of their punishment. |
| 3 | Psalms 2:9 | You will break them with an iron scepter; You will shatter them like pottery. ” |
| 4 | Jeremiah 48:26 | “Make him drunk, because he has magnified himself against the LORD; so Moab will wallow in his own vomit, and he will also become a laughingstock. |
| 5 | Ezekiel 27:30–31 | They will raise their voices for you and cry out bitterly. They will throw dust on their heads and roll in ashes. They will shave their heads for you and wrap themselves in sackcloth. They will weep over you with anguish of soul and bitter mourning. |
| 6 | Jeremiah 4:8–9 | So put on sackcloth, mourn and wail, for the fierce anger of the LORD has not turned away from us.” “In that day,” declares the LORD, “the king and officials will lose their courage. The priests will tremble in fear, and the prophets will be astounded.” |
| 7 | Jeremiah 25:23 | Dedan, Tema, Buz, and all who cut the corners of their hair; |
| 8 | Jeremiah 3:19 | Then I said, ‘How I long to make you My sons and give you a desirable land, the most beautiful inheritance of all the nations!’ I thought you would call Me ‘Father’ and never turn away from following Me. |
| 9 | 2 Chronicles 36:10 | In the spring, King Nebuchadnezzar summoned Jehoiachin and brought him to Babylon, along with the articles of value from the house of the LORD. And he made Jehoiachin’s relative Zedekiah king over Judah and Jerusalem. |
| 10 | Jeremiah 51:20–26 | “You are My war club, My weapon for battle. With you I shatter nations; with you I bring kingdoms to ruin. With you I shatter the horse and rider; with you I shatter the chariot and driver. With you I shatter man and woman; with you I shatter the old man and the youth; with you I shatter the young man and the maiden. With you I shatter the shepherd and his flock; with you I shatter the farmer and his oxen; with you I shatter the governors and officials. Before your very eyes I will repay Babylon and all the dwellers of Chaldea for all the evil they have done in Zion,” declares the LORD. “Behold, I am against you, O destroying mountain, you who devastate the whole earth, declares the LORD. I will stretch out My hand against you; I will roll you over the cliffs and turn you into a charred mountain. No one shall retrieve from you a cornerstone or a foundation stone, because you will become desolate forever,” declares the LORD. |
Jeremiah 25:34 Summary
Jeremiah 25:34 is a warning to spiritual leaders who have failed to guide God's people according to His will. The verse says that these leaders will face a time of judgment and punishment, and will be broken like fine pottery. This is a reminder that God holds leaders accountable for their actions, as seen in Hebrews 13:17. We can learn from this verse by being humble and dependent on God, and by seeking to follow His will in our own lives, as encouraged in Jeremiah 29:12-13.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the shepherds being addressed in Jeremiah 25:34?
The shepherds in this verse are likely the spiritual leaders of Israel, who have failed to guide God's people according to His will, as seen in Jeremiah 23:1-4 and Ezekiel 34:1-10.
What is meant by 'the days of your slaughter have come' in Jeremiah 25:34?
This phrase indicates a time of judgment and punishment for the shepherds, who will face God's wrath for their failure to lead His people, similar to what is described in Isaiah 34:2 and Jeremiah 6:15.
Why are the shepherds compared to 'fine pottery' in Jeremiah 25:34?
The comparison to fine pottery suggests that the shepherds, despite their importance and prestige, are fragile and easily broken, much like the pottery described in Psalm 2:9 and Revelation 2:27.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the chapter?
Jeremiah 25:34 is part of a larger warning of judgment and disaster that will come upon the nations, including Israel, as described in Jeremiah 25:32-33 and Jeremiah 25:35-36, emphasizing the universal scope of God's judgment, as seen in Jeremiah 25:32.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that spiritual leaders can fail to guide God's people, and how can we learn from their mistakes?
- How does the concept of judgment and punishment in Jeremiah 25:34 relate to our own lives and our need for repentance and forgiveness?
- In what ways can we, as followers of God, be like 'fine pottery' - fragile and easily broken - and how can we cultivate humility and dependence on Him?
- How does the warning of disaster and judgment in Jeremiah 25:34 encourage us to prioritize our relationship with God and to seek His mercy and grace?
Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 25:34
Howl, ye shepherds, and cry,.... The Targum is, "howl, ye kings, and cry;'' and the rulers and governors of the nations before threatened with destruction are meant; who are here called upon to
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 25:34
Howl, ye shepherds, and cry; and wallow yourselves in the ashes, ye principal of the flock: for the days of your slaughter and of your dispersions are accomplished; and ye shall fall like a pleasant vessel.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 25:34
Shepherds, and the principal of the flock, are in this place of the same significancy, by both he means the civil rulers; so the word is used 23:1. These he calls aforehand to bewail their fate; for the days were now come when they should be slain and scattered. And he tells them their fall should be like the fall of a crystal glass, or some delicate tender vessel, which when it falleth breaketh in pieces, and cannot again be set together.
Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 25:34
Jeremiah 25:34 Howl, ye shepherds, and cry; and wallow yourselves [in the ashes], ye principal of the flock: for the days of your slaughter and of your dispersions are accomplished; and ye shall fall like a pleasant vessel.Ver. 34. Howl, ye shepherds.] Ululate, volulate. Shriek and roll. This is spoken to the governors and grandees; for in public calamities such usually suffer more than meaner men. The corks swim, saith one, when the plummets sink. If a tree have thick and large boughs, it lieth more open to lopping. And ye shall fall like a pleasant vessel,] i.e., Irremediably. Like as a crystal glass or China dish once broken cannot be pieced again.
Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 25:34
(34) Howl, ye shepherds.—The idea of the flock suggested in the “habitation” or “pasture” of Jeremiah 25:30 is here expanded. The “shepherds” are, as usual, the rulers of the people (Jeremiah 10:21; Jeremiah 22:22, et al.).Wallow yourselves in the ashes.—The words in italics have probably been added to bring the passage into conformity with Jeremiah 6:26, but they are not needed, and the interpretation is unauthorised. Better, therefore, roll on the ground. By some interpreters the word is rendered “sprinkle yourselves.” The “principal of the flock” are the “strong ones,” i.e., the best and fattest of the rams, denoting figuratively the princes and captains of the people. And of your dispersions.—The Hebrew text seems faulty, and a slight alteration, now generally accepted, gives, and I will scatter you.Like a pleasant vessel.—The sudden change of metaphor is somewhat startling, as judged by our rules of rhetoric; but the poets and prophets of Israel wrote without the fear of criticism, and used each image that presented itself, if it was fit for its immediate purpose, without caring much for continuity. The thought of the scattered flock suggested the idea of a dispersion or breaking-up of another kind, even that of the “pleasant vessel” (literally, the vessel of desire, i.e., a vase made as for kingly and honourable uses), falling with a crash and shivered into fragments, which Jeremiah had presented to the people in his acted parable and spoken words in Jeremiah 19:10-11, and in Jeremiah 22:28. The LXX. translators give like the chosen rams, as if anxious to avoid the mixed metaphor, and venturing on a conjectural emendation of the text.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 25:34
Verse 34. Howl, ye shepherds] Ye kings and chiefs of the people. Ye shall fall like a pleasant vessel.] As a fall will break and utterly ruin a precious vessel of crystal, agate, &c., so your overthrow will be to you irreparable ruin.
Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 25:34
34. wallow yourselves in ashes] rather, sprinkle yourselves. See on Jeremiah 6:26. The words “in ashes” are added in E.VV. only because they occur in the Hebrew of the other passage. principal of the flock] not equivalent to “shepherds,” but rather, chief among the sheep, i.e. wealthy ones of the people, whose rank and riches avail nothing now. and I will break you in pieces] mg. (less well) and I will disperse you. Aq. Symm. Theod. Vulg. read, and your dispersions. The Hebrew is difficult in point of grammar. like a pleasant vessel] By altering one Hebrew consonant, we can render with LXX like choice rams. But the reading “rams” might easily arise through the influence of “principal of the flock” just before, and to this we may add that the figure of a vessel in such a connexion has been already used by Jeremiah (Jeremiah 22:28).
Cp. also 2 Chronicles 32:27; 2 Chronicles 36:10; Hosea 13:15; Nahum 2:9.
Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 25:34
Principal of the flock - i. e., noble ones. Wallow yourselves in the ashes - Rather, roll yourselves on the ground.
Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 25:34
34. Howl, ye shepherds — Thrown into consternation by both the lion and the storm. Wallow yourselves — Roll yourselves.
Sermons on Jeremiah 25:34
| Sermon | Description | |
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Spiritual Virginity by G.W. North | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being vessels for God. He shares personal experiences of witnessing people repenting and being transformed by the power of |
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Be an Overcomer (Part 4) by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the pastor emphasizes the importance of continuous growth in the Christian faith. He highlights the tendency of some Christians to reach a certain point in their sp |
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The Sickness, Death and Resurrection of Lazarus 1 of 4 (Reading) by Robert Murray M'Cheyne | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Jesus and his disciples on the Sea of Galilee. He emphasizes the importance of faith and how it is tested in times of trials. Th |
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Message From Pslam 2 by Rolfe Barnard | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that God's actions are sovereign and cannot be changed by human advice. He highlights the grand fact that God has set his king on the holy h |
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A Rod of Iron by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes the triumphant ascension of Christ, illustrating how He has defeated the powers of darkness and now rules with a 'rod of iron.' He explains that Satan an |
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Looking at God by A.W. Tozer | The preacher delves into the concept of 'lofty things' as described in the Bible, referring to proud obstacles or arrogant thoughts that exalt themselves against the knowledge of G |
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A Burning Heart by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher references various verses from the Bible, including Jeremiah chapter 4 and Joel chapter 1. He emphasizes the need for repentance and laments the state |