Jeremiah 13:17

But if you do not listen, I will weep in secret because of your pride. My eyes will overflow with tears, because the LORD's flock has been taken captive.

Study Bible

But if you will not listen
This phrase underscores the conditional nature of God's warnings through the prophet Jeremiah. The Hebrew root for "listen" is "שָׁמַע" (shama), which implies not just hearing but obeying. In the historical context, the Israelites were repeatedly admonished to heed God's commandments. Their failure to listen was not merely a lack of auditory reception but a willful disobedience to divine instruction. This sets the stage for the consequences that follow, emphasizing the importance of obedience in the covenant relationship with God.

my soul will weep in secret
The phrase "my soul" (נַפְשִׁי, nephesh) refers to the deepest part of Jeremiah's being, indicating profound personal grief. "Weep in secret" suggests an intimate, private sorrow, reflecting the prophet's deep empathy and love for his people. Historically, prophets often bore the emotional weight of their messages, feeling the heartache of impending judgment. This private weeping signifies the genuine compassion and sorrow that God, through His prophet, feels for His people's stubbornness.

because of your pride
"Pride" (גֵּוָה, gevah) is a recurring theme in the Bible, often leading to downfall. In the context of Jeremiah, the pride of the Israelites manifested in their self-reliance and idolatry, rejecting God's sovereignty. This pride is not just an attitude but a spiritual condition that blinds them to their need for repentance. The historical context shows that pride led to the nation's moral and spiritual decay, ultimately resulting in their captivity.

my eyes will weep bitterly, overflowing with tears
The imagery of "weep bitterly" and "overflowing with tears" conveys an intense, uncontrollable sorrow. The Hebrew word for "bitterly" (תִּבְכֶּינָה, tivkenah) suggests a deep, anguished lament. This reflects the prophet's—and by extension, God's—heartbreak over the people's impending suffering. The tears symbolize the depth of divine compassion and the seriousness of the consequences of sin. Historically, this weeping foreshadows the lamentations over Jerusalem's fall and the exile.

because the LORD’s flock has been taken captive
The term "LORD’s flock" (עֵדֶר יְהוָה, eder Yahweh) is a pastoral metaphor, portraying the Israelites as sheep under God's care. This imagery is rich in biblical tradition, emphasizing God's role as a shepherd who guides and protects His people. The phrase "taken captive" (נִלְכָּד, nilkad) indicates the severe consequence of their disobedience—exile and loss of freedom. Historically, this refers to the Babylonian captivity, a pivotal event in Israel's history. It serves as a sobering reminder of the cost of turning away from God, yet also hints at the hope of eventual restoration under God's faithful shepherding.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jeremiah
The prophet who is delivering God's message to the people of Judah. Known as the "weeping prophet," Jeremiah often expressed deep sorrow over the people's disobedience and the resulting consequences.

2. The LORD
Refers to Yahweh, the God of Israel, who is expressing His grief through Jeremiah over the pride and disobedience of His people.

3. The LORD’s Flock
Symbolic of the people of Judah, who are described as being taken captive due to their pride and refusal to listen to God's warnings.

4. Captivity
Refers to the impending Babylonian exile, a consequence of Judah's persistent disobedience and idolatry.

5. Pride
The root cause of Judah's downfall, leading to their refusal to heed God's warnings through His prophets.

Teaching Points

The Consequences of Pride
Pride leads to spiritual deafness and disobedience. Judah's pride resulted in their captivity, serving as a warning to us about the dangers of pride in our own lives.

The Heart of a Prophet
Jeremiah's weeping reflects God's heart for His people. As believers, we should cultivate a heart that grieves over sin and seeks the restoration of others.

The Importance of Listening to God
Ignoring God's warnings leads to destruction. We must be attentive to God's Word and responsive to His guidance to avoid spiritual captivity.

God's Grief Over Sin
God is not indifferent to our sin; it grieves Him deeply. Understanding this should motivate us to live in a way that honors Him.

The Hope of Restoration
While the verse speaks of captivity, it also implies the possibility of restoration. God desires to restore His people when they turn back to Him in humility.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Jeremiah's response to Judah's pride challenge us in how we view and respond to sin in our own lives and communities?

2. In what ways can pride manifest in our lives today, and how can we guard against it according to biblical principles?

3. How does understanding God's grief over sin impact our relationship with Him and our approach to repentance?

4. What are some practical steps we can take to ensure we are listening to God's voice and not hardening our hearts like the people of Judah?

5. How can we apply the lessons from Jeremiah 13:17 to encourage others who may be struggling with pride or disobedience?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Isaiah 22:4
Similar to Jeremiah, Isaiah expresses deep sorrow over the destruction of his people, highlighting the emotional burden of a prophet.

Lamentations 1:16
Jeremiah's lament over Jerusalem's fall, emphasizing the theme of weeping and sorrow due to the people's sin and resulting judgment.

James 4:6
This verse speaks to the destructive nature of pride and God's opposition to the proud, reinforcing the message in Jeremiah 13:17.

1 Peter 5:5-6
Encourages humility, contrasting the pride that led to Judah's downfall, and promises God's grace to the humble.