Jeremiah 13:20

Lift up your eyes and see those coming from the north. Where is the flock entrusted to you, the sheep that were your pride?

Study Bible

Lift up your eyes and see those coming from the north.
This phrase is a call to attention, urging the people to observe the impending threat. In the context of Jeremiah, the "north" often refers to Babylon, which was the dominant power threatening Judah at the time. Historically, Babylonian forces invaded from the north, making this a literal and prophetic warning. The phrase "lift up your eyes" is a common biblical expression used to draw attention to something significant or imminent. This call to awareness is a reminder of God's sovereignty and the fulfillment of His warnings through the prophets. The north is also symbolically associated with judgment in biblical literature, as seen in Jeremiah 1:14-15, where disaster is prophesied to come from the north.

Where is the flock entrusted to you,
The "flock" symbolizes the people of Judah, often depicted as sheep under the care of shepherds, which in this context refers to the leaders of Judah. This imagery is consistent throughout the Bible, where leaders are often seen as shepherds responsible for the welfare of their people (e.g., Ezekiel 34:2-10). The question implies a failure of leadership, as the flock has been scattered or lost due to negligence or disobedience. This reflects a broader biblical theme of accountability, where leaders are held responsible for the spiritual and physical well-being of those under their care. The entrusted flock also alludes to the covenant relationship between God and His people, where the leaders are expected to guide the people in faithfulness to God.

the sheep that were your pride?
The "sheep" here continue the metaphor of the people of Judah. The phrase "that were your pride" suggests that the leaders once took pride in their people, possibly in their prosperity, strength, or religious devotion. However, this pride has turned to shame due to the impending judgment and the leaders' failure to protect and guide the flock. This reflects a common biblical theme where human pride leads to downfall, as seen in Proverbs 16:18, "Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall." The pride in the sheep also points to a misplaced confidence in human strength or achievements rather than reliance on God. This serves as a warning against idolatry and self-reliance, urging a return to humility and dependence on God.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jeremiah
A prophet called by God to deliver messages of warning and hope to the people of Judah. His ministry spanned the reigns of several kings and was marked by themes of repentance and impending judgment.

2. Judah
The southern kingdom of Israel, which was often warned by prophets like Jeremiah about the consequences of their disobedience to God.

3. The North
Refers to the direction from which invaders, particularly the Babylonians, would come to conquer Judah. This is a common motif in Jeremiah's prophecies, symbolizing impending judgment.

4. The Flock
Symbolizes the people of Judah, whom the leaders were supposed to shepherd and protect. The imagery of a flock is often used in the Bible to describe God's people.

5. The Sheep of Your Pride
This phrase highlights the leaders' failure to care for the people entrusted to them, emphasizing their pride and neglect.

Teaching Points

Responsibility of Leadership
Leaders are entrusted with the care of their people. This verse challenges leaders to reflect on their stewardship and accountability before God.

Consequences of Neglect
Ignoring the needs of those entrusted to us can lead to devastating consequences, as seen in the impending invasion from the north.

Spiritual Vigilance
The call to "lift up your eyes" is a reminder to be spiritually vigilant and aware of the signs of the times, recognizing when God is calling us to action.

Pride and Its Pitfalls
Pride can blind us to our responsibilities and lead to neglect. Humility and dependence on God are essential for faithful leadership.

God's Sovereignty in Judgment
The coming from the north signifies God's control over nations and His use of them to fulfill His purposes, including judgment and correction.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the imagery of a flock and shepherd in Jeremiah 13:20 challenge our understanding of leadership and responsibility in our own lives?

2. In what ways can pride lead to neglect in our personal and spiritual responsibilities, and how can we guard against it?

3. How does the concept of spiritual vigilance apply to our daily walk with God, and what practical steps can we take to "lift up our eyes"?

4. Reflect on a time when you experienced the consequences of neglecting a responsibility. How did that experience shape your understanding of accountability before God?

5. How can we apply the lessons from Jeremiah 13:20 to our roles within our families, churches, and communities, ensuring we are faithful stewards of what God has entrusted to us?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Ezekiel 34
This chapter also uses the imagery of shepherds and flocks to criticize the leaders of Israel for their failure to care for the people, similar to Jeremiah's message.

John 10
Jesus describes Himself as the Good Shepherd, contrasting His care for His flock with the neglectful shepherds of Israel's past.

Isaiah 56:9-12
Critiques the leaders of Israel for being blind and ignorant, failing to protect and guide the people, similar to the imagery in Jeremiah 13:20.