Jeremiah 13:21

What will you say when He sets over you close allies whom you yourself trained? Will not pangs of anguish grip you, as they do a woman in labor?

Study Bible

What will you say when He sets over you close allies whom you yourself trained?
This phrase addresses the impending judgment on Judah, where God warns that the very nations they sought alliances with will become their oppressors. Historically, Judah often sought political alliances with surrounding nations like Egypt and Babylon, contrary to God's command to rely solely on Him (Isaiah 30:1-2). The irony is that these allies, whom Judah trusted and even influenced, would turn against them. This reflects a broader biblical theme of misplaced trust, as seen in Psalm 146:3, which warns against putting trust in princes or mortal men. The phrase also highlights the sovereignty of God in using even foreign nations to accomplish His purposes, a theme prevalent throughout the prophetic books.

Will not pangs of anguish grip you,
The imagery of "pangs of anguish" is a common biblical metaphor for sudden and intense suffering, often used to describe the distress of a nation under divine judgment (Isaiah 13:8, Micah 4:9). This metaphor evokes the idea of unavoidable and overwhelming pain, emphasizing the severity of the coming judgment. In the context of Jeremiah, it underscores the inevitability of the consequences of Judah's disobedience and idolatry. The use of such vivid imagery serves to awaken the people to the seriousness of their situation and the urgency of repentance.

as they do a woman in labor?
The comparison to a woman in labor is a powerful image of unavoidable and intense suffering that leads to a new reality. In biblical literature, labor pains often symbolize the birth of a new era or the coming of God's judgment (Matthew 24:8). This metaphor not only conveys the intensity of the suffering but also suggests a transformative process. For Judah, this transformation would involve the painful experience of exile and the eventual restoration. The labor imagery also points to the hope of redemption and renewal, as seen in Romans 8:22-23, where creation's groaning in labor pains anticipates the ultimate redemption through Christ.

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 judgment.

2. Judah
The southern kingdom of Israel, which was often warned by prophets like Jeremiah about impending judgment due to their disobedience and idolatry.

3. Allies
Refers to the foreign nations or leaders that Judah sought alliances with, instead of relying on God. These alliances often led to further spiritual and political compromise.

4. Pain like a woman in labor
A metaphor used to describe the intense suffering and inevitable consequences that Judah would face due to their unfaithfulness.

5. God
The sovereign Lord who is orchestrating events and allowing Judah to face the consequences of their choices, emphasizing His justice and righteousness.

Teaching Points

Reliance on God Alone
Judah's alliances with foreign nations illustrate the danger of relying on human strength and wisdom instead of God. Believers today are called to trust in God's provision and guidance rather than worldly solutions.

Consequences of Disobedience
Just as Judah faced severe consequences for their unfaithfulness, Christians are reminded that disobedience to God leads to spiritual and sometimes physical repercussions.

The Pain of Correction
The metaphor of labor pains signifies that God's correction, though painful, is purposeful and leads to eventual restoration. Believers should embrace God's discipline as a sign of His love and desire for their growth.

The Sovereignty of God
God's control over the events in Judah's history reassures believers of His sovereignty in their lives. Trusting in His plan, even when it involves hardship, is crucial for spiritual maturity.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the metaphor of labor pains in Jeremiah 13:21 help us understand the nature of God's judgment and correction?

2. In what ways do we, like Judah, sometimes seek alliances or solutions outside of God's will? How can we redirect our trust back to Him?

3. Reflect on a time when you experienced the consequences of disobedience. How did that situation help you grow in your faith?

4. How can the sovereignty of God, as seen in Jeremiah's message, provide comfort and assurance in times of uncertainty or difficulty?

5. Compare the warnings in Jeremiah 13:21 with those in Isaiah 30:1-3. What lessons can we learn about the dangers of relying on worldly alliances?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Isaiah 30:1-3
This passage warns against forming alliances with Egypt, highlighting the futility of seeking help from other nations instead of God.

Hosea 5:13-14
Hosea speaks of Israel's reliance on Assyria for healing, which parallels Judah's misplaced trust in foreign powers.

Matthew 24:8
Jesus uses the metaphor of labor pains to describe the beginning of end-time events, drawing a parallel to the inevitable and increasing nature of judgment.