Jeremiah 6:3

Shepherds and their flocks will come against her; they will pitch their tents all around her, each tending his own portion:

Study Bible

Shepherds and their flocks will come against her;
This phrase metaphorically describes invading armies as shepherds with their flocks, a common biblical image for leaders and their people. In the context of Jeremiah, "her" refers to Jerusalem, which is under threat of invasion. The imagery of shepherds suggests organized leadership and the inevitability of the coming judgment. Historically, this reflects the Babylonian siege of Jerusalem, where the city was surrounded by enemy forces. The shepherds symbolize the leaders of these invading nations, and their flocks represent the soldiers. This imagery is consistent with other prophetic warnings in the Old Testament, such as in Isaiah 5:26-30, where foreign nations are summoned as instruments of divine judgment.

they will pitch their tents all around her,
The act of pitching tents signifies a prolonged siege, indicating that the invaders are preparing for an extended campaign against Jerusalem. This was a common military tactic in ancient warfare, where armies would encamp around a city to cut off supplies and weaken the inhabitants. The encirclement of Jerusalem is a fulfillment of the warnings given by prophets like Jeremiah, who repeatedly called the people to repentance to avoid such calamities. The encampment also symbolizes the totality of the threat, as the city is surrounded on all sides, leaving no escape. This is reminiscent of the siege described in 2 Kings 25:1-2, where the Babylonians besieged Jerusalem during the reign of Zedekiah.

each tending his own portion:
This phrase suggests that the invading forces are organized and methodical, with each group responsible for a specific section of the siege. It reflects the division of labor and the strategic planning involved in military operations. The phrase can also imply the thoroughness of the judgment against Jerusalem, as every part of the city is targeted. In a broader theological sense, it underscores the idea that God's judgment is comprehensive and precise, leaving no part of the city untouched. This meticulous division of the siege parallels the detailed prophecies found in books like Ezekiel, where the consequences of disobedience are laid out with precision.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Shepherds
In this context, the shepherds symbolize leaders or rulers who are coming against Jerusalem. They are not literal shepherds but represent those who lead armies or groups.

2. Flocks
The flocks represent the armies or groups of people that the leaders (shepherds) are bringing with them. This imagery suggests an organized and strategic approach to the siege.

3. Jerusalem
The city under threat in this passage. Jerusalem is often depicted as the heart of the Jewish nation and the center of worship, making its siege a significant event.

4. Siege
The event described is a military siege, where the city is surrounded by enemies. This is a common tactic in ancient warfare, intended to cut off supplies and force surrender.

5. Tents
The tents symbolize the temporary encampments of the invading forces, indicating a prolonged presence and a methodical approach to the siege.

Teaching Points

The Consequences of Disobedience
The siege of Jerusalem is a direct result of the people's disobedience to God. This serves as a reminder that turning away from God's commands can lead to dire consequences.

Leadership and Responsibility
The imagery of shepherds leading flocks against Jerusalem underscores the responsibility of leaders. Leaders are accountable for the direction they lead their people, whether towards God or away from Him.

God's Sovereignty in Judgment
Even in judgment, God is sovereign. The organized nature of the siege reflects God's control over the events, using them to fulfill His purposes.

The Importance of Spiritual Vigilance
Just as Jerusalem was surrounded by enemies, believers must remain vigilant against spiritual attacks. This involves staying rooted in Scripture and prayer.

Hope in Restoration
While this passage speaks of judgment, the broader account of Scripture assures us of God's desire for restoration and redemption for those who turn back to Him.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the imagery of shepherds and flocks in Jeremiah 6:3 help us understand the nature of the threat against Jerusalem?

2. In what ways can we see the consequences of disobedience to God in our own lives or communities today?

3. How does the role of leaders in this passage challenge us to consider the influence of leadership in our own contexts, whether in the church, family, or workplace?

4. What steps can we take to remain spiritually vigilant against the "sieges" we face in our personal lives?

5. How can we find hope in God's promises of restoration, even when we face judgment or discipline for our actions? Consider connections to other scriptures that speak of God's mercy and redemption.

Connections to Other Scriptures

Isaiah 1:8
This verse also uses the imagery of a besieged city, highlighting the vulnerability and isolation of Jerusalem due to its disobedience.

Ezekiel 34:2-10
This passage criticizes the shepherds of Israel (leaders) for their failure to care for the flock, drawing a parallel to the leaders who are now leading the siege against Jerusalem.

Matthew 9:36
Jesus is moved with compassion for the people because they are like sheep without a shepherd, contrasting the destructive shepherds in Jeremiah with the Good Shepherd.