King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 6:3 Mean?

“The shepherds with their flocks shall come unto her; they shall pitch their tents against her round about; they shall feed every one in his place.”

Context

O ye children of Benjamin, gather yourselves to flee out of the midst of Jerusalem, and blow the trumpet in Tekoa, and set up a sign of fire in Bethhaccerem: for evil appeareth out of the north, and great destruction.

I have likened the daughter of Zion to a comely and delicate woman. comely: or, dwelling at home

The shepherds with their flocks shall come unto her; they shall pitch their tents against her round about; they shall feed every one in his place.

Prepare ye war against her; arise, and let us go up at noon. Woe unto us! for the day goeth away, for the shadows of the evening are stretched out.

Arise, and let us go by night, and let us destroy her palaces.

Read full chapter →

Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(3) **Shall come unto her.**—Better, *Unto it *(*sc*., the pasture) *shall come shepherds with their flocks*—*i.e., *the leaders and the armies of the invaders. The other verbs are in the past tense, the future being seen, as it were realised, *They have pitched, they have pastured.* **Every one in his place.**—Literally, *each on his hand, *or perhaps, “they shall feed, *each his hand,” i.e., *shall let it rove in plunder at will by the side of his own tent. The work of plunder was to go on everywhere. The imagery is drawn from the attack of a nomadic tribe on a richly-cultivated plain.

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Jeremiah. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Jeremiah 6:3 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.