Jeremiah 13:16

Give glory to the LORD your God before He brings darkness, before your feet stumble on the dusky mountains. You wait for light, but He turns it into deep gloom and thick darkness.

Study Bible

Give glory to the LORD your God
The phrase "Give glory" in Hebrew is "תנו כבוד" (tenu kavod), which implies an act of acknowledging God's supreme authority and majesty. In the ancient Near Eastern context, giving glory was often associated with recognizing the sovereignty and power of a deity. Here, Jeremiah calls the people to honor God, acknowledging His rightful place as their Lord. This is a call to repentance and worship, urging the Israelites to turn back to God with reverence and awe. The phrase underscores the importance of recognizing God's holiness and submitting to His will, a central theme in the prophetic literature.

before He brings darkness
The word "darkness" (חשך, choshek) in Hebrew often symbolizes judgment, calamity, or the absence of God's presence. In the biblical narrative, darkness is frequently associated with God's judgment, as seen in the plagues of Egypt (Exodus 10:21-23). Jeremiah warns the people that failing to honor God will result in divine judgment, depicted as darkness. This serves as a metaphor for the impending Babylonian exile, a period of spiritual and physical desolation for Judah. The urgency of the warning is clear: repentance must occur before the onset of judgment.

before your feet stumble on the darkening hills
The imagery of "feet stumble" suggests a loss of direction and stability, often used in Scripture to describe the consequences of sin and disobedience. The "darkening hills" evoke a sense of impending danger and uncertainty. Hills, in the ancient world, were often places of refuge or worship, but here they become treacherous. This phrase warns of the peril that awaits those who do not heed God's call to repentance. It is a vivid reminder of the spiritual and physical consequences of turning away from God.

You hope for light
The hope for "light" represents a desire for guidance, clarity, and divine favor. Light in the Bible is often associated with God's presence, truth, and salvation (Psalm 27:1, John 8:12). The people of Judah long for deliverance and restoration, yet their hope is misplaced if they continue in rebellion. This phrase highlights the futility of seeking light apart from God, emphasizing that true hope and illumination come only through a right relationship with Him.

but He turns it to the shadow of death
The "shadow of death" (צלמות, tsalmaveth) is a powerful metaphor for extreme danger, distress, or the threat of death. It is used in Psalm 23:4 to describe a place of deep peril. Here, it signifies the severe consequences of God's judgment. The transformation of hoped-for light into darkness underscores the seriousness of ignoring God's call. It serves as a stark warning that without repentance, the people's expectations of peace and security will be met with devastation.

and makes it deep gloom
"Deep gloom" (ערפל, araphel) conveys a sense of thick darkness and obscurity. This term is used in the Old Testament to describe the presence of God at Mount Sinai (Exodus 20:21), indicating a profound, overwhelming experience. In Jeremiah's context, it signifies the complete and utter desolation that will result from God's judgment. The phrase serves as a final, sobering reminder of the consequences of unrepentance, urging the people to turn back to God before it is too late.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jeremiah
A prophet called by God to deliver messages of warning and hope to the people of Judah. His ministry was marked by his deep emotional connection to his people and his unwavering commitment to God's truth.

2. Judah
The southern kingdom of Israel, which was facing impending judgment due to its persistent idolatry and disobedience to God.

3. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who is calling His people to repentance and warning them of the consequences of their continued rebellion.

4. Darkness and Light
Symbolic elements used throughout Scripture to represent judgment and blessing, respectively. Darkness often signifies God's judgment and the absence of His presence, while light represents His guidance and favor.

5. The Hills
Possibly referring to the high places where idolatrous worship occurred, symbolizing the spiritual stumbling and moral decline of the people.

Teaching Points

Call to Repentance
Jeremiah 13:16 is a call to acknowledge God's sovereignty and repent before judgment comes. It reminds us of the urgency of turning back to God in humility and obedience.

Consequences of Disobedience
The imagery of darkness and stumbling serves as a warning of the spiritual and moral consequences of turning away from God. It encourages believers to remain steadfast in their faith.

Hope in God's Light
While the passage warns of darkness, it also implies the hope of light for those who give glory to God. This teaches us to seek God's presence and guidance in our lives.

Spiritual Vigilance
The warning to avoid stumbling on darkening hills calls for spiritual vigilance and discernment, urging believers to stay alert and grounded in God's Word.

Glorifying God in All Circumstances
The command to give glory to God highlights the importance of worship and gratitude, regardless of our circumstances, as a means of aligning ourselves with His will.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does it mean to "give glory to the LORD your God" in the context of your daily life, and how can you practically apply this in your current situation?

2. How does the imagery of darkness and light in Jeremiah 13:16 relate to your understanding of spiritual growth and maturity?

3. Reflect on a time when you experienced a "darkening hill" in your life. How did your faith help you navigate that situation, and what lessons did you learn?

4. In what ways can you remain spiritually vigilant to avoid stumbling in your walk with God, and how can you encourage others to do the same?

5. How do the themes of repentance and hope in Jeremiah 13:16 connect with the message of the Gospel, and how can you share this message with those around you?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Isaiah 60:1-2
This passage contrasts the darkness covering the earth with the glory of the Lord rising upon His people, emphasizing the transformative power of God's presence.

John 12:35-36
Jesus speaks about walking in the light to avoid darkness, highlighting the importance of following Him to remain in the light of life.

1 John 1:5-7
This passage discusses walking in the light as God is in the light, reinforcing the call to live in truth and fellowship with God.