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
This phrase challenges the people of Judah to consider their response to the consequences of their actions. In Hebrew, the word for "say" (אָמַר, 'amar) often implies not just speaking but also reflecting or considering deeply. The rhetorical question suggests that the people will be left speechless, unable to justify their previous decisions. Historically, this reflects the impending judgment and the realization of their misplaced trust.

when He sets over you
The "He" refers to God, emphasizing His sovereignty and control over the nations. The Hebrew root for "sets" (שׂוּם, sum) implies establishing or appointing, indicating that God is actively involved in the unfolding events. This highlights the theme of divine retribution, where God uses foreign nations as instruments of His judgment.

those you yourself have taught
This phrase underscores the irony and tragedy of the situation. The people of Judah had formed alliances with foreign nations, teaching them their ways and customs. The Hebrew root for "taught" (לָמַד, lamad) suggests a deliberate and ongoing process of instruction. This reflects the historical context where Judah sought security through alliances rather than relying on God.

to be your allies
The term "allies" (אַהֲבָה, ahavah) in Hebrew can also mean "lovers" or "friends," indicating a close and trusted relationship. This reflects the political alliances Judah made with surrounding nations, which were often likened to unfaithful relationships in prophetic literature. The alliances were based on mutual benefit but ultimately led to betrayal and subjugation.

Will not pain grip you
The imagery of pain gripping someone is vivid and powerful. The Hebrew word for "pain" (חִיל, chil) often refers to intense anguish or distress, akin to the throes of childbirth. This metaphor is used to convey the inevitability and intensity of the coming judgment. It suggests that the consequences of Judah's actions will be both unavoidable and overwhelming.

like a woman in labor?
This simile draws on the universal experience of childbirth to illustrate the severity of the impending suffering. In ancient Near Eastern culture, labor was a common metaphor for extreme distress and transformation. The comparison implies that just as labor leads to a new birth, the pain Judah will experience is part of a divine process leading to eventual renewal and restoration. The use of this metaphor also emphasizes the suddenness and inevitability of the coming judgment, as labor pains often come unexpectedly and with great force.

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.