Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the leopard his spots? Neither are you able to do good--you who are accustomed to doing evil. Can the Ethiopian change his skinThe term "Ethiopian" here refers to a Cushite, a person from the region south of Egypt, known for their dark skin. The Hebrew word used is "Kushi," which historically denotes people from the African region. This rhetorical question emphasizes the natural and unchangeable characteristics of individuals. In a spiritual sense, it highlights the inherent sinfulness of humanity, suggesting that just as an Ethiopian cannot change his skin, so too is it impossible for people to change their sinful nature without divine intervention. This serves as a reminder of the need for God's transformative power in our lives. or the leopard his spots? Neither are you able to do good you who are accustomed to doing evil Persons / Places / Events 1. JeremiahA major prophet in the Old Testament, known for his messages of warning and calls for repentance to the people of Judah. 2. Ethiopian Refers to a person from Cush, a region south of Egypt, known for its dark-skinned inhabitants. This serves as a metaphor for something unchangeable. 3. Leopard A wild animal known for its distinctive spots, used here as a metaphor for inherent characteristics that cannot be altered. 4. Judah The southern kingdom of Israel, to whom Jeremiah directed his prophecies, warning them of impending judgment due to their persistent sin. 5. Babylonian Exile The impending event that Jeremiah warns about, where the people of Judah would be taken captive due to their disobedience. Teaching Points Inherent SinfulnessThis verse illustrates the deep-rooted nature of sin in humanity, akin to unchangeable physical traits. Need for Divine Intervention Just as a leopard cannot change its spots, humans cannot change their sinful nature without God's help. Call to Repentance Recognizing our inability to change on our own should lead us to repentance and reliance on God's grace. Hope in Transformation While we cannot change ourselves, God offers transformation through the Holy Spirit, making us new creations. Dependence on God This passage encourages believers to depend on God for the strength and ability to live righteously. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Jeremiah 13:23 illustrate the concept of inherent sinfulness, and how does this understanding affect our view of human nature?2. In what ways does the metaphor of the Ethiopian and the leopard challenge our perception of self-improvement and change? 3. How can Ezekiel 36:26 and 2 Corinthians 5:17 provide hope and encouragement for those struggling with habitual sin? 4. What practical steps can we take to rely more on God's power for transformation rather than our own efforts? 5. How does understanding our inability to change on our own lead us to a deeper appreciation of the gospel and the work of Christ? Connections to Other Scriptures Romans 3:23This verse highlights the universal nature of sin, connecting to the idea that all are accustomed to doing evil. Ezekiel 36:26 Offers hope of transformation through God's intervention, contrasting the inability to change on one's own. 2 Corinthians 5:17 Speaks of becoming a new creation in Christ, emphasizing the transformative power of God. Psalm 51:10 David's plea for a pure heart, acknowledging the need for divine intervention to change one's nature. John 3:3 Jesus' teaching on being born again, underscoring the necessity of spiritual rebirth for true change. People JeremiahPlaces Euphrates River, Jerusalem, NegebTopics Able, Accustomed, Change, Changed, Cushite, Ethiopian, Evil, Leopard, Markings, Possible, Skin, Spots, TrainedDictionary of Bible Themes Jeremiah 13:23 5182 skin Library An Impossibility Made Possible'Can the Ethiopian change his skin?'--JER. xiii. 23. 'If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature.'--2 COR. v. 17. 'Behold, I make all things new.'--REV. xxi. 5. Put these three texts together. The first is a despairing question to which experience gives only too sad and decisive a negative answer. It is the answer of many people who tell us that character must be eternal, and of many a baffled man who says, 'It is of no use--I have tried and can do nothing.' The second text is the grand Christian … Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture The Notion of Inability. On Earthly Things The Cavils of the Pharisees Concerning Purification, and the Teaching of the Lord Concerning Purity - the Traditions Concerning Hand-Washing' and Vows. ' On the Animals Covenanting Confers Obligation. Meditations on the Hindrances which Keep Back a Sinner from the Practice of Piety. Jeremiah Links Jeremiah 13:23 NIVJeremiah 13:23 NLT Jeremiah 13:23 ESV Jeremiah 13:23 NASB Jeremiah 13:23 KJV Jeremiah 13:23 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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