Jeremiah 30:6

Ask now, and see: Can a male give birth? Why then do I see every man with his hands on his stomach like a woman in labor and every face turned pale?

Study Bible

Ask now, and see
This phrase is a divine invitation to inquiry and reflection. In the Hebrew, "ask" (שָׁאַל, sha'al) implies a seeking of understanding or wisdom. God is urging the people to consider the absurdity of the situation He is about to describe. This is a call to discernment, encouraging the audience to look beyond the immediate and seek deeper spiritual truths.

Can a male give birth?
This rhetorical question uses the impossibility of a man giving birth to highlight the unnaturalness of the situation. In the Hebrew context, this would have been a shocking image, as childbirth was exclusively a female experience. The question underscores the severity of the distress that has come upon the people, likening it to the intense pain and vulnerability of labor.

Why then do I see every man with his hands on his stomach like a woman in labor
The imagery here is vivid and powerful. The Hebrew word for "stomach" (חָלָצַיִם, chalatsayim) can also mean "loins," a place of strength and vitality. The men, typically seen as strong and resilient, are depicted in a state of weakness and agony, akin to the pains of childbirth. This reversal of roles serves to emphasize the depth of the crisis facing the people.

and every face turned pale?
The paleness of the face is a sign of fear and distress. In ancient Near Eastern culture, a pale face was often associated with terror or impending doom. The Hebrew word for "pale" (צָהַב, tsahab) suggests a loss of color, indicative of the life-draining fear that grips the people. This imagery conveys the overwhelming nature of the judgment and the profound impact it has on the community.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jeremiah
The prophet who conveyed God's messages to the people of Judah, warning them of impending judgment and offering hope for future restoration.

2. Judah
The southern kingdom of Israel, facing imminent invasion and exile due to their disobedience to God.

3. Babylonian Exile
The event during which the people of Judah were taken captive by Babylon, serving as a backdrop for Jeremiah's prophecies.

Teaching Points

Understanding God's Judgment
The imagery of men in labor highlights the intensity and inevitability of God's judgment. It serves as a reminder of the seriousness of sin and the need for repentance.

The Universality of Fear
The description of every face turning pale illustrates that no one is exempt from the fear and consequences of divine judgment. It calls us to examine our own lives and ensure we are right with God.

Hope Amidst Despair
While the immediate context is one of judgment, the broader chapter promises restoration and hope. This duality encourages believers to trust in God's ultimate plan for redemption.

The Urgency of Repentance
Just as labor pains signal the imminent arrival of a child, the signs of judgment urge us to repent and turn to God without delay.

The Role of Prophets
Jeremiah's role as a prophet underscores the importance of heeding God's messengers and the warnings they bring. It challenges us to listen to and apply biblical teachings in our lives.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the imagery of a man in labor help us understand the severity of God's judgment in Jeremiah 30:6?

2. In what ways can the fear and anguish described in this verse be seen in today's world, and how should Christians respond?

3. How does the promise of restoration in the broader context of Jeremiah 30 provide hope for believers facing difficult circumstances?

4. What parallels can you draw between the labor pains described in Jeremiah 30:6 and the signs of the end times mentioned in the New Testament?

5. How can we apply the urgency of repentance, as illustrated in this passage, to our daily walk with God?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Isaiah 13:8
This verse also uses the imagery of labor pains to describe the fear and anguish that will come upon people during God's judgment.

Matthew 24:8
Jesus uses the metaphor of birth pains to describe the beginning of end-time events, indicating a period of distress leading to eventual deliverance.

1 Thessalonians 5:3
Paul speaks of sudden destruction coming upon people as labor pains upon a pregnant woman, emphasizing the unexpected nature of God's judgment.