My people are lost sheep; their shepherds have led them astray, causing them to roam the mountains. They have wandered from mountain to hill; they have forgotten their resting place. My people are lost sheep;This phrase uses the metaphor of sheep to describe the people of Israel, a common biblical image representing vulnerability and the need for guidance. In the ancient Near East, sheep were dependent on shepherds for protection and direction, symbolizing the Israelites' dependence on God. The imagery of "lost sheep" suggests a state of spiritual and moral confusion, echoing themes found in Isaiah 53:6 and Matthew 9:36, where people are described as sheep without a shepherd. This reflects the Israelites' estrangement from God due to their disobedience and idolatry. their shepherds have led them astray,
The "shepherds" refer to the leaders of Israel, including kings, priests, and prophets, who were responsible for guiding the people in righteousness. Historically, many of these leaders failed in their duties, leading the nation into idolatry and away from God's commandments. This failure is a recurring theme in the prophetic literature, as seen in Ezekiel 34:2-10, where God condemns the shepherds of Israel for neglecting their flock. The leaders' failure to provide spiritual guidance resulted in the people's moral and spiritual decline. causing them to roam the mountains.
Mountains in biblical times were often associated with places of worship, both legitimate and idolatrous. The phrase suggests that the people, under poor leadership, sought spiritual fulfillment in the wrong places, possibly engaging in pagan worship on high places, as condemned in 1 Kings 14:23. This roaming indicates a search for meaning and security outside of God's provision, leading to further spiritual disorientation and vulnerability. They have wandered from mountain to hill;
This imagery of wandering from "mountain to hill" emphasizes the aimlessness and instability of the people as they seek guidance and purpose. It reflects a lack of spiritual direction and the futility of seeking fulfillment in anything other than God. The movement from mountain to hill suggests a downward trajectory, symbolizing a decline in spiritual status and a departure from the true worship of God, as seen in Jeremiah 2:20. they have forgotten their resting place.
The "resting place" symbolizes the peace and security found in a right relationship with God, reminiscent of the rest promised in the Promised Land (Deuteronomy 12:9-10). Forgetting this resting place indicates a loss of identity and purpose, as the people have turned away from God, who is their true source of rest and salvation. This forgetfulness is a spiritual amnesia, leading to a life of unrest and dissatisfaction, as highlighted in Psalm 95:11 and Hebrews 4:1-11, where the concept of rest is linked to faith and obedience to God. Persons / Places / Events 1. JeremiahA major prophet in the Old Testament, known for his prophecies concerning the judgment and restoration of Israel and Judah. 2. Lost SheepSymbolic of the people of Israel who have strayed from God's path and guidance. 3. ShepherdsRefers to the leaders and spiritual guides of Israel who failed in their duty to lead the people in righteousness. 4. Mountains and HillsSymbolic of the places where the Israelites wandered, representing their spiritual and physical dislocation. 5. Resting PlaceRepresents the peace and security found in God, which the Israelites have forgotten. Teaching Points The Responsibility of LeadershipSpiritual leaders have a profound responsibility to guide their flock in truth and righteousness. Failure to do so can lead to spiritual wandering and loss. The Danger of ForgetfulnessForgetting our "resting place" in God leads to spiritual dislocation. Regular communion with God through prayer and scripture is essential to remain grounded. The Need for a True ShepherdHuman leaders can fail, but Jesus, the Good Shepherd, never does. Believers should place their ultimate trust in Him for guidance and care. The Call to ReturnJust as the Israelites were called to return to their resting place, believers are invited to return to God whenever they stray, finding rest and restoration in Him. The Role of the CommunityThe community of believers can help guide and support each other, acting as under-shepherds to encourage faithfulness and accountability. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the imagery of "lost sheep" in Jeremiah 50:6 help us understand the spiritual condition of Israel at the time? 2. In what ways can spiritual leaders today ensure they are not leading their "flock" astray? 3. Reflect on a time when you felt like a "lost sheep." How did you find your way back to your "resting place" in God? 4. How does Jesus as the Good Shepherd provide a solution to the problem of lost sheep described in Jeremiah 50:6? 5. What practical steps can you take to ensure you do not forget your "resting place" in God amidst the busyness of life? Connections to Other Scriptures Psalm 23This psalm contrasts the good shepherd, who leads his sheep to green pastures and still waters, with the negligent shepherds in Jeremiah 50:6. Ezekiel 34This chapter also addresses the failure of Israel's shepherds and God's promise to be the true shepherd of His people. Matthew 9:36Jesus sees the crowds as sheep without a shepherd, echoing the imagery of lost sheep in Jeremiah. John 10:11-15Jesus declares Himself the Good Shepherd, who lays down His life for the sheep, providing a solution to the problem of lost sheep. 1 Peter 2:25Peter speaks of believers as sheep who have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of their souls, highlighting the restoration available through Christ. People Babylonians, Jeremiah, Nebuchadnezzar, NebuchadrezzarPlaces Assyria, Babylon, Bashan, Carmel, Chaldea, Gilead, Gomorrah, Jordan River, Merathaim, Pekod, Sodom, ZionTopics Along, Aside, Astray, Caused, Causing, Crouching-place, Err, Flock, Fold, Forgot, Forgotten, Hill, Keepers, Led, Loose, Lost, Memory, Mountain, Mountains, Perishing, Resting, Restingplace, Resting-place, Roam, Sheep, Shepherds, Turn, Turning, Wandered, WanderingDictionary of Bible Themes Jeremiah 50:6 4125 Satan, agents of
4684 sheep
5057 rest, physical
5398 loss
5933 restlessness
6200 imperfection, influence
7785 shepherd, occupation
8126 guidance, need for Jeremiah 50:1-10 4215 Babylon Library The Kinsman-Redeemer
'Their Redeemer is strong; the Lord of Hosts is His name: He shall thoroughly plead their cause.'--JER. l. 34. Among the remarkable provisions of the Mosaic law there were some very peculiar ones affecting the next-of-kin. The nearest living blood relation to a man had certain obligations and offices to discharge, under certain contingencies, in respect of which he received a special name; which is sometimes translated in the Old Testament 'Redeemer,' and sometimes 'Avenger' of blood. What the etymological …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureCovenanting Predicted in Prophecy.
The fact of Covenanting, under the Old Testament dispensations, being approved of God, gives a proof that it was proper then, which is accompanied by the voice of prophecy, affording evidence that even in periods then future it should no less be proper. The argument for the service that is afforded by prophecy is peculiar, and, though corresponding with evidence from other sources, is independent. Because that God willed to make known truth through his servants the prophets, we should receive it …
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting Moses' Prayer to be Blotted Out of God's Book.
"And Moses returned unto the Lord and said. Oh! this people have sinned a great sin, and have made them gods of gold. Yet now, if thou--wilt, forgive their sin; and if not, blot me, I pray they, out of thy book which than hast written." In the preceding discourse we endeavored to show that the idea of being willing to be damned for the glory of God is not found in the text--that the sentiment is erroneous and absurd--then adduced the constructions which have been put on the text by sundry expositors, …
Andrew Lee et al—Sermons on Various Important Subjects Covenanting Confers Obligation.
As it has been shown that all duty, and that alone, ought to be vowed to God in covenant, it is manifest that what is lawfully engaged to in swearing by the name of God is enjoined in the moral law, and, because of the authority of that law, ought to be performed as a duty. But it is now to be proved that what is promised to God by vow or oath, ought to be performed also because of the act of Covenanting. The performance of that exercise is commanded, and the same law which enjoins that the duties …
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting The Old Testament Canon from Its Beginning to Its Close.
The first important part of the Old Testament put together as a whole was the Pentateuch, or rather, the five books of Moses and Joshua. This was preceded by smaller documents, which one or more redactors embodied in it. The earliest things committed to writing were probably the ten words proceeding from Moses himself, afterwards enlarged into the ten commandments which exist at present in two recensions (Exod. xx., Deut. v.) It is true that we have the oldest form of the decalogue from the Jehovist …
Samuel Davidson—The Canon of the Bible "If So be that the Spirit of God Dwell in You. Now if any Man have not the Spirit of Christ, He is None of His. "
Rom. viii. 9.--"If so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his." "But will God in very deed dwell with men on the earth?" 2 Chron. vi. 18. It was the wonder of one of the wisest of men, and indeed, considering his infinite highness above the height of heavens, his immense and incomprehensible greatness, that the heaven of heavens cannot contain him, and then the baseness, emptiness, and worthlessness of man, it may be a wonder to the …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning Scriptures Showing the Sin and Danger of Joining with Wicked and Ungodly Men.
Scriptures Showing The Sin And Danger Of Joining With Wicked And Ungodly Men. When the Lord is punishing such a people against whom he hath a controversy, and a notable controversy, every one that is found shall be thrust through: and every one joined with them shall fall, Isa. xiii. 15. They partake in their judgment, not only because in a common calamity all shares, (as in Ezek. xxi. 3.) but chiefly because joined with and partakers with these whom God is pursuing; even as the strangers that join …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning Being Made Archbishop of Armagh, He Suffers Many Troubles. Peace Being Made, from Being Archbishop of Armagh He Becomes Bishop of Down.
[Sidenote: 1129] 19. (12). Meanwhile[365] it happened that Archbishop Cellach[366] fell sick: he it was who ordained Malachy deacon, presbyter and bishop: and knowing that he was dying he made a sort of testament[367] to the effect that Malachy ought to succeed him,[368] because none seemed worthier to be bishop of the first see. This he gave in charge to those who were present, this he commanded to the absent, this to the two kings of Munster[369] and to the magnates of the land he specially enjoined …
H. J. Lawlor—St. Bernard of Clairvaux's Life of St. Malachy of Armagh The Godly are in Some Sense Already Blessed
I proceed now to the second aphorism or conclusion, that the godly are in some sense already blessed. The saints are blessed not only when they are apprehended by God, but while they are travellers to glory. They are blessed before they are crowned. This seems a paradox to flesh and blood. What, reproached and maligned, yet blessed! A man that looks upon the children of God with a carnal eye and sees how they are afflicted, and like the ship in the gospel which was covered with waves' (Matthew 8:24), …
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12 Saved by Grace;
OR, A DISCOURSE OF THE GRACE OF GOD: SHOWING-- I. WHAT IT IS TO BE SAVED. II. WHAT IT IS TO BE SAVED BY GRACE. III. WHO THEY AEE THAT ABE SAVED BY GRACE. IV. HOW IT APPEARS THAT THEY ARE SAVED BY GRACE. V. WHAT SHOULD BE THE REASON THAT GOD SHOULD CHOOSE TO SAVE SINNERS BY GRACE RATHER THAN BY ANY OTHER MEANS. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. THIS admirable Treatise upon the most important of all subjects, that of the soul's salvation, was first published in a pocket volume, in the year 1675. This has …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 Covenanting Performed in Former Ages with Approbation from Above.
That the Lord gave special token of his approbation of the exercise of Covenanting, it belongs to this place to show. His approval of the duty was seen when he unfolded the promises of the Everlasting Covenant to his people, while they endeavoured to perform it; and his approval thereof is continually seen in his fulfilment to them of these promises. The special manifestations of his regard, made to them while attending to the service before him, belonged to one or other, or both, of those exhibitions …
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting Jeremiah
The interest of the book of Jeremiah is unique. On the one hand, it is our most reliable and elaborate source for the long period of history which it covers; on the other, it presents us with prophecy in its most intensely human phase, manifesting itself through a strangely attractive personality that was subject to like doubts and passions with ourselves. At his call, in 626 B.C., he was young and inexperienced, i. 6, so that he cannot have been born earlier than 650. The political and religious …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Jeremiah 50:6 NIVJeremiah 50:6 NLTJeremiah 50:6 ESVJeremiah 50:6 NASBJeremiah 50:6 KJV
Jeremiah 50:6 Commentaries
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