Jeremiah 6:3
Shepherds with their flocks shall come against her; they shall pitch their tents around her; they shall pasture, each in his place.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The vivid imagery of "shepherds with their flocks" invading isn't just about armies; it reveals a devastating picture of how these invaders will not just conquer, but completely consume, settling in and plundering with ease until every bit of the land is depleted. The phrase "each in his place" implies they'll find ample spoils right where they are, without even needing to fight each other over it.
The prophet Jeremiah is warning Jerusalem of an impending invasion from the north. He uses the imagery of shepherds and their flocks, but here it's the enemy's armies, led by their commanders, who will surround the city. These invaders will encamp around Jerusalem and devour its resources, leaving nothing untouched as they systematically plunder the land.
Who are these 'shepherds' and their 'flocks' that are coming to attack Jerusalem?
Jeremiah uses powerful imagery here, comparing the invading armies to shepherds and their soldiers to flocks. This isn't a gentle comparison; it paints a picture of overwhelming force.
Invaders as Shepherds
This imagery highlights the organized, relentless nature of the invasion. They aren't a chaotic mob, but an army with leaders and followers, poised to descend.
What does it mean for the invaders to 'pitch their tents' and 'pasture' around the city?
The actions of pitching tents and pasturing reveal the thoroughness and permanence of the siege and plunder.
The Siege Detailed
Understand the original words
ro'eh · Hebrew Noun
A figure used in the Bible to describe leaders, kings, or enemies who govern or consume the people; in contexts of judgment, it often refers to invading armies.
The imagery of shepherds and flocks attacking Jerusalem vividly portrays the Babylonian army's methodical and overwhelming siege, treating the land and city as a pasture to be consumed.
c. 627 BC
Jeremiah's Call to Prophesy
Jeremiah receives his call to be a prophet to Judah during the reign of King Josiah, a time of religious reform but persistent underlying unfaithfulness.
609 BC
Death of King Josiah
King Josiah is killed in battle at Megiddo fighting against the Egyptians, a significant blow to Judah's stability and a turning point in the region.
605 BC
First Babylonian Deportation
Nebuchadnezzar, prince of Babylon, defeats the Egyptians and begins deporting prominent Judeans, including Daniel, to Babylon. This marks the beginning of Judah's subjugation.
c. 597 BC
Second Babylonian Deportation
After a brief rebellion, Nebuchadnezzar deports King Jehoiachin and thousands more Judeans to Babylon, including the prophet Ezekiel. Jerusalem's temple is spared for now.
586 BC
This passage uses the same shepherd imagery but contrasts it with God's true shepherding, highlighting how the invaders in Jeremiah are false shepherds who will devour the flock, not care for it.
Jeremiah 4:17This verse describes enemies coming from the north to attack Judah, mirroring the invasion described in Jeremiah 6:3 and reinforcing the theme of external forces overwhelming the land.
Ezekiel 29:18This passage speaks of Nebuchadnezzar's army laboring against Tyre, consuming it like shepherds feeding their flocks, which provides a historical parallel to the plundering imagery used in Jeremiah 6:3.
Psalm 78:70-72This Psalm celebrates David as a shepherd who led his people with skillful integrity, offering a stark contrast to the predatory 'shepherds' depicted in Jeremiah who are driven by plunder rather than care.
ellicottJeremiah 6:3: "The shepherds with their flocks shall come unto her; they shall pitch their tents against her round about; they shall feed every one in his place."
(3) Shall come unto her. —Better, Unto it ( sc ., the pasture) shall come shepherds with their flocks — i.e., the leaders and the armies of the invaders. The other verbs are in the past tense, the future being seen, as it were realised, They have pitched, they have pastured. Every one in his place.—Literally, each on his hand, or perh…
clarkeJeremiah 6:3: "The shepherds with their flocks shall come unto her; they shall pitch their tents against her round about; they shall feed every one in his place."
The shepherds with their flocks - The chiefs and their battalions. The invading army is about to spoil and waste all the fertile fields round about the city, while engaged in the siege.
The vivid imagery of "shepherds with their flocks" invading isn't just about armies; it reveals a devastating picture of how these invaders will not just conquer, but completely consume, settling in and plundering with ease until every bit of the land is depleted. The phrase "each in his place" implies they'll find ample spoils right where they are, without even needing to fight each other over it.
The prophet Jeremiah is warning Jerusalem of an impending invasion from the north. He uses the imagery of shepherds and their flocks, but here it's the enemy's armies, led by their commanders, who will surround the city. These invaders will encamp around Jerusalem and devour its resources, leaving nothing untouched as they systematically plunder the land.
The prophet Jeremiah is warning Jerusalem of an impending invasion from the north. He uses the imagery of shepherds and their flocks, but here it's the enemy's armies, led by their commanders, who will surround the city. These invaders will encamp around Jerusalem and devour its resources, leaving nothing untouched as they systematically plunder the land.
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Fall of Jerusalem and Temple Destruction
Nebuchadnezzar's armies conquer Jerusalem, destroy the city and the Temple, and carry most of the remaining population into exile. This is the devastating climax of the prophecies against Judah.
"Shepherds with their flocks shall come against her; they shall pitch their tents around her; they shall pasture, each in his place." — The vivid imagery of "shepherds with their flocks" invading isn't just about armies; it reveals a devastating picture of how these invaders will not just conquer, but completely consume, settling in…
