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)
This verse paints a picture of invasion not just as a military action, but as an ecological takeover, where enemy soldiers are like shepherds whose flocks (their troops) will consume everything in their allotted place, leaving no room for the land's original inhabitants. It’s a chilling image of total occupation and plunder, where each invader is given free rein to devour all that is within their designated territory.
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)
The prophet Jeremiah has just warned Judah to flee Jerusalem, as an invading army is coming from the north to destroy it. This verse vividly paints a picture of that army's arrival, likening the enemy leaders and their soldiers to shepherds bringing their flocks. They will surround the city and feed on the surrounding lands, essentially plundering everything within their assigned areas during the siege.
The imagery of 'shepherds' usually brings to mind peaceful scenes of care and protection. But here, it's used to describe invaders. What does this jarring comparison reveal about God's judgment?
Jeremiah uses a powerful, contrasting metaphor in verse 3. The 'shepherds' are not gentle caretakers, but the kings and armies of enemy nations, like Babylon.
A Shepherd's Duty vs. Invader's Goal
A true shepherd cares for his flock, protecting them and leading them to good pastures. But these 'shepherds' are coming to Jerusalem not to protect, but to plunder and destroy.
God's Authority Over All
Even though these invaders act with brutal intent, God is the ultimate authority. He uses them as instruments of His judgment, likening them to shepherds leading their 'flocks' (armies) to a place they will consume. It's a stark reminder that no power on earth operates outside of God's sovereign plan.
The language used to describe the enemy's actions is so vivid it feels like it's already happening. What does this tense language tell us about the impending doom?
The verse paints a picture of an overwhelming and inescapable siege. The invaders will 'pitch their tents around' Jerusalem, creating a complete encirclement.
A Complete Encirclement
This wasn't a minor skirmish; it was a total blockade. The enemy's tents surrounding the city signify that no one can get in or out, and that the siege will be thorough.
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Plunder as a Feast
The phrase 'they shall feed, each in his place' is particularly chilling. It suggests the land and the city's resources are so abundant, and the enemy's intent so determined, that each soldier or commander can feast on whatever is closest to them. The plunder will be widespread and complete, leaving nothing untouched.
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 surrounding a city vividly portrays the relentless and all-encompassing nature of the Babylonian siege. This wasn't just a military assault, but a complete takeover where the invaders established their dominance, consuming everything in their path, much like an army settling in to plunder.
c. 605 BC
First Deportation to Babylon
Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon conquers Judah and begins deporting its citizens, including members of the royal family and educated elite, to Babylon.
c. 597 BC
Second Deportation to Babylon
Following a rebellion, Nebuchadnezzar deports more citizens and treasures from Jerusalem to Babylon, further weakening the kingdom.
c. 587/586 BC— this verse
Siege and Fall of Jerusalem
Nebuchadnezzar's forces lay siege to Jerusalem. The city eventually falls, its temple is destroyed, and the majority of the remaining population is exiled to Babylon.
c. 539 BC
Persian Conquest of Babylon
Cyrus the Great of Persia conquers Babylon, ending the Neo-Babylonian Empire. This event would eventually lead to the decree allowing Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem.
c. 538 BC
Return from Exile Begins
Cyrus issues a decree permitting the Jewish exiles in Babylon to return to their homeland and rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem.
This passage contrasts the true shepherds of Israel with false ones, echoing Jeremiah's theme of hostile leaders ('shepherds') who prey on God's people.
Zechariah 11:16-17Similar to Jeremiah, this passage describes a wicked shepherd who abandons his flock and whose arm withers, illustrating the judgment that falls on those who fail to lead or who exploit.
Isaiah 5:8-9This prophetic woe against those who seize land and exploit others paints a picture of greedy expansion that mirrors the plundering described in Jeremiah, where invaders consume everything.
Psalm 78:70-72This Psalm celebrates David, who, as a shepherd, led Israel with 'skillful hands,' providing a stark contrast to the destructive 'shepherds' of Jeremiah who plunder rather than protect.
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.
This verse paints a picture of invasion not just as a military action, but as an ecological takeover, where enemy soldiers are like shepherds whose flocks (their troops) will consume everything in their allotted place, leaving no room for the land's original inhabitants. It’s a chilling image of total occupation and plunder, where each invader is given free rein to devour all that is within their designated territory.
The prophet Jeremiah has just warned Judah to flee Jerusalem, as an invading army is coming from the north to destroy it. This verse vividly paints a picture of that army's arrival, likening the enemy leaders and their soldiers to shepherds bringing their flocks. They will surround the city and feed on the surrounding lands, essentially plundering everything within their assigned areas during the siege.
The prophet Jeremiah has just warned Judah to flee Jerusalem, as an invading army is coming from the north to destroy it. This verse vividly paints a picture of that army's arrival, likening the enemy leaders and their soldiers to shepherds bringing their flocks. They will surround the city and feed on the surrounding lands, essentially plundering everything within their assigned areas during the siege.
"Shepherds with their flocks shall come against her; they shall pitch their tents around her; they shall pasture, each in his place." — This verse paints a picture of invasion not just as a military action, but as an ecological takeover, where enemy soldiers are like shepherds whose flocks (their troops) will consume everything in th…
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Last reviewed October 2026