Jeremiah 6:4

"Shepherds with their flocks will come to her. They will pitch their tents against her all around. They will feed everyone in his place.”"

Key Reflection

In first-century Judah, this verse speaks to a time of impending invasion and conflict. The shepherds mentioned symbolize foreign armies—likely those of Babylon—who will encircle Jerusalem like nomadic tribes surrounding their flocks for feeding and protection. This imagery conveys the idea that these external forces will settle into strategic positions around the city, each taking up his position to ensure their people are well-provided for while awaiting the appropriate moment to act.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Prepare ye war -Rather, Sanctify ye war against her. War in ancient times was never undertaken without religions solemnities (seeDeuteronomy 20:2note). For some of these compareEzekiel 21:21-23. At noon -The mid-day heat is so great in the East as to be usually passed under shelter2 Samuel 4:5;Song of Solomon 1:7. The morning-march of an army was made fasting, and was usually over by eight or nine.

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