Year 9, Day 66: Jeremiah 13

Theological Commentary: Click Here

Today’s chapter begins with the story of the loin cloth.  At first glance, this seems like a completely strange analogy to make.  When we think of a loin cloth, we typically think of underwear.  Who would compare a beloved person to your underwear?

However, think about what a loincloth is.  The loincloth was a personal piece of fabric worn to protect sensitive areas, keep them safe, and keep them clean.  It is a piece of fabric you want to remain clean.  Should it become dirty or ragged, there are all kinds of consequences.  The same is true about the Hebrew people.  God meant for the Hebrew people to be a display of His love to the world.  They were supposed to be the example.  However, by the time Jeremiah is on the scene they are dirty and ragged.  They are causing God to chafe.  They are causing friction.  Instead of being an exemplar, they are detracting from what God is going to do.

What does one do with a loincloth that is ragged and dirty?  What do you do with a loincloth that is beyond needing a simple cleaning?  You do the only thing you can do.  You toss it away and start over with a new one.  That’s God’s point here.  The Hebrew people have become so despoiled that it is time to start over.  The Babylonians come so that He can do just that.  The Babylonians will take away the Hebrew people so that God can pull a faithful remnant out of what remains.

However, we shouldn’t get the wrong idea.  It isn’t as though God is simply going to remove the hedge of protection He put upon them and let the world have its way.  God is going to actively pursue their destruction.  He will measure out their destruction.  He will lift their skirts over their faces.  He doesn’t allow other people to do it, He will do it Himself.  God will strike down the Hebrew people.  The Babylonians will be His sword.

This is a dark chapter, but it is an important one.  God is indeed a loving God.  He can have great mercy upon us.  He can bless us with unthinkable goodness.  However, when we take advantage of Him, when we quit listening to Him, and when we start to chase after other gods He will take measures against us.  Yes, He will warn us and caution us.  He will try to pull us back.  But if we continue to ignore Him and force His hand, He will take vengeance upon us.

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