Jeremiah 13:1-27

13:1-2 | A linen sash was a fine cloth belt worn for decoration and sometimes used to temporarily secure the pulled-up hem of a man’s robe when he was running or needed freedom for his legs. The fact that it was made of linen meant it was valuable, not an everyday item of clothing. The garments of the priest were made from linen (Lev. 16:4), so this material also represented Israel’s consecration to the Lord.

13:3-7 | Jeremiah buried the linen sash on the shore of the Euphrates, and a while later, God had him dig up the sash, ruined. It was profitable for nothing – except to demonstrate Jeremiah’s unquestioning obedience. Sometimes God does not reveal His plan until His servants have done what He commanded.

13:8-11 | Jeremiah’s linen belt vividly depicted the condition of God’s people – they had become profitable for nothing. Although the Lord once wore them with honor, they were no longer fit for such a task (Ps. 81:11).

13:12-14 | It appears that God used a popular saying to remind His people of His faithfulness and His covenant. The filled bottles represented the land, and the wine represented the suffering and humiliation that would follow (Ps. 75:8).

13:14 | What a stunning picture of the awesome and fearful nature of God’s wrath, that those going through it would not experience any pity, sparing, or mercy on their way to destruction!

13:15-27 | This extended passage describes the details of the tragedy that would befall Jerusalem. No one would be spared, from the king to the smallest member of the flock. Because of the persistent sins of many, all would suffer. When God passes judgment on an evil people, some who are innocent may well suffer and die with the rest.

13:22-23 | Deep-seated sin is about as easy to change as the color of one’s skin or a leopard’s spots. Only the One who makes us can make anyone whole again. Redemption requires surrender to God.

13:27 | Nothing was hidden from God’s sight (Heb. 4:13). Despite a depraved condition that would sicken some people into repentance, the people would still not be made clean.