Jeremiah 13:21Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

You have instructed them to rule over you by teaching them to govern. In doing so, you have devoted yourself to false worship and invited them to assist you. How have you shown this, and in what manner? By consistently turning to them for support, demonstrating your own helplessness and lack of divine assistance. You have uncovered all that was concealed, particularly in how your actions served your transgressions, as you called upon them continually.

Lift your gaze and behold those approaching from the north; where is the flock entrusted to you, your splendid herd? What will you say when He comes to you? For you have instructed them against yourself, placing their teachings upon your own head. The inhabitants of Jerusalem are called to look up and witness the Chaldeans advancing from the north, and this query is posed to the city itself: Where is the flock bestowed upon you, your splendid herd? Where is your people, the great multitude granted by God, that seemed to gather together as one crowd across the entire land? What will you say when the Lord, with His rod, visits you, when He delivers the enemies of Babylon whom you have taught to approach you, having aligned yourself with them and followed their idols?

What do you respond when they come to you, meaning your adversaries? "And you, you have instructed them to act against you by placing the blame on yourself." When the Syrians waged war against them, they sought assistance from the Assyrians instead of relying on God's deliverance. "Sickness shall overtake you like a woman in labor." This illustrates the seriousness of the affliction.