Jeremiah 21:13Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Look, I tell you, O you who reside in the valley of Stone, the Lord speaks to you and inquires, Who will strike us, or who will enter our homes, etc. The term used in the Greek version for Sor is not clearly expressed, as it is translated from its Hebrew equivalent, Sur, which signifies rock.

Jerusalem is built upon the foundation of this valley, and the stone of the valley takes its name from its location, given that the region surrounding Jerusalem is encircled by mountains, with a valley also present. This prophecy includes warnings directed at Tyre; both Ezekiel and Isaiah frequently reference Tyre since it was a city of great prominence, and despite the opportunity to gain wisdom from the neighboring Jews, it did not take advantage of it. Thus, the prophet initially addresses these nations because of Jerusalem’s proximity to them. Soon you will hear references to Babylon and others, illustrating his overarching concern.

Look, I am opposed to you, O dweller in the vast and level valley, declares the Lord, against those who ask, Who will strike us, and who will enter our homes? The phrases: and I will come upon you from above, and those who follow that thought: based on the outcomes of your deeds, declares the Lord, are absent in the Septuagint. Furthermore, I will ignite, says the Lord, a fire in your forest, and it will consume everything nearby. Instead of the dweller of the strong and level valley, the Seventy translates it as, Behold I am against you, who reside in the valley of Sor, instead of which Simmachus translated, rock, Theodotion, besieged, the first edition of Aquila, strong, and the second edition, Tup.

Consider this: I am speaking to you, who reside in the valley of Sor ‘polne udolia, declares the Lord, referring to the lowland nestled between the mountains. This is how the Syrian translator rendered it. It pertains to Jerusalem, given its geographical placement. The term 'Shore' can be understood as both a hollow and a rock formation. Jerusalem is situated amidst the mountains. The phrase, "And you say, Who will strike us, or who will come into our homes?" reveals their arrogance and pride.