Jeremiah 25:34

“Howl, ye shepherds, and cry, etc.] The Targum is, “howl, ye kings, and cry;” and the rulers and governors of the nations before threatened with destruction are meant; who are here called upon to lamentation and mourning for the ruin and loss of their kingdoms; though Calvin thinks that this is an apostrophe to the Jewish nation, and the rulers of it. It is no uncommon thing in Scripture to call kings and civil magistrates shepherds; (see <242301>Jeremiah 23:1,2 <381003>Zechariah 10:3 11:3); and wallow yourselves [in the ashes], ye principal of the flock; or “roll yourselves [in dust]”, as a token of mourning; as being in the utmost distress, and incapable of helping themselves, and…”

“shepherds--princes (Jer 22:22). Here he returns to the Jews and their rulers, using the same image as in Jer 25:30, "pasture" (see on Jer 25:30). wallow yourselves--Cover yourselves as thickly with ashes, in token of sorrow, as one who rolls in them (Jer 6:26; Eze 27:30) [MAURER]. principal--leaders. The Septuagint translates "rams," carrying out the image (compare Isa 14:9, Margin; Zac 10:3). days of your slaughter . . . of . . . dispersions--rather, "your days for slaughter (that is, the time of your being slain), and your dispersions (not 'of your dispersions'), are accomplished (are come)." pleasant vessel--Ye were once a precious vessel, but ye shall fall, and so be a broken vessel (see…”

“Principal of the flock - i. e., noble ones. Wallow yourselves in the ashes - Rather, roll yourselves on the ground. For ... - Read; “for your days for being slaughtered are accomplished, and I will scatter you” (or, (dash you in pieces). Fall like a pleasant vessel - The comparison suggests the idea of change from a thing of value into worthless fragments. Jeremiah 25:36 Hath spoiled - Or, spoileth. return to 'Top of Page'”

“Shepherds - Shepherds and the principal of the flock, in this place mean civil rulers. A pleasant vessel - Like a crystal glass, or some delicate vessel, which breaks in pieces and cannot again be set together. Jeremiah 25:38”

“25:34-35 The earth’s evil shepherds were vicious tyrants who ruled the nations. • Roll in the dust: A sign of distress.”

“Howl: Jer 25:23, Jer 25:36, Jer 4:8, Jer 4:9; Eze 34:16; Jam 5:1, Jam 5:2 ye shepherds: Ye kings and chiefs of the people wallow: Jer 6:26, Jer 48:26; Eze 27:30, Eze 27:31 ye principal: Eze 34:17, Eze 34:20 the days of your: Heb. your days for, Jer 25:12, Jer 27:7, Jer 51:20-26; Isa 10:12, Isa 33:1; Lam 4:21 ye shall: Jer 19:10-12, Jer 22:28; Psa 2:9; Isa 30:14 pleasant vessel: Heb. vessel of desire, Jer 3:19; Ch2 36:10; Isa 2:16; Dan 11:8; Amo 5:11 \*marg. Jeremiah 25:35”