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Jeremiah 50:6

Old Testament Major Prophet ASV (1901)

What does Jeremiah 50:6 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “My people have been lost sheep: their shepherds have caused them to go astray; they have turned them away on the mountains; they have gone from mountain to hill; they have forgotten their resting-place.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

My people have been lost sheep: their shepherds have caused them to go astray; they have turned them away on the mountains; they have gone from mountain to hill; they have forgotten their resting-place.
Jeremiah 50:6 — American Standard Version

Context — Jeremiah 50

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
3For out of the north there cometh up a nation against her, which shall make her land desolate, and none shall dwell therein: they are fled, they are gone, both man and beast.
4In those days, and in that time, saith Jehovah, the children of Israel shall come, they and the children of Judah together; they shall go on their way weeping, and shall seek Jehovah their God.
5They shall inquire concerning Zion with their faces thitherward, [saying], Come ye, and join yourselves to Jehovah in an everlasting covenant that shall not be forgotten.
6My people have been lost sheep: their shepherds have caused them to go astray; they have turned them away on the mountains; they have gone from mountain to hill; they have forgotten their resting-place.
7All that found them have devoured them; and their adversaries said, We are not guilty, because they have sinned against Jehovah, the habitation of righteousness, even Jehovah, the hope of their fathers.
8Flee out of the midst of Babylon, and go forth out of the land of the Chaldeans, and be as the he-goats before the flocks.
9For, lo, I will stir up and cause to come up against Babylon a company of great nations from the north country; and they shall set themselves in array against her; from thence she shall be taken: their arrows shall be as of an expert mighty man; none shall return in vain.
← Jeremiah 50:5Jeremiah 50:7 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“My people hath been lost sheep, etc.] like lost sheep, without a shepherd, going astray the fold, wandering from place to place, having none to take care of them, guide and direct them, or to go in and out before them, and lead them into suitable pastures; so it was with the Jews in the Babylonish captivity, and so it is with them now, and yet the Lord’s people still in some sense; he has a design of grace concerning them, a store of mercy for them, and thoughts of peace towards them, which will take place in due time; and such is the case of all God’s elect in a state of nature, they are sheep, but lost sheep, and yet his people; their shepherds have caused them to go astray; from God and…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“(Isa 53:6). on the mountains--whereon they sacrificed to idols (Jer 2:20; Jer 3:6, Jer 3:23). resting-place--for the "sheep," continuing the image; Jehovah is the resting-place of His sheep (Mat 11:28). They rest in His "bosom" (Isa 40:11). Also His temple at Zion, their "rest," because it is His (Psa 132:8, Psa 132:14).”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Their shepherds ... mountains - Some translate it: Their shepherds, i. e., civil rulers (Jeremiah 2:8 note) “have led them astray upon the seducing moutains.” - the mountains being the usual places where idolatry was practiced. Their restingplace - Their fold Psalms 23:2. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Their shepherds - Their civil and ecclesiastical governors have been a cause of it. The former by their wicked commands and example; the latter by example as well as doctrine. Turned them - To offer sacrifices unto idols. From mountain - From one idolatry to another. Forgotten - They have forgotten me. Jeremiah 50:7”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“50:6 The shepherds of Israel and Judah, such as Jeroboam I and Manasseh (see 1 Kgs 12:25–13:34; 2 Kgs 21:1-18), had led the people away from the Lord. • The mountains were both literal and metaphorical—Baal worship tended to take place at high elevations.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“people: Jer 50:17; Psa 119:176; Isa 53:6; Mat 9:36, Mat 10:6, Mat 15:24, Mat 18:11-13; Luk 15:4-7; Pe1 2:25 their shepherds: Jer 10:21, Jer 23:11-15; Isa 56:10-12; Eze 34:4-12; Zac 11:4-9 on the: Jer 2:20, Jer 3:6, Jer 3:23; Eze 34:6 have forgotten: Jer 2:32; Psa 32:7, Psa 90:1, Psa 91:1, Psa 116:7; Isa 30:15, Isa 32:2, resting place, Heb. place to lie down in, Psa 23:2; Sol 1:7, Sol 1:8; Eze 34:14, Eze 34:25-28 Jeremiah 50:7”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification