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Book of Jeremiah - Chapter 38 - Verse 22

38:22
And, behold, all the women that are left in the king of Judah's house shall be brought forth to the king of Babylon's princes, and those women shall say, Thy friends have set thee on, and have prevailed against thee: thy feet are sunk in the mire, and they are turned away back.

Meaning

This verse from the book of Jeremiah in the Old Testament of the Bible describes a prophecy about the fate of the women left in the king of Judah's house. It foretells that these women will be taken to the king of Babylon's princes and will lament the downfall of their nation. They will blame their own friends for betraying them and causing their defeat. The imagery of sinking feet in the mire symbolizes the feeling of being stuck in a difficult and hopeless situation. The phrase "turned away back" suggests a sense of abandonment and betrayal. This verse serves as a warning about the consequences of betrayal and the importance of loyalty. It reminds readers of the harsh realities of war and the consequences of trusting the wrong people. Ultimately, it conveys a message about the fragility of human relationships and the need for careful discernment in choosing allies.

Theological Overview

This particular verse in the book of Jeremiah describes a scene where the remaining women in the king of Judah's house are brought before the princes of Babylon and lament the downfall of their king. The phrase "Thy friends have set thee on, and have prevailed against thee" suggests that the king was betrayed by those close to him, leading to his defeat. The mention of sinking feet in mire symbolizes the king's dire situation, as if he is stuck and unable to escape. The phrase "they are turned away back" indicates that all hope is lost and there is no way forward for the king. From a theological perspective, this verse serves as a cautionary reminder of the consequences of betrayal and the fleeting nature of power and alliances. It also highlights the themes of loyalty, trust, and the consequences of turning against God's will. The imagery used in this verse adds depth to the passage and invites readers to reflect on the consequences of their actions and the importance of remaining faithful in times of adversity.

American Standard Version

behold, all the women that are left in the king of Judah's house shall be brought forth to the king of Babylon's princes, and those women shall say, Thy familiar friends have set thee on, and have prevailed over thee: [now that] thy feet are sunk in the mire, they are turned away back.
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