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Jeremiah 13:23
Verse
Context
Captivity Threatened
22And if you ask yourself, “Why has this happened to me?” It is because of the magnitude of your iniquity that your skirts have been stripped off and your body has been exposed. 23Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the leopard his spots? Neither are you able to do good— you who are accustomed to doing evil.
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
Judah will not escape this ignominious lot, since wickedness has so grown to be its nature, that it can as little cease therefrom and do good, as an Ethiopian can wash out the blackness of his skin, or a panther change it spots. The consequential clause introduced by גּם אתּם connects with the possibility suggested in, but denied by, the preceding question: if that could happen, then might even ye do good. The one thing is as impossible as the other. And so the Lord must scatter Judah among the heathen, like stubble swept away by the desert wind, lit., passing by with the desert wind. The desert wind is the strong east wind that blows from the Arabian Desert; see on Jer 4:11.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Ethiopian--the Cushite of Abyssinia. Habit is second nature; as therefore it is morally impossible that the Jews can alter their inveterate habits of sin, nothing remains but the infliction of the extremest punishment, their expatriation (Jer 13:24).
John Gill Bible Commentary
This is thy lot,.... Meaning not the king's, or the queen's only, but the lot of the whole Jewish state: the portion of thy measures from me, saith the Lord; which were divided and distributed, and measured out to them by the Lord, who appointed these calamities to befall them, and brought them upon them, and that in righteous judgment. The Targum is, "and the portion of thine inheritance;'' who, instead of having the land of Canaan for their inheritance, to which the allusion is, and of which they boasted, the land of Babylon was assigned them, not to be possessors of it, but captives in it; and instead of having God to be their portion and inheritance, they were banished from him, and this was but righteous measure; they had measure for measure: because thou hast forgotten me; their Maker and Benefactor; the goodness he had shown them, the mercies and benefits he had bestowed upon them; or, "my law", as the Arabic version; or, "my worship", as the Targum; therefore he forgot them, took no notice of them, hid his face from them, and gave them up into the hands of their enemies: and trusted in falsehood; either in the Egyptians and Assyrians, who deceived them; or in their idols, which were falsehood and lying vanities, and could not help them.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
13:23 an Ethiopian: People have no choice about the color of their skin, just as a leopard has no choice about being spotted. In the same way, God’s people were born trapped by evil. They had no ability to change on their own, and they refused to allow the Lord to change them.
Jeremiah 13:23
Captivity Threatened
22And if you ask yourself, “Why has this happened to me?” It is because of the magnitude of your iniquity that your skirts have been stripped off and your body has been exposed. 23Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the leopard his spots? Neither are you able to do good— you who are accustomed to doing evil.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Satan's Servants in God's Pulpit
By Keith Daniel2.8K1:41:06False TeachersPRO 16:6JER 13:23MAT 6:33In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of walking before God with charity, love, and a pure heart. He questions the listeners if they truly have a good conscience and if their faith is genuine and faithful. The preacher encourages the audience to seek God in His Word, promising that He will reveal Himself to those who do so with all their heart. The sermon also touches on the significance of using the King James Bible and the dangers of modern translations.
How God Transforms Your Life
By Danny Bond1.8K46:14TransformationJER 13:23JER 17:9JER 33:3JHN 3:4ACT 9:11In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the transformation of Saul into Paul and how God can transform anyone's life. The process of transformation begins with faith in Jesus Christ, followed by the sending of faithful disciples to help and guide the individual. Fervent prayer is emphasized as a crucial component in this transformation. The speaker also highlights the importance of God's plan for each person's life and how He will bring faithful disciples to assist in their growth. The sermon emphasizes the power of forgiveness and the confirmation of God's work in one's life through the testimony of others.
Three Gifts Under the Tree
By Jim Cymbala1.4K36:23GiftsPSA 27:5PSA 51:10JER 13:23MAT 5:8JHN 13:34PHP 2:12HEB 13:9In this sermon, the speaker discusses three unusual gifts that God has given to believers. These gifts are a pure heart, a steadfast spirit, and a willing spirit. The speaker shares the testimony of a former heroin addict who found Christ and emphasizes the depth of God's love. The speaker also highlights the importance of surrendering to God and allowing Him to shape us according to His will. These gifts were purchased for us on the "blackest Friday" when Jesus hung on the cross, and they are part of the salvation that Jesus provided. The speaker encourages listeners to open these gifts and rely on God's power to live a righteous life.
Reasons for Exhorting Young Men
By J.C. Ryle0Spiritual GrowthExhortationJOB 13:26JOB 20:11PSA 25:7PRO 27:1ECC 11:9ISA 40:30JER 13:23JHN 14:30TIT 2:6HEB 7:25J.C. Ryle emphasizes the urgent need to exhort young men, highlighting their unique vulnerabilities and the spiritual dangers they face. He reflects on the alarming reality that many young men are not living as Christians, often leading lives that stray from faith and moral integrity. Ryle warns that the habits formed in youth can dictate future character and warns against the devil's relentless pursuit of their souls. He urges young men to seek God early to avoid the deep sorrows associated with the consequences of youthful sins, advocating for a life of self-control and righteousness. His heartfelt plea is for young men to recognize the fleeting nature of life and the importance of making wise choices now.
A Flower Which Does Not Grow in Nature's Garden!
By Thomas Brooks0RepentanceDivine GraceJER 13:23EPH 2:82TI 2:25Thomas Brooks emphasizes the profound nature of repentance, illustrating it as a divine gift that cannot be achieved by human effort alone. He likens the difficulty of turning one's heart to God to the impossibility of transforming adamant into flesh or raising the dead, underscoring that true repentance is not found in nature's garden. Brooks highlights that it is only through God's grace that individuals can experience genuine repentance and turn away from their sins. He reminds us that just as the Ethiopian cannot change his skin, we cannot do good without divine intervention.
Thoughts for Young Men
By J.C. Ryle0Spiritual VigilanceExhortationJOB 13:26JOB 20:11PSA 25:7PRO 27:1ECC 11:9ISA 40:30JER 13:23JHN 14:30TIT 2:6HEB 7:25J.C. Ryle emphasizes the critical need for young men to be self-controlled and spiritually vigilant, as highlighted in Paul's letter to Titus. He reflects on the unique challenges and temptations faced by young men, urging them to recognize the importance of their choices and the potential consequences of their actions. Ryle warns of the dangers of neglecting spiritual growth and the reality of death and judgment that awaits everyone, regardless of age. He encourages young men to seek God early in life to avoid the sorrows that come from a life of sin and to be aware of the devil's relentless efforts to lead them astray. Ultimately, Ryle's exhortation aims to guide young men towards a path of righteousness and fulfillment in their lives.
The Wrong Emphasis
By A.W. Pink0Sovereignty Of GodIntegrity of the GospelJER 13:23JHN 3:16JHN 6:44JHN 15:14EPH 1:4A.W. Pink emphasizes that when the conversion of sinners becomes the primary focus of a preacher, rather than the glory of God, it leads to a distortion of the truth. This misguided emphasis results in a diluted message that seeks to make conversion easier, often neglecting essential biblical truths about God's sovereignty and the necessity of the Holy Spirit's work. Pink warns that such an approach can lead to a selective interpretation of Scripture, favoring certain passages while ignoring others that convey the depth of God's election and redemption. Ultimately, this misalignment can compromise the integrity of the Gospel and the preacher's own theology.
The Doctrine of Repenance
By E.C. Wines0PSA 51:17PRO 28:13JER 13:23EZK 18:30MAT 3:8LUK 15:7ACT 17:302CO 7:10HEB 10:312PE 3:9E.C. Wines preaches on the duty of repentance, emphasizing the profound nature of true repentance that involves a change in the mind, heart, and actions of individuals. He distinguishes between false and true repentance, highlighting the importance of sorrow for sin and faith in God's mercy. Repentance is described as a four-fold change: of apprehension, feeling, purpose, and life, leading to obedience as the crown of repentance.
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
Judah will not escape this ignominious lot, since wickedness has so grown to be its nature, that it can as little cease therefrom and do good, as an Ethiopian can wash out the blackness of his skin, or a panther change it spots. The consequential clause introduced by גּם אתּם connects with the possibility suggested in, but denied by, the preceding question: if that could happen, then might even ye do good. The one thing is as impossible as the other. And so the Lord must scatter Judah among the heathen, like stubble swept away by the desert wind, lit., passing by with the desert wind. The desert wind is the strong east wind that blows from the Arabian Desert; see on Jer 4:11.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Ethiopian--the Cushite of Abyssinia. Habit is second nature; as therefore it is morally impossible that the Jews can alter their inveterate habits of sin, nothing remains but the infliction of the extremest punishment, their expatriation (Jer 13:24).
John Gill Bible Commentary
This is thy lot,.... Meaning not the king's, or the queen's only, but the lot of the whole Jewish state: the portion of thy measures from me, saith the Lord; which were divided and distributed, and measured out to them by the Lord, who appointed these calamities to befall them, and brought them upon them, and that in righteous judgment. The Targum is, "and the portion of thine inheritance;'' who, instead of having the land of Canaan for their inheritance, to which the allusion is, and of which they boasted, the land of Babylon was assigned them, not to be possessors of it, but captives in it; and instead of having God to be their portion and inheritance, they were banished from him, and this was but righteous measure; they had measure for measure: because thou hast forgotten me; their Maker and Benefactor; the goodness he had shown them, the mercies and benefits he had bestowed upon them; or, "my law", as the Arabic version; or, "my worship", as the Targum; therefore he forgot them, took no notice of them, hid his face from them, and gave them up into the hands of their enemies: and trusted in falsehood; either in the Egyptians and Assyrians, who deceived them; or in their idols, which were falsehood and lying vanities, and could not help them.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
13:23 an Ethiopian: People have no choice about the color of their skin, just as a leopard has no choice about being spotted. In the same way, God’s people were born trapped by evil. They had no ability to change on their own, and they refused to allow the Lord to change them.