Harsh words for the shepherds in Jer 10.21, but then, everywhere in the Scriptures those who lead God's people are held to a higher standard. Here they are described as "stupid." The Hebrew word is ּ֙ורֲעְבִנand means to be stupid, or in Syriac, "uncultivated." It's use in the OT always implies stupidity, not mentally, but is connected with those who do not believe in God, or those who do not do what he says. So the shepherds whose main job is to inquire of the Lord and explain to the people what God expects of them, do not do it. Because they do not inquire of the Lord, they have not prospered.
This is a sobering thought for anyone who aspires to be a shepherd, and for any man who heads a family because God calls him to be a shepherd of his household. High responsibility which we should accept gladly. May we (men) be good shepherds of our households and inquire of the Lord.
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