Jeremiah 10:21
“For the shepherds have become brutish, and have not inquired of Yahweh. Therefore they have not prospered, and all their flocks have scattered.”
What does Jeremiah 10:21 mean?
Jeremiah is speaking about the leaders of his people, calling them "shepherds" because that's how ancient writers described rulers and spiritual guides. These leaders have stopped seeking God's guidance and wisdom, becoming stubborn and disconnected from what matters most. When leadership loses its connection to God, everything falls apart—the people scatter and nothing flourishes. This speaks to something we still recognize: when those we follow or trust lose their way spiritually, everyone suffers. The verse gently reminds us that real prosperity and unity come from staying connected to God, whether we're leading others or just trying to find our footing in hard times.