Jeremiah 13:18 - Exposition

The extent of the calamity shown in individual instances. For the fulfillment, see 2 Kings 24:15 . After a reign of three months, the young prince and his mother were carried to Babylon. And to the queen ; rather, and to the queen-mother (literally, the mistress ). It will be noticed that, except in two cases, the names of the mothers of the reigning kings of Judah are scrupulously mentioned in the Books of Kings. This and the title of "mistress" are indications of the high rank they enjoyed in the social system. In the case of Asa, we are told that he removed his mother, Maachah, from her position as "mistress," or queen-mother, on account of her idolatry ( 1 Kings 15:13 ). The political value of the station is strikingly shown by the ease with which Athaliah, as queen-mother, usurped the supreme authority ( 2 Kings 11:1-21 .). From an historical point of view, the "queen-mother" of the Jews is a most interesting personage; she is a relic of the primitive age in which relationship was reckoned with regard to the mother (so with the Accadians, Etruseans, Finns, etc.). It should be added, however, that once (viz. 1 Kings 11:19 ) the same title, "mistress," is applied to the queen-consort. Humble yourselves, sit down ; rather, sit down in abase -sent; i.e. take the station suitable for your abased circumstances (comp. Isaiah 47:1 ). Your principalities ; rather, your head . ornaments .