In the Bible, God uses many common items that we can relate to for the purpose of having better understanding of His truths. He used many farming and fishing analogies in the New Testament which we can still relate to today. In Jeremiah, however, He utilizes something that spans all generations....undergarments. After all, who can’t relate to the importance of clean underwear?
The Parable of the Loincloth
Jeremiah is told to put on a linen loincloth. In my research, I came across these symbolic meanings:
"Linen girdle ..." (Jeremiah 13:1). Why linen? This was a mark of the priesthood; and because this garment was given as a representation of Israel, it had to be linen in order properly to symbolize that nation of "priests unto God" which Israel was intended to be.
"Put it upon thy loins ..." (Jeremiah 13:1). "This was not an outer girdle, but a covering worn next to the skin."[1] This very intimate and personal garment symbolized the intimate relationship between God and Israel during the long centuries of the nation's development.
Jeremiah is told not to wash it even though he wears it for enough time that it should be in need of washing. He is also told to take this dirty underwear off and go bury it. The soiled underwear is indicative of Israel having a marred relationship with God. They turn to idols and pagan practices, abandoning the intimacy and cleansing of a life dedicated and submitted to God. When Jeremiah returns to dig up the loincloth, he finds that it has continued to rot and decompose.
“Then I went to the Euphrates, and dug, and I took the loincloth from the place where I had hidden it. And behold, the loincloth was spoiled; it was good for nothing.” (13:7 ) God compares Israel to this dirty underwear. “Thus says the Lord: Even so will I spoil the pride of Judah and the great pride of Jerusalem. This evil people, who refuse to hear my words, who stubbornly follow their own heart and have gone after other gods to serve them and worship them, shall be like this loincloth, which is good for nothing.” (13:9-10)
Wow!...that’s harsh. But God was serious. He warned the people over and over of the coming exile to Babylon. “....Woe to you, O Jerusalem! How long will it be before you are made clean?” (13:27)
God desires an intimate relationship with a Holy and righteous people. Our selfishness and sinful ways make us unclean. We can not make ourselves righteous and clean but God provided the precious blood of Jesus to serve that purpose. I encourage you to examine your heart and to ask God to cleanse you.“Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.” (Psalms 51:7)
The next time you reach for that clean pair of intimates, let it be a reminder to you of the importance of your relationship with God. "Fresh and Clean" is important. Stay fresh by washing in His Word.