Book of Jeremiah - Chapter 13 - Verse 1

God speaks to the prophet Jeremiah in this verse, instructing him to acquire a linen girdle and wear it around his waist without washing it. The linen girdle symbolizes the people of Israel, whom God had chosen and set apart as His special possession. Just as the girdle was meant to cling to Jeremiah's body, the Israelites were meant to cling to God and follow His ways closely. The act of not washing the girdle represents the filthiness and impurity that had come upon the people of Israel due to their disobedience and idolatry. By wearing the soiled girdle, Jeremiah would demonstrate the shame and disgrace that would befall the Israelites for their sins. This symbolic act served as a warning to the people of impending judgment for their unfaithfulness and a call to repentance. Through this illustration, God was reminding the Israelites of the consequences of turning away from Him and the importance of remaining faithful to His covenant.