Jeremiah laments one of the major causes of the judgment that is coming on Judah, the total failure of her leaders. The shepherds are stupid. As in Jeremiah 10:8, Jeremiah 10:14, the word stupid here does not refer to intellectual capacity but to moral and spiritual insight and wisdom. In their refusal to be faithful to the Lord, the political and religious leaders of Judah have led the people in rebellion and the result is that all their flock is scattered.
21 For the shepherds are stupid and do not inquire of the LORD; therefore they have not prospered, and all their flock is scattered.