Jeremiah 13:1,2 - Joseph Benson’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

Thus saith the Lord unto me The prophet here begins a new discourse. Go and get thee a girdle, &c. “God explains, at Jeremiah 13:11, what was meant by the symbol of the girdle, or sash, worn about the loins, namely, his people Israel, whom he redeemed of old, and attached to himself by a special covenant; that as a girdle served for an ornament to the wearer, so they should be subservient to the honour and glory of his name. But it is added, They would not hear, or conform to his intentions; therefore, being polluted with the guilt of their disobedience, they were, in that state, and on that very account, to be carried into captivity; conformably to which the prophet was commanded not to put the girdle in water, that is, not to wash it, but to leave it in that state of filthiness which it had contracted in wearing.” So I got the girdle, according to the word of the Lord That is, according to God's command. And put it on my loins Used it as God directed me, not disputing the reason why God commanded me to do such a thing.