ירמיהו, פרק י״ג, פסוק ג׳

God communicates with the prophet a second time regarding the ongoing symbolic act of the linen belt [מצודת דוד]. By this stage of the prophetic vision, the belt has become soiled and stripped of its dignity because it was never washed in water. This serves as a direct metaphor for the Israelites. Because they ignored God's rebukes and failed to cleanse themselves of their sins, they are no longer worthy for Him to wear them [מלבי״ם].

The prophet is then instructed to take the belt and bury it in a rock crevice by the Euphrates river. This physical action symbolizes the people leaving for the Euphrates on their way to Egypt, where they find themselves hiding in shame.

Ultimately, the belt represents two distinct dimensions of the relationship between God and His people. The first is a bond of ownership. God acquired the Israelites when He brought them out of Egypt, but they broke this connection by traveling to the Euphrates, effectively returning to being slaves of Pharaoh. The second dimension is one of deep closeness and attachment. God metaphorically wore the Israelites on His waist so that they would be a source of praise and glory for Him. Instead, they buried themselves in the rock crevice, transforming into a ruined and completely useless belt [מלבי״ם].