Jeremiah 10:18
For thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will sling out the inhabitants of the land at this once, and will distress them, that they may find it so.
Original Language Analysis
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 15
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
כֹה֙
H3541
כֹה֙
Strong's:
H3541
Word #:
2 of 15
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
יְהוָ֔ה
the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֔ה
the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
4 of 15
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
קוֹלֵ֛עַ
Behold I will sling
H7049
קוֹלֵ֛עַ
Behold I will sling
Strong's:
H7049
Word #:
6 of 15
to sling; also to carve (as if a circular motion, or into light forms)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
7 of 15
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
יוֹשְׁבֵ֥י
out the inhabitants
H3427
יוֹשְׁבֵ֥י
out the inhabitants
Strong's:
H3427
Word #:
8 of 15
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
בַּפַּ֣עַם
at this once
H6471
בַּפַּ֣עַם
at this once
Strong's:
H6471
Word #:
10 of 15
a stroke, literally or figuratively (in various applications, as follow)
וַהֲצֵרֹ֥תִי
and will distress
H6887
וַהֲצֵרֹ֥תִי
and will distress
Strong's:
H6887
Word #:
12 of 15
to cramp, literally or figuratively, transitive or intransitive
Cross References
1 Samuel 25:29Yet a man is risen to pursue thee, and to seek thy soul: but the soul of my lord shall be bound in the bundle of life with the LORD thy God; and the souls of thine enemies, them shall he sling out, as out of the middle of a sling.Zechariah 1:6But my words and my statutes, which I commanded my servants the prophets, did they not take hold of your fathers? and they returned and said, Like as the LORD of hosts thought to do unto us, according to our ways, and according to our doings, so hath he dealt with us.
Historical Context
The sling was a common weapon in ancient warfare (1 Samuel 17:40). The image of God 'slinging out' inhabitants is violently expressive—not gradual displacement but forceful ejection. The three deportations (605, 597, 586 BC) progressively emptied Judah of its population, fulfilling this graphic prophecy.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the sling imagery convey the violent, sudden nature of judgment?
- What does the purpose clause—'that they may find'—suggest about judgment's pedagogical function?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
This verse announces divine action: 'For thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will sling out the inhabitants of the land at this once.' The Hebrew qala (קָלַע, sling) pictures God hurling the population out as stones from a sling—sudden, violent, irresistible. 'At this once' (happa'am) indicates the decisive, final nature of this judgment. 'And will distress them, that they may find it so.' The Hebrew tsarar (צָרַר, distress, press hard) describes coming suffering. 'That they may find' suggests the purpose: experiencing judgment will force acknowledgment of truth. The verse promises exile as divine action, not merely Babylonian conquest.