Jeremiah 18:7
At what instant I shall speak concerning a nation, and concerning a kingdom, to pluck up, and to pull down, and to destroy it;
Original Language Analysis
רֶ֣גַע
At what instant
H7281
רֶ֣גַע
At what instant
Strong's:
H7281
Word #:
1 of 9
a wink (of the eyes), i.e., a very short space of time
אֲדַבֵּ֔ר
I shall speak
H1696
אֲדַבֵּ֔ר
I shall speak
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
2 of 9
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
3 of 9
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
גּ֖וֹי
concerning a nation
H1471
גּ֖וֹי
concerning a nation
Strong's:
H1471
Word #:
4 of 9
a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts
וְעַל
H5921
וְעַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
5 of 9
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
מַמְלָכָ֑ה
and concerning a kingdom
H4467
מַמְלָכָ֑ה
and concerning a kingdom
Strong's:
H4467
Word #:
6 of 9
dominion, i.e., (abstractly) the estate (rule) or (concretely) the country (realm)
Cross References
Jeremiah 1:10See, I have this day set thee over the nations and over the kingdoms, to root out, and to pull down, and to destroy, and to throw down, to build, and to plant.Jeremiah 45:4Thus shalt thou say unto him, The LORD saith thus; Behold, that which I have built will I break down, and that which I have planted I will pluck up, even this whole land.
Historical Context
Prophets regularly announced judgment against foreign nations (Isa 13-23, Jer 46-51, Ezek 25-32, Amos 1-2, Nahum, Obadiah). These oracles demonstrated Yahweh's universal sovereignty—He controls not only Israel but all nations. Historical fulfillments validated prophetic authority: Nineveh fell (Nahum), Babylon fell (Isa 13, Jer 50-51), Egypt declined (Ezek 29-32). God's pronouncements always accomplish their purpose, whether judgment or restoration.
Questions for Reflection
- How does understanding God's sovereignty over all nations shape your view of current events and politics?
- What does it mean that God speaks words of judgment 'at what instant' He chooses?
- How should the principle that God judges nations inform Christian citizenship and political engagement?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
God establishes His sovereign prerogative: "At what instant I shall speak concerning a nation, and concerning a kingdom, to pluck up, and to pull down, and to destroy it." The phrase "at what instant" (rega, רֶגַע, moment) emphasizes God's freedom to pronounce judgment whenever He determines. The triple verbs—"pluck up," "pull down," and "destroy"—intensify the totality of threatened judgment, recalling Jeremiah's commission (Jer 1:10).
The phrase "a nation, and concerning a kingdom" universalizes the principle—this applies not only to Judah but to all nations. God's sovereignty extends over every political entity, not merely His covenant people. This establishes the Reformed doctrine that God rules all nations providentially, raising up and deposing rulers according to His purposes (Dan 2:21, 4:17, 35). No nation stands outside divine jurisdiction.
The ominous language describes comprehensive judgment—complete removal and destruction. Yet verse 8 will introduce a crucial qualification: such pronouncements are conditionally threatened, not unconditionally decreed. God's prophetic warnings function as urgent calls to repentance. His desire is not destruction but restoration when people turn from wickedness. This reveals God's heart—He takes no pleasure in judgment but desires repentance (Ezek 18:23, 32, 33:11).