Jeremiah 19:12
Thus will I do unto this place, saith the LORD, and to the inhabitants thereof, and even make this city as Tophet:
Original Language Analysis
כֵּֽן
H3651
כֵּֽן
Strong's:
H3651
Word #:
1 of 12
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
אֶעֱשֶׂ֞ה
Thus will I do
H6213
אֶעֱשֶׂ֞ה
Thus will I do
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
2 of 12
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
לַמָּק֥וֹם
unto this place
H4725
לַמָּק֥וֹם
unto this place
Strong's:
H4725
Word #:
3 of 12
properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)
הַזֶּ֛ה
H2088
יְהוָ֖ה
the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֖ה
the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
6 of 12
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
וּלְיֽוֹשְׁבָ֑יו
and to the inhabitants
H3427
וּלְיֽוֹשְׁבָ֑יו
and to the inhabitants
Strong's:
H3427
Word #:
7 of 12
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
וְלָתֵ֛ת
thereof and even make
H5414
וְלָתֵ֛ת
thereof and even make
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
8 of 12
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
9 of 12
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Historical Context
Babylon's destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BC fulfilled this prophecy literally. The city walls were broken down, the temple burned, houses demolished, and population deported (2 Kgs 25:8-12). The once-glorious city David captured and Solomon beautified became ruins comparable to the detested Tophet. Archaeological excavations reveal extensive burn layers and destruction throughout Jerusalem from this period, confirming the prophetic word's accuracy and the judgment's totality.
Questions for Reflection
- How does comparison to Tophet emphasize the complete reversal of Jerusalem's intended purpose?
- What does it mean that no religious heritage or past privilege exempts anyone from judgment for persistent unfaithfulness?
- How does Christ's establishment of the New Jerusalem provide hope beyond earthly Jerusalem's judgment?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
God explains the symbolic act: "Thus will I do unto this place, saith the LORD, and to the inhabitants thereof, and even make this city as Tophet." Just as the pottery jar was irreparably shattered, so Jerusalem will be irrecoverably broken. The comparison to Tophet is devastating—the city will become like the detested child-sacrifice site, associated with abomination and judgment. What was meant to be God's holy city becomes synonymous with the place of His fierce wrath.
The comprehensive nature of judgment appears in "this place" and "the inhabitants thereof"—both the physical city and its population face destruction. Geography and people together suffer covenant curses. This total judgment reflects total covenant violation. Half-measures and partial reforms proved insufficient; only complete devastation remains when complete apostasy persists.
This verse warns that no place, regardless of past sanctity or privilege, stands immune to judgment if covenant obligations are violated. The temple's presence didn't protect Jerusalem (Jer 7:4, 26:6), nor did Davidic promises guarantee the city's preservation absent faithfulness. Christ's prophecy of Jerusalem's coming destruction in AD 70 (Luke 19:41-44, 21:20-24) echoes these themes—religious privilege without genuine faith brings judgment. Only the New Jerusalem, founded on Christ's perfect obedience, endures forever (Rev 21:2-4).