Jeremiah 2:28
But where are thy gods that thou hast made thee? let them arise, if they can save thee in the time of thy trouble: for according to the number of thy cities are thy gods, O Judah.
Original Language Analysis
אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ
But where are thy gods
H430
אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ
But where are thy gods
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
2 of 16
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
3 of 16
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
עָשִׂ֣יתָ
that thou hast made
H6213
עָשִׂ֣יתָ
that thou hast made
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
4 of 16
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
יָק֕וּמוּ
thee let them arise
H6965
יָק֕וּמוּ
thee let them arise
Strong's:
H6965
Word #:
6 of 16
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
אִם
H518
אִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
7 of 16
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
יוֹשִׁיע֖וּךָ
if they can save
H3467
יוֹשִׁיע֖וּךָ
if they can save
Strong's:
H3467
Word #:
8 of 16
properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e., (by implication) to be safe; causatively, to free or succor
בְּעֵ֣ת
thee in the time
H6256
בְּעֵ֣ת
thee in the time
Strong's:
H6256
Word #:
9 of 16
time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc
כִּ֚י
H3588
כִּ֚י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
11 of 16
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
מִסְפַּ֣ר
for according to the number
H4557
מִסְפַּ֣ר
for according to the number
Strong's:
H4557
Word #:
12 of 16
a number, definite (arithmetical) or indefinite (large, innumerable; small, a few); also (abstractly) narration
עָרֶ֔יךָ
of thy cities
H5892
עָרֶ֔יךָ
of thy cities
Strong's:
H5892
Word #:
13 of 16
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
הָי֥וּ
H1961
הָי֥וּ
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
14 of 16
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
Cross References
Jeremiah 11:13For according to the number of thy cities were thy gods, O Judah; and according to the number of the streets of Jerusalem have ye set up altars to that shameful thing, even altars to burn incense unto Baal.Isaiah 45:20Assemble yourselves and come; draw near together, ye that are escaped of the nations: they have no knowledge that set up the wood of their graven image, and pray unto a god that cannot save.Deuteronomy 32:37And he shall say, Where are their gods, their rock in whom they trusted,Judges 10:14Go and cry unto the gods which ye have chosen; let them deliver you in the time of your tribulation.Isaiah 46:7They bear him upon the shoulder, they carry him, and set him in his place, and he standeth; from his place shall he not remove: yea, one shall cry unto him, yet can he not answer, nor save him out of his trouble.
Historical Context
This verse from Jeremiah 2 continues God's covenant lawsuit against Judah, delivered during the late 7th century BC as the nation spiraled toward Babylonian exile. The prophetic indictment addresses systematic idolatry, failed political alliances, and spiritual adultery that characterized Judah from Manasseh through Jehoiakim's reigns. Archaeological evidence confirms widespread syncretistic worship practices condemned here.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this accusation against ancient Israel reveal patterns of spiritual unfaithfulness that might appear in different forms today?
- What does God's persistent lawsuit demonstrate about His desire for His people's return versus immediate judgment?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
God challenges Israel to call on the gods they made—where are they when disaster strikes? Judah had as many gods as cities, each worthless in the time of actual need.