Jeremiah 25:37
And the peaceable habitations are cut down because of the fierce anger of the LORD.
Original Language Analysis
וְנָדַ֖מּוּ
are cut down
H1826
וְנָדַ֖מּוּ
are cut down
Strong's:
H1826
Word #:
1 of 7
to be dumb; by implication, to be astonished, to stop; also to perish
הַשָּׁל֑וֹם
And the peaceable
H7965
הַשָּׁל֑וֹם
And the peaceable
Strong's:
H7965
Word #:
3 of 7
safe, i.e., (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e., health, prosperity, peace
מִפְּנֵ֖י
because
H6440
מִפְּנֵ֖י
because
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
4 of 7
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
Historical Context
Archaeological evidence shows that many Judean towns and villages were prosperous before Babylon's invasions. Agriculture flourished, trade continued, life seemed normal. Then came sudden catastrophe—cities burned, populations killed or enslaved, the land desolate. The contrast between pre-destruction prosperity and post-destruction desolation emphasized that peace and safety apart from covenant faithfulness is illusory. The 'peaceable habitations' proved vulnerable when God's protective hand was withdrawn.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the destruction of 'peaceable habitations' challenge the assumption that prosperity and peace indicate God's approval?
- What is the difference between genuine peace (shalom from covenant faithfulness) and false peace (temporary stability apart from God)?
- In what ways might modern Western prosperity create false security similar to Judah's 'peaceable habitations' before judgment?
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Analysis & Commentary
And the peaceable habitations are cut down because of the fierce anger of the LORD. The phrase nĕʾĕlĕmû nĕʾôṯ haššālôm (נֶאֱלְמוּ נְאוֹת הַשָּׁלוֹם, the peaceable habitations are cut down/silenced) describes the destruction of secure, prosperous settlements. The term nāʾâ (נָאָה, habitation/pasture) continues the pastoral imagery—pleasant fields and safe dwellings destroyed. The cause: mipnê ḥărôn ʾap̄-YHWH (מִפְּנֵי חֲרוֹן אַף־יְהוָה, because of the fierce anger/burning wrath of the LORD).
The phrase ḥărôn ʾap̄ (חֲרוֹן אַף, fierce anger) literally means 'burning of the nose'—a Hebrew idiom for intense anger. This anthropomorphic language depicts God's righteous indignation against persistent sin. The destruction of 'peaceable habitations' demonstrates that apparent peace and prosperity don't indicate God's approval—Judah enjoyed years of relative peace while accumulating guilt. Sudden judgment shattered their false security. Jesus warned the same: 'when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them' (1 Thessalonians 5:3). Outward peace without inward righteousness is temporary and deceptive.