Jeremiah 25:38
He hath forsaken his covert, as the lion: for their land is desolate because of the fierceness of the oppressor, and because of his fierce anger.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
The image of God forsaking His dwelling recalls Ezekiel's vision of God's glory departing the temple (Ezekiel 10-11). Without God's presence, the temple, city, and land were vulnerable. Babylon's armies were the immediate cause of desolation, but the withdrawal of divine protection was the ultimate cause. When God's protective presence departed, judgment became inevitable. This principle continues—Jesus wept over Jerusalem: 'your house is left unto you desolate' (Matthew 23:38). When God's presence withdraws, desolation follows regardless of outward religious structures.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the image of God 'forsaking his covert like a lion' teach about the terrifying reality of divine presence withdrawn in judgment?
- How does this chapter's conclusion—attributing desolation to both Babylon's oppression and God's anger—illustrate divine sovereignty using human instruments?
- In what ways might God's protective presence be withdrawing from churches or nations that maintain religious forms while rejecting His authority?
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Analysis & Commentary
He hath forsaken his covert, as the lion: for their land is desolate because of the fierceness of the oppressor, and because of his fierce anger. The phrase ʿāzaḇ kakkĕp̄îr sukkô (עָזַב כַּכְּפִיר סֻכּוֹ, he has forsaken his covert like the lion) employs lion imagery—God leaving His dwelling like a lion emerging from its lair to hunt. The Hebrew kĕp̄îr (כְּפִיר, young lion) emphasizes strength and ferocity. God's protective presence, which sheltered Judah like a lion guards its den, has been withdrawn. The nation now faces the full force of judgment without divine protection.
The phrase kî-hāyĕṯâ ʾarṣām lĕshammâ (כִּי־הָיְתָה אַרְצָם לְשַׁמָּה, their land is desolate) describes the result—total devastation. The cause is twofold: mipnê ḥărôn hayyônâ ûmipnê ḥărôn ʾappô (מִפְּנֵי חֲרוֹן הַיּוֹנָה וּמִפְּנֵי חֲרוֹן אַפּוֹ, because of the fierceness of the oppressor and because of his fierce anger). The 'oppressor' is Babylon, but God's anger is the ultimate cause. Babylon serves as instrument of divine wrath. This chapter thus concludes where it began—with God's sovereignty over history, using nations to execute judgment while holding all accountable. The final words 'his fierce anger' remind us that sin is ultimately against God and must answer to Him.