Jeremiah Chapter 25 · Verse 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
כַּכְּפִ֖יר
as the lion
H3715
כַּכְּפִ֖יר
as the lion
Strong's:
H3715
Word #:
2 of 13
a village (as covered in by walls); also a young lion (perhaps as covered with a mane)
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
4 of 13
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
הָיְתָ֤ה
H1961
הָיְתָ֤ה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
5 of 13
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
וּמִפְּנֵ֖י
and because
H6440
וּמִפְּנֵ֖י
and because
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
8 of 13
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
הַיּוֹנָ֔ה
of the oppressor
H3238
הַיּוֹנָ֔ה
of the oppressor
Strong's:
H3238
Word #:
10 of 13
to rage or be violent; by implication, to suppress, to maltreat
וּמִפְּנֵ֖י
and because
H6440
וּמִפְּנֵ֖י
and because
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
11 of 13
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
Cross References
Jeremiah 4:7The lion is come up from his thicket, and the destroyer of the Gentiles is on his way; he is gone forth from his place to make thy land desolate; and thy cities shall be laid waste, without an inhabitant.Jeremiah 5:6Wherefore a lion out of the forest shall slay them, and a wolf of the evenings shall spoil them, a leopard shall watch over their cities: every one that goeth out thence shall be torn in pieces: because their transgressions are many, and their backslidings are increased.Hosea 5:14For I will be unto Ephraim as a lion, and as a young lion to the house of Judah: I, even I, will tear and go away; I will take away, and none shall rescue him.
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?
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.