Jeremiah 26:18

Authorized King James Version

Micah the Morasthite prophesied in the days of Hezekiah king of Judah, and spake to all the people of Judah, saying, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Zion shall be plowed like a field, and Jerusalem shall become heaps, and the mountain of the house as the high places of a forest.

Word-by-Word Analysis

מִיכָיה֙

H4320

Micah

micajah, the name of two israelites

הַמּ֣וֹרַשְׁתִּ֔י

H4183

the Morasthite

a morashtite or inhabitant of moresheth-gath

הָיָ֣ה

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

נִבָּ֔א

H5012

prophesied

to prophesy, i.e., speak (or sing) by inspiration (in prediction or simple discourse)

בִּימֵ֖י

H3117

in the days

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

חִזְקִיָּ֣הוּ

H2396

of Hezekiah

chizkijah, a king of judah, also the name of two other israelites

מֶֽלֶךְ

H4428

king

a king

יְהוּדָ֨ה

H3063

of Judah

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

אָמַ֣ר׀

H559

Thus saith

to say (used with great latitude)

#10

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#11

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#12

עַם֩

H5971

to all the people

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

#13

יְהוּדָ֨ה

H3063

of Judah

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

#14

אָמַ֣ר׀

H559

Thus saith

to say (used with great latitude)

#15

כֹּֽה

H3541

properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now

#16

אָמַ֣ר׀

H559

Thus saith

to say (used with great latitude)

#17

יְהוָ֣ה

H3068

the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

#18

צְבָא֗וֹת

H6635

of hosts

a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci

#19

צִיּ֞וֹן

H6726

Zion

tsijon (as a permanent capital), a mountain of jerusalem

#20

שָׂדֶ֤ה

H7704

like a field

a field (as flat)

#21

תֵֽחָרֵשׁ֙

H2790

shall be plowed

to scratch, i.e., (by implication) to engrave, plough; hence (from the use of tools) to fabricate (of any material); figuratively, to devise (in a bad

#22

וִירוּשָׁלַ֙יִם֙

H3389

and Jerusalem

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

#23

עִיִּ֣ים

H5856

shall become heaps

a ruin (as if overturned)

#24

תִּֽהְיֶ֔ה

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

#25

וְהַ֥ר

H2022

and the mountain

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

#26

הַבַּ֖יִת

H1004

of the house

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

#27

לְבָמ֥וֹת

H1116

as the high places

an elevation

#28

יָֽעַר׃

H3293

of a forest

a copse of bushes; hence, a forest; hence, honey in the comb (as hived in trees)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Jeremiah. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?

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