Jeremiah 6:21
Therefore thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will lay stumblingblocks before this people, and the fathers and the sons together shall fall upon them; the neighbour and his friend shall perish.
Original Language Analysis
לָכֵ֗ן
H3651
לָכֵ֗ן
Strong's:
H3651
Word #:
1 of 18
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
כֹּ֚ה
H3541
כֹּ֚ה
Strong's:
H3541
Word #:
2 of 18
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
יְהוָ֔ה
the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֔ה
the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
4 of 18
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
נֹתֵ֛ן
Behold I will lay
H5414
נֹתֵ֛ן
Behold I will lay
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
6 of 18
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
הָעָ֥ם
before this people
H5971
הָעָ֥ם
before this people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
8 of 18
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
הַזֶּ֖ה
H2088
מִכְשֹׁלִ֑ים
stumblingblocks
H4383
מִכְשֹׁלִ֑ים
stumblingblocks
Strong's:
H4383
Word #:
10 of 18
a stumbling-block, literally or figuratively (obstacle, enticement (specifically an idol), scruple)
וְכָ֣שְׁלוּ
shall fall
H3782
וְכָ֣שְׁלוּ
shall fall
Strong's:
H3782
Word #:
11 of 18
to totter or waver (through weakness of the legs, especially the ankle); by implication, to falter, stumble, faint or fall
אָב֨וֹת
and the fathers
H1
אָב֨וֹת
and the fathers
Strong's:
H1
Word #:
13 of 18
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
וּבָנִ֥ים
and the sons
H1121
וּבָנִ֥ים
and the sons
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
14 of 18
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
שָׁכֵ֥ן
upon them the neighbour
H7934
שָׁכֵ֥ן
upon them the neighbour
Strong's:
H7934
Word #:
16 of 18
a resident; by extension, a fellow-citizen
Cross References
Isaiah 8:14And he shall be for a sanctuary; but for a stone of stumbling and for a rock of offence to both the houses of Israel, for a gin and for a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem.Jeremiah 13:16Give glory to the LORD your God, before he cause darkness, and before your feet stumble upon the dark mountains, and, while ye look for light, he turn it into the shadow of death, and make it gross darkness.Ezekiel 3:20Again, When a righteous man doth turn from his righteousness, and commit iniquity, and I lay a stumblingblock before him, he shall die: because thou hast not given him warning, he shall die in his sin, and his righteousness which he hath done shall not be remembered; but his blood will I require at thine hand.
Historical Context
The Babylonian siege resulted in widespread death from warfare, famine, and disease, affecting all segments of society without discrimination based on age or social relationships.
Questions for Reflection
- How do we understand God's active role in judgment (laying stumblingblocks) while maintaining His moral perfection?
- What does the comprehensive nature of judgment teach about sin's corporate dimensions?
- How should the certainty of thorough judgment affect our urgency in evangelism and discipleship?
Analysis & Commentary
God promises to 'lay stumblingblocks before this people' so that comprehensive judgment falls: 'the fathers and the sons together shall fall upon them; the neighbour and his friend shall perish.' The 'stumblingblocks' may be God actively blinding them (judicial hardening) or the obstacles inherent in their sin-chosen path. The inclusiveness of the judgment ('fathers and sons,' 'neighbour and friend') echoes verse 11, showing no exemptions based on age or relationship. This demonstrates that God's judgment, though patient in coming, is thorough in execution. The concept of God laying stumblingblocks reflects His sovereignty even over the means by which judgment comes.