Jeremiah 6:23
They shall lay hold on bow and spear; they are cruel, and have no mercy; their voice roareth like the sea; and they ride upon horses, set in array as men for war against thee, O daughter of Zion.
Original Language Analysis
קֶ֣שֶׁת
on bow
H7198
קֶ֣שֶׁת
on bow
Strong's:
H7198
Word #:
1 of 19
a bow, for shooting (hence, figuratively, strength) or the iris
וְכִיד֞וֹן
and spear
H3591
וְכִיד֞וֹן
and spear
Strong's:
H3591
Word #:
2 of 19
properly, something to strike with, i.e., a dart
יַחֲזִ֗יקוּ
They shall lay hold
H2388
יַחֲזִ֗יקוּ
They shall lay hold
Strong's:
H2388
Word #:
3 of 19
to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra
הוּא֙
H1931
הוּא֙
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
5 of 19
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
וְלֹ֣א
H3808
וְלֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
6 of 19
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יְרַחֵ֔מוּ
and have no mercy
H7355
יְרַחֵ֔מוּ
and have no mercy
Strong's:
H7355
Word #:
7 of 19
to fondle; by implication, to love, especially to compassionate
כַּיָּ֣ם
like the sea
H3220
כַּיָּ֣ם
like the sea
Strong's:
H3220
Word #:
9 of 19
a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif
יֶהֱמֶ֔ה
roareth
H1993
יֶהֱמֶ֔ה
roareth
Strong's:
H1993
Word #:
10 of 19
to make a loud sound (like english 'hum'); by implication, to be in great commotion or tumult, to rage, war, moan, clamor
וְעַל
H5921
וְעַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
11 of 19
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
יִרְכָּ֑בוּ
and they ride
H7392
יִרְכָּ֑בוּ
and they ride
Strong's:
H7392
Word #:
13 of 19
to ride (on an animal or in a vehicle); causatively, to place upon (for riding or generally), to despatch
עָר֗וּךְ
set in array
H6186
עָר֗וּךְ
set in array
Strong's:
H6186
Word #:
14 of 19
to set in a row, i.e., arrange, put in order (in a very wide variety of applications)
כְּאִישׁ֙
as men
H376
כְּאִישׁ֙
as men
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
15 of 19
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
לַמִּלְחָמָ֔ה
for war
H4421
לַמִּלְחָמָ֔ה
for war
Strong's:
H4421
Word #:
16 of 19
a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)
עָלַ֖יִךְ
H5921
עָלַ֖יִךְ
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
17 of 19
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
Cross References
Isaiah 13:18Their bows also shall dash the young men to pieces; and they shall have no pity on the fruit of the womb; their eye shall not spare children.Jeremiah 50:42They shall hold the bow and the lance: they are cruel, and will not shew mercy: their voice shall roar like the sea, and they shall ride upon horses, every one put in array, like a man to the battle, against thee, O daughter of Babylon.
Historical Context
Babylonian military power was legendary, employing advanced siege technology, cavalry, and brutal tactics. Historical records confirm their ruthlessness in conquest, including mass deportations and destruction.
Questions for Reflection
- How do we reconcile God's mercy with His use of merciless instruments for judgment?
- What does the military imagery teach about the seriousness with which God treats persistent covenant unfaithfulness?
- How should fear of God's judgment motivate repentance and holy living?
Analysis & Commentary
The invading army is described with terrifying imagery: 'They shall lay hold on bow and spear; they are cruel, and have no mercy.' Their voice 'roareth like the sea,' suggesting overwhelming force. They come equipped for war, 'riding upon horses, set in array as men for war.' All this is directed 'against thee, O daughter of Zion.' This vivid description emphasizes the horror of the coming judgment. The phrase 'no mercy' is particularly striking given that these ruthless warriors are God's instruments—showing that divine judgment through human agents can be severe. The sea metaphor suggests chaos and uncontrollable power.