Jeremiah 6:27
I have set thee for a tower and a fortress among my people, that thou mayest know and try their way.
Original Language Analysis
נְתַתִּ֥יךָ
I have set
H5414
נְתַתִּ֥יךָ
I have set
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
2 of 8
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
בְעַמִּ֖י
among my people
H5971
בְעַמִּ֖י
among my people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
3 of 8
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
מִבְצָ֑ר
and a fortress
H4013
מִבְצָ֑ר
and a fortress
Strong's:
H4013
Word #:
4 of 8
a fortification, castle, or fortified city; figuratively, a defender
וְתֵדַ֕ע
that thou mayest know
H3045
וְתֵדַ֕ע
that thou mayest know
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
5 of 8
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
וּבָחַנְתָּ֖
and try
H974
וּבָחַנְתָּ֖
and try
Strong's:
H974
Word #:
6 of 8
to test (especially metals); generally and figuratively, to investigate
Cross References
Jeremiah 1:18For, behold, I have made thee this day a defenced city, and an iron pillar, and brasen walls against the whole land, against the kings of Judah, against the princes thereof, against the priests thereof, and against the people of the land.Jeremiah 15:20And I will make thee unto this people a fenced brasen wall: and they shall fight against thee, but they shall not prevail against thee: for I am with thee to save thee and to deliver thee, saith the LORD.
Historical Context
Prophets served as covenant prosecutors, examining Israel's faithfulness and declaring God's verdict. Jeremiah's long ministry (40+ years) provided ample opportunity to test and reveal Judah's spiritual state.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's word function to test and reveal our spiritual condition?
- What is the relationship between prophetic ministry and spiritual examination of God's people?
- How should we respond when Scripture's examination reveals our spiritual deficiencies?
Analysis & Commentary
God appoints Jeremiah as an assayer ('I have set thee for a tower and a fortress among my people') to test and know their way. The metallurgical language continues: Jeremiah will examine the people as one tests metal for purity. This verse reveals the prophet's dual role: both messenger and examiner. The phrase 'mayest know and try their way' indicates thorough investigation of conduct. God already knows their ways, but the testing serves to reveal to them and to witnesses the reality of their spiritual condition. This illustrates the principle that God's word functions as a diagnostic tool, exposing the thoughts and intentions of the heart (Hebrews 4:12).