Jeremiah 6:4
Prepare ye war against her; arise, and let us go up at noon. Woe unto us! for the day goeth away, for the shadows of the evening are stretched out.
Original Language Analysis
קַדְּשׁ֤וּ
Prepare
H6942
קַדְּשׁ֤וּ
Prepare
Strong's:
H6942
Word #:
1 of 15
to be (causatively, make, pronounce or observe as) clean (ceremonially or morally)
עָלֶ֙יהָ֙
H5921
עָלֶ֙יהָ֙
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
2 of 15
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
מִלְחָמָ֔ה
ye war
H4421
מִלְחָמָ֔ה
ye war
Strong's:
H4421
Word #:
3 of 15
a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)
ק֖וּמוּ
against her arise
H6965
ק֖וּמוּ
against her arise
Strong's:
H6965
Word #:
4 of 15
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
וְנַעֲלֶ֣ה
and let us go up
H5927
וְנַעֲלֶ֣ה
and let us go up
Strong's:
H5927
Word #:
5 of 15
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
בַֽצָּהֳרָ֑יִם
at noon
H6672
בַֽצָּהֳרָ֑יִם
at noon
Strong's:
H6672
Word #:
6 of 15
a light (i.e., window); dual double light, i.e., noon
כִּי
H3588
כִּי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
9 of 15
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
פָנָ֣ה
goeth away
H6437
פָנָ֣ה
goeth away
Strong's:
H6437
Word #:
10 of 15
to turn; by implication, to face, i.e., appear, look, etc
הַיּ֔וֹם
unto us! for the day
H3117
הַיּ֔וֹם
unto us! for the day
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
11 of 15
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
כִּ֥י
H3588
כִּ֥י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
12 of 15
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
Cross References
Jeremiah 15:8Their widows are increased to me above the sand of the seas: I have brought upon them against the mother of the young men a spoiler at noonday: I have caused him to fall upon it suddenly, and terrors upon the city.Joel 3:9Proclaim ye this among the Gentiles; Prepare war, wake up the mighty men, let all the men of war draw near; let them come up:Zephaniah 2:4For Gaza shall be forsaken, and Ashkelon a desolation: they shall drive out Ashdod at the noon day, and Ekron shall be rooted up.Jeremiah 8:20The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern warfare typically avoided night battles due to tactical disadvantages. The invaders' frustration at approaching nightfall shows their eagerness to attack Jerusalem.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this verse illustrate that God can use even the evil intentions of people to accomplish His righteous purposes?
- What does the invaders' impatience teach about human nature when pursuing destructive goals?
- How should we understand God's sovereignty over evil without making Him the author of sin?
Analysis & Commentary
The invaders' words reveal their eagerness for battle. The phrase 'prepare ye war' (Hebrew 'qadash'—literally 'sanctify' or 'consecrate') shows pagan nations viewed warfare as having religious dimensions. Their complaint 'Woe unto us!' at the fading daylight exposes bloodthirsty impatience for plunder. The 'shadows of the evening' create urgency—they fear missing their opportunity. This portrays the relentless nature of God's judgment once set in motion. The irony: what they 'sanctify' for war, God has ordained for judgment.