Jeremiah 6:5
Arise, and let us go by night, and let us destroy her palaces.
Original Language Analysis
ק֚וּמוּ
Arise
H6965
ק֚וּמוּ
Arise
Strong's:
H6965
Word #:
1 of 5
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
וְנַעֲלֶ֣ה
and let us go
H5927
וְנַעֲלֶ֣ה
and let us go
Strong's:
H5927
Word #:
2 of 5
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
בַלָּ֔יְלָה
by night
H3915
בַלָּ֔יְלָה
by night
Strong's:
H3915
Word #:
3 of 5
properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e., night; figuratively, adversity
Cross References
Isaiah 32:14Because the palaces shall be forsaken; the multitude of the city shall be left; the forts and towers shall be for dens for ever, a joy of wild asses, a pasture of flocks;Jeremiah 52:13And burned the house of the LORD, and the king's house; and all the houses of Jerusalem, and all the houses of the great men, burned he with fire:
Historical Context
The Babylonian siege of Jerusalem involved prolonged military pressure, including unconventional tactics. The destruction of palaces fulfilled prophecies of complete devastation for Judah's royal house.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'palaces' of human pride and achievement stand under God's judgment in our own time?
- How does this verse warn against placing confidence in earthly security and symbols of power?
- What does the night attack imagery teach about the suddenness of God's judgment?
Analysis & Commentary
The decision to attack at night, despite its dangers, reveals the invaders' determination. Their target 'her palaces' indicates they seek to destroy symbols of authority and wealth. This night attack motif emphasizes the unexpected, overwhelming nature of God's judgment. From a Reformed perspective, this illustrates that when God's patience ends, His judgment cannot be evaded or postponed. The destruction of palaces symbolizes the fall of human pride and self-sufficiency before divine justice.