Jeremiah 10:22
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Jeremiah 10:22
22 Behold, the noise of the bruit is come, and a great commotion out of the north country, to make the cities of Judah desolate, and a den of dragons.
Chapter Context
Jeremiah 10 is a prophetic oracle chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of truth, fellowship, creation. Written during the final years of Judah and early exile (c. 627-580 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Prophesied during Judah's final years as Babylon became the dominant power.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-25: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it illustrates divine judgment and mercy in response to human actions. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Jeremiah and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Jeremiah 10:22
22 Behold, the noise of the bruit is come, and a great commotion out of the north country, to make the cities of Judah desolate, and a den of dragons.
Analysis
This verse announces invasion: 'Behold, the noise of the bruit is come, and a great commotion out of the north country.' 'Bruit' (shemu'ah) means report, news—specifically news of approaching army. 'Great commotion' (ra'ash gadol) indicates earthquake-like tumult of marching forces. 'Out of the north country' identifies Babylon, which attacked Judah from the north via the Fertile Crescent. 'To make the cities of Judah desolate, and a den of dragons.' shemamah (desolation) and tannim (jackals) repeat the judgment refrain—urban civilization reduced to animal lairs. The verse shifts from lament back to urgent warning.
Historical Context
The 'noise' of approaching armies traveled ahead of actual invasion—refugees, messengers, commercial travelers spreading news of military movement. Jeremiah's repeated references to the 'north' enemy (1:13-15, 4:6, 6:1, 10:22) consistently identified the threat without always naming Babylon. The phrase 'den of dragons/jackals' appears throughout Jeremiah as the consistent image of urban destruction (9:11, 49:33, 51:37).
Reflection
- How does the 'noise' traveling ahead of invasion create psychological warfare before physical attack?
- What does the transformation of cities into jackal dens signify about reversing civilization to chaos?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Jeremiah 9:11