Jeremiah 11:23
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Jeremiah 11:23
23 And there shall be no remnant of them: for I will bring evil upon the men of Anathoth, even the year of their visitation.
Chapter Context
Jeremiah 11 is a prophetic oracle chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of mercy, faith, covenant. 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 21-23: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it offers practical wisdom for godly living in a fallen world. 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 11:23
23 And there shall be no remnant of them: for I will bring evil upon the men of Anathoth, even the year of their visitation.
Analysis
This verse completes Anathoth's judgment: 'And there shall be no remnant of them: for I will bring evil upon the men of Anathoth, even the year of their visitation.' 'No remnant' (she'erith) indicates total elimination—no survivors to continue the community. 'Year of their visitation' (shenath pequddatham) is the appointed time of divine reckoning. The destruction would be complete, fulfilling their desire to eliminate Jeremiah completely but applied to themselves instead. The same terminology they used ('cut off from the land of the living') becomes their own fate.
Historical Context
The ironic reversal—those who sought to eliminate Jeremiah are eliminated—demonstrates divine justice's precision. Anathoth's destruction during the Babylonian conquest fulfilled this prophecy. Later tradition suggests few if any Anathothites returned from exile to reclaim their town. The phrase 'year of their visitation' marks God's calendared judgment.
Reflection
- How does the reversal of Anathoth's plot against Jeremiah demonstrate poetic divine justice?
- What warning does this judgment offer to those who oppose God's messengers?
Cross-References
- Evil: Jeremiah 23:12
- Parallel theme: Hosea 9:7, Micah 7:4, Luke 19:44