Jeremiah 16:17
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Jeremiah 16:17
17 For mine eyes are upon all their ways: they are not hid from my face, neither is their iniquity hid from mine eyes.
Chapter Context
Jeremiah 16 is a prophetic oracle chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of worship, holiness, redemption. 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 21-21: 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 16:17
17 For mine eyes are upon all their ways: they are not hid from my face, neither is their iniquity hid from mine eyes.
Analysis
Shift in focus: 'Behold, I will send for many fishers, saith the LORD, and they shall fish them; and after will I send for many hunters, and they shall hunt them from every mountain, and from every hill, and out of the holes of the rocks.' Before restoration (v. 15), comes thorough judgment. The 'fishers' and 'hunters' represent agents of judgment (likely Babylonian forces) who will comprehensively seek out Judeans. No hiding place ('every mountain,' 'every hill,' 'holes of the rocks') will provide refuge. This demonstrates judgment's thoroughness before mercy. The fishing and hunting imagery suggests both are captured—some more easily (fished), others after pursuit (hunted). God's sovereignty extends to ensuring none escape decreed judgment.
Historical Context
During the Babylonian conquest and subsequent deportations, fugitives who fled to mountains and caves were systematically hunted down and captured or killed (Jeremiah 41-43).
Reflection
- What does the thoroughness of judgment teach about the impossibility of escaping God's decrees?
- How do the fishing and hunting metaphors illustrate different aspects of divine judgment?
- Why does comprehensive judgment often precede restoration in God's redemptive pattern?
Word Studies
- Iniquity: עָוֹן (Avon) H5771 - Iniquity, guilt, punishment
Cross-References
- Sin: Psalms 90:8
- Parallel theme: Jeremiah 23:24, 32:19, 2 Chronicles 16:9, Psalms 139:3, Proverbs 5:21, 15:3