Jeremiah 21:5
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Jeremiah 21:5
5 And I myself will fight against you with an outstretched hand and with a strong arm, even in anger, and in fury, and in great wrath.
Chapter Context
Jeremiah 21 is a prophetic oracle chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of judgment, truth, discipleship. 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 13-14: Central message and teachings
This chapter is significant because it provides guidance for worship and spiritual devotion. 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 21:5
5 And I myself will fight against you with an outstretched hand and with a strong arm, even in anger, and in fury, and in great wrath.
Analysis
God declares He will personally fight against Jerusalem with 'an outstretched hand and with a strong arm' - language typically describing His deliverance of Israel from Egypt (Deut 4:34). Now those same redemptive hands work in judgment. God's 'anger, and fury, and great wrath' emphasize the intensity of deserved judgment when His people persistently reject Him.
Historical Context
This reversal is devastating - the God who fought for Israel now fights against them. The covenant includes both blessings and curses (Deut 28).
Reflection
- How does the covenant include both blessing and judgment?
- What does it mean that God's hand can both save and judge?
Word Studies
- Wrath: אַף (Aph) H639 - Wrath, anger
Cross-References
- Judgment: Exodus 6:6
- Parallel theme: Jeremiah 6:12, 32:17, Exodus 9:15, Isaiah 5:25, 9:12, 9:17