Jeremiah 6:7
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Jeremiah 6:7
7 As a fountain casteth out her waters, so she casteth out her wickedness: violence and spoil is heard in her; before me continually is grief and wounds.
Chapter Context
Jeremiah 6 is a prophetic oracle chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of redemption, faith, judgment. 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 21-30: 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 6:7
7 As a fountain casteth out her waters, so she casteth out her wickedness: violence and spoil is heard in her; before me continually is grief and wounds.
Analysis
Using the metaphor of a well continually producing fresh water, God describes Jerusalem as constantly generating wickedness. The parallel phrases 'violence and spoil' with 'grief and wounds' reveal both the actions (violence/spoil) and their consequences (grief/wounds). The phrase 'is heard in her' suggests that violence has become so commonplace it's the defining sound of the city. This illustrates total depravity's tendency toward systemic, self-perpetuating sin. Just as a well's water reflects its source, Jerusalem's actions reveal the corruption of her heart. The 'before me continually' emphasizes God's omniscient observation of all injustice.
Historical Context
Pre-exilic Jerusalem saw increasing social stratification, with the wealthy oppressing the poor through predatory lending, land seizure, and corrupt courts—all condemned by prophets like Jeremiah, Amos, and Micah.
Reflection
- What does the 'fresh water' metaphor teach about sin's self-perpetuating nature apart from divine intervention?
- How can societies become so desensitized to violence and injustice that they become 'the sound' of the culture?
- What role does God's omniscient awareness ('before me continually') play in understanding accountability?
Cross-References
- Evil: Isaiah 57:20, Ezekiel 7:11
- Parallel theme: Jeremiah 20:8, Ezekiel 7:23