Jeremiah 7:20
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Jeremiah 7:20
20 Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, mine anger and my fury shall be poured out upon this place, upon man, and upon beast, and upon the trees of the field, and upon the fruit of the ground; and it shall burn, and shall not be quenched.
Chapter Context
Jeremiah 7 is a prophetic oracle chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of worship, redemption, love. 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 21-34: 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 7:20
20 Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, mine anger and my fury shall be poured out upon this place, upon man, and upon beast, and upon the trees of the field, and upon the fruit of the ground; and it shall burn, and shall not be quenched.
Analysis
The Lord GOD declares He will pour out His anger 'upon this place' (Jerusalem), affecting comprehensively: 'upon man, and upon beast, and upon the trees of the field, and upon the fruit of the ground.' This total judgment extends beyond humans to animals, vegetation, and crops. The final phrase 'it shall burn, and shall not be quenched' uses fire imagery for unstoppable judgment. This cosmic scope of judgment reflects Genesis 3's curse—human sin affects all creation. Romans 8:20-22 explains that creation groans under the curse of human rebellion. Reformed theology sees this as demonstrating sin's far-reaching consequences and God's comprehensive judgment.
Historical Context
The Babylonian conquest devastated not just Jerusalem's population but also agriculture, livestock, and the land itself. Prolonged siege, warfare, and depopulation left the land desolate.
Reflection
- How does human sin affect the broader creation beyond just people?
- What does the comprehensiveness of judgment teach about the seriousness of covenant breaking?
- How should awareness of sin's cosmic effects shape environmental and ecological perspectives?
Word Studies
- Wrath: אַף (Aph) H639 - Wrath, anger
Cross-References
- References God: Jeremiah 42:18, 2 Kings 22:17
- References Lord: Lamentations 4:11, Ezekiel 22:22
- Parallel theme: Jeremiah 17:27, 44:6, Isaiah 42:25, 66:24, Nahum 1:6