Jeremiah 10:17

KJV

¶ Gather up thy wares out of the land, O inhabitant of the fortress.

KJV (with Strong's)

Gather up {H622} thy wares {H3666} out of the land {H776}, O inhabitant {H3427} of the fortress {H4692}.

Complete Jewish Bible

You who are living under the siege, gather your belongings off the ground,

Berean Standard Bible

Gather up your belongings from this land, you who live under siege.

American Standard Version

Gather up thy wares out of the land, O thou that abidest in the siege.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 10:17 delivers an urgent and direct divine command to the people of Judah, specifically those residing in Jerusalem, to prepare for imminent exile. This verse functions as a stark warning, signaling the complete disruption of their established lives, the loss of their security, and the necessity of gathering their most essential possessions in anticipation of forced displacement from their homeland due to God's impending judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse marks a dramatic shift from the preceding theological discourse found in [Jeremiah 10:1-16](/jeremiah/10-1-16 "Jeremiah 10:1-16 - The Folly of Idols vs. The True God"). In the earlier verses, Jeremiah eloquently contrasts the incomparable power and sovereignty of the Lord, the Creator of the universe, with the utter futility, lifelessness, and deceptive nature of pagan idols. The prophet dismantles any notion of security or hope derived from these false gods, emphasizing that they are mere human constructs, unable to speak, walk, or save. Following this profound theological declaration, verse 17 abruptly pivots to a concrete, practical, and dire warning of the consequences for Judah's widespread idolatry and covenant unfaithfulness. It transitions from abstract truth about God to the very real, impending judgment that will directly impact the daily lives of the people.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jeremiah prophesied during a turbulent period in Judah's history, spanning the reigns of several kings, leading up to the devastating Babylonian exile. The nation had consistently engaged in idolatry, adopting the religious practices of surrounding nations, despite repeated warnings from prophets. Jerusalem, often referred to as "the fortress" or "stronghold," was considered impregnable, a symbol of national security and divine protection due to the presence of the Temple. However, this sense of security was largely misplaced, as their covenant relationship with God had been broken. The command to "gather up thy wares" reflects the common practice of preparing for a hurried evacuation or forced migration, a stark contrast to the settled, prosperous life they had known. This warning foreshadows the devastating Babylonian invasions and the eventual destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple, as prophesied by Jeremiah (e.g., [Jeremiah 25:9](/jeremiah/25-9 "Jeremiah 25:9 - Nebuchadnezzar as God's Servant") and [Jeremiah 25:11](/jeremiah/25-11 "Jeremiah 25:11 - The Seventy-Year Babylonian Captivity")).
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 10:17 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Jeremiah. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Impending Judgment and Exile**, making it clear that the consequences of Judah's unfaithfulness are not theoretical but imminent and unavoidable. The command to gather possessions highlights the severity and certainty of displacement. Secondly, it reinforces the theme of **Consequences of Idolatry and Disobedience**, demonstrating that the worship of false gods and the abandonment of the Lord lead directly to divine wrath and covenant curses, echoing the warnings found in the Mosaic Law, particularly in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses"). Thirdly, the phrase "O inhabitant of the fortress" speaks to the theme of **Loss of False Security**, shattering any illusion that physical fortifications or national strength could protect them from God's righteous judgment. Finally, it subtly points to God's **Sovereignty over Nations and History**, as He, not merely human armies, is orchestrating these events as a just judge, demonstrating His ultimate control even in acts of judgment, as seen in passages like [Isaiah 45:7](/isaiah/45-7 "Isaiah 45:7 - God's Sovereignty Over Good and Evil").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Gather up (Hebrew, _ʼâçaph'_):** H622, a primitive root; to gather for any purpose; hence, to receive, take away, i.e. remove (destroy, leave behind, put up, restore, etc.); assemble, bring, consume, destroy, felch, gather (in, together, up again), [idiom] generally, get (him), lose, put all together, receive, recover (another from leprosy), (be) rereward, [idiom] surely, take (away, into, up), [idiom] utterly, withdraw. In this context, "gather up" carries a sense of urgency and finality, implying not a leisurely collection but a swift preparation for removal or taking away, suggesting a forced departure or abandonment of their settled life and possessions.
* **wares (Hebrew, _kinʻâh'_):** H3666, from כָּנַע in the sense of folding (compare כָּנַס); a package; wares. This term refers to merchandise, goods, or possessions, often implying things that are folded or packed. The instruction to gather "wares" emphasizes the material aspect of their lives that will be disrupted. It implies a stripping away of their livelihood and accumulated wealth, reducing them to only what they can physically carry, underscoring the severity of the impending displacement.
* **fortress (Hebrew, _mâtsôwr'_):** H4692, or מָצוּר; from צוּר; something hemming in, i.e. (objectively) a mound (of besiegers), (abstractly) a siege, (figuratively) distress; or (subjectively) a fastness; besieged, bulwark, defence, fenced, fortress, siege, strong (hold), tower. This word refers to a fortified place, a stronghold, or a place under siege. When applied to Jerusalem, it highlights the city's perceived impregnability and the false sense of security its inhabitants held. The command given to the "inhabitant of the fortress" directly challenges this illusion, indicating that even the strongest human defenses are no match for divine judgment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Gather up thy wares out of the land":** This is a direct, imperative command from God, conveyed through Jeremiah. It instructs the people of Judah, particularly those in Jerusalem, to prepare for immediate departure. "Wares" signifies their possessions, their livelihood, and their accumulated wealth, implying that they must quickly collect what little they can carry, as if preparing for a hurried flight or forced exile. The phrase "out of the land" explicitly states their impending removal from their homeland, signaling a complete loss of their inheritance and settled existence.
* **"O inhabitant of the fortress":** This phrase directly addresses the people of Jerusalem, the capital city, which was renowned for its strong fortifications and perceived invulnerability. By calling them "inhabitant of the fortress," the verse highlights their misplaced confidence in physical defenses rather than in their covenant relationship with God. The command to such an "inhabitant" underscores that no human stronghold, no matter how mighty, can withstand the judgment of the Almighty God.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 10:17 employs several potent literary devices to convey its urgent message. The primary device is **Imperative Mood**, as the verse begins with a direct command ("Gather up"), creating a sense of immediate urgency and undeniable divine authority. This command is not a suggestion but an unavoidable directive. **Symbolism** is also central, with "wares" symbolizing not just material possessions but the entire fabric of their settled lives, their security, and their identity tied to the land. The act of gathering them signifies the dismantling of their world. Similarly, "fortress" is a powerful symbol for Jerusalem, representing its perceived impregnability and the false sense of security held by its inhabitants. The address to the "inhabitant of the fortress" uses **Metonymy**, where the part (inhabitant) stands for the whole (the people of Jerusalem), and the attribute (fortress) represents the city itself and its perceived strength. This choice of address serves to directly confront their misplaced confidence. The overall tone is one of **Irony**, as the "inhabitant of the fortress" is commanded to abandon their secure dwelling, highlighting the futility of human strength against divine judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 10:17 serves as a stark reminder of God's justice and the inevitable consequences of covenant unfaithfulness. It illustrates that divine judgment, though often delayed, is certain for those who persist in rebellion and idolatry. The command to "gather up thy wares" underscores the transient nature of earthly possessions and security when compared to the eternal reality of God's sovereignty and His covenant demands. This verse highlights that true security is found not in physical strongholds or material wealth, but in a right and obedient relationship with the Lord. It foreshadows the ultimate fulfillment of the covenant curses outlined in the Torah, demonstrating that God remains faithful to His word, both in blessing and in judgment.

* [Deuteronomy 28:49-50](/deuteronomy/28-49-50 "Deuteronomy 28:49-50 - Warnings of Foreign Invasion")
* [Leviticus 26:33](/leviticus/26-33 "Leviticus 26:33 - Scattering Among the Nations")
* [Isaiah 39:6](/isaiah/39-6 "Isaiah 39:6 - Hezekiah's Treasures Carried Away")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 10:17, while rooted in a specific historical context of impending judgment for Judah's idolatry, carries profound and timeless implications for believers today. It calls us to sober reflection on where we place our ultimate trust and security. Just as the inhabitants of Jerusalem were forced to confront the transience of their physical strongholds and material possessions, we are reminded that true security is never found in earthly accumulations, worldly power, or even the most robust human systems. Instead, our ultimate refuge and hope must be anchored in the unchanging character and sovereign power of God. This verse challenges us to examine our own lives: are we clinging to "wares" – be they wealth, status, comfort, or perceived control – that might ultimately be stripped away? Are we relying on our own "fortresses" – our intellect, our plans, our self-sufficiency – rather than yielding to God's will and trusting in His provision? It compels us to cultivate a posture of spiritual readiness, prioritizing our relationship with God above all else, recognizing that only in Him do we find lasting peace and an unshakable dwelling place.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "wares" or possessions in my life do I tend to rely on for security, rather than God?**
* **In what "fortresses" (e.g., career, relationships, reputation, self-sufficiency) do I seek refuge, instead of finding my ultimate safety in Christ?**
* **How does the concept of divine judgment for disobedience in Jeremiah's time inform my understanding of God's holiness and justice today?**
* **What steps can I take to cultivate a greater sense of spiritual preparedness and detachment from the transient things of this world?**

### FAQ
**Why is Judah commanded to "gather up thy wares"?**

Answer: The command to "gather up thy wares" is a prophetic instruction for the people of Judah to prepare for imminent exile and displacement. It signifies that their settled life in the land is coming to an end, and they will be forced to leave their homes, possessions, and livelihoods behind. This is a direct consequence of their persistent idolatry and unfaithfulness to God's covenant, as detailed throughout the book of Jeremiah. It's a stark warning that divine judgment is at hand, and they must prepare for a hurried, forced departure, taking only what they can carry into an uncertain future.

**What does "O inhabitant of the fortress" signify, and why is it significant?**

Answer: "O inhabitant of the fortress" specifically refers to the people of Jerusalem, the capital city of Judah. Jerusalem was renowned for its strong fortifications and was often considered an impregnable stronghold, giving its inhabitants a false sense of security. The significance lies in the shattering of this illusion. Despite their physical defenses, the command to prepare for exile demonstrates that no human-made "fortress" can withstand the righteous judgment of God. It underscores the theme that true security comes only from a right relationship with the Lord, not from physical strength or material defenses, a lesson echoed in passages like [Psalm 20:7](/psalm/20-7 "Psalm 20:7 - Trust in the Name of the Lord").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 10:17, with its stark warning of judgment and forced displacement for Judah's sin, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus. While Judah's "wares" and "fortress" proved futile against divine judgment, Christ Himself became the ultimate "fortress" and the true "possession" for all who believe. The judgment that fell upon Judah for their idolatry and unfaithfulness foreshadows the greater judgment for sin that humanity justly deserved. However, in Christ, that judgment was fully borne on the cross (e.g., [2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). He gathered up the full weight of humanity's sin and was "taken away" (a nuance of H622, _ʼâçaph_) from the land, not in exile, but in death, so that those who believe in Him might never face eternal separation. Through His sacrifice, believers are no longer "inhabitants of the fortress" of a fallen world, vulnerable to judgment, but are given a new, eternal dwelling place in Him, a secure and unshakable kingdom (e.g., [Hebrews 12:28](/hebrews/12-28 "Hebrews 12:28 - An Unshakable Kingdom")). The transient "wares" of this world are replaced by the eternal inheritance and abundant life found in Christ (e.g., [Matthew 6:19-21](/matthew/6-19-21 "Matthew 6:19-21 - Lay Up Treasures in Heaven")), who is our true security and everlasting dwelling.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Ezekiel 12:3

Therefore, thou son of man, prepare thee stuff for removing, and remove by day in their sight; and thou shalt remove from thy place to another place in their sight: it may be they will consider, though they [be] a rebellious house.

Ezekiel 12:12

And the prince that [is] among them shall bear upon [his] shoulder in the twilight, and shall go forth: they shall dig through the wall to carry out thereby: he shall cover his face, that he see not the ground with [his] eyes.

Jeremiah 6:1

¶ O ye children of Benjamin, gather yourselves to flee out of the midst of Jerusalem, and blow the trumpet in Tekoa, and set up a sign of fire in Bethhaccerem: for evil appeareth out of the north, and great destruction.

Matthew 24:15

When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:)

Micah 2:10

Arise ye, and depart; for this [is] not [your] rest: because it is polluted, it shall destroy [you], even with a sore destruction.

Jeremiah 21:13

Behold, I [am] against thee, O inhabitant of the valley, [and] rock of the plain, saith the LORD; which say, Who shall come down against us? or who shall enter into our habitations?