Jeremiah 10:22

KJV

Behold, the noise of the bruit is come, and a great commotion out of the north country, to make the cities of Judah desolate, [and] a den of dragons.

KJV (with Strong's)

Behold, the noise {H6963} of the bruit {H8052} is come {H935}, and a great {H1419} commotion {H7494} out of the north {H6828} country {H776}, to make {H7760} the cities {H5892} of Judah {H3063} desolate {H8077}, and a den {H4583} of dragons {H8577}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Listen! A noise! It's coming closer! A great uproar from the land to the north, to make the cities of Y'hudah desolate, a place for jackals to live.

Berean Standard Bible

Listen! The sound of a report is coming— a great commotion from the land to the north. The cities of Judah will be made a desolation, a haunt for jackals.

American Standard Version

The voice of tidings, behold, it cometh, and a great commotion out of the north country, to make the cities of Judah a desolation, a dwelling-place of jackals.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 10:22 vividly announces the imminent and devastating judgment upon the kingdom of Judah. The prophet declares that a terrifying "noise" and "great commotion" are approaching from the "north country," signifying the powerful Babylonian army, which will utterly lay waste to the cities of Judah, transforming them into desolate ruins inhabited only by wild creatures. This verse serves as a stark warning of the inevitable consequences of Judah's persistent idolatry and disobedience to God's covenant.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 10:22 is situated within a broader prophetic discourse (Jeremiah 10-12) where Jeremiah contrasts the incomparable majesty and sovereignty of the Lord with the utter futility and impotence of idols. Following a powerful declaration of God's eternal nature and creative power in [Jeremiah 10:10](/jeremiah/10-10 "Jeremiah 10:10 - God's Eternal Reign"), the prophet pivots to the immediate and terrifying reality of divine judgment. This verse specifically concludes a section (Jeremiah 10:17-22) that shifts from a global theological statement to a direct warning to Judah, urging them to prepare for exile. The preceding verses lament Jerusalem's impending destruction and Judah's spiritual brokenness, setting the stage for the specific details of the invading force and its devastating impact.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The "north country" in Jeremiah's prophecies consistently refers to the Neo-Babylonian Empire. At the time of Jeremiah's ministry (late 7th to early 6th century BCE), Judah was caught between the waning power of Assyria and Egypt and the rising dominance of Babylon. Despite repeated warnings from Jeremiah, Judah's kings and people continued to pursue alliances with foreign powers and engage in rampant idolatry, rejecting their covenant obligations to Yahweh. The Babylonian Empire, under King Nebuchadnezzar, was God's chosen instrument of judgment against Judah for its persistent rebellion. The imagery of a "great commotion" from the north would have evoked the terrifying reality of a massive, well-organized military force, known for its brutal siege tactics and wholesale destruction, as seen in their campaigns against other nations and ultimately against Judah itself.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes prevalent in Jeremiah. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Imminent Judgment**, emphasizing the certainty and nearness of the destructive force, not as a distant possibility but as an unfolding reality. The language "is come" (KJV) highlights this immediacy. Secondly, it reinforces the theme of **Divine Instrument of Punishment**. Although the invaders are from the "north country," the underlying theological message is that God is sovereignly orchestrating this "great commotion" as a direct consequence of Judah's persistent sin and idolatry, a truth explicitly stated elsewhere, such as when God refers to Nebuchadnezzar as "my servant" in [Jeremiah 25:9](/jeremiah/25-9 "Jeremiah 25:9 - Nebuchadnezzar as God's Servant"). Finally, the verse vividly portrays **Total Desolation**. The outcome—to "make the cities of Judah desolate, and a den of dragons"—paints a picture of utter ruin, where once-thriving urban centers would be emptied of human inhabitants, becoming haunts for wild animals. This imagery symbolizes complete abandonment and destruction, a stark contrast to their former glory and a fulfillment of covenant curses for disobedience, as found in [Leviticus 26:31-33](/leviticus/26-31 "Leviticus 26:31-33 - Consequences of Disobedience").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Noise (Hebrew, _qôwl'_):** From an unused root meaning "to call aloud," this word refers to a voice or sound. In this context, it signifies a terrifying, overwhelming sound—not merely a whisper, but a loud, clamorous report or roar of an approaching army, indicating its immense scale and destructive intent. It's the sound of war, of marching legions, and the initial reports of their advance.
* **Commotion (Hebrew, _raʻash'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to vibrate" or "to bound," _raʻash_ denotes a vibration, bounding, or uproar. It often describes a shaking, quaking, or great tumult, frequently associated with an earthquake or a noisy, violent disturbance. Here, it vividly captures the violent, disruptive, and overwhelming nature of the invading force, emphasizing the physical and psychological upheaval it will bring.
* **Dragons (Hebrew, _tannîyn'_):** This term refers to a marine or land monster, a sea-serpent, or a jackal. In the context of desolation, it most commonly signifies wild, predatory animals like jackals or wild dogs. The imagery of a "den of dragons" (or jackals) powerfully conveys a place of extreme wilderness, ruin, and abandonment, where only dangerous, scavenging creatures can survive. It underscores the complete depopulation and utter ruin of what were once bustling cities.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Behold, the noise of the bruit is come,"**: This opening phrase serves as a dramatic call to attention, signaling an undeniable and immediate reality. The "noise of the bruit" refers to the sound of a report, rumor, or news—specifically, the terrifying intelligence of the approaching enemy. The verb "is come" emphasizes the certainty and present reality of this threat; it is not a distant possibility but an already unfolding event.
* **"and a great commotion out of the north country,"**: This clause specifies the nature and origin of the impending disaster. The "great commotion" describes the violent, tumultuous, and overwhelming force of the invading army, evoking images of a massive, earth-shaking advance. The "north country" is a consistent prophetic designation for Babylon, God's chosen instrument of judgment against Judah. This clarifies the specific threat and its immense power.
* **"to make the cities of Judah desolate, and a den of dragons."**: This final clause states the devastating purpose and outcome of the invasion. The goal is to "make the cities of Judah desolate," meaning to utterly destroy and depopulate them, leaving them empty and ruined. The phrase "and a den of dragons" (or jackals/wild beasts) is a vivid metaphor for complete abandonment and wildness. It paints a picture of once-thriving urban centers reduced to uninhabitable ruins, serving as lairs for predatory animals, symbolizing total ruin and the absence of human life.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 10:22 is rich in **Imagery**, painting a vivid picture of impending disaster. The "noise of the bruit" and "great commotion" appeal to the auditory sense, creating a sense of overwhelming chaos and an unstoppable force. The phrase "den of dragons" is a powerful **Metaphor** and **Symbolism** for utter desolation and abandonment, transforming human habitations into wild, dangerous lairs. This imagery is also a form of **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the extreme nature of the destruction. The verse employs **Foreshadowing**, as it predicts the historical events of the Babylonian invasions and the subsequent desolation of Judah. Furthermore, the use of "noise" and "commotion" can be seen as a form of **Onomatopoeia**, as the words themselves evoke the sounds of an approaching, destructive army, enhancing the sense of dread and immediacy.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 10:22 serves as a profound theological statement on God's sovereign control over history and His unwavering justice. It reveals that even devastating foreign invasions are not random acts of fate but are orchestrated by the Lord as instruments of His righteous judgment against a disobedient people. This verse underscores the severe consequences of covenant infidelity and idolatry, demonstrating that God takes sin seriously and will act decisively when His warnings are ignored. It highlights the principle that God's character includes both boundless love and righteous wrath, and His warnings are given not to terrify, but to call His people to repentance before judgment falls. The desolation described is a direct consequence of Judah's spiritual barrenness and turning away from the living God.

* [Isaiah 34:13-14](/isaiah/34-13 "Isaiah 34:13-14 - Desolation and Wild Beasts")
* [Lamentations 2:2](/lamentations/2-2 "Lamentations 2:2 - God's Destruction of Judah")
* [Ezekiel 5:17](/ezekiel/5-17 "Ezekiel 5:17 - God's Judgment with Wild Beasts")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 10:22 stands as a timeless warning that divine warnings are not to be taken lightly. Just as ancient Judah faced physical desolation for its spiritual rebellion and idolatry, individuals and nations today are accountable to God for their choices. This verse compels us to examine our own lives and societies, asking whether we are heeding God's voice or pursuing paths that lead to spiritual barrenness and ruin. It reminds us that true security and flourishing are found not in human strength, political alliances, or material possessions, but in faithful obedience and trust in the one true God. When we ignore God's wisdom, embrace idols (whether material wealth, power, or self-sufficiency), or persist in disobedience, we invite a "commotion" into our lives, leading to a spiritual "desolation" where joy, peace, and purpose are replaced by emptiness and brokenness. This verse calls us to a posture of humility, repentance, and a renewed commitment to seeking the Lord with all our hearts.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "noises" or "commotions" in my life or society might be God's warning signs, calling for attention and repentance?**
* **In what ways might I be allowing "idols" (anything that takes God's rightful place) to lead me towards spiritual desolation?**
* **How does understanding God's righteous judgment motivate me to live a life of greater obedience and trust?**
* **What steps can I take to ensure my "cities" (my heart, my home, my community) are not becoming "dens of dragons" but places of flourishing and God's presence?**

### FAQ

**What is the "bruit" mentioned in Jeremiah 10:22?**

Answer: The King James Version's "bruit" comes from the Hebrew word _shᵉmûwʻâh_ (H8052), which means a report, rumor, or news. In this context, it refers to the terrifying news or intelligence of the approaching enemy army. It's not just a distant possibility but a confirmed and advancing reality, the sound of the news of the impending invasion that has reached Judah.

**Why is the invasion specifically "out of the north country"?**

Answer: Throughout Jeremiah's prophecies, the "north country" (Hebrew _tsâphôwn_, H6828) is a consistent prophetic designation for the Neo-Babylonian Empire. Babylon, though geographically to the east of Judah, would typically approach Judah by traveling north along the Euphrates River, then west through Syria, and finally south into Judah, thus appearing to come from the north. This was the common invasion route for Mesopotamian powers, and Jeremiah uses it as a clear identifier for God's chosen instrument of judgment, as also seen in [Jeremiah 1:14](/jeremiah/1-14 "Jeremiah 1:14 - The Threat from the North").

**What does "a den of dragons" signify in this verse?**

Answer: The phrase "a den of dragons" (Hebrew _mâʻôwn_ H4583 for "den" and _tannîyn_ H8577 for "dragons") is a powerful metaphor for utter desolation and abandonment. The term _tannîyn_ can refer to large marine or land monsters, but in contexts of ruined cities, it most often signifies wild, scavenging animals like jackals or wild dogs. Therefore, "a den of dragons" paints a vivid picture of once-thriving cities being reduced to uninhabitable ruins, emptied of human life and becoming haunts for dangerous wild beasts. This imagery emphasizes the completeness of the destruction and the absence of any human presence, echoing similar prophetic descriptions of desolation in [Isaiah 13:21-22](/isaiah/13-21 "Isaiah 13:21-22 - Babylon's Desolation").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Jeremiah 10:22 speaks of a physical desolation wrought by a foreign army as divine judgment, it ultimately points to a deeper spiritual reality and finds its ultimate resolution in Christ. The "great commotion" and "desolation" described here are consequences of humanity's rebellion against God, a rebellion that began in the garden and manifested powerfully in Judah's idolatry. This judgment foreshadows the ultimate spiritual desolation that sin brings—separation from God, the source of life and flourishing. However, in Christ, we see God's answer to this desolation. Jesus, the true Lamb of God, willingly entered into the "commotion" of human sin and bore its full judgment on the cross, becoming "desolate" for our sake so that we might be reconciled to God and find true life ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). Through His sacrifice, He delivers us from the spiritual "den of dragons"—the dominion of sin and death—and brings us into His kingdom of light and life ([Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Delivered from Darkness")). The ultimate "cities of Judah" are not merely physical locations but the people of God, and Christ's work ensures that His church will never be left desolate but will be built up as a vibrant, living temple, filled with His Spirit ([Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Built on the Foundation of Christ")). Thus, the prophecy of desolation in Jeremiah, while grim, ultimately magnifies the redemptive work of Christ, who transforms spiritual ruins into new creation and eternal habitations of God's presence ([Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1-4 - New Heaven and New Earth")).

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

Jeremiah 9:11

And I will make Jerusalem heaps, [and] a den of dragons; and I will make the cities of Judah desolate, without an inhabitant.

Jeremiah 5:15

Lo, I will bring a nation upon you from far, O house of Israel, saith the LORD: it [is] a mighty nation, it [is] an ancient nation, a nation whose language thou knowest not, neither understandest what they say.

Jeremiah 4:6

Set up the standard toward Zion: retire, stay not: for I will bring evil from the north, and a great destruction.

Habakkuk 1:6

For, lo, I raise up the Chaldeans, [that] bitter and hasty nation, which shall march through the breadth of the land, to possess the dwellingplaces [that are] not theirs.

Habakkuk 1:9

They shall come all for violence: their faces shall sup up [as] the east wind, and they shall gather the captivity as the sand.

Jeremiah 6:22

Thus saith the LORD, Behold, a people cometh from the north country, and a great nation shall be raised from the sides of the earth.

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.