Jeremiah 16:16

KJV

Behold, I will send for many fishers, saith the LORD, and they shall fish them; and after will I send for many hunters, and they shall hunt them from every mountain, and from every hill, and out of the holes of the rocks.

KJV (with Strong's)

Behold, I will send {H7971} for many {H7227} fishers {H1771}{H1728}, saith {H5002} the LORD {H3068}, and they shall fish {H1770} them; and after {H310} will I send {H7971} for many {H7227} hunters {H6719}, and they shall hunt {H6679} them from every mountain {H2022}, and from every hill {H1389}, and out of the holes {H5357} of the rocks {H5553}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"'Look,' says ADONAI, 'I will send for many fishermen, and they will fish for them. Afterwards, I will send for many hunters; and they will hunt them from every mountain and hill and out of caves in the rocks.

Berean Standard Bible

But for now I will send for many fishermen, declares the LORD, and they will catch them. After that I will send for many hunters, and they will hunt them down on every mountain and hill, even from the clefts of the rocks.

American Standard Version

Behold, I will send for many fishers, saith Jehovah, and they shall fish them up; and afterward I will send for many hunters, and they shall hunt them from every mountain, and from every hill, and out of the clefts of the rocks.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 16:16 serves as a stark prophetic declaration of God's comprehensive and inescapable judgment upon the kingdom of Judah for their deep-seated idolatry and persistent disobedience. Through vivid metaphors of "fishers" and "hunters," the Lord reveals His sovereign intent to send agents of punishment who will relentlessly pursue and capture the inhabitants of Judah, leaving no place of refuge or escape from the divine reckoning that is about to befall them.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a section of Jeremiah (chapters 16-17) that pronounces severe judgment upon Judah for their covenant unfaithfulness, particularly their widespread idolatry. Preceding verses detail the Lord's command to Jeremiah not to marry or have children, nor to participate in mourning or feasting, symbolizing the impending desolation and lack of comfort for the people ([Jeremiah 16:1-9](/jeremiah/16-1 "Jeremiah 16:1-9 - Jeremiah's Symbolic Actions")). The people's inquiry about their sin in [Jeremiah 16:10](/jeremiah/16-10 "Jeremiah 16:10 - Judah's Question About Their Sin") is met with a clear indictment of their fathers' and their own abandonment of God's law ([Jeremiah 16:11-13](/jeremiah/16-11 "Jeremiah 16:11-13 - God's Answer to Judah's Sin")). Verse 16 then expands on the *how* of this judgment, describing the agents God will employ to execute His decree, immediately followed by a promise of future restoration and the gathering of Israel from exile ([Jeremiah 16:14-15](/jeremiah/16-14 "Jeremiah 16:14-15 - Promise of Future Restoration")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jeremiah prophesied during a tumultuous period in Judah's history, spanning the reigns of the last five kings before the Babylonian exile (circa 627-586 BC). The nation had largely abandoned the covenant of Yahweh, embracing the worship of Baal and other foreign deities, even practicing child sacrifice ([Jeremiah 7:31](/jeremiah/7-31 "Jeremiah 7:31 - The Valley of Hinnom")). This widespread apostasy led to moral decay and social injustice. The "fishers" and "hunters" in this verse are widely understood to be foreign invaders, primarily the Babylonians under Nebuchadnezzar, who would systematically conquer and deport the people of Judah. The imagery of mountains, hills, and rock holes reflects the rugged, often cave-riddled terrain of ancient Judah, where people might attempt to hide from invaders, highlighting the futility of such efforts against God's determined judgment.
* **Key Themes:** The central themes in [Jeremiah 16](/jeremiah/16 "Jeremiah 16 - Chapter of Judgment and Hope") and this verse include **Divine Judgment and Sovereignty**, emphasizing that God is the active orchestrator of these events, not merely a passive observer. He "sends" the agents of judgment, demonstrating His ultimate authority over nations and history. Another key theme is the **Inevitability and Thoroughness of Punishment**, conveyed through the relentless pursuit of the "fishers" and "hunters." Just as no fish can escape the net and no prey can elude a determined hunter, so too will Judah find no refuge from God's wrath, a concept echoed in [Amos 9:2-3](/amos/9-2 "Amos 9:2-3 - No Escape from God's Presence"). Finally, the verse underscores the **Consequences of Disobedience**, serving as a severe warning that rebellion against a holy God inevitably leads to dire consequences, fulfilling the covenant curses outlined in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **fishers (Hebrew, _dayâg'_):** This term (H1771) refers to a fisherman, derived from the act of fishing. In this context, it metaphorically represents agents of God's judgment who will "catch" or ensnare the people of Judah. The imagery suggests a comprehensive gathering, much like a net sweeps up all fish in an area, implying that no one will be overlooked or able to escape the initial capture.
* **hunters (Hebrew, _tsayâd'_):** This word (H6719) denotes a huntsman. Following the "fishers," the "hunters" represent a more aggressive and persistent pursuit. While fishers might gather from open areas, hunters track prey into hidden, remote locations. This signifies that even those who manage to evade the initial wave of judgment, perhaps by hiding in difficult terrain, will eventually be tracked down and apprehended.
* **holes (Hebrew, _nâqîyq'_):** Referring to a cleft or bore (H5357), this word describes the deep crevices and caves often found in mountainous regions. The mention of "holes of the rocks" emphasizes the extreme measures people would take to hide and the absolute thoroughness of the divine judgment, which would penetrate even the most secluded and seemingly secure hiding places.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Behold, I will send for many fishers, saith the LORD, and they shall fish them;":** This opening clause immediately establishes God's sovereign initiative ("I will send") in bringing judgment. The phrase "saith the LORD" (H3068, H5002) authenticates the prophecy as a direct divine utterance. The "fishers" represent the initial, widespread capture of the people, perhaps referring to the first waves of Babylonian incursions or deportations that would gather large numbers.
* **"and after will I send for many hunters, and they shall hunt them":** This signifies a second, distinct phase or a more intense, relentless aspect of the judgment. The "hunters" imply a more active, tracking, and cornering approach, targeting those who might have initially escaped or gone into hiding. It underscores the divine determination to leave no one untouched by the impending punishment.
* **"from every mountain, and from every hill, and out of the holes of the rocks.":** This final phrase vividly describes the geographical scope and the utter inescapability of the judgment. Mountains, hills, and rock holes represent the most remote, rugged, and seemingly secure hiding places in the land. The declaration that the hunters will find them even there emphasizes the total and comprehensive nature of God's judgment; there will be no sanctuary or refuge from His wrath.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 16:16 is rich in **Metaphor**, primarily using the imagery of "fishers" and "hunters" to represent the foreign invaders (Babylonians) whom God would employ as instruments of His judgment. These metaphors powerfully convey the systematic and comprehensive nature of the capture and deportation of the people of Judah. The "fishers" suggest a widespread netting or gathering, while the "hunters" imply a relentless pursuit into hidden places. The phrase "from every mountain, and from every hill, and out of the holes of the rocks" employs **Hyperbole** to emphasize the absolute inescapability and thoroughness of this divine reckoning. It suggests that no hiding place, no matter how remote or secure, will offer refuge. The entire verse also demonstrates **Divine Anthropomorphism**, attributing human actions (sending, fishing, hunting) to God, illustrating His active and personal involvement in the historical events unfolding in Judah.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 16:16 powerfully articulates God's unwavering commitment to justice and His absolute sovereignty over all creation, including human history and the actions of nations. It reveals that even the most formidable empires are merely instruments in His hand, used to accomplish His divine purposes, whether for judgment or for restoration. The verse underscores the theological principle that sin, particularly covenant unfaithfulness and idolatry, carries severe consequences, and that God will not tolerate persistent rebellion. It also highlights the omnipresence of God's justice; there is no place to hide from His gaze or His righteous judgment. This inescapable judgment serves as a profound warning, yet it also implicitly points to the need for a true refuge found only in God's mercy.

* [Psalm 139:7-12](/psalms/139-7 "God's Omnipresence") - This psalm beautifully expresses the impossibility of escaping God's presence, whether by ascending to heaven or making one's bed in Sheol, echoing the theme of inescapable divine reach.
* [Amos 9:1-4](/amos/9-1 "No Escape from God's Judgment") - Amos similarly declares that no matter where the rebellious Israelites try to hide—the top of Carmel, the bottom of the sea, or among the nations—God's hand will find them and bring judgment.
* [Hebrews 4:13](/hebrews/4-13 "All Things Exposed Before God") - This New Testament verse affirms that "nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account," reinforcing the truth that divine judgment is comprehensive and unavoidable.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 16:16 serves as a sobering reminder that God is not merely a benevolent deity but also a righteous judge who holds humanity accountable for its choices. For the contemporary believer, this verse underscores the gravity of sin and the seriousness with which God views disobedience, particularly idolatry in its modern forms—anything that takes God's rightful place in our hearts. It challenges us to examine our lives for areas where we might be seeking refuge in false securities or attempting to hide our transgressions from God. True security and peace are not found in evasion or self-deception, but in honest repentance and a humble return to the Lord. This passage calls us to live lives of integrity, acknowledging God's omnipresence and His ultimate authority, and to find our true "hiding place" in His grace rather than attempting to escape His justice. It compels us to respond to His call to repentance and to live in faithful obedience, recognizing that His love is intertwined with His justice.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be attempting to "hide" from God's scrutiny or avoid His will?**
* **How does the comprehensive nature of God's judgment in this verse shape my understanding of His holiness and justice?**
* **What modern "idols" might be taking the place of the Lord in my life, and how can I repent and turn back to Him fully?**

### FAQ
**Who are the "fishers" and "hunters" mentioned in this verse, and what do they represent?**

Answer: The "fishers" and "hunters" in Jeremiah 16:16 are metaphorical representations of the agents God would use to execute His judgment upon the kingdom of Judah. Historically, these refer primarily to the foreign invaders, most notably the Babylonian armies under King Nebuchadnezzar. The imagery is deeply significant: "fishers" suggest a systematic gathering or ensnaring of the people, perhaps referring to the initial conquests and deportations where large populations were rounded up. "Hunters," on the other hand, imply a more relentless and thorough pursuit, tracking down those who might have fled to remote or hidden places, such as the "mountains, hills, and holes of the rocks." Together, these metaphors convey the absolute inescapability and comprehensive nature of God's judgment, ensuring that no one would be able to evade the divine reckoning for their persistent idolatry and disobedience ([Jeremiah 16:11-13](/jeremiah/16-11 "Judah's Sin and God's Judgment")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Jeremiah 16:16 speaks of a divine judgment that leaves no hiding place, its ultimate fulfillment in Christ transforms this imagery from one of inescapable wrath to one of inescapable grace and salvation. The "fishers" and "hunters" of judgment foreshadow a greater "fishing" and "hunting" for souls, not for destruction, but for redemption. Jesus, the ultimate "fisher of men" ([Matthew 4:19](/matthew/4-19 "Jesus Calls His First Disciples")), calls His disciples to gather people into the kingdom of God, rescuing them from the judgment that awaits those who remain in sin. Where ancient Judah sought futile hiding places from God's wrath, Christ Himself becomes the ultimate refuge and hiding place for all who believe ([Psalm 32:7](/psalms/32-7 "God as a Hiding Place")). Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, Jesus bore the full weight of God's judgment, allowing those who trust in Him to escape the condemnation that justly falls upon sin ([Romans 8:1](/romans/8-1 "No Condemnation in Christ Jesus")). Thus, the comprehensive nature of God's pursuit in Jeremiah 16:16 finds its redemptive parallel in the comprehensive reach of the Gospel, which seeks out lost souls "from every mountain, and from every hill, and out of the holes of the rocks" of human existence, bringing them into the secure embrace of God's eternal love in Christ Jesus ([Ephesians 2:4-5](/ephesians/2-4 "God's Mercy and Grace")).

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

Habakkuk 1:14

And makest men as the fishes of the sea, as the creeping things, [that have] no ruler over them?

Habakkuk 1:15

They take up all of them with the angle, they catch them in their net, and gather them in their drag: therefore they rejoice and are glad.

Amos 4:2

The Lord GOD hath sworn by his holiness, that, lo, the days shall come upon you, that he will take you away with hooks, and your posterity with fishhooks.

Micah 7:2

The good [man] is perished out of the earth: and [there is] none upright among men: they all lie in wait for blood; they hunt every man his brother with a net.

Revelation 6:15

And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains;

Revelation 6:17

For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?

1 Samuel 26:20

Now therefore, let not my blood fall to the earth before the face of the LORD: for the king of Israel is come out to seek a flea, as when one doth hunt a partridge in the mountains.