Jeremiah 18:22

KJV

Let a cry be heard from their houses, when thou shalt bring a troop suddenly upon them: for they have digged a pit to take me, and hid snares for my feet.

KJV (with Strong's)

Let a cry {H2201} be heard {H8085} from their houses {H1004}, when thou shalt bring {H935} a troop {H1416} suddenly {H6597} upon them: for they have digged {H3738} a pit {H7745}{H7882} to take {H3920} me, and hid {H2934} snares {H6341} for my feet {H7272}.

Complete Jewish Bible

let screams be heard from their houses when you bring raiders on them without warning. For they have dug a pit to catch me and have laid snares for my feet.

Berean Standard Bible

Let a cry be heard from their houses when You suddenly bring raiders against them, for they have dug a pit to capture me and have hidden snares for my feet.

American Standard Version

Let a cry be heard from their houses, when thou shalt bring a troop suddenly upon them; for they have digged a pit to take me, and hid snares for my feet.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 18:22 captures the prophet Jeremiah's anguished imprecation against those who maliciously conspired against him. It vividly portrays his deep personal suffering due to their treachery, while simultaneously articulating a prophetic plea for God's sudden and overwhelming judgment to fall upon his persecutors. The verse underscores the principle of divine retribution, where the deceitful schemes of the wicked are turned back upon themselves, affirming Jeremiah's unwavering trust in God's justice amidst intense betrayal.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within a highly personal and emotionally charged segment of Jeremiah's prophecy, specifically [Jeremiah 18:18-23](/jeremiah/18-18-23 "Jeremiah's Prayer for Vengeance"). The chapter opens with the Lord's profound object lesson of the potter and the clay in [Jeremiah 18:1-12](/jeremiah/18-12 "The Potter and the Clay"), illustrating God's sovereign right to shape nations based on their obedience or rebellion. Despite this powerful demonstration and a clear offer of repentance, Judah defiantly declared, "We will walk after our own devices, and we will every one do the imagination of his evil heart" ([Jeremiah 18:12](/jeremiah/18-12 "Judah's Defiant Refusal")). This rejection of God's grace and Jeremiah's persistent warnings directly precipitated the malicious plot against the prophet, as described in [Jeremiah 18:18](/jeremiah/18-18 "The Plot Against Jeremiah"). In response to this existential threat, Jeremiah 18:22 emerges as a desperate, impassioned cry for divine intervention and justice, a direct counter to the conspiracy aimed at silencing God's faithful messenger.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jeremiah's prophetic ministry unfolded during a tumultuous and terminal phase of the Kingdom of Judah (c. 627-586 BC), marked by political instability, pervasive idolatry, and the looming threat of the Neo-Babylonian Empire. Despite Jeremiah's unwavering calls for national repentance and dire warnings of impending judgment, the people, particularly the religious and political elite in Jerusalem, largely dismissed his message. They clung to a false sense of security, believing in the inviolability of Jerusalem and the Temple. Culturally, the imagery of "digging a pit" (H3738, *kârâh*) or "hiding snares" (H2934, *ṭâman*) was a common and well-understood practice for trapping animals or, metaphorically, for ambushing enemies. This imagery vividly conveys the deliberate, insidious, and often concealed nature of the malice directed at Jeremiah. The "troop" (H1416, *gᵉdûwd*) would have been immediately recognized as a raiding band or an invading army, a terrifying and increasingly real prospect for Judah, foreshadowing the eventual devastating invasions by Nebuchadnezzar's forces. Jeremiah's prayer thus reflects the profound isolation and mortal danger faced by a prophet who dared to stand against the prevailing tide of national apostasy and self-deception.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Jeremiah. Firstly, it highlights the profound **persecution and suffering of the prophet** himself, a recurring motif that casts Jeremiah as the "weeping prophet" ([Jeremiah 9:1](/jeremiah/9-1 "Jeremiah's Lament for Judah")). His personal anguish and the plots against his life mirror the deep pain of God's heart over Judah's persistent sin and rebellion. Secondly, it underscores the theme of **divine justice and retribution**. Jeremiah's imprecatory prayer is not merely a personal desire for vengeance but a fervent appeal to God's righteous character, asserting the conviction that God will indeed bring judgment upon those who reject His word and persecute His faithful messengers. The "cry" and the "troop" serve as vivid prophetic foreshadowing of the coming Babylonian invasion, which God would orchestrate as His instrument of judgment ([Jeremiah 25:9](/jeremiah/25-9 "Nebuchadnezzar as God's Servant")). Finally, the potent imagery of "digged a pit" and "hid snares" emphasizes the **treachery and malice of the wicked**, a theme frequently found in the Psalms, where the righteous are often depicted as targets of insidious plots by their enemies ([Psalm 35:7](/psalms/35-7 "The Wicked's Hidden Net")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **cry (Hebrew, _zaʻaq'_ H2201):** This term denotes a shriek or outcry, typically one of intense distress, alarm, or a desperate plea. In this context, Jeremiah prays for a wail of anguish or terror to emanate from the houses of his enemies, signifying a sudden, public, and overwhelming calamity. It implies an inescapable manifestation of their suffering, a direct reversal of their attempts to silence his prophetic voice.
* **pit (Hebrew, _shûwchâh'_ H7745):** This word refers to a chasm, ditch, or a deep hole, often specifically one dug as a trap or a grave. It serves as a potent metaphor for a destructive, concealed trap designed to ensnare or destroy. Its use here highlights the deliberate, premeditated, and deadly nature of the conspiracy against Jeremiah, implying a scheme intended to lead to his downfall or death.
* **snares (Hebrew, _pach'_ H6341):** This term describes a spring net or trap, commonly used by hunters to capture birds or animals. It emphasizes the cunning, hidden, and inescapable nature of the enemies' plots. When combined with "pit," it paints a vivid picture of a meticulously planned and insidious attempt to entrap Jeremiah, making his escape seem impossible without divine intervention.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Let a cry be heard from their houses":** This clause functions as an imprecatory plea for a public and profoundly personal judgment to befall Jeremiah's enemies. The "cry" (H2201, *zaʻaq*) signifies a wail of terror or distress, indicating that the impending judgment will be so sudden and severe that their very homes—typically sanctuaries of safety and privacy—will become sites of public lamentation and fear. This is a direct and ironic reversal of their desire to silence Jeremiah's prophetic voice.
* **"when thou shalt bring a troop suddenly upon them":** This segment reveals both the instrument and the nature of the anticipated divine judgment. The "troop" (H1416, *gᵉdûwd*) refers to a band of soldiers or a raiding party, clearly implying a military invasion or a sudden, overwhelming assault. The adverb "suddenly" (H6597, *pithʼôwm*) powerfully emphasizes the unexpected and overwhelming nature of this divine retribution, ensuring no time for escape or preparation. This clause serves as a chilling prophetic foreshadowing of the swift and devastating Babylonian invasion that God would orchestrate.
* **"for they have digged a pit to take me, and hid snares for my feet":** This final clause provides the explicit justification for Jeremiah's imprecation. The enemies' actions are described using vivid metaphors drawn from hunting: "digged a pit" (H3738, *kârâh*, and H7745, *shûwchâh*) and "hid snares" (H2934, *ṭâman*, and H6341, *pach*). This imagery underscores the deliberate, malicious, and cunning nature of their conspiracy against Jeremiah, specifically aimed at entrapping him (H3920, *lâkad*) and causing his complete downfall. The phrase "for my feet" (H7272, *regel*) precisely identifies the target of their traps, indicating an attempt to hinder his movement, trip him up, or bring about his utter ruin.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 18:22 masterfully employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of righteous indignation and impending judgment. The most prominent is **Imprecation**, where Jeremiah utters a fervent prayer for divine judgment and calamity to befall his adversaries. This is not merely a personal desire for vengeance but a profound plea for God's justice to be visibly manifested against those who actively oppose His divine will and persecute His messenger. **Metaphor** is extensively utilized through the vivid imagery of "digged a pit" and "hid snares," which powerfully represent the insidious, concealed, and life-threatening plots devised against Jeremiah. These are not literal physical traps but rather cunning schemes and malicious machinations, highlighting the profound treachery and malevolence of his adversaries. The phrase "Let a cry be heard from their houses" employs **Synecdoche**, where "houses" serves as a representation for the inhabitants within, thereby emphasizing the widespread, personal, and inescapable nature of the impending judgment. Furthermore, the word "suddenly" functions as a powerful **Adverbial Emphasis**, underscoring the swift, unexpected, and overwhelming nature of the divine retribution that Jeremiah invokes.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 18:22 profoundly illustrates the biblical principle of divine justice, where God ultimately vindicates His faithful servants and brings righteous judgment upon those who oppose His will and harm His messengers. Jeremiah's imprecatory prayer, while intense and deeply personal, reflects a foundational theological conviction that God is inherently righteous and will not allow evil to go unpunished indefinitely. It aligns seamlessly with the broader prophetic tradition that consistently warns of the inevitable consequences of persistent rebellion against God. This verse also foreshadows the ultimate triumph of God's purposes, even when His chosen instruments face severe opposition, reinforcing the theme that God is sovereign over both nations and individuals, capable of bringing about His will through both acts of mercy and decisive judgment.

* [Psalm 7:15](/psalms/7-15 "Psalm 7:15 - The Wicked Fall into Their Own Pit")
* [Psalm 57:6](/psalms/57-6 "Psalm 57:6 - The Wicked Fall into Their Own Net")
* [Proverbs 26:27](/proverbs/26-27 "Proverbs 26:27 - He Who Digs a Pit Will Fall Into It")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 18:22 serves as a stark and enduring reminder that faithfulness to God's truth often invites profound opposition, even from unexpected or seemingly authoritative sources. Jeremiah's deeply personal experience teaches us that speaking God's truth to power, especially when that power is entrenched in corruption or resistant to divine revelation, can lead to intense personal suffering and malicious plots. For believers today, this verse provides a sobering perspective, encouraging us to stand firm in our convictions, recognizing that persecution is a very real possibility for those who genuinely follow Christ. While the New Testament calls us to a higher standard of loving our enemies and praying for those who persecute us, Jeremiah's prayer, rooted in the Old Testament context of divine justice, assures us that God is ultimately the one who sees all hidden schemes and malicious intentions. In His perfect timing, He will bring about His righteous judgment and vindicate His people. Our enduring call is to persevere in faith, entrusting our battles, our vindication, and the ultimate resolution of all injustice to the sovereign Lord.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jeremiah's experience of betrayal and persecution resonate with challenges you have faced in living out your faith in contemporary society?**
* **In what ways does the imagery of "digging a pit" or "hiding snares" metaphorically describe subtle or overt opposition to truth or righteousness in your own life or community today?**
* **How can we biblically balance the New Testament call to love our enemies with the Old Testament concept of divine justice, as powerfully expressed in verses like Jeremiah 18:22?**

### FAQ
**Is it appropriate for Christians to pray imprecatory prayers like Jeremiah's?**

Answer: Jeremiah's prayer, like many found in the Old Testament Psalms and prophetic books, is an imprecatory prayer—a fervent plea for God to execute judgment on the wicked. While these prayers reflect a righteous indignation against evil and a deep trust in God's ultimate justice, the New Testament introduces a profound new dimension to how believers are to interact with their enemies. Jesus commanded His followers to "love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you" ([Matthew 5:44](/matthew/5-44 "Matthew 5:44 - Love Your Enemies")). The Apostle Paul echoed this transformative teaching, stating, "Do not repay evil for evil... Leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: 'It is mine to avenge; I will repay,' says the Lord" ([Romans 12:17-19](/romans/12-17-19 "Romans 12:17-19 - Do Not Avenge Yourselves")). Therefore, while Christians are certainly permitted to lament injustice and earnestly desire God's ultimate justice, our primary posture towards those who wrong us should be one of prayer for their repentance, reliance on God's perfect timing for judgment, and a commitment to not take personal vengeance. Jeremiah's prayer serves as a powerful reminder that God *will* indeed judge evil, but it is not necessarily a prescriptive model for personal imprecation in the New Covenant era.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 18:22, with its poignant depiction of the prophet's suffering at the hands of those who maliciously plotted his destruction, finds its ultimate and profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the life, ministry, and passion of Jesus Christ. Just as Jeremiah faced insidious schemes and hidden traps from his own people, particularly the religious leaders of his day, so too did Jesus. The chief priests and Pharisees "took counsel together to put him to death" ([John 11:53](/john/11-53 "John 11:53 - Plot to Kill Jesus")), and they relentlessly sought to "entangle him in his talk" ([Matthew 22:15](/matthew/22-15 "Matthew 22:15 - Pharisees Plot to Entrap Jesus")), perfectly mirroring the "pit" and "snares" set for Jeremiah. However, unlike Jeremiah, who prayed for a "cry" to be heard from his enemies' houses and for a "troop suddenly upon them," Jesus, even in His agonizing moments on the cross, uttered the profoundly redemptive prayer, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do" ([Luke 23:34](/luke/23-34 "Luke 23:34 - Jesus Prays for His Executioners")). This demonstrates a higher, redemptive fulfillment of God's justice, where the ultimate judgment for humanity's sin was borne by the innocent Lamb of God. By willingly enduring the depths of human treachery and suffering, Jesus provided the singular path for forgiveness and reconciliation. While judgment did eventually come upon Jerusalem in AD 70, fulfilling prophetic warnings, the primary focus of Christ's work was always redemptive. He is the ultimate Prophet, rejected and persecuted, yet through His sacrificial death, He disarmed the spiritual principalities and powers that set traps for humanity ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). Thus, Jeremiah's cry for justice is ultimately answered in Christ, who both experiences the depths of human treachery and provides the pathway to divine mercy.

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 6:26

O daughter of my people, gird [thee] with sackcloth, and wallow thyself in ashes: make thee mourning, [as for] an only son, most bitter lamentation: for the spoiler shall suddenly come upon us.

Psalms 140:5

The proud have hid a snare for me, and cords; they have spread a net by the wayside; they have set gins for me. Selah.

Zephaniah 1:10

And it shall come to pass in that day, saith the LORD, [that there shall be] the noise of a cry from the fish gate, and an howling from the second, and a great crashing from the hills.

Zephaniah 1:11

Howl, ye inhabitants of Maktesh, for all the merchant people are cut down; all they that bear silver are cut off.

Jeremiah 25:34

Howl, ye shepherds, and cry; and wallow yourselves [in the ashes], ye principal of the flock: for the days of your slaughter and of your dispersions are accomplished; and ye shall fall like a pleasant vessel.

Jeremiah 25:36

A voice of the cry of the shepherds, and an howling of the principal of the flock, [shall be heard]: for the LORD hath spoiled their pasture.

Zephaniah 1:16

A day of the trumpet and alarm against the fenced cities, and against the high towers.