Jeremiah 18:7

KJV

[At what] instant I shall speak concerning a nation, and concerning a kingdom, to pluck up, and to pull down, and to destroy [it];

KJV (with Strong's)

At what instant {H7281} I shall speak {H1696} concerning a nation {H1471}, and concerning a kingdom {H4467}, to pluck up {H5428}, and to pull down {H5422}, and to destroy {H6} it;

Complete Jewish Bible

At one time, I may speak about uprooting, breaking down and destroying a nation or kingdom;

Berean Standard Bible

At any time I might announce that a nation or kingdom will be uprooted, torn down, and destroyed.

American Standard Version

At what instant I shall speak concerning a nation, and concerning a kingdom, to pluck up and to break down and to destroy it;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 18:7 introduces a profound declaration of God's absolute sovereignty over nations and kingdoms, setting the stage for the iconic "potter and clay" analogy. This verse reveals the Lord's immediate and decisive authority to intervene in the affairs of human governments, specifically detailing His power to "pluck up, and to pull down, and to destroy" any nation. It underscores the principle that national destiny is not merely a product of geopolitical forces but is ultimately subject to the divine will and righteous judgment of God, laying the groundwork for the conditional nature of His pronouncements in the verses that follow.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 18:7 is an integral part of the larger prophetic oracle found in [Jeremiah chapter 18](/jeremiah/18 "Jeremiah 18 - The Potter's House"). The chapter opens with the Lord instructing Jeremiah to go to the potter's house ([Jeremiah 18:1-2](/jeremiah/18-1 "Jeremiah 18:1-2 - Jeremiah at the Potter's House")). There, Jeremiah observes the potter working with clay, and when a vessel is marred, the potter reshapes it into another vessel as he sees fit ([Jeremiah 18:3-4](/jeremiah/18-3 "Jeremiah 18:3-4 - The Potter and the Clay")). This vivid imagery serves as a powerful parable illustrating God's sovereign right and power over the nations of the earth, just as a potter has authority over the clay ([Jeremiah 18:5-6](/jeremiah/18-5 "Jeremiah 18:5-6 - God's Authority Over Nations")). Verse 7 then articulates the first part of God's conditional policy regarding nations – His intent to judge and destroy. This declaration is immediately balanced by the promise of relenting from judgment if a nation repents ([Jeremiah 18:8](/jeremiah/18-8 "Jeremiah 18:8 - God Relents from Judgment")) and the counter-declaration of building up a nation if it turns to wickedness ([Jeremiah 18:9-10](/jeremiah/18-9 "Jeremiah 18:9-10 - God's Plan to Build or Destroy")). Thus, verse 7 establishes the divine prerogative to judge, which is then contextualized by God's mercy and justice.
* **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 (c. 627-586 BC). This era was marked by political instability, spiritual apostasy, and the looming threat of powerful empires like Assyria, Egypt, and especially Babylon. The people of Judah had largely abandoned the covenant with Yahweh, engaging in idolatry and social injustice. In this context, the imagery of a potter was highly relatable; pottery was a ubiquitous craft in ancient Israel, essential for daily life. The concept of a nation's fate being determined by a divine power was also common in the ancient Near East, but Jeremiah's message uniquely attributed this power to the one true God, Yahweh, whose judgments were based on righteousness and covenant faithfulness, not arbitrary will. The "nation" (gôwy) and "kingdom" (mamlâkâh) referenced here would have immediately brought Judah and its neighbors to mind, all of whom were subject to God's ultimate authority.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 18:7 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Jeremiah and broader biblical theology. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Sovereignty**, powerfully asserting God's ultimate authority and control over the destiny of all human governments and peoples. He is not a passive observer but an active participant who can determine the rise and fall of kingdoms, as seen throughout biblical history, from the [exodus from Egypt](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - The Exodus") to the [Babylonian captivity](/jeremiah/52 "Jeremiah 52 - The Fall of Jerusalem"). Another crucial theme is the **Performative Power of God's Word**. The phrase "At what instant I shall speak" highlights that God's pronouncements are not merely informative but inherently effective; when He declares judgment, it begins to unfold with immediate and decisive force, echoing the creative power of His word in [Genesis 1](/genesis/1 "Genesis 1 - The Creation Account"). Finally, the verse introduces the theme of **Divine Judgment and Destruction**, using strong verbs like "pluck up," "pull down," and "destroy" to signify comprehensive and decisive divine action against nations due to their wickedness and rebellion. This theme is further developed as the book progresses, leading to the [fall of Jerusalem](/2_kings/25 "2 Kings 25 - The Fall of Jerusalem and Exile") and the exile of Judah, demonstrating God's unwavering justice.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **instant (Hebrew, _regaʻ'_):** (H7281) This word signifies a "wink of the eyes" or a "very short space of time." Its use here emphasizes the immediacy and suddenness with which God's word can take effect. When God speaks concerning a nation's destiny, the execution of His decree can be instantaneous or set in motion without delay, highlighting His omnipotence and swiftness in action.
* **speak (Hebrew, _dâbar'_):** (H1696) This primitive root means "to speak," but it often carries the connotation of arranging, commanding, or declaring. In this context, it underscores the performative nature of God's word. It's not merely a casual utterance but a divine decree, a powerful pronouncement that initiates action and brings about the intended outcome. God's word is not empty but carries inherent authority and power to accomplish what it declares.
* **destroy (Hebrew, _ʼâbad'_):** (H6) This strong verb means "to wander away," "lose oneself," and by implication, "to perish" or "to cause to perish." It signifies utter ruin, annihilation, or causing something to cease to exist. When used in conjunction with "pluck up" (nâthash) and "pull down" (nâthats), it emphasizes the totality and finality of God's judgment, indicating a complete dismantling and eradication of a nation's power, structure, and very existence if it persists in its wickedness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"At what instant I shall speak":** This opening phrase establishes the divine initiative and the potent, immediate nature of God's pronouncements. It underscores that God's actions are not reactive in a human sense, but are sovereignly willed and executed according to His perfect timing and powerful word. The "instant" speaks to the swiftness and decisiveness of His decree.
* **"concerning a nation, and concerning a kingdom":** This clause broadens the scope of God's authority beyond just Israel to encompass all human political entities. "Nation" (gôwy) refers to a people group, often a foreign or Gentile nation, while "kingdom" (mamlâkâh) refers to the established rule or realm. Together, they signify that no human power, regardless of its might or perceived autonomy, is outside the purview and ultimate control of the Almighty God.
* **"to pluck up, and to pull down, and to destroy [it];":** This powerful tricolon describes the comprehensive and devastating nature of God's judgment. "To pluck up" (nâthash) implies uprooting, like a plant torn from the ground, signifying removal from its foundation or established place. "To pull down" (nâthats) suggests demolition, like tearing down a building or fortification, indicating the destruction of established structures and power. "To destroy" (ʼâbad) signifies utter ruin, annihilation, or causing to perish, representing the ultimate cessation of existence or functionality. Together, these verbs convey a total and irreversible dismantling of a nation's identity, power, and future.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 18:7 effectively employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. The most prominent is **Anthropomorphism**, where God is described with human-like actions, specifically "speaking" and having the intent to "pluck up, pull down, and destroy." This makes the divine will relatable and comprehensible to a human audience. The verse also implicitly relies on the **Analogy** of the potter and the clay, which is explicitly detailed in the preceding verses. The destructive actions of "pluck up, pull down, and destroy" are a verbal echo of the potter's power to reshape or discard a marred vessel, symbolizing God's absolute authority over nations. Furthermore, the use of a **Tricolon** – "to pluck up, and to pull down, and to destroy" – creates a rhythmic and emphatic statement. The three verbs build in intensity, emphasizing the comprehensive and decisive nature of God's judgment, leaving no doubt about the totality of His potential intervention. This rhetorical device enhances the gravity and finality of the divine decree.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 18:7 is a foundational statement on God's active involvement in human history and His ultimate sovereignty over all earthly powers. It demonstrates that God is not a distant deity but one who intimately governs the rise and fall of nations based on their moral and spiritual trajectory. This verse underscores the biblical truth that national prosperity and peace are not solely products of political acumen or military strength, but are ultimately contingent upon a nation's righteousness and its response to God's revealed will. It highlights God's justice, where persistent rebellion and wickedness inevitably invite divine judgment, yet it also sets the stage for His mercy, as the subsequent verses reveal His willingness to relent if a nation repents. This dynamic interplay of justice and mercy is central to God's character and His dealings with humanity throughout Scripture.
* [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God Changes Times and Seasons")
* [Isaiah 10:5-7](/isaiah/10-5 "Isaiah 10:5-7 - Assyria as God's Instrument")
* [Amos 3:6](/amos/3-6 "Amos 3:6 - Calamity in the City")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 18:7 serves as a timeless reminder that divine sovereignty extends over all nations, challenging the notion that human governments operate outside of God's ultimate authority. For contemporary believers, this verse calls us to recognize that the destinies of our nations, and indeed the entire world, rest in the hands of a just and powerful God. It encourages us to pray for our leaders and nations, not merely for their prosperity, but for their righteousness and their turning towards God's principles. It also prompts us to consider our own collective and individual responsibility within our societies. Just as ancient Judah faced consequences for its actions, so too do modern nations. This passage fosters a profound sense of humility, reminding us that no nation is indispensable or immune to divine judgment, yet it also offers hope, as the subsequent verses reveal God's readiness to relent from calamity when genuine repentance occurs. Therefore, our application must involve both a sober recognition of God's justice and a fervent pursuit of righteousness, both personally and corporately.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's sovereignty over nations impact your view of current global events and political landscapes?**
* **What specific actions can you take, individually or as a community, to pray for and promote righteousness within your nation?**
* **In what ways might a nation "pluck up, pull down, and destroy" itself through its own moral and spiritual choices, even without direct divine intervention?**

### FAQ

**Does "at what instant" imply God's judgment is always immediate and without warning?**

Answer: While "at what instant" (regaʻ) emphasizes the swiftness and decisiveness of God's decree, it does not necessarily mean judgment is always executed without warning or delay. In the broader context of Jeremiah 18, particularly [Jeremiah 18:8](/jeremiah/18-8 "Jeremiah 18:8 - God Relents from Judgment"), God explicitly states that if a nation turns from its evil, He will "repent of the evil that I thought to do unto them." This demonstrates that God's pronouncements of judgment often function as warnings, allowing for a period of repentance. The "instant" refers to the moment God *speaks* or *determines* the judgment, setting its course in motion, but His patience and desire for repentance often precede its full manifestation, as seen in the story of [Nineveh in Jonah](/jonah/3 "Jonah 3 - Nineveh Repents").

**Does this verse mean God is arbitrary in His destruction of nations?**

Answer: Absolutely not. While Jeremiah 18:7 asserts God's absolute power to "pluck up, and to pull down, and to destroy," the subsequent verses ([Jeremiah 18:8-10](/jeremiah/18-8 "Jeremiah 18:8-10 - God's Conditional Dealings with Nations")) clarify that God's actions are always predicated on the nation's response to His commands. His judgments are righteous and just, a consequence of a nation's persistent wickedness, idolatry, and rebellion against His moral law. God's character is consistent; He is both just and merciful. His declarations of judgment are not arbitrary whims but are rooted in His holiness and His covenant faithfulness, providing a clear basis for accountability for all peoples.

**How does this ancient prophecy apply to modern nations and governments today?**

Answer: The principles articulated in Jeremiah 18:7 remain eternally relevant. God's sovereignty over nations is an unchanging truth; He still holds ultimate authority over all earthly powers, regardless of their perceived strength or autonomy. While the specific forms of divine judgment may differ, the underlying principle that national well-being and longevity are tied to righteousness and obedience to God's moral principles endures. Modern nations, like ancient ones, are accountable to God. This verse calls contemporary societies to reflect on their moral compass, their treatment of the vulnerable, and their reverence (or lack thereof) for divine truth. It serves as a timeless warning that persistent injustice, idolatry, and rebellion can lead to national decline and eventual judgment, whether through internal decay, external pressures, or other means orchestrated by God's sovereign hand.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Jeremiah 18:7 speaks of God's sovereign power to judge and destroy nations, its ultimate fulfillment and deepest theological resonance are found in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The destructive power described here, "to pluck up, and to pull down, and to destroy," finds its most profound application in Christ's victory over the forces of sin, death, and the devil. Through His crucifixion and resurrection, Jesus "plucked up" the root of sin, "pulled down" the strongholds of Satan, and "destroyed" the power of death ([Hebrews 2:14](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14 - Jesus Destroys the Power of Death")). He is the ultimate "Lamb of God" who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), offering a way for individuals and, by extension, nations, to escape the ultimate destruction that comes from God's wrath. Furthermore, Christ is the one to whom "all authority in heaven and on earth has been given" ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")), and He is the one who will ultimately judge all nations ([Matthew 25:31-32](/matthew/25-31 "Matthew 25:31-32 - The Son of Man Judges the Nations")). His kingdom is the one that "shall never be destroyed" ([Daniel 2:44](/daniel/2-44 "Daniel 2:44 - God's Everlasting Kingdom")), standing eternal after all earthly kingdoms have been "plucked up, pulled down, and destroyed." Thus, the seemingly destructive power of God in Jeremiah 18:7 finds its redemptive climax in Christ, who offers salvation from judgment and establishes an everlasting kingdom built on righteousness 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

Jeremiah 1:10

See, I have this day set thee over the nations and over the kingdoms, to root out, and to pull down, and to destroy, and to throw down, to build, and to plant.

Jeremiah 45:4

Thus shalt thou say unto him, The LORD saith thus; Behold, [that] which I have built will I break down, and that which I have planted I will pluck up, even this whole land.

Jeremiah 12:14

¶ Thus saith the LORD against all mine evil neighbours, that touch the inheritance which I have caused my people Israel to inherit; Behold, I will pluck them out of their land, and pluck out the house of Judah from among them.

Jeremiah 12:17

But if they will not obey, I will utterly pluck up and destroy that nation, saith the LORD.

Amos 9:8

Behold, the eyes of the Lord GOD [are] upon the sinful kingdom, and I will destroy it from off the face of the earth; saving that I will not utterly destroy the house of Jacob, saith the LORD.

Jeremiah 25:9

Behold, I will send and take all the families of the north, saith the LORD, and Nebuchadrezzar the king of Babylon, my servant, and will bring them against this land, and against the inhabitants thereof, and against all these nations round about, and will utterly destroy them, and make them an astonishment, and an hissing, and perpetual desolations.

Jeremiah 25:14

For many nations and great kings shall serve themselves of them also: and I will recompense them according to their deeds, and according to the works of their own hands.