Jeremiah 19:8

And I will make this city desolate, and an hissing; every one that passeth thereby shall be astonished and hiss because of all the plagues thereof.

And I will make {H7760} this city {H5892} desolate {H8047}, and an hissing {H8322}; every one that passeth {H5674} thereby shall be astonished {H8074} and hiss {H8319} because of all the plagues {H4347} thereof.

I will make this city an object of horror and ridicule; everyone passing by will be horrified and will ridicule it because of all its wounds.

I will make this city a desolation and an object of scorn. All who pass by will be appalled and will scoff at all her wounds.

And I will make this city an astonishment, and a hissing; every one that passeth thereby shall be astonished and hiss because of all the plagues thereof.

Commentary on Jeremiah 19:8 (KJV)

Jeremiah 19:8 delivers a stark prophetic declaration of God's impending judgment upon Jerusalem, conveying the profound desolation and shock that will befall the city due to its persistent sin and rebellion.

Context

This verse is part of the dramatic "potter's flask" prophecy (Jeremiah 19:1-15). The prophet Jeremiah, under divine instruction, takes an earthen flask to the Valley of the Son of Hinnom (Topheth), a place notorious for child sacrifice and idolatry (Jeremiah 7:31). There, before the elders and priests, he shatters the flask as a symbolic act, proclaiming that God will likewise shatter Jerusalem and its inhabitants. The judgment described in verse 8 is a direct consequence of Judah's spiritual adultery and the abominations committed within the city's walls, particularly their worship of false gods and their egregious practices.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Judgment and Desolation: The central message is God's unwavering resolve to bring judgment upon Jerusalem. The city, once glorious, will be made "desolate," signifying utter ruin and abandonment. This desolation is a direct result of their unfaithfulness.
  • Astonishment and Scorn: The phrase "an hissing; every one that passeth thereby shall be astonished and hiss" vividly portrays the reaction of those who witness Jerusalem's downfall. The "hissing" (Hebrew: shereq) denotes a sound of scorn, derision, and utter shock, while "astonished" (Hebrew: shamem) conveys being appalled or dumbfounded. This reaction highlights the unprecedented nature of the calamity, turning the once-proud city into an object of horror and contempt. This echoes similar warnings of judgment found elsewhere, such as the desolation prophesied for Solomon's temple in 1 Kings 9:8.
  • Consequences of Sin: The "plagues thereof" refer to the devastating consequences of Judah's idolatry and disobedience—famine, sword, and captivity. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that rebellion against God's covenant leads to severe, unavoidable consequences.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "desolate" is ḥorbâ (חָרְבָּה), which means a ruin, waste, or desolation, emphasizing the complete destruction. The word for "hissing," shereq (שְׁרֵקָה), vividly describes the sound of scorn or astonishment, indicating a public display of shock and ridicule. "Astonished," shamem (שָׁמֵם), further reinforces the idea of being utterly appalled or dumbfounded by the catastrophe.

Practical Application

Jeremiah 19:8 serves as a timeless warning about the serious consequences of persistent sin and rebellion against God. It reminds us that:

  • God's Warnings Are Serious: The Lord does not issue threats lightly. His warnings of judgment are meant to call people to repentance and avert disaster.
  • Accountability for Actions: Nations and individuals are held accountable for their choices. Disregarding divine commands and embracing wickedness inevitably leads to dire outcomes.
  • The Need for Repentance: The severity of the prophesied judgment underscores the urgency of turning away from sin and returning to God. While this specific prophecy concerned ancient Judah, the principle of divine justice and the call to repentance remain universal.

This verse encourages reflection on our own lives and communities, prompting us to consider if our actions align with God's will, lest we face the consequences of spiritual negligence.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Jeremiah 18:16

    To make their land desolate, [and] a perpetual hissing; every one that passeth thereby shall be astonished, and wag his head.

  • Jeremiah 49:13

    For I have sworn by myself, saith the LORD, that Bozrah shall become a desolation, a reproach, a waste, and a curse; and all the cities thereof shall be perpetual wastes.

  • 1 Kings 9:8

    And at this house, [which] is high, every one that passeth by it shall be astonished, and shall hiss; and they shall say, Why hath the LORD done thus unto this land, and to this house?

  • Jeremiah 50:13

    Because of the wrath of the LORD it shall not be inhabited, but it shall be wholly desolate: every one that goeth by Babylon shall be astonished, and hiss at all her plagues.

  • Jeremiah 25:18

    [To wit], Jerusalem, and the cities of Judah, and the kings thereof, and the princes thereof, to make them a desolation, an astonishment, an hissing, and a curse; as [it is] this day;

  • Zephaniah 2:15

    This [is] the rejoicing city that dwelt carelessly, that said in her heart, I [am], and [there is] none beside me: how is she become a desolation, a place for beasts to lie down in! every one that passeth by her shall hiss, [and] wag his hand.

  • 2 Chronicles 7:20

    Then will I pluck them up by the roots out of my land which I have given them; and this house, which I have sanctified for my name, will I cast out of my sight, and will make it [to be] a proverb and a byword among all nations.

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