Jeremiah 20:5

KJV

Moreover I will deliver all the strength of this city, and all the labours thereof, and all the precious things thereof, and all the treasures of the kings of Judah will I give into the hand of their enemies, which shall spoil them, and take them, and carry them to Babylon.

KJV (with Strong's)

Moreover I will deliver {H5414} all the strength {H2633} of this city {H5892}, and all the labours {H3018} thereof, and all the precious things {H3366} thereof, and all the treasures {H214} of the kings {H4428} of Judah {H3063} will I give {H5414} into the hand {H3027} of their enemies {H341}, which shall spoil {H962} them, and take {H3947} them, and carry {H935} them to Babylon {H894}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Moreover, I will hand over everything stored in this city, all its valuables, all its wealth, indeed all the treasures of the kings of Y'hudah, to their enemies, who will plunder them, take them and carry them to Bavel.

Berean Standard Bible

I will give away all the wealth of this city—all its products and valuables, and all the treasures of the kings of Judah—to their enemies. They will plunder them, seize them, and carry them off to Babylon.

American Standard Version

Moreover I will give all the riches of this city, and all the gains thereof, and all the precious things thereof, yea, all the treasures of the kings of Judah will I give into the hand of their enemies; and they shall make them a prey, and take them, and carry them to Babylon.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 20:5 delivers a severe divine pronouncement against Jerusalem and Judah, declaring God's active intention to surrender all the city's military capabilities, the accumulated fruits of its inhabitants' labor, its valuable possessions, and the entire treasury of the kings of Judah. This comprehensive wealth and power will be delivered directly into the control of their enemies, who will ruthlessly plunder, seize, and transport these assets, along with the people, to Babylon, thereby sealing the certainty and totality of the impending judgment and exile.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 20:5 is situated within a highly personal and emotionally charged segment of the book, often referred to as Jeremiah's "confessions" or "laments" (Jeremiah 11-20). Immediately preceding this verse, Jeremiah has endured severe persecution at the hands of Pashur, the chief officer of the temple, who had him beaten and placed in stocks for his prophetic declarations (see [Jeremiah 20:1-2](/jeremiah/20-1 "Jeremiah 20:1-2 - Jeremiah's Persecution by Pashur")). In direct response to Pashur's actions and as a divine validation of Jeremiah's unpopular message, God pronounces a specific judgment not only upon Pashur and his household (who are destined for exile and death in Babylon, as detailed in [Jeremiah 20:4](/jeremiah/20-4 "Jeremiah 20:4 - Pashur's Exile Foretold")) but also extends this judgment to encompass the entire city of Jerusalem and its royal house. Verse 5 thus solidifies the inevitability of the Babylonian invasion, a truth Jeremiah had been relentlessly proclaiming despite immense personal suffering and opposition.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy in Jeremiah 20:5 is set against the tumultuous backdrop of the late 7th and early 6th centuries BCE. This period witnessed the decline of the once-dominant Assyrian Empire and the rapid rise of the Neo-Babylonian Empire. Judah, a small kingdom, found itself precariously positioned between these shifting regional powers, often caught in a cycle of shifting alliances and rebellions against the dominant force. Throughout Jeremiah's ministry, the nation of Judah, particularly its ruling elite and religious leaders, stubbornly resisted God's repeated calls to repentance, persisting in idolatry, social injustice, and placing their trust in political maneuvering rather than divine protection. Culturally, there was a deeply ingrained, yet false, sense of security stemming from Jerusalem's status as a fortified city and the presence of the Temple, which many believed rendered them inviolable. Jeremiah consistently challenged this presumption. Geographically, Jerusalem was indeed a formidable stronghold, and its "strength," "labours," "precious things," and "treasures" represented its accumulated military power, economic prosperity, and royal wealth. The explicit mention of "Babylon" is critically important, as it identifies the precise instrument of God's judgment, a detail that sharply contrasted with the optimistic, false prophecies of peace and prosperity propagated by other prophets ([Jeremiah 14:13](/jeremiah/14-13 "Jeremiah 14:13 - False Prophets' Deceptive Message")).

* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 20:5 powerfully articulates several foundational themes that permeate the entire book of Jeremiah. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment**, unequivocally stating that God is the primary agent who "will deliver" and "will give" Judah's assets into enemy hands. This demonstrates God's active and direct control over the destinies of nations and the unfolding of historical events, even when utilizing foreign powers as instruments of His wrath, as seen when God refers to Nebuchadnezzar as "My servant" ([Jeremiah 25:9](/jeremiah/25-9 "Jeremiah 25:9 - Nebuchadnezzar as God's Servant")). Secondly, the verse highlights the severe **Consequences of Unrepentant Sin and Disobedience**. The comprehensive destruction described is not arbitrary but a direct and inevitable fulfillment of the covenant curses detailed in texts like [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses"), which promised exile and plunder for breaking God's law. Thirdly, the prophecy reinforces the **Certainty of Exile**, a central and often unpopular message of Jeremiah's ministry. The explicit naming of "Babylon" confirms the precise nature of the impending judgment, a truth that, despite leading to Jeremiah's persecution, was ultimately realized ([2 Kings 25:8-12](/2_kings/25-8 "2 Kings 25:8-12 - Destruction of Jerusalem and Exile")). Finally, the verse powerfully illustrates the **Futility of Earthly Security**, demonstrating that even the most formidable "strength," "labours," "precious things," and "treasures" are utterly vulnerable when God's judgment is enacted.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **deliver / give (Hebrew, _nâthan'_):** (H5414) This foundational Hebrew verb appears twice in the verse ("I will deliver" and "will I give"), underscoring God's active, intentional, and sovereign role in the impending catastrophe. It signifies that the transfer of Judah's wealth and power to its enemies is not a mere accident of war or a political misfortune, but a deliberate act of divine will. The broad semantic range of _nâthan'_ (to put, make, appoint, bestow, commit, etc.) emphasizes the authority and purposefulness behind this judgment, portraying God as the orchestrator of the nation's downfall.
* **strength (Hebrew, _chôçen'_):** (H2633) Derived from a root meaning "to be strong" or "to accumulate," this term refers to wealth, riches, or inherent power. In the context of a city, "strength" encompasses its military might, its fortifications, its economic vitality, and the overall substance and resources that contribute to its security and influence. The declaration that "all the strength" will be delivered signifies a complete dismantling of Jerusalem's defensive capabilities and its economic foundations, leaving it utterly vulnerable.
* **treasures (Hebrew, _ʼôwtsâr'_):** (H214) This word denotes a depository, a storehouse, or accumulated wealth. The specific mention of "the treasures of the kings of Judah" points directly to the royal treasury, the amassed riches of the monarchy, often including precious metals, jewels, and valuable artifacts. Its inclusion highlights not only the loss of private wealth but, more significantly, the stripping away of national sovereignty, royal dignity, and the symbols of Judah's independent power and prosperity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Moreover I will deliver all the strength of this city,"**: This opening clause establishes God's direct agency in the coming destruction. "All the strength" encompasses Jerusalem's military capabilities, its fortifications, and its general resources that contribute to its security and power. God is actively handing over what Judah considered its most vital assets, demonstrating His ultimate control.
* **"and all the labours thereof,"**: This refers to the accumulated wealth and produce resulting from the diligent work and industry of the city's inhabitants. It signifies everything they had toiled to create and acquire, indicating that not only military assets but also the economic fruits of their society would be systematically confiscated.
* **"and all the precious things thereof,"**: This phrase extends the scope of loss to include all valuable possessions, items of high intrinsic worth, and cherished belongings, whether personal or communal. It speaks to the stripping away of the city's material dignity and any remaining sense of security in its accumulated riches.
* **"and all the treasures of the kings of Judah"**: This specifically targets the royal wealth, the accumulated riches of the monarchy, often stored in the temple or palace treasuries. Its inclusion emphasizes the complete humiliation and impoverishment of the ruling class and the nation as a whole, signifying the definitive end of their independent sovereignty.
* **"will I give into the hand of their enemies,"**: This reiterates God's sovereign action, using the term "hand" (Hebrew, _yâd'_) to denote power, control, and authority. God is not merely permitting the enemies to take; He is actively empowering them to do so, making them direct instruments of His judgment. This highlights the divine orchestration of the impending invasion and plunder.
* **"which shall spoil them, and take them, and carry them to Babylon."**: This final clause describes the actions of the enemies and the ultimate destination of the plundered wealth and, by implication, the captives. "Spoil" (Hebrew, _bâzaz'_) indicates ruthless plundering, "take" (Hebrew, _lâqach'_) signifies seizure and possession, and "carry them to Babylon" (Hebrew, _bôwʼ'_) explicitly names the destination of exile. This sequence of verbs paints a vivid picture of the systematic and complete dispossession and deportation that awaits Judah.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 20:5 is rich with literary devices that amplify its message of impending doom and divine judgment. The most prominent is **Hyperbole** or **Totality**, powerfully conveyed through the repeated use of "all the" ("all the strength," "all the labours," "all the precious things," "all the treasures"). This emphatic repetition, also known as **Anaphora**, underscores the comprehensive and inescapable nature of the judgment, signaling that absolutely nothing of value will be spared from the invaders. The verse also employs **Anthropomorphism**, attributing human actions like "deliver" and "give" to God, thereby portraying Him as an active, intentional, and sovereign agent in the historical unfolding of judgment. Furthermore, the detailed listing of various types of assets (strength, labours, precious things, treasures) creates a form of **Parallelism** or **Enumeration**, reinforcing the idea of total loss and the multifaceted nature of the impending devastation. The series of verbs describing the enemies' actions—"spoil," "take," and "carry"—forms a powerful **Climax** or **Tricolon**, building in intensity and culminating in the final, devastating act of exile to Babylon.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 20:5 stands as a stark theological statement on divine justice and the dire consequences of covenant infidelity. It powerfully asserts God's absolute sovereignty over nations and the course of history, demonstrating that even the rise and fall of empires are ultimately under His direct control. The comprehensive nature of the judgment—stripping away all strength, labor, precious things, and royal treasures—underscores that God's patience has limits and that persistent rebellion against His revealed will inevitably leads to severe and inescapable consequences. This verse serves as a chilling reminder that material wealth, military might, and national security are ultimately fleeting and cannot protect a people from divine wrath when they have abandoned their covenant obligations. It highlights the profound principle that true security and lasting prosperity are found not in accumulated earthly possessions or strategic alliances, but solely in faithful obedience and a right relationship with the living God, who is both just and holy.

* [Deuteronomy 28:47-48](/deuteronomy/28-47 "Deuteronomy 28:47-48 - Consequences of Disobedience for Rejecting God")
* [Leviticus 26:33](/leviticus/26-33 "Leviticus 26:33 - Scattering Among the Nations for Disobedience")
* [Isaiah 39:6](/isaiah/39-6 "Isaiah 39:6 - Hezekiah's Treasures Taken to Babylon Prophecy")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 20:5 offers profound and enduring lessons for contemporary believers and societies. It serves as a potent reminder that God's justice is not an abstract concept but a tangible reality that will manifest in history when His warnings are persistently ignored. For individuals, this means cultivating a posture of humility and responsiveness to God's Word, recognizing that our ultimate security and true treasure are not found in material possessions, career achievements, or social status, but in our relationship with Christ and the eternal kingdom. For communities and nations, it's a solemn call to examine foundational values and priorities, ensuring that justice, righteousness, and obedience to God's principles guide our collective endeavors, rather than pride, self-reliance, or the relentless pursuit of fleeting earthly power. The verse challenges us to consider what we truly value and where we place our ultimate trust, prompting us to invest in eternal realities rather than in things that can be "spoiled, taken, and carried away" by the inevitable judgments of a fallen world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "strength," "labours," or "precious things" in my life or community might I be trusting in more than God for security and fulfillment?**
* **How does the certainty of God's judgment, as demonstrated in this verse, shape my understanding of His character and my response to His commands and warnings today?**
* **In what ways might I be resisting or ignoring divine guidance or prophetic warnings, either personally or collectively, that could lead to unforeseen and undesirable consequences?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper sense of security and contentment in God's faithfulness and provision, rather than in the fleeting nature of earthly possessions or achievements?**

### FAQ
**Was Jeremiah's prophecy in Jeremiah 20:5 accurately fulfilled?**

Answer: Yes, Jeremiah's prophecy in Jeremiah 20:5 was meticulously and devastatingly fulfilled. The Babylonian Empire, under King Nebuchadnezzar, indeed invaded Judah multiple times, culminating in the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple in 586 BCE. Historical accounts, particularly in [2 Kings 25](/2_kings/25 "2 Kings 25 - Fall of Jerusalem and Exile") and [Jeremiah 52](/jeremiah/52 "Jeremiah 52 - The Fall of Jerusalem and Exile"), confirm that the city's defenses were broken, its wealth—including the royal treasures and the precious items from the Temple—was plundered, and its inhabitants, along with the royal family, were taken captive and carried away to Babylon. This precise fulfillment validated Jeremiah's unpopular message and demonstrated God's sovereign control over historical events and His unwavering commitment to His word.

**What does it mean that God "delivered" and "gave" Judah's assets to the enemies?**

Answer: This language emphasizes God's active role as the primary agent behind the judgment, rather than merely a passive observer. When the text states, "I will deliver all the strength... and all the treasures... will I give into the hand of their enemies," it means that God Himself orchestrated and permitted the invasion and plunder. He used the Babylonians as His instruments of judgment against Judah's persistent idolatry and disobedience. This concept is seen elsewhere in scripture, such as when God refers to Nebuchadnezzar as "My servant" ([Jeremiah 25:9](/jeremiah/25-9 "Jeremiah 25:9 - Nebuchadnezzar as God's Servant")), indicating that even pagan kings and nations operate within the bounds of His sovereign plan to bring about His purposes, whether in judgment or blessing. It underscores God's ultimate authority over all earthly powers and His use of them to accomplish His righteous will.

**How does this verse relate to the concept of God's mercy?**

Answer: While Jeremiah 20:5 is a clear declaration of severe judgment, it must be understood within the broader context of God's character, which is indeed rich in mercy, patience, and steadfast love. The judgment pronounced here was not arbitrary but came after centuries of repeated warnings, prophetic calls to repentance, and long-suffering on God's part. The very act of sending prophets like Jeremiah, despite their rejection, was an act of mercy, providing opportunities for the people to turn back from their destructive path ([Jeremiah 7:25-26](/jeremiah/7-25 "Jeremiah 7:25-26 - God's Persistent Sending of Prophets")). The judgment, though severe, was a necessary consequence of unrepentant sin, intended not for ultimate annihilation but to bring about a future restoration and purification, as promised in other parts of Jeremiah (e.g., [Jeremiah 29:10-14](/jeremiah/29-10 "Jeremiah 29:10-14 - Hope for Future Restoration")). Thus, even in judgment, God's ultimate redemptive purposes are at play, demonstrating His holiness and justice alongside His enduring love and faithfulness to His covenant.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Jeremiah 20:5 prophesies a devastating judgment upon Judah, its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment is found not in a direct parallel of destruction, but in the profound theological principles it establishes regarding God's sovereignty, justice, and the consequences of sin, all of which find their ultimate resolution and redefinition in Jesus Christ. The "strength," "labours," "precious things," and "treasures" that Judah lost represent the futility of earthly security and the inherent inability of human efforts or material wealth to withstand divine judgment. In Christ, we find the ultimate "treasure," for in Him "are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - Christ, in whom are hidden all treasures of wisdom and knowledge")). He is the true "strength" of God, the power and wisdom of God for salvation ([1 Corinthians 1:24](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ the Power and Wisdom of God")), and His sacrificial "labour" on the cross secured eternal redemption for all who believe. The judgment poured out on Jerusalem for its persistent sin foreshadows the righteous wrath against sin that was fully absorbed by Christ on the cross, becoming the ultimate Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, so that believers might be spared from such divine condemnation ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") and [Romans 8:1](/romans/8-1 "Romans 8:1 - No Condemnation in Christ Jesus")). Moreover, the exile to Babylon, a place of captivity and separation, points to the spiritual bondage of sin from which Christ delivers us, bringing us into His glorious freedom and heavenly citizenship ([Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Delivered from the Domain of Darkness")). Thus, Jeremiah 20:5, through its stark depiction of judgment, implicitly highlights the profound need for the salvation offered uniquely through the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ, who is our true and enduring security, wealth, and deliverer from the ultimate consequences of sin.

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 15:13

Thy substance and thy treasures will I give to the spoil without price, and [that] for all thy sins, even in all thy borders.

Ezekiel 22:25

[There is] a conspiracy of her prophets in the midst thereof, like a roaring lion ravening the prey; they have devoured souls; they have taken the treasure and precious things; they have made her many widows in the midst thereof.

2 Kings 25:13

And the pillars of brass that [were] in the house of the LORD, and the bases, and the brasen sea that [was] in the house of the LORD, did the Chaldees break in pieces, and carried the brass of them to Babylon.

2 Kings 25:17

The height of the one pillar [was] eighteen cubits, and the chapiter upon it [was] brass: and the height of the chapiter three cubits; and the wreathen work, and pomegranates upon the chapiter round about, all of brass: and like unto these had the second pillar with wreathen work.

Lamentations 1:10

The adversary hath spread out his hand upon all her pleasant things: for she hath seen [that] the heathen entered into her sanctuary, whom thou didst command [that] they should not enter into thy congregation.

2 Chronicles 36:10

And when the year was expired, king Nebuchadnezzar sent, and brought him to Babylon, with the goodly vessels of the house of the LORD, and made Zedekiah his brother king over Judah and Jerusalem.

2 Kings 20:17

Behold, the days come, that all that [is] in thine house, and that which thy fathers have laid up in store unto this day, shall be carried into Babylon: nothing shall be left, saith the LORD.