Jeremiah 21:4

KJV

Thus saith the LORD God of Israel; Behold, I will turn back the weapons of war that [are] in your hands, wherewith ye fight against the king of Babylon, and [against] the Chaldeans, which besiege you without the walls, and I will assemble them into the midst of this city.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thus saith {H559} the LORD {H3068} God {H430} of Israel {H3478}; Behold, I will turn back {H5437} the weapons {H3627} of war {H4421} that are in your hands {H3027}, wherewith ye fight {H3898} against the king {H4428} of Babylon {H894}, and against the Chaldeans {H3778}, which besiege {H6696} you without {H2351} the walls {H2346}, and I will assemble {H622} them into the midst {H8432} of this city {H5892}.

Complete Jewish Bible

'This is what ADONAI, the God of Isra'el, says: "I will make the weapons of war that you have in your hands ineffectual in your fight against the king of Bavel and the Kasdim who are outside the walls besieging you. Instead, I will gather them inside this city;

Berean Standard Bible

this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘I will turn against you the weapons of war in your hands, with which you are fighting the king of Babylon and the Chaldeans who besiege you outside the wall, and I will assemble their forces in the center of this city.

American Standard Version

Thus saith Jehovah, the God of Israel, Behold, I will turn back the weapons of war that are in your hands, wherewith ye fight against the king of Babylon, and against the Chaldeans that besiege you, without the walls; and I will gather them into the midst of this city.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 21:4 delivers a devastating divine pronouncement to King Zedekiah and the people of Judah, who are under siege by the Babylonian army. Contrary to their desperate hope for God's intervention on their behalf, the LORD declares that He Himself will turn back their weapons of war, rendering them useless against the Chaldeans. Furthermore, God states that He will gather the fighting into the very heart of Jerusalem, ensuring the city's inevitable fall and the defeat of its inhabitants, thereby demonstrating His active judgment against His disobedient people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 21 opens with King Zedekiah, Judah's last king, sending Pashhur and Zephaniah to the prophet Jeremiah. Jerusalem is under siege by Nebuchadnezzar's forces, and Zedekiah, desperate, seeks a word from the LORD, hoping for a miraculous deliverance similar to past interventions. For instance, God's defeat of Sennacherib's army, as recorded in [2 Kings 19:35](/2_kings/19-35 "2 Kings 19:35 - Angel of the LORD Strikes Assyrian Army"), would have been a recent historical precedent in their minds. Jeremiah 21:4 is part of God's immediate and unequivocal response, which shatters any such hopes. The verses immediately following, [Jeremiah 21:5-7](/jeremiah/21-5-7 "Jeremiah 21:5-7 - God's Judgment Against Judah"), elaborate on the severity of God's judgment, explicitly stating that He will fight against Judah with a strong hand and deliver them into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar, emphasizing the complete reversal of Judah's expectations. This passage sets the tone for the grim prophecies of Jerusalem's destruction that dominate much of the book of Jeremiah.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop is the final years of the Kingdom of Judah (early 6th century BCE), specifically during Nebuchadnezzar's second major campaign against Jerusalem (c. 588-586 BCE). Following the first deportation in 597 BCE, Zedekiah, a puppet king installed by Babylon, rebelled, leading to the current siege. Culturally, the people of Judah, despite their rampant idolatry and social injustice, still held a belief in Jerusalem's invincibility due to the presence of the Temple and God's past protection. They expected God to fight for them against their enemies, a common ancient Near Eastern belief where national gods were expected to defend their people. Jeremiah's prophecy directly challenges this presumption, revealing that Judah's God, Yahweh, is not only sovereign over all nations, including Babylon, but also righteous in His judgment, even against His own covenant people, when they persist in rebellion. The siege "without the walls" highlights the immediate, existential threat facing the city.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 21:4 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Jeremiah and the broader prophetic tradition. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Judgment and Sovereignty**, revealing God's absolute control over historical events and His willingness to use foreign nations as instruments of His wrath against His disobedient people. This is a recurring theme in Jeremiah, where Babylon is explicitly called God's "servant" in [Jeremiah 25:9](/jeremiah/25-9 "Jeremiah 25:9 - Nebuchadnezzar as God's Servant"). Secondly, it highlights the **Futility of Human Resistance** when it opposes God's determined will. Judah's military strength and defensive fortifications, which they might have relied upon, are rendered utterly useless by divine decree. This echoes the broader biblical principle that human might is nothing compared to God's power, as articulated in [Psalm 33:16-17](/psalms/33-16-17 "Psalm 33:16-17 - Futility of Human Strength"). Finally, the verse dramatically illustrates the **Inevitable Consequences of Disobedience**. For decades, Jeremiah had warned Judah of the impending covenant curses if they did not repent, as outlined in [Deuteronomy 28:15-68](/deuteronomy/28-15-68 "Deuteronomy 28:15-68 - Covenant Curses"). This prophecy confirms that the time for judgment has arrived, and there will be no escape from the consequences of their persistent unfaithfulness.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **weapons (Hebrew, _kᵉlîy'_):** This term (H3627) refers to "something prepared," encompassing any apparatus, implement, utensil, or vessel. In a military context, it specifically denotes "weapon" or "armour." Here, it signifies all the implements of war that Judah possessed for defense. The divine declaration to "turn back" these weapons implies rendering them ineffective, turning their intended purpose of defense into a means of their downfall, or even causing them to be used against the city from within.
* **turn back (Hebrew, _çâbab'_):** This primitive root (H5437) means "to revolve, surround, or border," and can imply causing something to return or reverse course. In this context, it signifies God's direct, active intervention to reverse the expected outcome of the battle. It's not merely that Judah will lose, but that God Himself will manipulate the very instruments of their defense, causing them to cease functioning as intended or even to contribute to their defeat. This highlights God's absolute control over the conflict.
* **hands (Hebrew, _yâd'_):** While literally meaning "hand" (H3027), this word is rich with figurative meanings, often denoting power, means, agency, or dominion. "Weapons... in your hands" signifies the military capability, strength, and active engagement of the Judean forces. By turning back the weapons *in their hands*, God is directly undermining their power, rendering their efforts futile, and demonstrating that their strength is nothing when it opposes His will.
* **assemble (Hebrew, _ʼâçaph'_):** This verb (H622) means "to gather for any purpose," but can also imply "to receive," "take away," "remove," or "destroy." Here, "I will assemble them into the midst of this city" paints a grim picture. It means God will concentrate the fighting, the chaos, and the destruction within Jerusalem's walls. This is a reversal of the normal expectation of a siege, where the defenders fight *from* the walls to keep the enemy *out*. Instead, God will bring the battle's intensity *inside*, ensuring the city's internal collapse and destruction.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thus saith the LORD God of Israel;":** This opening formula establishes the divine authority and unwavering truthfulness of the message. It is not Jeremiah's opinion, but a direct oracle from Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel, emphasizing His sovereign prerogative over His people and their destiny, even in judgment.
* **"Behold, I will turn back the weapons of war that [are] in your hands, wherewith ye fight against the king of Babylon, and [against] the Chaldeans, which besiege you without the walls,":** This is the core of the divine reversal. God declares His active intention to disarm Judah, not by physically removing their weapons, but by rendering them useless or turning their purpose. The phrase "in your hands" signifies Judah's active military engagement. The enemy is explicitly identified as "the king of Babylon, and the Chaldeans," who are "besieging you without the walls," setting the immediate, desperate scene of the siege. God is directly stating that He will nullify Judah's defensive efforts against this formidable external threat.
* **"and I will assemble them into the midst of this city.":** This final clause reveals the devastating consequence of God's action. Instead of the battle remaining outside the walls, God will "gather" or "concentrate" the conflict, the enemy, and the ensuing destruction *inside* Jerusalem. This signifies the breaching of the city's defenses, the infiltration of the enemy, and the ultimate, inescapable fall of the capital, turning the city's supposed protection into a deathtrap.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 21:4 employs several potent literary devices to convey its stark message. **Anthropomorphism** is evident in God's declaration, "I will turn back the weapons" and "I will assemble them," portraying God as actively intervening in human warfare, directly manipulating the outcome. This emphasizes His absolute sovereignty over military might and national destinies. There is profound **Irony** in the statement that the very "weapons of war" in Judah's "hands," intended for defense against the besieging Chaldeans, will be "turned back" and the fighting "assembled into the midst of this city." The instruments of protection become instruments of self-destruction or futility, and the city's walls, meant to keep the enemy out, become a trap. This highlights the complete reversal of fortune and the utter powerlessness of human effort when God's judgment is at hand. The verse also contains a form of **Metonymy**, where "weapons of war" stand for the entire military capability and strategy of Judah. By disarming them, God is effectively disarming the entire nation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 21:4 is a profound theological statement on divine sovereignty, judgment, and the consequences of covenant unfaithfulness. It reveals a God who is not merely an observer of human history but an active participant, orchestrating events to fulfill His righteous purposes. The "LORD God of Israel" is not bound by human expectations or nationalistic presumptions; He is just and will bring judgment upon His own people when they persist in rebellion, even using a pagan empire like Babylon as His instrument. This passage challenges any notion of automatic divine protection based on heritage or religious ritual without genuine repentance and obedience. It underscores that true security lies not in military strength or fortified cities, but in a right relationship with God.

* [Isaiah 10:5-7](/isaiah/10-5-7 "Isaiah 10:5-7 - Assyria as God's Instrument")
* [Psalm 76:10](/psalms/76-10 "Psalm 76:10 - God Restrains Wrath")
* [Proverbs 21:31](/proverbs/21-31 "Proverbs 21:31 - Victory Belongs to the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 21:4 serves as a sobering reminder that God's justice is unwavering, even for those who bear His name. For believers today, this passage calls for a deep introspection into our own lives and our relationship with God. It challenges us to consider where our ultimate trust lies: Is it in our own resources, strategies, and perceived strengths, or in the sovereign power and righteous character of God? When we, like ancient Judah, stray from God's commands and persist in disobedience, we invite His discipline. This verse underscores that God's ultimate desire is not our destruction, but our repentance and return to Him. It encourages a humble reliance on Him, recognizing that true security and victory come only through alignment with His will. It also reminds us that God is sovereign over all nations and events, and even in seemingly chaotic times, His purposes are being worked out.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be relying on "weapons of war" (my own strength, resources, or strategies) rather than on God's sovereign power?**
* **How does this passage challenge my understanding of God's justice and His willingness to discipline His own people?**
* **What does it mean for me to "turn back" from disobedience and fully align my life with God's will, especially when facing external pressures or internal temptations?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper trust in God's sovereignty, even when circumstances seem to be working against me or when His ways are difficult to understand?**

### FAQ
**Why would God fight against His own people, Judah?**

Answer: God fought against Judah not because He abandoned His covenant, but precisely because of it. Judah, as God's chosen people, had entered into a covenant relationship with the LORD, which included blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience (see [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses")). Despite repeated warnings from prophets like Jeremiah, they persistently engaged in idolatry, social injustice, and rebellion against God's commands. Therefore, God's action in Jeremiah 21:4 is an act of righteous judgment and covenant faithfulness, demonstrating that He holds His people accountable for their actions and will uphold His holy character. He used Babylon as an instrument of His discipline, aiming to purify His people and bring them to repentance, even through severe suffering.

**What does it mean that God will "turn back the weapons of war" and "assemble them into the midst of this city"?**

Answer: This imagery signifies God's direct and decisive intervention to render Judah's military efforts utterly ineffective. "Turning back the weapons" implies that the very tools meant for defense will be nullified or even become a source of weakness. It's not just that Judah will be defeated, but that their defeat is divinely orchestrated. "Assembling them into the midst of this city" means that the full force of the battle, the chaos, and the destruction will be concentrated within Jerusalem's walls. Instead of the city's defenses protecting it, they will become a trap, ensuring that the inhabitants face the full brunt of the conflict internally, leading to the city's inevitable fall and destruction. This highlights the futility of human resistance against God's determined judgment.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 21:4, with its stark portrayal of divine judgment against a disobedient people, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in several ways. While the immediate context speaks of physical warfare and national defeat, it ultimately points to the greater spiritual battle and the ultimate judgment of sin. The "weapons of war" that Judah relied upon were carnal and ultimately futile against God's decree. In contrast, believers in Christ are called to wield spiritual weapons, "for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds" ([2 Corinthians 10:4](/2_corinthians/10-4 "2 Corinthians 10:4 - Spiritual Warfare")). Furthermore, the "assembling" of battle into the "midst of the city" foreshadows the ultimate siege and defeat of sin and death, not by human might, but by Christ's decisive victory. Jesus, the true Lamb of God, entered the "city" of human sin and bore its full weight, allowing the "battle" against sin to be fought and won within Himself on the cross. Through His sacrifice, He disarmed the spiritual powers that held humanity captive, triumphing over them ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). The judgment that fell upon Judah for their unfaithfulness ultimately points to the greater judgment that Christ bore on behalf of all who believe, offering salvation from the eternal consequences of sin. He is the one who, through His perfect obedience, secured a new covenant, where God's people are no longer defined by physical lineage or earthly city, but by faith in Him, and their ultimate security is found not in walls of stone, but in the unshakeable kingdom of God ([Hebrews 12:28](/hebrews/12-28 "Hebrews 12:28 - Receiving an Unshakeable Kingdom")).

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 33:5

They come to fight with the Chaldeans, but [it is] to fill them with the dead bodies of men, whom I have slain in mine anger and in my fury, and for all whose wickedness I have hid my face from this city.

Isaiah 5:5

And now go to; I will tell you what I will do to my vineyard: I will take away the hedge thereof, and it shall be eaten up; [and] break down the wall thereof, and it shall be trodden down:

Jeremiah 32:5

And he shall lead Zedekiah to Babylon, and there shall he be until I visit him, saith the LORD: though ye fight with the Chaldeans, ye shall not prosper.

Jeremiah 37:8

And the Chaldeans shall come again, and fight against this city, and take it, and burn it with fire.

Jeremiah 37:10

For though ye had smitten the whole army of the Chaldeans that fight against you, and there remained [but] wounded men among them, [yet] should they rise up every man in his tent, and burn this city with fire.

Isaiah 13:4

The noise of a multitude in the mountains, like as of a great people; a tumultuous noise of the kingdoms of nations gathered together: the LORD of hosts mustereth the host of the battle.

Jeremiah 38:17

Then said Jeremiah unto Zedekiah, Thus saith the LORD, the God of hosts, the God of Israel; If thou wilt assuredly go forth unto the king of Babylon's princes, then thy soul shall live, and this city shall not be burned with fire; and thou shalt live, and thine house: