Jeremiah 22:20

KJV

¶ Go up to Lebanon, and cry; and lift up thy voice in Bashan, and cry from the passages: for all thy lovers are destroyed.

KJV (with Strong's)

Go up {H5927} to Lebanon {H3844}, and cry {H6817}; and lift up {H5414} thy voice {H6963} in Bashan {H1316}, and cry {H6817} from the passages {H5676}: for all thy lovers {H157} are destroyed {H7665}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Climb up to the L'vanon and cry out, raise your voice in Bashan, cry out from 'Avarim, for all your lovers are broken.

Berean Standard Bible

Go up to Lebanon and cry out; raise your voice in Bashan; cry out from Abarim, for all your lovers have been crushed.

American Standard Version

Go up to Lebanon, and cry; and lift up thy voice in Bashan, and cry from Abarim; for all thy lovers are destroyed.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 22:20 is a dramatic prophetic lament, personifying Judah or Jerusalem as a woman called to cry out from the far reaches of the land—from the northern mountains of Lebanon to the eastern plains of Bashan and the strategic passages—because her illicit political "lovers," the foreign alliances she trusted, have been utterly destroyed. This verse serves as a stark announcement of the inescapable and widespread judgment that will befall Judah due to its covenant infidelity and misplaced reliance on human strength rather than divine faithfulness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 22 is situated within a series of prophetic oracles delivered by Jeremiah against the kings of Judah, particularly Jehoiakim, Jehoiachin, and Zedekiah, who reigned in the tumultuous decades leading up to the Babylonian exile. The chapter contrasts the ideal of righteous kingship (as exemplified by Josiah) with the corrupt and unjust rule of his successors. Verse 20 marks a poignant shift from direct pronouncements against specific kings to a broader, personified lament over the nation of Judah/Jerusalem. It follows warnings of impending desolation and precedes further condemnations of the royal house, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of the coming judgment and the futility of Judah's political machinations. The call to lament from the extremities of the land underscores the inescapable and pervasive nature of the impending disaster.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for Jeremiah 22:20 is the late 7th and early 6th centuries BCE, a period of intense geopolitical instability. The Neo-Babylonian Empire was rapidly ascending, having decisively defeated Assyria and Egypt. Judah, under King Jehoiakim (609-598 BCE), found itself caught between these two superpowers. Jehoiakim, contrary to Jeremiah's prophetic counsel, pursued alliances with Egypt, seeking security from Babylonian aggression. This reliance on foreign powers was seen as a profound act of spiritual infidelity, a "harlotry" in the prophetic tradition, betraying Judah's covenant with Yahweh. Culturally, the concept of "lovers" for political allies was a common prophetic metaphor, drawing on the marriage covenant between God and Israel to depict spiritual and political unfaithfulness. The geographical locations—[Lebanon](/lebanon "The Mountains of Lebanon") to the north, [Bashan](/bashan "The Fertile Plains of Bashan") to the east, and "the passages" (likely strategic mountain routes like Abarim)—symbolize the entire breadth of the land, emphasizing the universality of the impending sorrow and desolation.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 22:20 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Jeremiah and prophetic literature. Firstly, it highlights the **Futility of Human Alliances**, demonstrating that reliance on foreign powers for security, rather than on God, inevitably leads to destruction and abandonment. This is a recurring warning, as seen in passages like [Isaiah 30:1-3](/isaiah/30-1 "Isaiah 30:1-3 - Woe to Rebellious Children"). Secondly, the verse underscores the theme of **Divine Judgment as a Consequence of Covenant Infidelity**. Judah's pursuit of "lovers" (foreign alliances and idolatry) constituted a spiritual betrayal of their unique relationship with Yahweh, leading directly to the announced devastation. Thirdly, the widespread call to "cry" signifies **Universal Lamentation and Desolation**, indicating that the impending judgment will affect every corner of the land, leaving no one untouched by the sorrow. This pervasive grief is a direct result of the nation's persistent disobedience, as further elaborated in [Jeremiah 22:21](/jeremiah/22-21 "Jeremiah 22:21 - Judah's Persistent Disobedience").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **cry (Hebrew, _tsâʻaq'_):** This primitive root denotes a strong, urgent cry of distress, often a wail of lamentation or a desperate plea for help. In this context, it signifies a public, widespread, and profound expression of sorrow and despair in response to an overwhelming catastrophe. It is not merely a sound but an outpouring of deep anguish, indicative of a nation facing utter ruin.
* **lovers (Hebrew, _ʼâhab'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to have affection for," this term is used here metaphorically. In prophetic literature, "lovers" often refers to illicit political alliances with foreign nations or the worship of foreign gods, portraying them as unfaithful relationships that betray the covenant with Yahweh. These "lovers" were Judah's chosen sources of security and prosperity, yet they ultimately proved unreliable and destructive.
* **destroyed (Hebrew, _shâbar'_):** This word implies being burst, broken in pieces, or crushed. It signifies a complete and utter ruin, not merely a setback. The "lovers" (alliances) are not just ineffective; they are annihilated, demonstrating their utter failure to protect Judah and their own vulnerability in the face of stronger powers. This emphasizes the finality and severity of the judgment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Go up to Lebanon, and cry; and lift up thy voice in Bashan, and cry from the passages":** This opening clause is a dramatic imperative, a command directed at personified Judah/Jerusalem to engage in public and widespread lamentation. The geographical locations—Lebanon (to the north, known for its cedars and mountains), Bashan (to the east, known for its fertile plains), and "the passages" (strategic mountain routes, perhaps leading to the Jordan or beyond)—represent the entire breadth of the land. The repetition of "cry" (tsa'aq) emphasizes the intensity and universality of the impending sorrow, indicating that no corner of the nation will escape the desolation. It's a prophetic announcement that the wailing will be heard far and wide, signifying a national catastrophe.
* **"for all thy lovers are destroyed":** This clause provides the devastating reason for the widespread lament. The "lovers" refer to the foreign nations and political alliances (such as Egypt) that Judah, particularly under King Jehoiakim, had sought for security and protection against the rising Babylonian threat. These alliances were a betrayal of Judah's covenant with God, who alone was their true protector. The declaration that these "lovers are destroyed" signifies their utter failure and inability to provide the promised security. They have either fallen themselves, abandoned Judah, or actively contributed to its downfall, leaving Judah isolated, vulnerable, and facing inevitable destruction. This highlights the futility of trusting in human power and the severe consequences of spiritual infidelity.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 22:20 is rich in literary devices that amplify its prophetic message. **Personification** is central, as Judah or Jerusalem is addressed as a female figure, commanded to lament. This evokes the imagery of a betrayed and abandoned woman, mirroring the nation's spiritual harlotry and the pain of its impending desolation. The use of specific geographical locations—**Hyperbole** and **Merism**—"Lebanon," "Bashan," and "the passages" signifies the entire extent of the land, emphasizing that the lamentation and destruction will be universal and inescapable, affecting every region. The repeated imperative "cry" (tsa'aq) creates a sense of urgency and underscores the intensity of the sorrow, functioning as **Repetition** for emphasis. Most powerfully, the term "lovers" is a profound **Metaphor**, portraying Judah's illicit political alliances with foreign nations as unfaithful relationships, a spiritual adultery against Yahweh. This metaphor vividly illustrates the depth of Judah's betrayal and the heartbreak that results from seeking security outside of God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly speaks to the theological truth that true security and lasting peace are found only in faithful reliance upon God, not in human strength, political maneuvering, or worldly alliances. Judah's tragic experience serves as a timeless warning against idolatry in any form—whether it be the worship of foreign gods or the trust placed in human systems and powers. God's judgment, though severe, is a just consequence of covenant infidelity and a demonstration of His unwavering commitment to His own holiness and the purity of His relationship with His people. The widespread lamentation underscores the comprehensive nature of divine justice when His warnings are ignored, revealing that the consequences of disobedience impact every facet of national and individual life.

* [Hosea 2:7](/hosea/2-7 "The Futility of Pursuing Lovers")
* [Lamentations 1:2](/lamentations/1-2 "Jerusalem's Desolation and Betrayal")
* [Psalm 33:16-17](/psalm/33-16 "Trust in God, Not Armies")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 22:20 offers a sobering and profoundly relevant lesson for individuals and communities today. It challenges us to honestly assess where we place our ultimate trust and seek our security. In an age of rapid change and uncertainty, it is tempting to put our faith in financial stability, political leaders, social movements, technological advancements, or even our own abilities and self-sufficiency. This verse serves as a stark reminder that such "lovers," no matter how promising they appear, are ultimately finite, fallible, and subject to destruction. They cannot deliver true, lasting peace or security. The call to lament reminds us that misplaced trust inevitably leads to sorrow and desolation. True peace and enduring security are found only in a faithful, dependent relationship with God, who is unchanging and all-sufficient. This verse urges us to examine our hearts, repent of any misplaced allegiances, and re-center our lives on the divine provision and sovereignty of the Lord.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "lovers" (sources of security or identity) might we be trusting in today instead of God?**
* **How does this verse challenge our understanding of true security in a world that often prioritizes human strength and alliances?**
* **In what ways does our society, or even our personal lives, mirror Judah's pursuit of unfaithful alliances and its subsequent lament?**

### FAQ
**Who are the "lovers" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: In the context of prophetic literature, the "lovers" (Hebrew: *m'ahaveycha*) metaphorically refer to the foreign nations and political alliances that Judah, particularly its kings, sought for security and protection instead of trusting in the Lord. These alliances, often with powerful nations like Egypt, were considered a form of spiritual adultery or unfaithfulness to God, who was Israel's true covenant partner and protector. The prophets frequently used this imagery to condemn Israel's reliance on human power and its pursuit of idolatrous relationships, as seen in [Ezekiel 23:5-9](/ezekiel/23-5 "Ezekiel 23:5-9 - Oholah's Idolatry and Alliances") and [Hosea 8:9](/hosea/8-9 "Hosea 8:9 - Ephraim's Pursuit of Lovers").

**Why are Lebanon, Bashan, and "the passages" specifically mentioned?**

Answer: These geographical locations are mentioned to emphasize the widespread and inescapable nature of the coming judgment and lamentation. [Lebanon](/lebanon "The Mountains of Lebanon") represents the northern reaches of the land, known for its mountains and cedars. [Bashan](/bashan "The Fertile Plains of Bashan") represents the fertile plains to the east of the Jordan River. "The passages" (Hebrew: *ʻêber*) likely refer to strategic mountain passes or border crossings, perhaps in the Abarim range, symbolizing the routes leading into and out of the land. By invoking these diverse and distant points, Jeremiah vividly portrays that the sorrow and desolation will be universal, affecting every corner and every person within Judah's sphere, leaving no place untouched by the consequences of their unfaithfulness.

**What is the primary message of Jeremiah 22:20?**

Answer: The primary message of Jeremiah 22:20 is a stark warning about the inevitable and widespread judgment that results from national and spiritual infidelity. It highlights the futility of placing trust in human alliances and worldly powers ("lovers") instead of relying solely on God. The verse underscores that such misplaced trust will ultimately lead to abandonment, destruction, and profound lamentation. It serves as a powerful reminder that true security and lasting peace come only from a faithful relationship with the Lord, and that disobedience to His covenant commands carries severe and inescapable consequences, as prophesied throughout [Jeremiah](/jeremiah "The Book of Jeremiah - Prophecies of Judgment and Restoration").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 22:20, with its depiction of Judah's lament over destroyed "lovers" (false alliances), finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Judah's pursuit of foreign powers was a rejection of God as her true King and protector, leading to desolation. In contrast, Jesus is the faithful King, the embodiment of God's covenant loyalty, who never sought "lovers" outside of the Father's will. He is the one in whom all true security and lasting peace are found, as [Colossians 1:17](/colossians/1-17 "Colossians 1:17 - Christ Holds All Things Together") affirms that "in him all things hold together." The lament over Judah's destruction foreshadows the ultimate judgment on sin and unfaithfulness, which Christ bore on the cross, taking upon Himself the consequences of humanity's spiritual adultery. His cry of dereliction on the cross ([Matthew 27:46](/matthew/27-46 "Matthew 27:46 - Jesus' Cry of Dereliction")) is the ultimate lament, not for His own sin, but for the sin of the world, allowing those who trust in Him to find forgiveness and reconciliation. Furthermore, just as Judah was called to lament its misplaced trust, Jesus Himself lamented over Jerusalem's rejection of Him ([Matthew 23:37](/matthew/23-37 "Matthew 23:37 - Jesus' Lament over Jerusalem")), desiring to gather her children. In Christ, the new covenant is established, a superior covenant built on better promises ([Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - A Superior Covenant")), where believers are no longer strangers and aliens but fellow citizens with the saints and members of God's household ([Ephesians 2:19-20](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19-20 - Fellow Citizens with the Saints")), finding their complete and eternal security in Him alone, the faithful "lover" who will never be destroyed.

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

Numbers 27:12

¶ And the LORD said unto Moses, Get thee up into this mount Abarim, and see the land which I have given unto the children of Israel.

Lamentations 1:2

She weepeth sore in the night, and her tears [are] on her cheeks: among all her lovers she hath none to comfort [her]: all her friends have dealt treacherously with her, they are become her enemies.

Ezekiel 23:22

¶ Therefore, O Aholibah, thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will raise up thy lovers against thee, from whom thy mind is alienated, and I will bring them against thee on every side;

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.

2 Kings 24:7

And the king of Egypt came not again any more out of his land: for the king of Babylon had taken from the river of Egypt unto the river Euphrates all that pertained to the king of Egypt.

Deuteronomy 32:49

Get thee up into this mountain Abarim, [unto] mount Nebo, which [is] in the land of Moab, that [is] over against Jericho; and behold the land of Canaan, which I give unto the children of Israel for a possession:

Jeremiah 25:17

Then took I the cup at the LORD'S hand, and made all the nations to drink, unto whom the LORD had sent me: