Jeremiah 22:5

KJV

But if ye will not hear these words, I swear by myself, saith the LORD, that this house shall become a desolation.

KJV (with Strong's)

But if ye will not hear {H8085} these words {H1697}, I swear {H7650} by myself, saith {H5002} the LORD {H3068}, that this house {H1004} shall become a desolation {H2723}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But if you will not pay attention to these words, then I swear by myself," says ADONAI, "that this palace will become a ruin."'

Berean Standard Bible

But if you do not obey these words, then I swear by Myself, declares the LORD, that this house will become a pile of rubble.’”

American Standard Version

But if ye will not hear these words, I swear by myself, saith Jehovah, that this house shall become a desolation.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 22:5 delivers a stark divine ultimatum to the royal house of Judah. Following a conditional promise of enduring dynastic rule contingent on righteous governance, this verse presents the severe consequence of disobedience: if the king and his people refuse to heed God's commands for justice and righteousness, the very "house" of the king, representing the palace, the royal line, and by extension, the nation, will be utterly devastated and become a desolate ruin. This pronouncement is sealed with a divine oath, emphasizing the absolute certainty and unchangeable nature of God's impending judgment if His terms are rejected.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 22:5 stands as the climactic warning within a broader prophetic oracle (Jeremiah 22:1-9) directed specifically to the kings of Judah, particularly King Jehoiakim. The preceding verses, [Jeremiah 22:3-4](/jeremiah/22-3 "Jeremiah 22:3-4 - God's Conditional Promise"), establish a conditional covenant: if the royal house would "execute justice and righteousness," deliver the oppressed, and avoid shedding innocent blood, then the Davidic dynasty would continue to flourish. Verse 5 sharply contrasts this promise, presenting the dire alternative, highlighting the critical choice facing the monarchy. The subsequent verses (e.g., [Jeremiah 22:6-7](/jeremiah/22-6 "Jeremiah 22:6-7 - Prophecy Against Judah's Kings")) elaborate on the nature of this desolation, comparing the once glorious royal palace to a "Gilead" or "Lebanon" that will be cut down and burned, underscoring the severity of the impending judgment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** This prophecy is delivered during a tumultuous period in Judah's history, specifically during the reign of King Jehoiakim (609-598 BC), a time marked by political instability, moral decay, and increasing Babylonian dominance. Jehoiakim, unlike his father Josiah, was known for his oppressive rule, injustice, and idolatry, directly contravening the righteous standards God demanded of His covenant people and their leaders. The "house" referred to would have been the opulent royal palace in Jerusalem, a symbol of the king's power and the nation's stability. The cultural expectation was that a king's prosperity and the nation's well-being were directly tied to their adherence to the covenant law. The threat of "desolation" would have evoked powerful images of cities laid waste by invading armies, a common reality in the ancient Near East, and a stark reversal of the blessings promised in the [Mosaic covenant](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses of the Covenant").
* **Key Themes:** The central themes in this passage revolve around **divine justice and accountability**, particularly for those in positions of authority. God's covenant with Israel included specific stipulations for their kings, demanding they rule with righteousness and care for the vulnerable, as outlined in passages like [Deuteronomy 17:14-20](/deuteronomy/17-14 "Deuteronomy 17:14-20 - Laws for the King"). The verse also powerfully illustrates the **consequences of disobedience** to God's revealed will, demonstrating that divine promises are often conditional upon human faithfulness. The **certainty of God's word**, sealed by His oath, is another prominent theme, emphasizing that God's threats are as sure as His promises. Finally, the passage speaks to the **fragility of human institutions**—even a royal dynasty—when they depart from divine standards, leading to ultimate ruin rather than enduring prosperity.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **hear (Hebrew, _shâmaʻ'_):** This word signifies not merely auditory perception but intelligent hearing, often implying attention, understanding, and crucially, obedience. In the context of a divine command, to "hear" God's words means to listen intently and to act in accordance with them. The negative "will not hear" thus indicates a deliberate refusal to obey God's instructions for righteous governance.
* **swear (Hebrew, _shâbaʻ'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to be complete" or "to seven oneself," this term refers to the act of taking an oath, often by repeating a declaration seven times for emphasis or completeness. When God "swears by myself," it is the strongest possible affirmation, indicating that there is no higher authority or greater power by which He could swear. It underscores the absolute certainty, unchangeable nature, and irrevocable commitment of the ensuing pronouncement.
* **house (Hebrew, _bayith'_):** While literally meaning a physical dwelling, "house" in this context carries a rich metaphorical weight. It refers not only to the royal palace (the physical structure) but also, by extension, to the royal dynasty, the king's household, and even the kingdom of Judah itself. Its destruction signifies the complete dismantling of the established order and the end of the Davidic monarchy's independent rule.
* **desolation (Hebrew, _chorbâh'_):** This term denotes a state of ruin, waste, or devastation, often implying abandonment and emptiness. It is a powerful image of utter destruction, reflecting the complete collapse and abandonment that would befall the royal house and, subsequently, Jerusalem and Judah, as a direct consequence of their persistent disobedience.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But if ye will not hear these words":** This clause establishes the critical condition for the impending judgment. "These words" refer to the divine commands outlined in [Jeremiah 22:3-4](/jeremiah/22-3 "Jeremiah 22:3-4 - The Conditions for Blessing"), specifically the call for the king and his people to "execute justice and righteousness," to deliver the oppressed, and to cease shedding innocent blood. The phrase "will not hear" implies a deliberate and stubborn refusal to listen and, more importantly, to obey God's ethical and covenantal requirements for leadership and national life.
* **"I swear by myself, saith the LORD":** This is a solemn divine oath, emphasizing the absolute certainty and irrevocability of the judgment that follows. When God swears by Himself, it signifies that there is no higher authority or greater power to guarantee His word. This divine self-attestation underscores the unchangeable nature of His decree and His unwavering commitment to His justice. "Saith the LORD" (Yahweh) reinforces the divine origin and authority of the message.
* **"that this house shall become a desolation":** This is the direct consequence of the stated disobedience, sealed by God's oath. "This house" refers primarily to the royal palace in Jerusalem, the seat of the king's power, but also encompasses the entire royal dynasty and, by extension, the kingdom of Judah. "Shall become a desolation" signifies a state of utter ruin, waste, and abandonment. It prophesies the complete destruction of the physical structure and the end of the independent Davidic monarchy, leading to the Babylonian exile and the subsequent period of national ruin.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 22:5 employs several potent **literary devices** to convey its urgent and severe message. The primary device is a **Conditional Statement**, clearly articulated by the "But if... then..." structure (implied "then" in the consequence). This highlights the direct cause-and-effect relationship between human action (disobedience) and divine reaction (judgment). The phrase "I swear by myself" functions as a **Divine Oath**, a powerful rhetorical device that lends absolute certainty and irrevocability to the prophecy. It is an act of divine self-attestation, signifying that God's word is as binding as His very being. Furthermore, the use of "house" is a clear example of **Metonymy**, where the physical structure (the palace) stands in for the broader concept of the royal dynasty, the king's household, and even the kingdom of Judah itself. This allows for a concise yet comprehensive representation of the scope of the impending judgment. Finally, "desolation" functions as a form of **Hyperbole** or intense imagery, conveying not merely damage but utter ruin, a state of complete devastation and abandonment that would leave no doubt about the severity of God's wrath.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 22:5 powerfully articulates the biblical principle that God's covenant relationship with His people, including their leaders, is conditional upon obedience to His revealed will, particularly concerning justice and righteousness. This verse underscores God's unwavering commitment to His own character, which demands that sin and rebellion be met with just consequences. When God swears by Himself, it is a profound theological statement about His immutability and the absolute certainty of His word, whether in promise or in warning. It demonstrates that God's integrity is at stake in His pronouncements, and His threats of judgment are as reliable as His promises of blessing. The desolation of the "house" serves as a stark reminder that even divinely established institutions and lines of authority are not immune to judgment if they fail to uphold God's standards.

* [Leviticus 26:27-33](/leviticus/26-27 "Leviticus 26:27-33 - Consequences of Disobedience")
* [Deuteronomy 28:15-68](/deuteronomy/28-15 "Deuteronomy 28:15-68 - Curses for Disobedience")
* [Hebrews 6:13-18](/hebrews/6-13 "Hebrews 6:13-18 - God's Unchangeable Promise and Oath")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 22:5 serves as a timeless and sobering reminder that God's word is not to be trifled with, and His standards for justice and righteousness are non-negotiable, especially for those in positions of leadership. For individuals, this verse calls us to a radical obedience, recognizing that our choices have profound spiritual and practical consequences. It challenges us to examine whether we are truly "hearing" God's words—not just listening, but actively aligning our lives with His commands for ethical living, compassion, and justice. For communities and nations, it highlights the divine expectation for leaders to govern with integrity, care for the vulnerable, and uphold righteousness, as the well-being and stability of a society are deeply intertwined with its moral and spiritual health. The desolation threatened here is a powerful metaphor for the spiritual and societal decay that inevitably follows a persistent rejection of divine wisdom and authority. We are called to heed God's warnings, lest we experience our own forms of "desolation" in our lives or societies.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be "not hearing" God's words, and what might be the consequences of that disobedience?**
* **How does the certainty of God's oath in this verse impact my understanding of His promises and His warnings today?**
* **What responsibility do I have, both personally and as part of a community, to uphold justice and righteousness in my sphere of influence?**

### FAQ
**Why does God "swear by myself" in this verse?**

Answer: When God "swears by myself," it is the strongest possible form of an oath He can make. Unlike humans who swear by a higher authority (e.g., God Himself), God has no one greater than Himself to swear by. This divine self-attestation underscores the absolute certainty, unchangeable nature, and irrevocable commitment of the pronouncement that follows. It signifies that the consequence—the desolation of the house—is not a mere threat but an assured outcome if the conditions of disobedience are met. It highlights God's perfect integrity and faithfulness to His own word, whether in promise or in warning, as also seen in [Hebrews 6:13](/hebrews/6-13 "Hebrews 6:13 - God's Oath to Abraham").

**What does "this house" refer to in Jeremiah 22:5?**

Answer: In Jeremiah 22:5, "this house" primarily refers to the royal palace in Jerusalem, the physical seat of power for the kings of Judah. However, it also extends metonymically to encompass the entire royal dynasty, the king's household, and by extension, the kingdom of Judah itself. The prophecy is not merely about the destruction of a building but the dismantling of the established monarchy and the national structure it represents. This "house" was meant to be a place of righteous rule, but its corruption led to its prophesied ruin, a fate that ultimately befell it with the Babylonian conquest (see [2 Kings 25:9](/2_kings/25-9 "2 Kings 25:9 - Burning of the Temple and Palace")).

**Is God's judgment always so severe, leading to "desolation"?**

Answer: God's judgment is always just and proportionate to the sin and rebellion. While the "desolation" prophesied here for Judah's royal house was indeed severe, reflecting centuries of covenant breaking and persistent disobedience, it was not arbitrary. It was the culmination of repeated warnings and opportunities for repentance that were ignored. God's ultimate desire is always for His people to turn back to Him and experience blessing, as evidenced by the conditional promise in [Jeremiah 22:3-4](/jeremiah/22-3 "Jeremiah 22:3-4 - God's Conditional Promise"). However, when His calls are consistently rejected, His justice demands consequences. The severity of the judgment here underscores the gravity of rejecting divine authority and neglecting foundational principles of justice and righteousness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 22:5, with its pronouncement of desolation upon the disobedient "house" of Judah's kings, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The failure of the Davidic monarchy, symbolized by the "desolation" of its "house," underscores humanity's inability to perfectly uphold God's righteous standards and maintain a covenant relationship. Jesus, as the true and ultimate Son of David, is the only one who perfectly "heard" and obeyed God's words, fulfilling all righteousness where the kings of Judah failed (see [Matthew 3:15](/matthew/3-15 "Matthew 3:15 - Jesus Fulfills All Righteousness")). He is the righteous King whose "house"—His kingdom—will never be desolate but will endure forever (as prophesied in [Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32 "Luke 1:32-33 - The Eternal Kingdom of Jesus")). Furthermore, the "house" can also be understood as the temple, the dwelling place of God's presence, which also faced desolation due to Israel's sin. Jesus declared Himself to be the true temple, stating, "[Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up](/john/2-19 "John 2:19 - Jesus, the True Temple")" (referring to His body). His death and resurrection represent the ultimate judgment upon sin and the establishment of a new, living "house" or spiritual temple made of believers (see [1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones in a Spiritual House")). Through His perfect obedience and atoning sacrifice, Jesus bore the "desolation" of God's wrath, allowing for reconciliation and the promise that those who "hear" and obey His words will not face ultimate spiritual desolation but eternal life in His unshakable kingdom (as promised in [John 5:24](/john/5-24 "John 5:24 - Hearing Jesus' Word and Having Eternal Life")). Thus, Christ is the faithful King, the enduring House, and the means by which humanity escapes the desolation brought by 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

Amos 6:8

¶ The Lord GOD hath sworn by himself, saith the LORD the God of hosts, I abhor the excellency of Jacob, and hate his palaces: therefore will I deliver up the city with all that is therein.

Hebrews 6:13

For when God made promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he sware by himself,

Jeremiah 17:27

But if ye will not hearken unto me to hallow the sabbath day, and not to bear a burden, even entering in at the gates of Jerusalem on the sabbath day; then will I kindle a fire in the gates thereof, and it shall devour the palaces of Jerusalem, and it shall not be quenched.

Genesis 22:16

And said, By myself have I sworn, saith the LORD, for because thou hast done this thing, and hast not withheld thy son, thine only [son]:

Deuteronomy 32:40

For I lift up my hand to heaven, and say, I live for ever.

Deuteronomy 32:42

I will make mine arrows drunk with blood, and my sword shall devour flesh; [and that] with the blood of the slain and of the captives, from the beginning of revenges upon the enemy.

Jeremiah 26:6

Then will I make this house like Shiloh, and will make this city a curse to all the nations of the earth.