Jeremiah 22:5

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

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}.

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

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.’”

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

Context of Jeremiah 22:5

Jeremiah 22:5 is part of a prophetic message delivered by the prophet Jeremiah, specifically directed towards the royal house of Judah and its kings, particularly King Jehoiakim. The preceding verses (Jeremiah 22:3-4) lay out God's conditional promise: if the king and his people would "execute judgment and righteousness," deliver the oppressed, and not shed innocent blood, then the Davidic dynasty would continue to reign in prosperity. However, verse 5 presents the severe alternative: if they refuse to obey these divine instructions, a devastating judgment awaits. This passage highlights the critical period leading up to the Babylonian exile, where Judah's spiritual and moral decline reached a point of no return, despite God's repeated warnings through His prophets.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Oath and Certainty of Judgment: The phrase "I swear by myself, saith the LORD" underscores the absolute certainty and unchangeable nature of God's word. When God swears by Himself, it signifies that there is no higher authority or greater power to guarantee His promise or threat. This oath makes the impending judgment inevitable if the conditions of disobedience are met, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to His justice. See Hebrews 6:13 for a New Testament reflection on God swearing by Himself.
  • Consequences of Disobedience: The core message is a direct warning about the dire consequences of rejecting God's commands. The "words" referred to are the calls for justice, righteousness, and ethical governance. Failure to heed these foundational principles would lead directly to the "desolation" of the royal house and, by extension, the kingdom of Judah. This serves as a powerful reminder that rebellion against divine will carries severe repercussions.
  • Justice and Righteousness as Foundational: The conditions for blessing (Jeremiah 22:3-4) emphasize the importance of righteousness and justice in leadership and society. God's covenant with His people demanded ethical living and care for the vulnerable (stranger, fatherless, widow). The desolation was not arbitrary but a direct result of their failure to uphold these core tenets of God's law.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "I swear by myself" in Hebrew is nishba'ti bi (נִשְׁבַּעְתִּי בִּי), which literally means "I have sworn by Me." This is the strongest possible oath God can make, as there is no one greater than Himself to swear by. It signifies the absolute truth and certainty of what follows. The word "desolation" comes from the Hebrew chorbah (חָרְבָּה), which denotes a state of ruin, waste, or devastation, reflecting the complete destruction and abandonment that would befall the royal palace and the city of Jerusalem.

Practical Application

Jeremiah 22:5 holds timeless relevance for both individuals and nations. It serves as a powerful reminder that God's word is not to be taken lightly. Disregarding divine principles of justice, righteousness, and compassion inevitably leads to negative consequences. For believers today, this verse underscores the importance of actively listening to and obeying God's commands, recognizing that our actions have spiritual and practical repercussions. It also speaks to the accountability of leaders, highlighting God's expectation for them to govern with integrity and care for the vulnerable, for a nation's well-being is often tied to its moral and spiritual health. Just as Judah faced desolation for its disobedience, we are called to a life of obedience and faithfulness to avoid spiritual decay and to experience God's blessings.

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.

  • 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.

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