Jeremiah 23:19

Behold, a whirlwind of the LORD is gone forth in fury, even a grievous whirlwind: it shall fall grievously upon the head of the wicked.

Behold, a whirlwind {H5591} of the LORD {H3068} is gone forth {H3318} in fury {H2534}, even a grievous {H2342} whirlwind {H5591}: it shall fall grievously {H2342} upon the head {H7218} of the wicked {H7563}.

Look! The storm of ADONAI, bursting out in fury, a whirling storm, whirling down upon the heads of the wicked

Behold, the storm of the LORD has gone out with fury, a whirlwind swirling down upon the heads of the wicked.

Behold, the tempest of Jehovah, even his wrath, is gone forth, yea, a whirling tempest: it shall burst upon the head of the wicked.

Commentary

Context of Jeremiah 23:19

Jeremiah 23 is a powerful chapter where the prophet Jeremiah confronts the false prophets and unfaithful leaders of Judah. Throughout this chapter, God condemns those who speak "a vision of their own heart, and not out of the mouth of the LORD" (Jeremiah 23:16), promising peace when there is no peace. Verse 19 serves as a stark warning, declaring that God's judgment is not merely a distant threat but an imminent and furious reality that will inevitably strike those who persist in wickedness, particularly those who have misled His people.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Judgment: The central theme is God's active and severe judgment against sin. The "whirlwind of the LORD" is a powerful metaphor for an irresistible, overwhelming force of divine wrath.
  • Irresistible Power of God: The imagery of a "whirlwind" emphasizes the unstoppable nature of God's judgment. Just as a physical whirlwind devastates everything in its path, so too will God's fury consume the wicked. This highlights God's sovereignty and might.
  • Justice for the Wicked: The verse explicitly states that the judgment "shall fall grievously upon the head of the wicked." This underscores the principle of divine justice, where those who reject God's ways and live in rebellion will face direct and severe consequences.
  • Warning to Falsehood: In the broader context of Jeremiah 23, this verse serves as a direct warning to the false prophets who promised peace and security to the people while ignoring their sin. It reveals the true, harsh reality of God's impending judgment that they refused to acknowledge.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "whirlwind" here is suphah (Χ‘Χ•ΦΌΧ€ΦΈΧ”), which often denotes a violent, destructive storm or tempest. It is frequently used in prophetic literature to describe the manifestation of God's presence or judgment, emphasizing its power and suddenness. For instance, in Nahum 1:3, it speaks of "the LORD hath his way in the whirlwind and in the storm." The repetition of "grievous whirlwind" (sa'ar golel) further intensifies the severity and destructive nature of this divine intervention.

Practical Application

Jeremiah 23:19 serves as a timeless reminder of God's justice and the serious consequences of defying Him. It calls for:

  • Discernment: It urges believers to be discerning, to listen to and follow God's true word rather than flattering falsehoods. Just as in Jeremiah's day, there are voices promising comfort without conviction.
  • Repentance: The impending judgment should serve as a call to repentance for those walking in wickedness. God's patience is not endless, and His justice is certain.
  • Assurance for the Righteous: For those who strive to follow God's will, this verse offers assurance that God is just and will ultimately deal with evil. While the "whirlwind" brings terror to the wicked, it confirms God's ultimate control and righteousness for the faithful. This concept is echoed in the New Testament's warnings about a future day of reckoning, as seen in Revelation 20:12-15.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated β€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Jeremiah 30:23

    Behold, the whirlwind of the LORD goeth forth with fury, a continuing whirlwind: it shall fall with pain upon the head of the wicked.

  • Jeremiah 25:32

    Thus saith the LORD of hosts, Behold, evil shall go forth from nation to nation, and a great whirlwind shall be raised up from the coasts of the earth.

  • Amos 1:14

    But I will kindle a fire in the wall of Rabbah, and it shall devour the palaces thereof, with shouting in the day of battle, with a tempest in the day of the whirlwind:

  • Isaiah 21:1

    ΒΆ The burden of the desert of the sea. As whirlwinds in the south pass through; [so] it cometh from the desert, from a terrible land.

  • Proverbs 10:25

    As the whirlwind passeth, so [is] the wicked no [more]: but the righteous [is] an everlasting foundation.

  • Isaiah 5:25

    Therefore is the anger of the LORD kindled against his people, and he hath stretched forth his hand against them, and hath smitten them: and the hills did tremble, and their carcases [were] torn in the midst of the streets. For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand [is] stretched out still.

  • Isaiah 5:28

    Whose arrows [are] sharp, and all their bows bent, their horses' hoofs shall be counted like flint, and their wheels like a whirlwind:
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