Jeremiah 24:10

KJV

And I will send the sword, the famine, and the pestilence, among them, till they be consumed from off the land that I gave unto them and to their fathers.

KJV (with Strong's)

And I will send {H7971} the sword {H2719}, the famine {H7458}, and the pestilence {H1698}, among them, till they be consumed {H8552} from off the land {H127} that I gave {H5414} unto them and to their fathers {H1}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and I will send sword, famine and plague among them until they have disappeared from the land I gave them and their ancestors.'"

Berean Standard Bible

And I will send against them sword and famine and plague, until they have perished from the land that I gave to them and their fathers.’”

American Standard Version

And I will send the sword, the famine, and the pestilence, among them, till they be consumed from off the land that I gave unto them and to their fathers.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 24:10 stands as a stark pronouncement of divine judgment, detailing the severe and comprehensive consequences awaiting the unrepentant remnant of Judah. This verse, concluding the "vision of the two baskets of figs," prophesies that the "bad figs"—representing King Zedekiah, his officials, and those who remained in Jerusalem or fled to Egypt—would face utter destruction through the triad of sword, famine, and pestilence. Their ultimate fate would be complete consumption and expulsion from the very land God graciously bestowed upon their ancestors, underscoring God's unwavering justice and the dire repercussions of covenant unfaithfulness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 24:10 serves as the culminating declaration of judgment within the prophetic vision of [Jeremiah 24](/jeremiah/24 "Jeremiah 24 - The Vision of Two Baskets of Figs"). This chapter immediately follows the historical account of King Jehoiachin's deportation to Babylon in 597 BC, as recorded in [2 Kings 24:10-16](/2_kings/24-10-16 "2 Kings 24:10-16 - Jehoiachin's Exile and the First Deportation"). The vision opens with God presenting Jeremiah with two distinct baskets of figs: one containing "very good figs," symbolizing the exiles already taken to Babylon, whom God promised to watch over for their ultimate good and eventual restoration, as detailed in [Jeremiah 24:5-7](/jeremiah/24-5-7 "Jeremiah 24:5-7 - God's Promise to the Good Figs"). In stark contrast, the other basket held "very bad figs, which could not be eaten, they were so bad" ([Jeremiah 24:2](/jeremiah/24-2 "Jeremiah 24:2 - The Bad Figs Symbolism")). These "bad figs" are explicitly identified in [Jeremiah 24:8](/jeremiah/24-8 "Jeremiah 24:8 - Identification of the Bad Figs") as King Zedekiah, his officials, the remaining population in Jerusalem, and those who had defiantly fled to Egypt. Jeremiah 24:10, therefore, pronounces the severe and final judgment awaiting these unrepentant groups, emphasizing the totality of their destruction and their definitive removal from the Promised Land, thereby highlighting the profound difference in God's disposition towards the two groups of Judahites.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy articulated in Jeremiah 24:10 is situated in the turbulent period immediately following the first Babylonian deportation in 597 BC. At this juncture, Judah existed as a precarious vassal state under the dominion of the Neo-Babylonian Empire, with Zedekiah serving as a puppet king installed by Nebuchadnezzar. The population was deeply fractured: a significant portion had already been exiled to Babylon, others stubbornly clung to life in Jerusalem, and a considerable number had sought refuge in Egypt, directly defying God's prophetic warnings delivered through Jeremiah. The triad of "sword, famine, and pestilence" was not an abstract concept but a grim reality of ancient warfare and divine judgment, frequently experienced synergistically as a complete societal collapse. These specific curses were deeply ingrained in the covenant warnings of the Mosaic Law, prominently featured in passages like [Leviticus 26](/leviticus/26 "Leviticus 26 - Blessings and Curses for Obedience and Disobedience") and [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses for Obedience and Disobedience"). Their manifestation signified God's covenant faithfulness, even in the execution of judgment upon a persistently disobedient people. The land itself, described as "that I gave unto them and to their fathers," was not merely geographical territory but the very heart of Israel's identity and their covenant relationship with Yahweh, making expulsion from it the ultimate and most devastating sign of covenant forfeiture.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes pervasive within the book of Jeremiah and broader biblical theology. It unequivocally highlights **Divine Judgment**, demonstrating God's active, righteous, and sovereign role in bringing calamity upon a rebellious people. This judgment is not arbitrary punishment but a just and inevitable consequence for their persistent sin, idolatry, and rejection of His prophetic word. The specific triad of "sword, famine, and pestilence" underscores the severe **Consequences of Disobedience** and covenant unfaithfulness, echoing the curses meticulously outlined in the Torah (e.g., [Leviticus 26:25-26](/leviticus/26-25-26 "Leviticus 26:25-26 - Consequences of Breaking Covenant"); [Deuteronomy 28:21-22](/deuteronomy/28-21-22 "Deuteronomy 28:21-22 - Curses for Disobedience")). Furthermore, the dire threat of being "consumed from off the land" profoundly emphasizes the theme of **Loss of the Land**, a critical and devastating aspect of Israel's covenant identity and a poignant symbol of their broken relationship with Yahweh. This specific form of judgment also implicitly reinforces **God's Sovereignty** over nations and the course of history, as He is the one who "sends" these calamities and determines their ultimate outcome, even amidst profound human rebellion.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **send (Hebrew, _shâlach'_):** (H7971) This primitive root signifies "to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications); appoint, bring (on the way), cast (away, out), conduct, give (up), let depart (down, go, loose), put (away, forth, in, out), reach forth, send (away, forth, out), set, shoot (forth, out), sow, spread, stretch forth (out)." In Jeremiah 24:10, its use emphatically highlights the divine agency behind the impending calamities. It is not random misfortune or natural disaster but a deliberate, sovereign act of God, indicating His active and purposeful involvement in judgment as much as in blessing. The active verb underscores His direct control and specific intent.
* **consumed (Hebrew, _tâmam'_):** (H8552) This root means "to complete, in a good or a bad sense, literal, or figurative, transitive or intransitive; accomplish, cease, be clean (pass-) ed, consume, have done, (come to an, have an, make an) end, fail, come to the full, be all gone, be (make) perfect, be spent, sum, be (shew self) upright, be wasted, whole." Here, it conveys the utter finality and totality of the destruction. The "bad figs" will not merely be diminished, scattered, or subjugated; they will be utterly wiped out, signifying the complete cessation of their presence, identity, and viability in the land. This implies a comprehensive and irreversible end.
* **land (Hebrew, _ʼădâmâh'_):** (H127) Derived from the root אָדַם (adam), meaning "to be red" (referring to soil), _ʼădâmâh_ denotes "soil (from its general redness); country, earth, ground, husband(-man) (-ry), land." In the context of Israel, "the land" is far more than mere geographical territory; it is the Promised Land, central to God's foundational covenant with Abraham and his descendants. Its loss signifies the breaking of that sacred covenant relationship due to persistent unfaithfulness, representing the ultimate forfeiture of divine favor, inheritance, and the very place of their identity as God's chosen people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I will send the sword, the famine, and the pestilence, among them":** This opening clause unequivocally declares the divine authorship of the impending judgment. The emphatic pronoun "I" refers to Yahweh, the God of Israel, stressing His direct, personal, and sovereign initiation of these calamities. "Them" refers specifically to the "bad figs" identified in [Jeremiah 24:8](/jeremiah/24-8 "Jeremiah 24:8 - The Bad Figs Identified"), namely King Zedekiah, his officials, the remaining population in Jerusalem, and those who had fled to Egypt. The triad of "sword" (representing war, violence, and death by conquest), "famine" (signifying severe scarcity of food, starvation, and economic collapse), and "pestilence" (denoting widespread disease, plague, and epidemic) constitutes a comprehensive and inescapable form of national destruction, a recurring prophetic motif for divine wrath that leaves no avenue of escape.
* **"till they be consumed from off the land":** This phrase specifies both the duration and the ultimate, devastating outcome of the judgment. The verb "consumed" (Hebrew _tâmam_) denotes utter completion, annihilation, and destruction, signifying that the people will be completely wiped out or permanently removed. The phrase "from off the land" highlights the most profound and devastating consequence for Israel: their expulsion from the Promised Land. This land was the very cornerstone of their covenant identity, their inheritance, and the place of God's dwelling among them. Their removal implies a tragic reversal of God's initial gracious promise to give them the land, signifying a complete forfeiture of their covenantal privilege.
* **"that I gave unto them and to their fathers":** This final clause serves as a powerful and poignant reminder of God's prior gracious act and the covenantal basis for their very presence in the land. By emphasizing that He "gave" the land, God underscores His proprietary right over it and the conditional nature of their tenancy. The phrase "unto them and to their fathers" explicitly links the current generation's profound disobedience and unfaithfulness to the historical covenant established with their ancestors. This connection makes their impending expulsion a direct and just consequence of breaking the sacred trust and covenant obligations passed down through generations, highlighting the profound tragedy of their rebellion against divine grace.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 24:10 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of severe divine judgment with maximum impact. The most prominent is the **Triad** of "sword, famine, and pestilence." This recurring prophetic motif (also powerfully seen in [Jeremiah 14:12](/jeremiah/14-12 "Jeremiah 14:12 - God's Refusal to Hear") and [Ezekiel 5:12](/ezekiel/5-12 "Ezekiel 5:12 - The Triad of Judgment")) functions as a comprehensive and inescapable representation of national catastrophe, signifying total societal collapse due to war, starvation, and widespread disease. This **Symbolism** of a three-pronged attack vividly illustrates the totality and inevitability of God's wrath. Furthermore, the verse employs strong **Divine Agency** ("And I will send"), clearly attributing the calamities directly to God's sovereign will and active involvement, removing any doubt that these are random occurrences or mere natural disasters. The phrase "till they be consumed from off the land that I gave unto them and to their fathers" utilizes rich **Covenant Language**, evoking the conditional nature of Israel's inheritance of the Promised Land and highlighting the ultimate consequence of their profound covenant unfaithfulness. The stark contrast between God's prior gracious gift of the land and its subsequent forfeiture due to their rebellion creates a powerful sense of **Irony**, underscoring the severity of their actions and the justness of their impending doom.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 24:10 profoundly illustrates the biblical principle that God is both infinitely merciful and perfectly just, and that persistent, unrepentant sin inevitably leads to severe and comprehensive consequences. It reveals God's active involvement in human history, not merely as a distant observer but as a righteous judge who holds His covenant people accountable for their fidelity. The triad of judgment—sword, famine, and pestilence—is a recurring and potent motif throughout the Old Testament, signifying a comprehensive and inescapable divine response to national apostasy and deliberate rebellion against His revealed will. This verse serves as a sober and solemn reminder that while God's patience is immense and His long-suffering profound, His holiness and righteousness demand that sin be addressed, and His warnings are not to be trifled with. The loss of the land, specifically mentioned as given by God, underscores the deep theological significance of the covenant and the devastating impact of its breach, representing the ultimate forfeiture of their identity and inheritance.

* [Leviticus 26:25-26](/leviticus/26-25-26 "Leviticus 26:25-26 - Consequences of Disobedience and Covenant Breach")
* [Deuteronomy 28:21-22](/deuteronomy/28-21-22 "Deuteronomy 28:21-22 - Curses for Disobedience and Exile")
* [Ezekiel 5:12](/ezekiel/5-12 "Ezekiel 5:12 - The Triad of Judgment and Desolation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 24:10, though a passage steeped in severe Old Covenant judgment, offers profound and enduring insights for contemporary believers. It serves as a powerful reminder that God is eternally holy, perfectly righteous, and utterly faithful to His word, and therefore, His warnings are to be taken with the utmost seriousness. While we now live under the new covenant of grace, established through Christ's sacrifice, the immutable principles of God's character and the reality of consequences for persistent rebellion remain profoundly relevant. This verse challenges us to diligently examine our own lives for any areas of spiritual stubbornness, unrepentant sin, or apathy towards God's truth, urging us to cultivate a posture of humility, responsiveness, and eager obedience to His revealed will. It highlights the gravity of sin, particularly deliberate and persistent disobedience to divine truth, and underscores the vital importance of genuine, heartfelt repentance. Just as God meticulously distinguished between the "good" and "bad" figs based on their spiritual posture, He discerns the true condition of every heart. Our ultimate security and blessing are found not in inherited privilege, religious affiliation, or physical location, but in humble submission, faithful adherence to God's will, and a life transformed by His grace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's unwavering justice and judgment in Jeremiah 24:10 deepen your reverence for His holiness and sovereignty?**
* **In what subtle or overt ways might we, in our modern context, be tempted to ignore, rationalize, or downplay God's warnings, mirroring the stubbornness of the "bad figs"?**
* **What specific areas of your life or community might require a renewed commitment to humble obedience, genuine repentance, and a more fervent pursuit of God's will in light of this profound passage?**
* **How does the stark contrast between the "good" and "bad" figs encourage you to pursue a deeper, more authentic, and consistently obedient relationship with God, trusting in His discernment and grace?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the "sword, famine, and pestilence" triad in biblical prophecy?**

Answer: The triad of "sword, famine, and pestilence" is a profoundly significant and recurring motif throughout Old Testament prophetic books (e.g., [Jeremiah 14:12](/jeremiah/14-12 "Jeremiah 14:12 - God's Refusal to Hear"), [Ezekiel 5:12](/ezekiel/5-12 "Ezekiel 5:12 - Triad of Judgment"), [Revelation 6:8](/revelation/6-8 "Revelation 6:8 - The Four Horsemen")). It represents a comprehensive, inescapable, and divinely orchestrated form of judgment, signifying complete national devastation and societal collapse. The "sword" symbolizes war, violent conquest, and death by the hand of enemies; "famine" represents economic collapse, severe scarcity of food, and widespread starvation; and "pestilence" denotes widespread disease, plague, and epidemic. Together, these three elements illustrate a total breakdown of societal order, health, and sustenance, leaving no avenue of escape or survival for those under God's wrath. This triad often appears as the ultimate consequence for covenant unfaithfulness, idolatry, and persistent rebellion against God's commands, as meticulously outlined in the curses of the Mosaic Law (e.g., [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses for Obedience and Disobedience")). It underscores God's absolute sovereignty over life and death, and His righteous response to sin.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Jeremiah 24:10 powerfully articulates the severe consequences of Old Covenant judgment and the tragic loss of the Promised Land due to unrepentant sin, its themes find profound Christ-centered fulfillment and glorious transformation in the New Covenant. The "sword, famine, and pestilence" represent the ultimate, comprehensive consequences of humanity's rebellion against God, culminating in spiritual death, separation from His life-giving presence, and the forfeiture of true inheritance. However, Christ, the perfect Son, entered into this realm of judgment on our behalf, taking the full weight of God's righteous wrath upon Himself on the cross. He became the ultimate "bad fig" in our place, enduring the spiritual "sword" of divine justice that struck the Shepherd ([Zechariah 13:7](/zechariah/13-7 "Zechariah 13:7 - Strike the Shepherd, Scatter the Sheep")), suffering the agonizing "famine" of God's presence as He cried out, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" ([Matthew 27:46](/matthew/27-46 "Matthew 27:46 - Jesus' Cry of Dereliction")), and triumphing over the "pestilence" of sin and death through His glorious resurrection ([1 Corinthians 15:55-57](/1_corinthians/15-55-57 "1 Corinthians 15:55-57 - Victory over Death Through Christ")). Through His unparalleled sacrifice, those who believe in Him are not "consumed from off the land" in judgment but are instead brought into a new, eternal, and incorruptible inheritance—the heavenly Jerusalem, the true Promised Land, and the new creation ([Hebrews 12:22-24](/hebrews/12-22-24 "Hebrews 12:22-24 - The Heavenly Jerusalem and New Covenant"); [Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1-4 "Revelation 21:1-4 - The New Heaven and New Earth")). He transforms the curse of exile into the blessing of adoption into God's family, granting eternal access to the true "land" of God's presence and an everlasting covenant secured by His precious blood ([Hebrews 9:15](/hebrews/9-15 "Hebrews 9:15 - Mediator of the New Covenant")). In Christ, the judgment is borne, and eternal life is given.

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

Isaiah 51:19

These two [things] are come unto thee; who shall be sorry for thee? desolation, and destruction, and the famine, and the sword: by whom shall I comfort thee?

Ezekiel 5:12

A third part of thee shall die with the pestilence, and with famine shall they be consumed in the midst of thee: and a third part shall fall by the sword round about thee; and I will scatter a third part into all the winds, and I will draw out a sword after them.

Ezekiel 5:17

So will I send upon you famine and evil beasts, and they shall bereave thee; and pestilence and blood shall pass through thee; and I will bring the sword upon thee. I the LORD have spoken [it].

Ezekiel 33:27

Say thou thus unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; [As] I live, surely they that [are] in the wastes shall fall by the sword, and him that [is] in the open field will I give to the beasts to be devoured, and they that [be] in the forts and in the caves shall die of the pestilence.

Jeremiah 34:17

Therefore thus saith the LORD; Ye have not hearkened unto me, in proclaiming liberty, every one to his brother, and every man to his neighbour: behold, I proclaim a liberty for you, saith the LORD, to the sword, to the pestilence, and to the famine; and I will make you to be removed into all the kingdoms of the earth.

Jeremiah 5:12

They have belied the LORD, and said, [It is] not he; neither shall evil come upon us; neither shall we see sword nor famine:

Jeremiah 9:16

I will scatter them also among the heathen, whom neither they nor their fathers have known: and I will send a sword after them, till I have consumed them.