Jeremiah 25:37

KJV

And the peaceable habitations are cut down because of the fierce anger of the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the peaceable {H7965} habitations {H4999} are cut down {H1826} because {H6440} of the fierce {H2740} anger {H639} of the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

the peaceful grazing grounds are silenced, because of ADONAI's fierce anger.

Berean Standard Bible

The peaceful meadows have been silenced because of the LORD’s burning anger.

American Standard Version

And the peaceable folds are brought to silence because of the fierce anger of Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 25:37 powerfully depicts the devastating consequences of divine judgment, illustrating how even seemingly secure and tranquil dwelling places will be utterly destroyed. This verse is part of a broader prophetic declaration against Judah and the surrounding nations, emphasizing that the widespread desolation is a direct result of the Lord's intense and righteous wrath against their persistent sin and rebellion. It underscores the fragility of human security in the face of God's sovereign justice.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 25:37 is situated within a pivotal prophetic discourse delivered by Jeremiah in the fourth year of King Jehoiakim of Judah, a critical juncture just prior to the Babylonian exile. The preceding verses (Jeremiah 25:1-14) detail the seventy-year period of desolation for Judah under Babylonian dominion, a direct consequence of their unfaithfulness. Following this, the prophecy expands to encompass God's judgment upon "all the nations" (Jeremiah 25:15-29), symbolized by making them drink from "the cup of the wine of this fury" (Jeremiah 25:15 "Jeremiah 25:15 - The Cup of God's Fury"). Verses 30-38 employ vivid imagery of a roaring lion and a great noise, signifying God's unleashing of widespread destruction upon the earth. Within this sweeping panorama of judgment, verse 37 specifically hones in on the complete eradication of "peaceable habitations," serving as a stark illustration of the comprehensive nature of the impending desolation that will spare no one, regardless of their perceived security.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy in Jeremiah 25 was given around 605 BC, a period of significant geopolitical upheaval. The Babylonian Empire was rapidly ascending, having recently defeated Egypt at the Battle of Carchemish. Judah, caught between these superpowers, had continually vacillated between alliances and idolatry, defying the Lord's commands delivered through His prophets. The "peaceable habitations" (Hebrew: *n'aot shalom*) would have evoked images of settled, prosperous communities, perhaps even pastoral lands where flocks grazed securely, symbolizing a state of well-being and stability. In a land prone to invasion and conflict, such places represented a cherished ideal. The destruction of these habitations would have been particularly shocking, as it implied an end to all perceived safety and comfort, a complete reversal of their expected prosperity and peace, directly challenging the false sense of security many in Judah held despite Jeremiah's warnings.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Jeremiah and the broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Judgment**, portraying God's righteous and fierce anger (*chârôwn 'aph*) as the ultimate cause of the widespread devastation. This is not arbitrary wrath but a just response to persistent sin, idolatry, and covenant breaking, as seen throughout Jeremiah's condemnations (e.g., [Jeremiah 7:1-15](/jeremiah/7 "Jeremiah 7 - The Temple Sermon")). Secondly, it underscores the **Loss of Security and False Hope**, demonstrating that human-made stability or perceived peace is ultimately fragile and cannot withstand divine wrath. The destruction of "peaceable habitations" shatters any illusion that Judah or other nations could escape the consequences of their actions. Thirdly, it reinforces the theme of **God's Sovereignty Over All Nations**, emphasizing that His judgment extends beyond His covenant people to all who defy Him, as He is the Lord of all the earth (e.g., [Jeremiah 25:29](/jeremiah/25-29 "Jeremiah 25:29 - Judgment on All Inhabitants")). Finally, the verse implicitly speaks to the **Consequences of Unrepentance**, serving as a stark warning that continued rebellion against God inevitably leads to severe and comprehensive desolation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **habitations (Hebrew, _nâʼâh'_):** From a root meaning "to be comely" or "suitable," this word refers to a home, a dwelling place, or figuratively, a pasture. It conveys a sense of pleasantness, suitability, and often, security or rest. Its use here, combined with "peaceable," emphasizes places that were considered safe, tranquil, and well-established, making their destruction all the more impactful.
* **cut down (Hebrew, _dâmam'_):** This primitive root carries a range of meanings, including "to be dumb," "to be astonished," "to stop," and "to perish." In this context, it signifies a forceful cessation, a being brought to an end, or being laid waste. It implies thorough destruction, not merely damage, but a complete silencing or desolation of what once existed.
* **fierce (Hebrew, _chârôwn'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to burn," this word denotes a burning of anger, intense displeasure, or fury. It describes a deep, settled, and active wrath, indicating the severity and intensity of God's indignation against sin. It is not a fleeting emotion but a consuming, righteous anger that brings about severe consequences.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the peaceable habitations are cut down":** This clause describes the immediate and devastating outcome of God's judgment. The "peaceable habitations" refer to places that were once characterized by tranquility, security, and prosperity. The Hebrew term *n'aot shalom* suggests not just physical dwellings but entire communities or regions that enjoyed a sense of well-being. The phrase "cut down" (from *dâmam*) vividly portrays their complete desolation and cessation, implying that these once-secure places will be utterly destroyed, silenced, and rendered uninhabitable.
* **"because of the fierce anger of the LORD.":** This clause provides the divine rationale and ultimate cause for the widespread destruction. The "fierce anger" (*chârôwn 'aph*) of the Lord (Yahweh) is a powerful expression for God's intense, burning wrath, His righteous indignation against the sin and rebellion of Judah and the nations. It underscores that the impending judgment is not random misfortune but a deliberate, just, and severe consequence directly stemming from God's holy character and His response to unrepentant wickedness.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 25:37 employs several potent **Literary Devices** to convey its message of impending judgment. The phrase "peaceable habitations" uses **Irony**, as these places, by their very definition, are meant to be secure and tranquil, yet they are the very targets of destruction. This highlights the complete reversal of fortune and the shattering of false security. The act of being "cut down" is a vivid **Metaphor** for utter destruction and desolation, evoking imagery of something vibrant and established being violently brought to an end. Furthermore, the "fierce anger of the LORD" is a powerful instance of **Anthropomorphism**, attributing a human emotion (anger) to God to help human readers grasp the intensity and nature of His righteous indignation against sin. This **Personification** of God's wrath underscores its active and destructive power, portraying it as the driving force behind the impending catastrophe.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 25:37 profoundly articulates the theological truth of God's active and righteous judgment against sin. It reveals that the Lord, Yahweh, is not a passive observer of human wickedness but actively intervenes to bring about consequences for rebellion. His "fierce anger" is not an uncontrolled outburst but a holy and just response to persistent idolatry, injustice, and unfaithfulness. This verse serves as a stark reminder that true peace and security are not found in earthly structures or human endeavors, but only in alignment with God's will. When humanity deviates from His ways, even the most "peaceable habitations" become vulnerable to the just outpouring of His wrath, demonstrating His absolute sovereignty over all nations and their destinies.

* [Psalm 7:11](/psalms/7-11 "Psalm 7:11 - God is a Righteous Judge")
* [Romans 1:18](/romans/1-18 "Romans 1:18 - God's Wrath Revealed Against Ungodliness")
* [Nahum 1:2-3](/nahum/1-2 "Nahum 1:2-3 - The Lord is a Jealous and Avenging God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 25:37 serves as a profound and sobering reminder of the gravity of sin and the certainty of divine justice. It challenges any human tendency to place ultimate trust in earthly securities—whether wealth, political stability, military might, or even perceived tranquility. The "peaceable habitations" being "cut down" vividly illustrates that no human construct or condition is immune to the consequences of persistent disobedience to God. For us today, this verse calls for a deep introspection into where our true security lies. It urges us to abandon any false sense of invulnerability and to recognize that genuine peace and lasting well-being are found only in humble submission to the Lord and adherence to His righteous ways. It is a powerful call to repentance, urging individuals and societies to turn from self-reliance and sin, and to seek the enduring peace that comes from God alone, before His righteous wrath is fully manifest.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "peaceable habitations" or sources of security do I tend to trust in more than God?**
* **How does the concept of God's "fierce anger" challenge or affirm my understanding of His character?**
* **In what ways might my life or my community be exhibiting behaviors that could invite divine judgment?**
* **How can I actively seek and promote true, God-given peace in my life and among those around me?**

### FAQ
**Does God still get "fiercely angry" today, or was this only for Old Testament times?**

Answer: While the manifestations of God's anger may differ between the Old and New Covenants, the fundamental truth of God's righteous indignation against sin remains constant. The Bible consistently portrays God as holy and just, meaning He cannot tolerate sin. In the Old Testament, His anger often resulted in temporal judgments on nations or individuals, as seen in [Jeremiah 25:37](/jeremiah/25-37 "Jeremiah 25:37 - The Destruction of Peaceable Habitations"). In the New Testament, while the ultimate wrath for believers was poured out on Christ, the concept of God's wrath is still present (e.g., [Romans 1:18](/romans/1-18 "Romans 1:18 - God's Wrath Revealed")). It is often described as a future judgment for those who reject Christ, or a present consequence for those who persist in ungodliness. Therefore, God's character as one who is righteously angry at sin has not changed, though His covenantal dealings with humanity have progressed through Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 25:37, with its stark portrayal of "peaceable habitations" being "cut down because of the fierce anger of the LORD," finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus. While this verse speaks of temporal judgment upon nations for their sin, the New Testament reveals that the full weight of God's fierce anger against all human sin was ultimately poured out upon Christ on the cross. He became the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), bearing the divine wrath that humanity deserved. Through His atoning sacrifice, Jesus provides the only true and lasting "peaceable habitation" for humanity, a spiritual dwelling place of reconciliation with God that can never be "cut down." The peace that was shattered by sin and divine judgment is now offered to all who believe in Christ, for He is "our peace" ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ is Our Peace")), having broken down the dividing wall of hostility. Thus, what Jeremiah prophesied as destruction due to God's anger is ultimately resolved in Christ, who absorbed that anger, offering eternal peace and security to all who find their refuge in Him ([Colossians 1:20](/colossians/1-20 "Colossians 1:20 - Reconciliation Through Christ")).

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 27:10

Yet the defenced city [shall be] desolate, [and] the habitation forsaken, and left like a wilderness: there shall the calf feed, and there shall he lie down, and consume the branches thereof.

Isaiah 27:11

When the boughs thereof are withered, they shall be broken off: the women come, [and] set them on fire: for it [is] a people of no understanding: therefore he that made them will not have mercy on them, and he that formed them will shew them no favour.

Isaiah 32:14

Because the palaces shall be forsaken; the multitude of the city shall be left; the forts and towers shall be for dens for ever, a joy of wild asses, a pasture of flocks;