Jeremiah 25:38

KJV

He hath forsaken his covert, as the lion: for their land is desolate because of the fierceness of the oppressor, and because of his fierce anger.

KJV (with Strong's)

He hath forsaken {H5800} his covert {H5520}, as the lion {H3715}: for their land {H776} is desolate {H8047} because {H6440} of the fierceness {H2740} of the oppressor {H3238}, and because {H6440} of his fierce {H2740} anger {H639}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Like a lion, he has abandoned his lair; for their land has become desolate because of the oppressor's fierce sword and because of ADONAI's fierce anger.

Berean Standard Bible

He has left His den like a lion, for their land has been made a desolation by the sword of the oppressor, and because of the fierce anger of the LORD.

American Standard Version

He hath left his covert, as the lion; for their land is become an astonishment because of the fierceness of the oppressing sword, and because of his fierce anger.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 25:38 powerfully concludes a prophetic declaration of divine judgment, portraying God as a lion abandoning its lair to unleash devastating wrath upon Judah and the nations. The verse emphasizes the resultant desolation of the land, attributing it to the "fierceness of the oppressor" and "his fierce anger," ultimately revealing God's righteous indignation against persistent sin and His sovereign use of instruments like Babylon to execute His decreed purposes.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 25:38 serves as the climactic statement in a chapter that marks a pivotal turning point in Jeremiah's prophecy. The preceding verses [Jeremiah 25:30-37](/jeremiah/25-30-37 "Jeremiah 25:30-37 - The Lord Roars from On High") describe the Lord emerging from His "dwelling" or "habitation" (often understood as His heavenly abode or Zion), roaring like a lion and bringing a "great tempest" of judgment that will sweep across the earth, consuming all nations. This imagery of a divine, destructive force sets the stage for verse 38, which specifically zeroes in on the desolation of Judah. The entire chapter, initiated by a recounting of Jeremiah's twenty-three years of unheeded prophetic warnings [Jeremiah 25:1-7](/jeremiah/25-1-7 "Jeremiah 25:1-7 - Unheeded Warnings"), culminates in the explicit declaration of the seventy-year Babylonian captivity [Jeremiah 25:11](/jeremiah/25-11 "Jeremiah 25:11 - Seventy Years of Captivity") and the subsequent "cup of wrath" that all nations, beginning with Jerusalem, must drink [Jeremiah 25:15-29](/jeremiah/25-15-29 "Jeremiah 25:15-29 - The Cup of Wrath for All Nations"). Thus, verse 38 is not merely a descriptive statement but a final, chilling pronouncement of the inevitable outcome of divine judgment, completing the picture of God's unleashed fury.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy in [Jeremiah 25](/jeremiah/25 "Jeremiah 25 - Prophecy Against Judah and the Nations") is delivered in the fourth year of King Jehoiakim of Judah (605 BC), a critical juncture in ancient Near Eastern history. This was the same year that Nebuchadnezzar, the crown prince of Babylon, decisively defeated the Egyptians at the Battle of Carchemish, solidifying Babylonian dominance in the region. Judah, having vacillated between Egyptian and Babylonian influence, was now firmly in Babylon's crosshairs. The "oppressor" (H3238, _yânâh_) in verse 38 directly refers to the Babylonian empire, specifically Nebuchadnezzar, whom God explicitly calls "my servant" in [Jeremiah 25:9](/jeremiah/25-9 "Jeremiah 25:9 - Nebuchadnezzar as God's Servant"), indicating divine orchestration of the impending invasion. The cultural understanding of a lion leaving its "covert" (H5520, _çôk_) would have evoked a powerful image of a predator emerging from its hidden place, no longer restrained, ready to pounce and destroy. This imagery would have resonated deeply with an agrarian society familiar with the dangers of wild animals and the devastation they could inflict, making the divine judgment described all the more terrifying and immediate.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 25:38 powerfully reinforces several key themes prevalent throughout the book of Jeremiah. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Judgment and Wrath**, where God is depicted not as a passive observer but as an active, furious judge who will not indefinitely tolerate sin. This judgment is a direct consequence of Judah's persistent **Disobedience and Rejection of God's Word**, as highlighted by their failure to heed the prophets for over two decades [Jeremiah 25:3-7](/jeremiah/25-3-7 "Jeremiah 25:3-7 - Judah's Persistent Disobedience"). The desolation described in the verse is the tangible manifestation of the curses for covenant unfaithfulness, echoing warnings found throughout [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses for Obedience and Disobedience"). Furthermore, the verse underscores God's **Sovereignty over Nations**, demonstrating His ability to use even pagan empires like Babylon (the "oppressor") as instruments of His righteous indignation, fulfilling His purposes despite human rebellion. This divine control over historical events is a recurring motif, showing that no earthly power can thwart God's ultimate plan, as seen in [Jeremiah 27:6](/jeremiah/27-6 "Jeremiah 27:6 - Nebuchadnezzar as God's Servant").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **forsaken (Hebrew, _ʻâzab'_):** H5800, a primitive root meaning "to loosen, i.e. relinquish, permit, etc." In this context, it signifies a deliberate act of abandonment or withdrawal from a previous state of restraint. When God "forsakes" His covert, it implies He is no longer holding back His power or judgment, but is actively unleashing it. This highlights the intentionality and decisiveness of divine action.
* **covert (Hebrew, _çôk'_):** H5520, from the root meaning "to cover," referring to a hut (as of entwined boughs), a lair, or a hidden dwelling place. This word vividly portrays the lion's (or God's) hidden, protected dwelling. Its abandonment signifies an emergence from a place of quietude or restraint into open, active engagement, emphasizing the end of divine patience.
* **fierceness (Hebrew, _chârôwn'_):** H2740, meaning "a burning of anger; sore displeasure, fierce(-ness), fury, (fierce) wrath(-ful)." This word appears twice in the verse, once describing the oppressor and once describing God's anger. It denotes an intense, burning rage, highlighting the severe and passionate nature of the wrath unleashed, whether from the human instrument or the divine source. Its repetition underscores the overwhelming and consuming nature of the judgment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He hath forsaken his covert, as the lion:"** This clause sets the scene with a powerful simile. "He" refers to the Lord, who is metaphorically portrayed as a lion. The "covert" is His dwelling or lair, symbolizing a place of hiddenness, patience, or restraint. The act of "forsaking" it signifies God's deliberate emergence from a state of quietude, ready to act decisively and violently. Like a lion leaving its den to hunt, God is now actively moving to execute judgment, no longer holding back His power.
* **"for their land is desolate because of the fierceness of the oppressor,"** This part provides the immediate reason for God's emergence and action. The "land" refers to Judah, which is already experiencing or is about to experience "desolation" (H8047, _shammâh_), a state of ruin, waste, and consternation. This desolation is directly attributed to the "fierceness" (H2740, _chârôwn_) of the "oppressor" (H3238, _yânâh_), which is Babylon. This highlights that while Babylon is the visible agent of destruction, their violent actions are part of God's overarching plan and a direct consequence of His righteous judgment.
* **"and because of his fierce anger."** This final clause clarifies the ultimate source and nature of the judgment. The "his" refers back to the Lord, indicating that the "fierce anger" (H2740, _chârôwn_ and H639, _ʼaph_) is God's own righteous wrath. This divine anger is the fundamental cause behind the oppressor's actions and the land's desolation. It underscores that the Babylonian invasion is not merely a geopolitical event but a divinely orchestrated act of judgment, driven by God's holy indignation against persistent sin and rebellion.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 25:38 is rich in **Imagery** and **Simile**, particularly through the use of the **Lion Metaphor**. The comparison of God to a "lion" emerging from its "covert" is a powerful and vivid image, conveying strength, ferocity, and an unstoppable, predatory nature. This imagery evokes a sense of dread and inevitability, as a lion leaving its den signals an imminent and destructive hunt. The repeated use of "fierceness" (**Repetition**) emphasizes the intensity and severity of the wrath, both from the human oppressor and, more fundamentally, from God Himself. This repetition underscores the overwhelming and consuming nature of the judgment. The verse also employs **Cause and Effect**, clearly linking the desolation of the land to the "fierceness of the oppressor" and, ultimately, to "his fierce anger," thereby establishing a direct causal chain from divine wrath to national devastation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 25:38 profoundly articulates the biblical truth of God's active involvement in human history, particularly His righteous judgment against sin. It unveils a God who, though patient, will not forever restrain His wrath when His covenant people persistently rebel and reject His warnings. The "lion" imagery underscores His sovereignty and irresistible power, demonstrating that even the most formidable human empires are mere instruments in His hands, used to execute His divine decrees. This verse serves as a stark reminder that disobedience has severe, tangible consequences, leading to national desolation and suffering. Ultimately, it affirms God's justice and His commitment to upholding His moral order, even if it means bringing about widespread destruction.

* [Hosea 13:7-8](/hosea/13-7-8 "Hosea 13:7-8 - God as a Lion and Leopard")
* [Isaiah 42:13-14](/isaiah/42-13-14 "Isaiah 42:13-14 - The Lord as a Warrior")
* [Lamentations 2:2-3](/lamentations/2-2-3 "Lamentations 2:2-3 - God's Fury and Destruction")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 25:38 offers a sobering reflection on the gravity of sin and the certainty of divine judgment. While the immediate context is ancient Judah's rebellion, the underlying principles are timeless. We are reminded that God is not indifferent to injustice, idolatry, or persistent disobedience. His patience has limits, and His righteous anger, though slow, is ultimately fierce and effective in bringing about His purposes. For us today, this verse calls for a profound sense of humility and a deep commitment to repentance. It challenges us to examine our own lives and societies for areas of rebellion against God's revealed will. It also encourages us to trust in God's sovereignty, even when circumstances seem chaotic or oppressive, knowing that He is working all things, even through difficult times, to fulfill His ultimate plan. The desolation described serves as a powerful warning: neglect of God's word and persistent sin lead to destructive consequences, both individually and corporately.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of God as a "lion" leaving its "covert" impact your understanding of divine judgment?**
* **In what ways might we, individually or as a community, be "forsaking" God's warnings and inviting consequences?**
* **How does understanding God's "fierce anger" inform your appreciation for His mercy and grace?**
* **What practical steps can we take to ensure our lives are aligned with God's will, thereby avoiding the "desolation" of disobedience?**

### FAQ

**What does it mean that "He hath forsaken his covert, as the lion"?**

Answer: This powerful imagery describes God (the "He") emerging from His dwelling place or hidden sanctuary (His "covert"), much like a lion leaves its den. It signifies that God is no longer holding back His power or restraining His judgment. He is actively and decisively moving to execute His wrath, indicating that a period of divine patience has ended and a time of severe intervention has begun. This metaphor emphasizes the irresistible and destructive nature of the impending judgment, which will be unleashed with the ferocity of a lion, as also seen in [Hosea 5:14](/hosea/5-14 "Hosea 5:14 - God as a Lion to Ephraim and Judah").

**Who is the "oppressor" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: In the immediate historical context of [Jeremiah 25](/jeremiah/25 "Jeremiah 25 - Prophecy Against Judah and the Nations"), the "oppressor" (H3238, _yânâh_) refers to the Babylonian empire, specifically King Nebuchadnezzar. God explicitly identifies Nebuchadnezzar as "my servant" in [Jeremiah 25:9](/jeremiah/25-9 "Jeremiah 25:9 - Nebuchadnezzar as God's Servant"), indicating that Babylon was God's chosen instrument to bring judgment upon Judah and other nations for their sins. While Babylon acted out of its own imperial ambitions, Jeremiah's prophecy reveals that their actions were ultimately orchestrated by God to fulfill His righteous purposes, demonstrating His sovereignty over all earthly powers.

**How does this verse relate to God's "fierce anger"?**

Answer: The verse explicitly states that the land's desolation is "because of his fierce anger." This clarifies that while the oppressor (Babylon) is the immediate cause of the destruction, the ultimate driving force behind it is God's own righteous wrath (H2740, _chârôwn_ and H639, _ʼaph_) against the persistent sin and rebellion of His people. It underscores that the judgment is not random or merely a geopolitical event, but a divinely ordained consequence of unfaithfulness, demonstrating God's holy indignation and His commitment to justice. This divine anger is a manifestation of His perfect character, reacting against that which is contrary to His holiness, as warned in passages like [Deuteronomy 29:20](/deuteronomy/29-20 "Deuteronomy 29:20 - The Lord's Anger and Jealousy").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 25:38, with its stark portrayal of divine judgment and fierce anger, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment not in the unleashing of wrath upon believers, but in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who absorbed that wrath on the cross. The "fierce anger" of God, which justly led to the desolation of the land in Jeremiah's day for humanity's sin, was fully poured out upon His Son. Jesus, the true [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), became a propitiation for our sins [Romans 3:25](/romans/3-25 "Romans 3:25 - Christ as Propitiation for Sins"). He is also the [Lion of the tribe of Judah](/revelation/5-5 "Revelation 5:5 - The Lion of Judah"), who did not emerge from His covert to destroy His people, but to conquer sin and death through His own sacrifice. Those who are "in Christ" are no longer subject to the "fierce anger" that brings desolation, for they have been reconciled to God through His blood [Colossians 1:20](/colossians/1-20 "Colossians 1:20 - Reconciliation Through Christ's Blood"). The judgment foreshadowed in [Jeremiah 25:38](/jeremiah/25-38 "Jeremiah 25:38 - God's Fierce Anger Unleashed"), while terrifying for the unrepentant, highlights the immeasurable grace extended to us through Christ, who bore the full weight of God's wrath so that we might receive mercy and eternal life [1 Peter 2:24](/1_peter/2-24 "1 Peter 2:24 - Christ Bore Our Sins"). This ultimate act of divine justice and mercy in Christ ensures that for believers, God's fierce anger is turned away, replaced by His boundless love and grace.

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

Jeremiah 4:7

The lion is come up from his thicket, and the destroyer of the Gentiles is on his way; he is gone forth from his place to make thy land desolate; [and] thy cities shall be laid waste, without an inhabitant.

Jeremiah 5:6

Wherefore a lion out of the forest shall slay them, [and] a wolf of the evenings shall spoil them, a leopard shall watch over their cities: every one that goeth out thence shall be torn in pieces: because their transgressions are many, [and] their backslidings are increased.

Hosea 13:7

Therefore I will be unto them as a lion: as a leopard by the way will I observe [them]:

Hosea 13:8

I will meet them as a bear [that is] bereaved [of her whelps], and will rend the caul of their heart, and there will I devour them like a lion: the wild beast shall tear them.

Hosea 5:14

For I [will be] unto Ephraim as a lion, and as a young lion to the house of Judah: I, [even] I, will tear and go away; I will take away, and none shall rescue [him].

Zechariah 2:3

And, behold, the angel that talked with me went forth, and another angel went out to meet him,

Amos 8:8

Shall not the land tremble for this, and every one mourn that dwelleth therein? and it shall rise up wholly as a flood; and it shall be cast out and drowned, as [by] the flood of Egypt.