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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Jeremiah 25:30–38.
We have, in these verses, a further description of those terrible desolations which the king of Babylon with his armies should make in all the countries and nations round about Jerusalem. In Jerusalem God had erected his temple; there were his oracles and ordinances, which the neighbouring nations should have attended to and might have received benefit by; thither they should have applied for the knowledge of God and their duty, and then they might have had reason to bless God for their neighbourhood to Jerusalem; but they, instead of that, taking all opportunities either to debauch or to disturb that holy city, when God came to reckon with Jerusalem because it learned so much of the way of the nations, he reckoned with the nations because they learned so little of the way of Jerusalem.
They will soon be aware of Nebuchadrezzar's making war upon them; but the prophet is here directed to tell them that it is God himself that makes war upon them, a God with whom there is no contending. 1. The war is here proclaimed (Jer 25:30): The Lord shall roar from on high; not from Mount Zion and Jerusalem (as Joe 3:16, Amo 1:2), but from heaven, from his holy habitation there; for now Jerusalem is one of the places against which he roars. He shall mightily roar upon his habitation on earth from that above. He has been long silent, and seemed not to take notice of the wickedness of the nations; the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now he shall give a shout, as the assailants in battle do, against all the inhabitants of the earth, to whom it shall be a shout of terror, and yet a shout of joy in heaven, as theirs that tread the grapes; for, when God is reckoning with the proud enemies of his kingdom among men, there is a great voice of much people heard in heaven, saying, Hallelujah, Rev 19:1. He roars as a lion (Amo 3:4, Amo 3:8), as a lion that has forsaken his covert (Jer 25:38), and is going abroad to seek his prey, upon which he roars, that he may the more easily seize it. 2. The manifesto is here published, showing the causes and reasons why God proclaims this war (Jer 25:31): The Lord has a controversy with the nations; he has just cause to contend with them, and he will take this way of pleading with them. His quarrel with them is, in one word, for their wickedness, their contempt of him, and his authority over them and kindness to them. He will give those that are wicked to the sword. They have provoked God to anger, and thence comes all this destruction; it is because of the fierce anger of the Lord (Jer 25:37 and again Jer 25:38), the fierceness of the oppressor, or (as it might better be read) the fierceness of the oppressing sword (for the word is feminine) is because of his fierce anger; and we are sure that he is never angry without cause; but who knows the power of his anger? 3. The alarm is here given and taken: A noise will come even to the ends of the earth, so loud shall it roar, so far shall it reach, Jer 25:31. The alarm is not given by sound of trumpet, or beat of drum, but by a whirlwind, a great whirlwind, storm, or tempest, which shall be raised up from the coasts, the remote coasts of the earth, Jer 25:32. The Chaldean army shall be like a hurricane raised in the north, but thence carried on with incredible fierceness and swiftness, bearing down all before it. It is like the whirlwind out of which God answered Job, which was exceedingly terrible, Job 37:1; Job 38:1. And, when the wrath of God thus roars like a lion from heaven, no marvel if it be echoed with shrieks from earth; for who can choose but tremble when God thus speaks in displeasure? See Hos 11:10. Now the shepherds shall howl and cry, the kings, and princes, and the great ones of the earth, the principal of the flock. They used to be the most courageous and secure, but now their hearts shall fail them; they shall wallow themselves in the ashes, Jer 25:34. Seeing themselves utterly unable to make head against the enemy, and seeing their country, which they have the charge of and a concern for, inevitably ruined, they shall abandon themselves to sorrow. There shall be a voice of the cry of the shepherds, and a howling of the principal of the flock shall be heard, Jer 25:36. Those are great calamities indeed that strike such a terror upon the great men, and put them into this consternation. The Lord hath spoiled their pasture, in which they fed their flock, and out of which they fed themselves; the spoiling of that makes them cry-out thus. Perhaps, carrying on the metaphor of a lion roaring, it alludes to the great fright that shepherds are in when they hear a roaring lion coming towards their flocks, and find they have no way to flee (Jer 25:35) for their own safety, neither can the principal of their flock escape. The enemy will be so numerous, so furious, so sedulous, and the extent of their armies so vast, that it will be impossible to avoid falling into their hands. Note, As we cannot out-face, so we cannot out-run, the judgments of God. This is that for which the shepherds howl and cry. 4. The progress of this war is here described (Jer 25:32): Behold, evil shall go forth from nation to nation; as the cup goes round, every nation shall have its share and take warning by the calamities of another to repent and reform. Nay, as if this ere to be a little representation of the last and general judgment, it shall reach from one end of the earth even unto the other end of the earth, Jer 25:33. The day of vengeance is in his heart, and now his hand shall find out all his enemies, wherever they are, Psa 21:8. Note, When our neighbour's house is on fire it is time to be concerned for our own. When one nation is a seat of war every neighbouring nation should hear, and fear, and make its peace with God. 5. The dismal consequences of this war are here foretold: The days of slaughter and dispersions are accomplished, that is, they are fully come (Jer 25:34), the time fixed in the divine counsel for the slaughter of some and the dispersion of the rest, which will make the nations completely desolate. Multitudes shall fall by the sword of the merciless Chaldeans, so that the slain of the Lord shall be every where found: they are slain by commission from him, and are sacrificed to his justice. The slain for sin are the slain of the Lord. To complete the misery of their slaughter, they shall not be lamented in particular, so general shall the matter of lamentation be. Nay, they shall not be gathered up, nor buried, for they shall have no friends left to bury them, and the enemies shall not have so much humanity in them as to do it; and then they shall be as dung upon the earth, so vile and noisome: and it is well if, as dung manures the earth and makes it fruitful, so these horrid spectacles, which lie as monuments of divine justice, might be a means to awaken the inhabitants of the earth to learn righteousness. The effect of this war will be the desolation of the whole land that is the seat of it (Jer 25:38), one land after another. But here are two expressions more that seem to make the case in a particular manner piteous. (1.) You shall fall like a pleasant vessel, Jer 25:34. The most desirable persons among them, who most valued themselves and were most valued, who were looked upon as vessels of honour, shall fall by the sword. You shall fall as a Venice glass or a China dish, which is soon broken all to pieces. Even the tender and delicate shall share in the common calamity; the sword devours one as well as another. (2.) Even the peaceable habitations are cut down. Those that used to be quiet, and not molested, the habitations in which you have long dwelt in peace, shall now be no longer such, but cut down by the war. Or, Those who used to be quiet, and not molesting any of their neighbours, those who lived in peace, easily, and gave no provocation to any, even those shall not escape. This is one of the direful effects of war, that even those who were most harmless and inoffensive suffer hard things. Blessed be God, there is a peaceable habitation above for all the sons of peace, which is out of the reach of fire and sword.
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
One surviving comment on this verse from the historical church.
(Verses 37, 38) He has abandoned his shelter (or den) like a lion. (And to be more accurate, his tent: for this is what 'Succho' means in Hebrew.) Because their land has become a desolation (or impassable) from the wrath of the dove (or from the face of the great sword) and from the face of the fury of the Lord. The Lord, of whom it was said above, will roar from on high, and from his holy dwelling he will give forth his voice. Roaring, he will roar over his glory, he himself will abandon his tent, of which it is written: He has made it in peace, or in Salem, that is, his dwelling place, and his habitation in Zion (Psalm 75:2): he himself will abandon his seat, and he will fulfill what he spoke through the same prophet: I have forsaken my house, I have abandoned my inheritance (Jeremiah 12:7). But it left its den like a lion, so that all the beasts have power over its land. For with the lion as their guardian and ruler, no one dares approach it. It has become, he says, their land, undoubtedly to the point that either the Jewish people or certainly all the nations will be desolated and made impassable by the face of the dove's wrath. It is not surprising that the dove of the Lord is understood to be Nebuchadnezzar, who has read himself being called the servant of the Lord above him. For why they have translated Seventy, a great sword. May we receive a dove and in the person of Jerusalem, that he may be angry and sad, having lost the custody of his lion, and his land coming into desolation.
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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 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, culminates in the explicit declaration of the seventy-year Babylonian captivity Jeremiah 25:11 and the subsequent "cup of wrath" that all nations, beginning with Jerusalem, must drink Jeremiah 25:15-29. 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 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, 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. The desolation described in the verse is the tangible manifestation of the curses for covenant unfaithfulness, echoing warnings found throughout Deuteronomy 28. 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.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
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.
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.
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.
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
FAQ
What does it mean that "He hath forsaken his covert, as the lion"?
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.
Who is the "oppressor" mentioned in this verse?
In the immediate historical context of Jeremiah 25, the "oppressor" (H3238, yânâh) refers to the Babylonian empire, specifically King Nebuchadnezzar. God explicitly identifies Nebuchadnezzar as "my servant" in Jeremiah 25:9, 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"?
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.
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, became a propitiation for our sins Romans 3:25. He is also the Lion of the tribe 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. The judgment foreshadowed in Jeremiah 25:38, 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. 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.