Jeremiah 32:24

KJV

Behold the mounts, they are come unto the city to take it; and the city is given into the hand of the Chaldeans, that fight against it, because of the sword, and of the famine, and of the pestilence: and what thou hast spoken is come to pass; and, behold, thou seest [it].

KJV (with Strong's)

Behold the mounts {H5550}, they are come {H935} unto the city {H5892} to take {H3920} it; and the city {H5892} is given {H5414} into the hand {H3027} of the Chaldeans {H3778}, that fight {H3898} against it, because {H6440} of the sword {H2719}, and of the famine {H7458}, and of the pestilence {H1698}: and what thou hast spoken {H1696} is come to pass; and, behold, thou seest {H7200} it.

Complete Jewish Bible

the siege-works are already there; they have come to the city to capture it; and the city, by means of sword, famine and plague, is being handed over to the Kasdim fighting against it. What you foretold is being fulfilled; here, you see it, yourself.

Berean Standard Bible

See how the siege ramps are mounted against the city to capture it. And by sword and famine and plague, the city has been given into the hands of the Chaldeans who are fighting against it. What You have spoken has happened, as You now see!

American Standard Version

Behold, the mounds, they are come unto the city to take it; and the city is given into the hand of the Chaldeans that fight against it, because of the sword, and of the famine, and of the pestilence; and what thou hast spoken is come to pass; and, behold, thou seest it.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 32:24 encapsulates the prophet's prayerful acknowledgment of the devastating reality of Jerusalem's siege by the Babylonians. Imprisoned yet divinely instructed to perform an act of future hope, Jeremiah nonetheless articulates the overwhelming present despair, confirming that the physical evidence of siege mounds, the city's imminent fall, and the instruments of judgment—sword, famine, and pestilence—are all direct fulfillments of God's previously spoken word.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 32 is a profound chapter set during the final, desperate days of Jerusalem's siege by Nebuchadnezzar's forces. Prophet Jeremiah is imprisoned in the court of the guard, a direct consequence of his unpopular prophecies of doom. Amidst this grim reality, God commands Jeremiah to purchase a field in Anathoth from his cousin Hanamel ([Jeremiah 32:6-15](/jeremiah/32-6 "Jeremiah 32:6-15 - Jeremiah Buys a Field")). This act, seemingly illogical given the impending destruction and exile, is a powerful symbolic gesture of future restoration and the eventual return of God's people to the land ([Jeremiah 32:15](/jeremiah/32-15 "Jeremiah 32:15 - Future Hope for Land Ownership")). Verse 24 is part of Jeremiah's subsequent prayer to God ([Jeremiah 32:16-25](/jeremiah/32-16 "Jeremiah's Prayer of Acknowledgment")), where he wrestles with the paradox of God's command for future hope in the face of such overwhelming present judgment. He articulates the visible, tangible evidence of the city's fall, confirming that God's word of judgment is being fulfilled before his very eyes.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop is the Babylonian siege of Jerusalem, which began around 588 BC and culminated in the city's destruction in 586 BC. The "Chaldeans" ([H3778](/jeremiah/32-24 "Jeremiah 32:24 - Chaldeans")) refer to the Neo-Babylonian Empire, led by King Nebuchadnezzar, who served as God's instrument of judgment against Judah for its persistent idolatry and disobedience ([2 Kings 24:1-4](/2_kings/24 "2 Kings 24 - Jehoiakim's Rebellion and Nebuchadnezzar's Invasion")). The "mounts" ([H5550](/jeremiah/32-24 "Jeremiah 32:24 - Mounts")) refer to massive siege ramps or mounds constructed by the attacking army. These were engineering marvels, built from earth, timber, and debris, designed to elevate battering rams and troops to the height of the city walls, enabling a breach. The triad of "sword, famine, and pestilence" was a common and devastating consequence of ancient sieges. The sword represented direct military conflict and slaughter, famine resulted from the cutting off of food supplies, and pestilence (disease) inevitably spread through overcrowded, unsanitary, and starving populations within the besieged city. These were recognized as divine judgments, often foretold in covenant curses ([Deuteronomy 28:15-68](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Curses for Disobedience")).
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 32:24 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Jeremiah and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the **Fulfillment of Prophecy**. Jeremiah, who had faithfully proclaimed God's warnings of judgment for decades, now witnesses their literal, undeniable manifestation. This underscores God's **unwavering faithfulness to His pronouncements**, whether of blessing or judgment, demonstrating that His word does not return to Him empty ([Isaiah 55:11](/isaiah/55-11 "Isaiah 55:11 - God's Word Accomplishes Its Purpose")). Secondly, the verse underscores **Divine Judgment and Consequences**. The "sword, famine, and pestilence" are not random calamities but the direct, predicted consequences of Judah's persistent covenant unfaithfulness and idolatry. God allowed the Chaldeans to be His instrument of righteous judgment against a rebellious people ([Jeremiah 14:12](/jeremiah/14-12 "Jeremiah 14:12 - Consequences of Disobedience")). Finally, the phrase "the city is given into the hand of the Chaldeans" powerfully emphasizes **God's Sovereignty**. Even amidst overwhelming military might and immense human suffering, Jeremiah recognizes that the city's fate is not merely a result of human conflict but is ultimately orchestrated by divine decree. This highlights God's ultimate control over nations and their destinies, even when His people face severe trials.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **mounts (Hebrew, _çôlᵉlâh'_):** (H5550) This term refers to a military mound or rampart constructed by besiegers. In the context of ancient warfare, these were massive earthenworks built by an attacking army to gain elevation, allowing them to bring siege engines or troops to the level of the city's walls for breaching. Jeremiah's observation of these "mounts" signifies the advanced stage and overwhelming nature of the Babylonian siege.
* **given (Hebrew, _nâthan'_):** (H5414) This primitive root means "to give," but is used with the greatest latitude of application, including to "put," "make," "deliver (up)," or "permit." Here, its use in "the city is given into the hand of the Chaldeans" is crucial. It signifies divine agency, indicating that Jerusalem's fall is not merely a military defeat but a divinely ordained surrender. God is actively allowing or orchestrating the city's transfer of control as an act of judgment.
* **sword (Hebrew, _chereb'_), famine (Hebrew, _râʻâb'_), pestilence (Hebrew, _deber'_):** (H2719, H7458, H1698) This triad is a recurring prophetic motif signifying comprehensive and devastating judgment. "Sword" denotes violent death in battle or execution, "famine" refers to starvation due to siege or crop failure, and "pestilence" indicates widespread disease and plague. These are presented as the direct, visible consequences of God's judgment, confirming the severity and totality of the impending destruction.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Behold the mounts, they are come unto the city to take it;":** Jeremiah begins his prayer by directing God's attention (and his own) to the tangible evidence of the siege. The "mounts" (siege ramps) are visible and complete, indicating that the Babylonian army has reached the critical stage of preparing to breach Jerusalem's formidable defenses. This clause establishes the immediate, physical threat.
* **"and the city is given into the hand of the Chaldeans, that fight against it,":** This is a pivotal statement. Jeremiah acknowledges that Jerusalem's impending fall is not just a military outcome but a divine decree. The city is "given" (H5414) over, implying God's active permission and orchestration. The Chaldeans, though fierce fighters, are merely instruments in God's sovereign plan, fulfilling His purposes of judgment.
* **"because of the sword, and of the famine, and of the pestilence:":** This clause identifies the specific, dire consequences that have already begun to plague the city and are the direct result of the siege. These three instruments of judgment—military violence, starvation, and disease—are presented as the inevitable and divinely ordained outcomes of Judah's unfaithfulness, bringing the prophecy to its bitter fulfillment.
* **"and what thou hast spoken is come to pass; and, behold, thou seest [it].":** This final clause serves as Jeremiah's profound affirmation of God's faithfulness to His word, even in judgment. The prophet, who had spent decades proclaiming these very prophecies, now sees their literal manifestation. He directly addresses God, stating that God's spoken word has been fulfilled, and God Himself is witnessing its realization. This underscores the undeniable truth and power of divine prophecy.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 32:24 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. The opening word, "**Behold**," functions as an **Exclamation** and an imperative, drawing immediate attention to the stark reality unfolding. This creates a sense of urgency and undeniable truth. The detailed description of the "mounts" and the "Chaldeans, that fight against it" provides vivid **Imagery**, allowing the listener or reader to visualize the dire military situation. The recurring triad of "**sword, famine, and pestilence**" is a powerful instance of **Merism**, where a comprehensive reality (total destruction) is conveyed by listing its most prominent, devastating components. This triad also functions as a **motif** throughout prophetic literature, signifying divine judgment. Finally, the concluding statement, "what thou hast spoken is come to pass; and, behold, thou seest [it]," is a profound declaration of **Fulfillment of Prophecy**, serving as a narrative device that connects Jeremiah's long-standing prophetic ministry directly to the present, undeniable events. It highlights the **Veracity of God's Word** and His ultimate **Sovereignty** over history.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 32:24 stands as a powerful testament to the unwavering truthfulness of God's word and His sovereign control over human history. It reveals that divine judgment is not arbitrary but a just consequence for persistent disobedience, often enacted through human instruments. Even in the midst of profound suffering and apparent defeat, the prophet's prayer acknowledges God's active hand, demonstrating that God's purposes, whether for judgment or eventual restoration, will always prevail. This verse underscores the critical importance of heeding God's warnings and recognizing His ultimate authority over all circumstances, even when they appear bleak.

* [Deuteronomy 28:15-68](/deuteronomy/28-15 "Deuteronomy 28:15-68 - Curses for Disobedience to the Covenant")
* [Lamentations 2:21](/lamentations/2-21 "Lamentations 2:21 - The Sword and Famine in Jerusalem's Streets")
* [Isaiah 55:11](/isaiah/55-11 "Isaiah 55:11 - God's Word Accomplishes Its Purpose")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 32:24 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers, reminding us that God's word is eternally reliable, whether it speaks of blessing or judgment. In a world often marked by chaos and uncertainty, this verse calls us to a deeper trust in God's ultimate sovereignty. Just as Jeremiah saw the physical manifestation of prophecy, we are called to discern God's hand at work in our own lives and in the broader world, even when circumstances are difficult or painful. It serves as a stark reminder that actions have consequences and that persistent disobedience to God's revealed will can lead to severe outcomes. However, it also implicitly points to the hope that God's judgment is often a prelude to a greater redemptive purpose, as evidenced by Jeremiah's simultaneous act of purchasing the field. We are encouraged to pray honestly to God in our despair, acknowledging His power and truth, and to hold onto the certainty that His purposes will ultimately be fulfilled.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jeremiah's acknowledgment of God's spoken word coming to pass, even in judgment, challenge or affirm your understanding of God's faithfulness?**
* **In what areas of your life might you be ignoring God's warnings, and what might this verse prompt you to consider about the consequences of disobedience?**
* **How can recognizing God's sovereignty, even in difficult or painful circumstances, bring you comfort or strength?**
* **What does Jeremiah's prayer teach us about bringing our honest despair and observations before God?**

### FAQ
**What are the "mounts" mentioned in Jeremiah 32:24?**

Answer: The "mounts" ([H5550](/jeremiah/32-24 "Jeremiah 32:24 - Mounts")) refer to massive siege ramps or mounds constructed by ancient armies, in this case, the Babylonians, to breach city walls. These were engineering feats designed to elevate troops and battering rams to the height of Jerusalem's formidable defenses, allowing them to directly attack and eventually overcome the city's fortifications. Their presence indicated that the siege was far advanced and the city's fall was imminent.

**Why does Jeremiah emphasize "sword, famine, and pestilence" as the reasons for the city's fall?**

Answer: The triad of "sword, famine, and pestilence" ([H2719](/jeremiah/32-24 "Jeremiah 32:24 - Sword"), [H7458](/jeremiah/32-24 "Jeremiah 32:24 - Famine"), [H1698](/jeremiah/32-24 "Jeremiah 32:24 - Pestilence")) is a recurring motif in biblical prophecy, particularly in Jeremiah, signifying a comprehensive and devastating divine judgment. These were not random calamities but the direct, predicted consequences of Judah's persistent idolatry and covenant unfaithfulness. The sword represents military violence, famine results from the cutting off of food supplies during a siege, and pestilence denotes widespread disease that inevitably spreads in such dire conditions. Jeremiah highlights them to underscore that the city's suffering is a direct fulfillment of God's warnings and a just punishment for Judah's rebellion.

**How does Jeremiah's act of buying a field (Jeremiah 32:6-15) relate to his prayer in Jeremiah 32:24?**

Answer: These two actions, though seemingly contradictory, are deeply interconnected and reveal the tension in Jeremiah's prophetic ministry. God commanded Jeremiah to buy a field in Anathoth ([Jeremiah 32:6-15](/jeremiah/32-6 "Jeremiah 32:6-15 - Jeremiah Buys a Field")) as a symbolic act of hope, signifying that "houses and fields and vineyards shall be possessed again in this land" ([Jeremiah 32:15](/jeremiah/32-15 "Jeremiah 32:15 - Future Hope for Land Ownership")). Immediately following this, Jeremiah prays the prayer that includes verse 24, articulating the overwhelming, visible reality of the present judgment and the city's imminent fall. The juxtaposition shows Jeremiah's honest wrestling with God's paradoxical plan: profound judgment in the present, but an unwavering promise of future hope and restoration. It demonstrates that God is sovereign over both judgment and redemption.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 32:24, with its stark depiction of divine judgment and the fulfillment of prophecy, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in several profound ways. The judgment upon Jerusalem, brought by the "sword, famine, and pestilence," foreshadows a greater judgment upon sin that only Christ can avert. Just as Jerusalem was "given into the hand of the Chaldeans" by divine decree, so too was Jesus "delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God" ([Acts 2:23](/acts/2-23 "Acts 2:23 - The Crucifixion According to God's Plan")) to suffer for the sins of humanity. He became the ultimate Lamb of God, taking away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), thereby delivering us from the spiritual "sword" of God's wrath, the "famine" of spiritual nourishment, and the "pestilence" of eternal death. Furthermore, Jesus Himself lamented over Jerusalem, prophesying its future destruction ([Luke 19:41-44](/luke/19-41 "Luke 19:41-44 - Jesus Weeps Over Jerusalem")), a fulfillment of Old Testament warnings that culminated in the Roman destruction of 70 AD. Yet, in Christ, God's promise to write His law on hearts and forgive sins ([Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31 "Jeremiah 31:31-34 - The New Covenant")) is perfectly fulfilled through the New Covenant, establishing a spiritual kingdom that no earthly siege can ever overcome ([Hebrews 8:8-12](/hebrews/8-8 "Hebrews 8:8-12 - The Superiority of the New Covenant")). Thus, the visible fulfillment of judgment in Jeremiah points to the ultimate spiritual deliverance and restoration found exclusively in Jesus 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

Joshua 23:15

Therefore it shall come to pass, [that] as all good things are come upon you, which the LORD your God promised you; so shall the LORD bring upon you all evil things, until he have destroyed you from off this good land which the LORD your God hath given you.

Joshua 23:16

When ye have transgressed the covenant of the LORD your God, which he commanded you, and have gone and served other gods, and bowed yourselves to them; then shall the anger of the LORD be kindled against you, and ye shall perish quickly from off the good land which he hath given unto you.

Jeremiah 32:36

And now therefore thus saith the LORD, the God of Israel, concerning this city, whereof ye say, It shall be delivered into the hand of the king of Babylon by the sword, and by the famine, and by the pestilence;

Deuteronomy 4:26

I call heaven and earth to witness against you this day, that ye shall soon utterly perish from off the land whereunto ye go over Jordan to possess it; ye shall not prolong [your] days upon it, but shall utterly be destroyed.

Jeremiah 33:4

For thus saith the LORD, the God of Israel, concerning the houses of this city, and concerning the houses of the kings of Judah, which are thrown down by the mounts, and by the sword;

Jeremiah 21:4

Thus saith the LORD God of Israel; Behold, I will turn back the weapons of war that [are] in your hands, wherewith ye fight against the king of Babylon, and [against] the Chaldeans, which besiege you without the walls, and I will assemble them into the midst of this city.

Jeremiah 21:7

And afterward, saith the LORD, I will deliver Zedekiah king of Judah, and his servants, and the people, and such as are left in this city from the pestilence, from the sword, and from the famine, into the hand of Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon, and into the hand of their enemies, and into the hand of those that seek their life: and he shall smite them with the edge of the sword; he shall not spare them, neither have pity, nor have mercy.