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;

For thus saith {H559} the LORD {H3068}, the God {H430} of Israel {H3478}, concerning the houses {H1004} of this city {H5892}, and concerning the houses {H1004} of the kings {H4428} of Judah {H3063}, which are thrown down {H5422} by the mounts {H5550}, and by the sword {H2719};

For here is what ADONAI the God of Isra'el says concerning the houses of this city and the palaces of the kings of Y'hudah which are about to be destroyed and used as siege-works and ramparts,

For this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says about the houses of this city and the palaces of the kings of Judah that have been torn down for defense against the siege ramps and the sword:

For thus saith Jehovah, the God of Israel, concerning the houses of this city, and concerning the houses of the kings of Judah, which are broken down to make a defence against the mounds and against the sword;

Commentary

Jeremiah 33:4 KJV presents a stark picture of the devastation facing Jerusalem and the kingdom of Judah during a period of intense judgment. This verse is part of a larger prophecy delivered to the prophet Jeremiah while he was imprisoned in the court of the guard (Jeremiah 33:1).

Historical and Cultural Context

At the time of this prophecy, Jerusalem was under siege by the Babylonian army led by King Nebuchadnezzar. The city was experiencing the full force of God's judgment, as foretold by Jeremiah for decades due to Judah's persistent idolatry and disobedience. The phrase "houses of this city, and concerning the houses of the kings of Judah" refers to the physical structures of Jerusalem, including royal palaces and ordinary homes, which were being demolished.

The terms "mounts" (Hebrew: solelot) and "sword" vividly describe the methods of destruction. "Mounts" refers to the siege ramps or mounds built by the attacking Babylonians to elevate their war machines and soldiers to breach the city walls, a common tactic in ancient warfare. The "sword" represents the direct violence and slaughter of battle, leading to widespread ruin and loss of life. This scene of urban destruction was a grim reality for the inhabitants, marking the culmination of years of warnings.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Authority and Judgment: The opening "Thus saith the LORD, the God of Israel" underscores that this widespread destruction is not merely random calamity but a direct act of God's sovereign will and judgment against a rebellious people. It highlights God's justice in holding His people accountable for their actions.
  • The Reality of Devastation: The verse unflinchingly describes the physical ruin of Jerusalem. It serves as a necessary backdrop for the powerful promises of restoration that follow later in the chapter (Jeremiah 33:6 onwards). By acknowledging the depth of the despair, the subsequent hope becomes all the more profound.
  • Consequences of Disobedience: While not explicitly stated in this verse, the broader context of Jeremiah's prophecies makes it clear that this devastation was the bitter fruit of Judah's long history of turning away from God and embracing idolatry and injustice (Jeremiah 25:9).

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "mounts" is solelot (ืกึนืœึฐืœึนืช), which specifically denotes siege ramps or embankments. This technical term emphasizes the military engineering employed by the Babylonians to overcome Jerusalem's defenses. The verb "thrown down" (netutstsu, ื ึฐืชึปืฆึผื•ึผ) implies a violent breaking apart or demolition, indicating the thoroughness of the destruction.

Practical Application

Jeremiah 33:4 reminds us that God is sovereign even amidst widespread destruction and suffering. It highlights the serious consequences of sustained disobedience, yet it also sets the stage for a message of profound hope and restoration that God offers after judgment. For believers today, it can be a reminder that even when circumstances seem utterly broken and hopeless, God remains in control and has the power to bring healing and renewal, just as He promised to do for Jerusalem.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Jeremiah 32:24

    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].

  • Ezekiel 4:2

    And lay siege against it, and build a fort against it, and cast a mount against it; set the camp also against it, and set [battering] rams against it round about.

  • Habakkuk 1:10

    And they shall scoff at the kings, and the princes shall be a scorn unto them: they shall deride every strong hold; for they shall heap dust, and take it.

  • Ezekiel 21:22

    At his right hand was the divination for Jerusalem, to appoint captains, to open the mouth in the slaughter, to lift up the voice with shouting, to appoint [battering] rams against the gates, to cast a mount, [and] to build a fort.

  • Ezekiel 26:8

    He shall slay with the sword thy daughters in the field: and he shall make a fort against thee, and cast a mount against thee, and lift up the buckler against thee.
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