Jeremiah 37:10

KJV

For though ye had smitten the whole army of the Chaldeans that fight against you, and there remained [but] wounded men among them, [yet] should they rise up every man in his tent, and burn this city with fire.

KJV (with Strong's)

For though ye had smitten {H5221} the whole army {H2428} of the Chaldeans {H3778} that fight {H3898} against you, and there remained {H7604} but wounded {H1856} men {H582} among them, yet should they rise up {H6965} every man {H376} in his tent {H168}, and burn {H8313} this city {H5892} with fire {H784}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Even if you were to strike the entire army of the Kasdim fighting against you, to the degree that only their wounded were left, they would still rise up every man from his tent and burn this city to the ground.'"

Berean Standard Bible

Indeed, if you were to strike down the entire army of the Chaldeans that is fighting against you, and only wounded men remained in their tents, they would still get up and burn this city down.”

American Standard Version

For though ye had smitten the whole army of the Chaldeans that fight against you, and there remained but wounded men among them, yet would they rise up every man in his tent, and burn this city with fire.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 37:10 delivers a stark and unyielding prophecy concerning the inevitable destruction of Jerusalem by the Chaldeans. Despite a temporary withdrawal of the Babylonian army, prompted by the approach of Egyptian forces, Jeremiah declares that even if the Chaldeans were so severely defeated that only wounded men remained, these very men would still rise from their tents to accomplish God's predetermined judgment, burning the city with fire. This verse underscores the absolute certainty of divine judgment and the futility of human resistance against God's sovereign decree.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 37 is situated within a critical period of Judah's history, specifically during the reign of King Zedekiah, the last king of Judah. The broader narrative of Jeremiah chronicles the prophet's unheeded warnings to Judah regarding their persistent idolatry and covenant unfaithfulness, which would inevitably lead to divine judgment at the hands of Babylon. Immediately preceding this verse, the Babylonian army, led by Nebuchadnezzar, had laid siege to Jerusalem, as detailed in [Jeremiah 34:1](/jeremiah/34-1 "Jeremiah 34:1 - The Siege of Jerusalem"). However, news of an approaching Egyptian army prompted the Babylonians to temporarily lift the siege and withdraw, a moment recorded in [Jeremiah 37:5](/jeremiah/37-5 "Jeremiah 37:5 - Babylonian Withdrawal"). This momentary reprieve likely instilled a false sense of hope and security among the people and leaders of Jerusalem, who perhaps believed the threat had passed. Jeremiah 37:10 shatters this illusion, serving as a direct prophetic counterpoint to their misplaced optimism, reaffirming the unalterable nature of God's judgment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The late 7th and early 6th centuries BCE were a tumultuous period for Judah, caught between the declining power of Egypt and the rising dominance of the Neo-Babylonian Empire. Judah's kings often vacillated between alliances with these two superpowers, typically against God's explicit command to trust in Him alone. King Zedekiah, installed as a vassal by Nebuchadnezzar, rebelled against Babylon, seeking aid from Egypt. This act of rebellion, coupled with Judah's long history of idolatry and social injustice, sealed their fate. The Chaldeans (Babylonians) were God's chosen instrument of judgment against Judah, a theme consistently articulated by Jeremiah, such as in [Jeremiah 25:9](/jeremiah/25-9 "Jeremiah 25:9 - Babylon as God's Instrument"). The temporary withdrawal of the Babylonian army would have been seen by many as a sign of deliverance, perhaps even divine favor, but Jeremiah's prophecy reveals the deeper reality that God's plan for Jerusalem's destruction was fixed, regardless of military ebb and flow.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 37:10 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Jeremiah and the broader prophetic literature. Foremost is the **Divine Sovereignty** of God, demonstrating that His purposes cannot be thwarted by human effort or military circumstance. The outcome of Jerusalem's fate is not dependent on the strength or weakness of the Babylonian army, but on God's predetermined plan to execute judgment for Judah's persistent sin. This leads to the theme of the **Inevitability of Judgment**, emphasizing that once God's decree is issued, it will come to pass, regardless of temporary reprieves or human attempts to avert it. The verse also highlights the **Futility of Human Resistance** against God's will, particularly when that will involves judgment for sin. Finally, it exposes the danger of **False Security**, as the people of Jerusalem were lulled into a sense of safety by the Babylonian withdrawal, only to have that hope brutally crushed by Jeremiah's uncompromising word. This theme echoes throughout Jeremiah's warnings against trusting in deceptive words or human alliances instead of God, as seen in [Jeremiah 7:4](/jeremiah/7-4 "Jeremiah 7:4 - Trusting in Deceptive Words").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **smitten (Hebrew, _nâkâh'_):** From H5221, meaning "to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)." Here, it conveys a decisive, impactful blow, suggesting a significant military defeat or weakening. The hypothetical scenario posits a comprehensive striking down of the Chaldean forces, implying a near-total victory for Judah.
* **wounded (Hebrew, _dâqar'_):** From H1856, a primitive root meaning "to stab; by analogy, to starve; figuratively, to revile; pierce, strike (thrust) through, wound." In this context, it refers to men who have been physically injured in battle, reduced to a state of incapacitation or weakness. The term emphasizes their diminished capacity, making their eventual success even more striking.
* **rise up (Hebrew, _qûwm'_):** From H6965, a primitive root meaning "to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)." Here, it denotes an act of standing up, regaining strength, or taking action despite severe debilitation. It underscores the miraculous or divinely ordained nature of their recovery and subsequent success, defying natural expectations.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For though ye had smitten the whole army of the Chaldeans that fight against you,"**: This opening clause sets up a hypothetical, almost impossible scenario of overwhelming victory for Judah. It posits that Judah would achieve a complete and decisive defeat of the formidable Babylonian (Chaldean) military force, leaving them utterly vanquished. This hyperbole serves to emphasize the absolute certainty of the prophecy, regardless of any human success.
* **"and there remained but wounded men among them,"**: This continues the hypothetical scenario, depicting the Chaldean army reduced to its most vulnerable state – only injured, incapacitated soldiers remaining. It paints a picture of extreme weakness and near-total annihilation, making any further action from them seem utterly impossible by human standards.
* **"yet should they rise up every man in his tent,"**: This is the pivot point of the prophecy, introducing the shocking and counter-intuitive outcome. Despite being "wounded men," they would miraculously "rise up," implying a supernatural or divinely empowered resurgence. The phrase "every man in his tent" suggests a complete and unified recovery, even from their resting or convalescing positions, indicating an unstoppable resolve.
* **"and burn this city with fire."**: This final clause declares the inevitable and ultimate consequence: the complete destruction of Jerusalem by fire, at the hands of the very army that was hypothetically defeated. It highlights the unalterable nature of God's judgment, which will be executed regardless of the enemy's perceived weakness or Judah's temporary military advantage.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 37:10 employs several potent literary devices to convey its uncompromising message. The most prominent is **Hyperbole**, used in the description of the Chaldean army being "smitten" and reduced to "but wounded men." This extreme exaggeration serves to underscore the absolute certainty of Jerusalem's destruction; even under the most improbable circumstances of Chaldean weakness, their victory is assured because it is God's will. This hyperbole creates a powerful sense of **Irony**, as the very act of a defeated, wounded army rising to fulfill a destructive purpose defies conventional military logic. The irony highlights the divine hand at work, demonstrating that the outcome is not dependent on human strength or weakness, but on God's sovereign decree. The entire verse functions as a **Prophetic Declaration**, a direct and authoritative pronouncement from God through Jeremiah, leaving no room for doubt or negotiation regarding Jerusalem's fate. The stark imagery of "burning this city with fire" is a vivid and visceral picture of ultimate judgment and desolation, designed to shock and impress upon the hearers the gravity of their situation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 37:10 is a profound theological statement on the absolute sovereignty of God over human affairs and the unyielding certainty of His word. It teaches that when God determines a course of action, particularly judgment for sin, no human effort, military strength, or temporary reprieve can ultimately thwart His purpose. The verse underscores the principle that God uses nations and their armies as instruments to accomplish His will, even if those instruments seem weak or are temporarily set back. It serves as a stark warning against false security and trusting in human alliances or circumstances rather than in the unchanging character and decrees of God. The ultimate destruction of Jerusalem was not merely a military outcome but the outworking of divine justice against a persistently rebellious people, demonstrating that God's patience has limits and His promises of judgment are as sure as His promises of blessing.

* [Isaiah 46:10](/isaiah/46-10 "God Declares the End from the Beginning")
* [Proverbs 21:30](/proverbs/21-30 "No Wisdom Against the Lord")
* [Romans 9:19-21](/romans/9-19-21 "God's Sovereignty and Human Responsibility")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 37:10 stands as a timeless reminder that divine decrees, whether of judgment or salvation, are unassailable. For us today, it challenges any tendency to place our hope in temporary circumstances, human ingenuity, or perceived strength when facing the consequences of our actions or the certainties of God's word. It compels us to recognize that true security and lasting peace are found only in aligning ourselves with God's will and trusting in His unchanging character, rather than in the shifting sands of human events. When we face difficult truths or seemingly insurmountable challenges, this verse calls us to remember that God's purposes will prevail, whether for correction, discipline, or ultimate redemption. It encourages a posture of humility and repentance, recognizing that no amount of human effort can circumvent the consequences of disobedience to a holy God. Conversely, it offers immense comfort in knowing that God's promises of salvation and restoration are equally unshakeable.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where might I be placing false hope or finding false security in my own life, rather than fully trusting in God's sovereign plan?**
* **How does the certainty of God's judgment in this verse inform my understanding of His justice and holiness?**
* **In what ways does this passage challenge my perspective on human strength and the ultimate power of God?**
* **What practical steps can I take to better align my life with God's revealed will, acknowledging His unthwartable purposes?**

### FAQ

**Why did God allow the Babylonians to temporarily withdraw if Jerusalem's destruction was inevitable?**

Answer: The temporary withdrawal of the Babylonian army, prompted by the Egyptian advance, as recorded in [Jeremiah 37:5](/jeremiah/37-5 "Jeremiah 37:5 - Babylonian Withdrawal"), served to expose the false hope and misplaced trust of the people of Jerusalem. It created a moment of deceptive relief, which Jeremiah immediately shattered with this prophecy. This allowed God to demonstrate that His judgment was not dependent on the immediate military situation but on His unchangeable decree due to Judah's persistent sin. It highlighted the futility of relying on human alliances or temporary reprieves rather than genuine repentance and obedience to God's word.

**Does this verse imply that human actions are irrelevant in the face of God's predetermined will?**

Answer: While Jeremiah 37:10 strongly emphasizes God's sovereignty and the inevitability of His judgment, it does not negate human responsibility. The judgment itself was a consequence of Judah's repeated disobedience and rejection of God's covenant. The verse highlights that God's will is so absolute that even if human efforts (like defeating the Chaldeans) seemed to alter the outcome, God would still accomplish His purpose. It underscores that God's plans are not contingent on human strength or weakness, but it doesn't remove the moral accountability for the actions that led to the judgment. The people were still called to repent, as seen in [Jeremiah 35:15](/jeremiah/35-15 "Jeremiah 35:15 - Call to Repentance"), but their refusal sealed their fate.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 37:10, with its declaration of inevitable judgment and the unthwartable will of God, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment not in the destruction of a city, but in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan through Jesus Christ. Just as God's judgment against Jerusalem was certain and could not be averted by human means, so too is God's plan for salvation through Christ absolutely certain and unassailable. The "wounded men" rising to fulfill God's destructive purpose foreshadows the ultimate victory of Christ, who, though "wounded for our transgressions" and "crushed for our iniquities" as prophesied in [Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - Wounded for Our Transgressions"), rose from the grave to accomplish God's redemptive purpose, conquering sin and death. The certainty of Jerusalem's judgment points to the certainty of the final judgment for all who reject Christ, but also to the absolute certainty of salvation for all who believe, as declared in [John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World"). Christ's victory on the cross and His resurrection demonstrate that God's purposes, whether of judgment or salvation, are not dependent on human strength or weakness, but are perfectly executed through His Son, who is the ultimate fulfillment of all God's promises and decrees, for "in him all the promises of God find their Yes" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - All God's Promises are Yes in Christ")). The "burning of the city" symbolizes the destructive power of sin and rebellion, which Christ ultimately bore on the cross, offering a path to escape the consuming fire of God's wrath for those who take refuge in Him, for we "shall be saved by him from the wrath of God" ([Romans 5:9](/romans/5-9 "Romans 5:9 - Saved from God's Wrath 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

Joel 2:11

And the LORD shall utter his voice before his army: for his camp [is] very great: for [he is] strong that executeth his word: for the day of the LORD [is] great and very terrible; and who can abide it?

Jeremiah 50:45

Therefore hear ye the counsel of the LORD, that he hath taken against Babylon; and his purposes, that he hath purposed against the land of the Chaldeans: Surely the least of the flock shall draw them out: surely he shall make [their] habitation desolate with them.

Isaiah 30:17

One thousand [shall flee] at the rebuke of one; at the rebuke of five shall ye flee: till ye be left as a beacon upon the top of a mountain, and as an ensign on an hill.

Leviticus 26:36

And upon them that are left [alive] of you I will send a faintness into their hearts in the lands of their enemies; and the sound of a shaken leaf shall chase them; and they shall flee, as fleeing from a sword; and they shall fall when none pursueth.

Leviticus 26:38

And ye shall perish among the heathen, and the land of your enemies shall eat you up.

Jeremiah 49:20

Therefore hear the counsel of the LORD, that he hath taken against Edom; and his purposes, that he hath purposed against the inhabitants of Teman: Surely the least of the flock shall draw them out: surely he shall make their habitations desolate with them.

Jeremiah 37:8

And the Chaldeans shall come again, and fight against this city, and take it, and burn it with fire.