Jeremiah 37:8

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And the Chaldeans {H3778} shall come again {H7725}, and fight {H3898} against this city {H5892}, and take {H3920} it, and burn {H8313} it with fire {H784}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The Kasdim will return, attack this city, capture it and burn it to the ground.'

Berean Standard Bible

Then the Chaldeans will return and fight against this city. They will capture it and burn it down.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 37:8 delivers a stark and unyielding prophecy concerning the inevitable fate of Jerusalem at the hands of the Chaldeans (Babylonians). Despite a temporary reprieve caused by the approach of an Egyptian army, this verse unequivocally declares that the Chaldeans will return, resume their siege, conquer the city, and utterly destroy it by fire. It serves as a definitive statement of divine judgment, emphasizing the certainty of God's word and the inescapable consequences of Judah's persistent rebellion.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 37:8 is a pivotal declaration embedded within a broader narrative detailing Judah's final, desperate years leading up to the Babylonian exile. The preceding verses, [Jeremiah 37:1-5](/jeremiah/37-1-5 "Jeremiah 37:1-5 - Zedekiah's Reign and the Siege of Jerusalem"), establish the immediate setting: King Zedekiah, the last king of Judah, is on the throne, and Jerusalem is under a suffocating siege by Nebuchadnezzar's formidable Babylonian forces. A fleeting and ultimately false sense of hope emerges when news arrives that Pharaoh Hophra's army is marching from Egypt, prompting the Babylonians to temporarily withdraw their siege to confront this new threat ([Jeremiah 37:5](/jeremiah/37-5 "Jeremiah 37:5 - Egyptian Army Approaches")). It is precisely in this context of momentary relief and misplaced optimism that Zedekiah, desperate for a word of deliverance, sends for the prophet Jeremiah ([Jeremiah 37:3](/jeremiah/37-3 "Jeremiah 37:3 - Zedekiah Seeks Jeremiah's Counsel")). Jeremiah's subsequent response, spanning [Jeremiah 37:7-10](/jeremiah/37-7-10 "Jeremiah 37:7-10 - Jeremiah's Prophecy of Chaldean Return"), shatters this illusion, prophesying that the Egyptian army will retreat, and the Chaldeans will inevitably return to complete their devastating work, culminating in the explicit declaration of Jerusalem's destruction by fire in verse 8. This verse directly refutes any notion that the danger has passed, underscoring the unwavering and unalterable nature of God's judgment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period described in Jeremiah 37 represents the final, tragic act of the Kingdom of Judah. Following the first two deportations to Babylon (605 BC and 597 BC), Zedekiah had been installed as a puppet king by Nebuchadnezzar. However, Zedekiah, swayed by pro-Egyptian factions and the deceptive assurances of false prophets, foolishly rebelled against Babylonian suzerainty, leading to the final and most severe siege of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar's army, which commenced in 588 BC. The brief intervention by Pharaoh Hophra's Egyptian forces, mentioned in [Jeremiah 37:5](/jeremiah/37-5 "Jeremiah 37:5 - Egyptian Army Approaches"), offered a momentary strategic advantage, forcing the Babylonians to lift their siege to confront the Egyptians. This event, though temporary, fueled a dangerous sense of security and misplaced confidence among the people and leaders in Jerusalem, who believed that God had intervened on their behalf and that the city was now safe. Jeremiah's prophecy in verse 8 directly counters this widespread delusion, serving as a stark reminder of the true, unalterable divine decree against Jerusalem for its deep-seated idolatry, covenant unfaithfulness, and persistent rejection of God's warnings.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 37:8 profoundly contributes to several overarching themes prevalent throughout the book of Jeremiah and the broader prophetic literature. Foremost among these is **Divine Judgment**, demonstrating God's righteous wrath against persistent sin and rebellion, with the Chaldeans serving as the chosen instruments of this judgment. The verse also powerfully illustrates the **Unwavering Nature of God's Word**, proving that despite human attempts to deny, resist, or escape it, God's prophecies will be fulfilled with absolute certainty. This is intrinsically linked to the theme of **Consequences of Covenant Disobedience**, as Jerusalem's destruction is presented as the direct and inevitable outcome of generations of breaking the covenant with Yahweh, as meticulously detailed throughout the book (e.g., [Jeremiah 7:23-26](/jeremiah/7-23-26 "Jeremiah 7:23-26 - Disobedience to God's Voice and Its Consequences")). Furthermore, the prophecy underscores **God's Sovereignty** over nations and historical events; even amidst the chaotic ebb and flow of geopolitical power struggles, God remains in ultimate control, orchestrating events to achieve His divine purposes and bring about justice. This is consistent with the broader message of Jeremiah that God is the Lord of history, not merely a tribal deity, possessing the authority to "pluck up and to pull down, to destroy and to overthrow, to build and to plant" ([Jeremiah 1:10](/jeremiah/1-10 "Jeremiah 1:10 - Jeremiah's Commission to Uproot and Build")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Chaldeans (Hebrew, _Kasdîy'_):** (H3778) This term refers to the inhabitants of Chaldea, a region in southern Mesopotamia, which served as the homeland of the Neo-Babylonian dynasty. By implication, it refers to the Babylonians, who were the dominant imperial power of the time and the instruments of God's judgment. In this context, "Chaldeans" signifies not merely a foreign army, but divinely appointed agents whose actions are not merely geopolitical maneuvers but direct fulfillments of God's sovereign plan to bring His word to pass.
* **fight (Hebrew, _lâcham'_):** (H3898) The primitive root of this word means "to feed on" or "to consume," and by implication, "to battle" or "to make war." This choice of word suggests a destructive, consuming conflict, indicating that the Chaldeans' return is not for negotiation or a show of force, but for a decisive and devastating engagement that will utterly consume the city. It implies an aggressive, relentless, and ultimately victorious military campaign.
* **burn (Hebrew, _sâraph'_): (H8313)** This primitive root means "to be (causatively, set) on fire" or "to cause to burn up." Coupled with the explicit mention of "fire" (H784, _ʼêsh'_), it emphasizes the complete and utter destruction of Jerusalem. It signifies not just defeat or occupation, but a consuming conflagration that would leave the once-proud city in ruins, a powerful and undeniable symbol of divine wrath and the finality of judgment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the Chaldeans shall come again":** This opening clause directly refutes the false hope and premature celebration that had permeated Jerusalem following the temporary withdrawal of the Babylonian army. Jeremiah emphatically declares their inevitable return, underscoring the certainty and unalterable nature of the divine decree against the city, demonstrating that human intervention cannot thwart God's ultimate plan.
* **"and fight against this city":** Upon their return, the Chaldeans will not merely re-establish a blockade but will actively engage in combat. The word "fight" implies a determined, aggressive, and destructive engagement, signifying the resumption of the full-scale siege with renewed intensity and purpose, leading directly and inexorably to the city's downfall.
* **"and take it":** This signifies the successful capture and conquest of Jerusalem. Despite its formidable walls, its strategic location, and the temporary relief, the city will ultimately fall. This phrase highlights the futility of resistance against God's determined judgment, as the city's defenses will prove entirely inadequate against the instruments of His wrath.
* **"and burn it with fire":** This final, devastating clause describes the ultimate act of destruction. The phrase "burn it with fire" is an emphatic expression of total annihilation, indicating that Jerusalem will not merely be occupied or plundered but utterly consumed by flames. This speaks to the severity and finality of the judgment, leaving the once-proud city in ashes as a stark, enduring testament to its rebellion and God's righteous indignation.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 37:8 is a powerful example of **Prophecy**, a direct divine utterance foretelling future events with absolute certainty. The unwavering nature of the language, marked by the repeated use of the future tense ("shall come again," "shall fight," "shall take," "shall burn"), creates a profound sense of **Inescapability**, emphasizing that the outcome is fixed and unavoidable, regardless of human efforts or false hopes. The rapid succession of verbs of action and destruction (come again, fight, take, burn) builds a relentless sense of **Climax** towards the ultimate devastation, intensifying the gravity of the prophecy. The phrase "burn it with fire" employs **Intensification** to underscore the complete and catastrophic nature of the destruction, making it clear that this is not just a defeat but total annihilation, leaving no doubt about the severity of God's judgment. The Chaldeans themselves function as **Instruments of Judgment**, serving as the physical embodiment of God's righteous wrath against His disobedient people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 37:8 stands as a stark testament to the consequences of persistent rebellion against God's covenant and the unwavering truthfulness of His prophetic word. It underscores that divine judgment, though often delayed by God's patience and long-suffering, is ultimately inescapable when His people refuse to repent and return to Him. The destruction of Jerusalem serves as a powerful historical example of God's justice, demonstrating that He holds nations accountable for their actions, particularly those who have been given His law and yet turned away from it. This passage reinforces the theological truth that God is sovereign over history, using even pagan empires to accomplish His righteous purposes, and that human attempts to circumvent or ignore His decrees are futile. It highlights the solemn reality that God's integrity demands the fulfillment of His warnings just as surely as His promises.

* [2 Kings 25:9](/2_kings/25-9 "2 Kings 25:9 - Nebuzaradan Burns the Temple and Jerusalem")
* [Jeremiah 52:13](/jeremiah/52-13 "Jeremiah 52:13 - Nebuzaradan Burns the Temple and Royal Palace")
* [Lamentations 2:3-4](/lamentations/2-3-4 "Lamentations 2:3-4 - God's Wrath Poured Out on Zion")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 37:8 offers profound lessons for believers today, serving as a solemn reminder that God's warnings are not to be taken lightly. Just as Judah clung to false hope and stubbornly ignored Jeremiah's consistent message of repentance, we too can be tempted to rely on fleeting circumstances, human ingenuity, or temporary reprieves rather than engaging in genuine repentance and obedient submission to God's unchanging word. This passage calls us to cultivate a deep reverence for the truthfulness and absolute authority of Scripture, recognizing that God's character is consistent, and His promises—whether of blessing or judgment—will ultimately be fulfilled. It challenges us to examine our own lives for areas of spiritual complacency, idolatry, or persistent rebellion, urging us to turn back to the Lord with sincerity and humility before the inevitable consequences of unaddressed sin become manifest. The destruction of Jerusalem, a city once chosen by God and the center of His covenant people, serves as a powerful illustration that even those who bear His name are not exempt from the consequences of persistent and unrepentant sin, highlighting the critical importance of living in faithful covenant relationship with Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where in my life might I be clinging to "false hope" or temporary reprieves instead of addressing underlying spiritual issues through genuine repentance?**
* **How does the certainty of God's prophetic word in this passage strengthen my trust in His promises and warnings for my own life and for the world?**
* **What specific areas of disobedience, spiritual complacency, or unconfessed sin might God be calling me to repent of today, before consequences become unavoidable?**
* **How does understanding God's righteous judgment on Judah inform my understanding of His justice and mercy in the world today, particularly concerning nations and communities?**
* **In what ways can I better heed God's warnings and align my life more fully with His revealed will, demonstrating a deeper commitment to obedience and faithfulness?**

### FAQ
**Why did the Chaldeans temporarily withdraw from Jerusalem, and why was their return so certain?**

Answer: The Chaldeans, or Babylonians, temporarily lifted their siege of Jerusalem because Pharaoh Hophra's Egyptian army marched out to intervene, as mentioned in [Jeremiah 37:5](/jeremiah/37-5 "Jeremiah 37:5 - Egyptian Army Approaches Jerusalem"). This forced the Babylonians to divert their forces to confront the Egyptians, as they could not fight on two fronts simultaneously. However, Jeremiah's prophecy in [Jeremiah 37:7](/jeremiah/37-7 "Jeremiah 37:7 - Jeremiah's Prophecy of Egyptian Retreat") and [Jeremiah 37:8](/jeremiah/37-8 "Jeremiah 37:8 - The Chaldeans' Inevitable Return") made it unequivocally clear that this was only a brief interruption. The Egyptians would retreat, and the Chaldeans would inevitably return to complete their task. Their return was certain because it was part of God's determined judgment against Judah for its persistent idolatry, covenant unfaithfulness, and rebellion. God was using Babylon as His instrument of wrath, and no human intervention or geopolitical maneuver could ultimately thwart His divine purpose.

**Was there any hope for Jerusalem to avoid this destruction?**

Answer: From a purely human perspective, after the Egyptian intervention, many in Jerusalem harbored false hope that the danger had passed and the city was safe. However, from God's perspective, the opportunity for Jerusalem to avoid utter destruction had long passed due to generations of unrepentant sin and the consistent rejection of His prophets. Jeremiah consistently called for repentance and surrender to Babylon as the only way to preserve life, albeit under foreign rule (e.g., [Jeremiah 27:12-13](/jeremiah/27-12-13 "Jeremiah 27:12-13 - Jeremiah's Counsel to Zedekiah to Submit to Babylon")). By the time of Jeremiah 37, the judgment was sealed and irreversible for the city itself. The only "hope" offered was for individuals to surrender to the Babylonians, which might spare their lives, but the city's fate was irrevocably determined by God's decree.

**How does this prophecy relate to God's character?**

Answer: This prophecy, though severe in its declaration of destruction, profoundly reveals several crucial aspects of God's character. First, it demonstrates His **holiness and justice**, showing that He cannot tolerate unrepentant sin indefinitely, especially from a people with whom He has established a sacred covenant. Second, it underscores His absolute **faithfulness to His word**; what He declares through His prophets, He brings to pass, reinforcing His reliability and truthfulness. Third, it highlights His supreme **sovereignty** over all nations and historical events, even using pagan empires as instruments to fulfill His divine purposes. Finally, even within the context of judgment, there is a subtle demonstration of His **mercy** in that He sent numerous warnings through Jeremiah and other prophets, giving the people ample opportunity to repent and turn back to Him, even up to the very end. The destruction, while devastating, was a direct and inevitable consequence of their persistent refusal to listen to His merciful warnings and calls to repentance.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Jeremiah 37:8 speaks directly to the historical judgment upon Jerusalem, its theological undercurrents find profound Christ-centered fulfillment. The destruction of Jerusalem, a city meant to be a light to the nations and the dwelling place of God's presence, yet consumed by its own rebellion, foreshadows a greater and ultimate judgment against sin, a judgment ultimately borne by Christ Himself. Just as the Chaldeans were divinely appointed instruments of God's wrath against a disobedient people, Christ Himself became the ultimate bearer of divine judgment, taking upon Himself the full penalty for the sins of humanity. The burning of Jerusalem, a powerful symbol of the old covenant's failure due to human unfaithfulness, points to the necessity of a new covenant, inaugurated by Jesus' perfect sacrifice, where God's law is written not on stone tablets but on hearts, and forgiveness is freely offered through grace ([Hebrews 8:8-12](/hebrews/8-8-12 "Hebrews 8:8-12 - The New Covenant Promised")). Jesus, the true and living temple ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19-21 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Predicts His Resurrection and the Destruction of the Temple")), faced and endured the ultimate "fire" of God's wrath on the cross, experiencing the full weight of separation from God, so that all who believe in Him might be spared the judgment due to their own rebellion ([Romans 5:8-9](/romans/5-8-9 "Romans 5:8-9 - Christ Died for Us While We Were Still Sinners")). Thus, the terrifying certainty of judgment proclaimed in Jeremiah 37:8 ultimately magnifies the glorious certainty of salvation found in Christ, who perfectly fulfilled the demands of God's justice and opened the way to eternal life for all who trust in His atoning work ([John 3:16-17](/john/3-16-17 "John 3:16-17 - God So Loved the World")).

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 38:23

So they shall bring out all thy wives and thy children to the Chaldeans: and thou shalt not escape out of their hand, but shalt be taken by the hand of the king of Babylon: and thou shalt cause this city to be burned with fire.

Jeremiah 39:2

[And] in the eleventh year of Zedekiah, in the fourth month, the ninth [day] of the month, the city was broken up.

Jeremiah 39:8

And the Chaldeans burned the king's house, and the houses of the people, with fire, and brake down the walls of Jerusalem.

Jeremiah 34:21

And Zedekiah king of Judah and his princes will I give into the hand of their enemies, and into the hand of them that seek their life, and into the hand of the king of Babylon's army, which are gone up from you.

Jeremiah 34:22

Behold, I will command, saith the LORD, and cause them to return to this city; and they shall fight against it, and take it, and burn it with fire: and I will make the cities of Judah a desolation without an inhabitant.

Jeremiah 32:29

And the Chaldeans, that fight against this city, shall come and set fire on this city, and burn it with the houses, upon whose roofs they have offered incense unto Baal, and poured out drink offerings unto other gods, to provoke me to anger.