Jeremiah 4:13

KJV

Behold, he shall come up as clouds, and his chariots [shall be] as a whirlwind: his horses are swifter than eagles. Woe unto us! for we are spoiled.

KJV (with Strong's)

Behold, he shall come up {H5927} as clouds {H6051}, and his chariots {H4818} shall be as a whirlwind {H5492}: his horses {H5483} are swifter {H7043} than eagles {H5404}. Woe {H188} unto us! for we are spoiled {H7703}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Here he comes, like the clouds, his chariots like the whirlwind, his horses faster than eagles! Woe to us, we are doomed!

Berean Standard Bible

Behold, he advances like the clouds, his chariots like the whirlwind. His horses are swifter than eagles. Woe to us, for we are ruined!

American Standard Version

Behold, he shall come up as clouds, and his chariots shall be as the whirlwind: his horses are swifter than eagles. Woe unto us! for we are ruined.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 4:13 vividly portrays the terrifying speed and destructive power of an impending judgment against Judah, personified as a swift, overwhelming enemy. Through striking natural imagery—clouds, whirlwinds, and eagles—the prophet conveys the inescapable nature of this divine wrath, culminating in the desperate cry of a people facing utter devastation and ruin due to their unrepentant sin.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 4 opens with a renewed call for Judah to repent and return to the Lord, emphasizing the conditional nature of God's covenant blessings (e.g., [Jeremiah 4:1-2](/jeremiah/4-1 "Jeremiah 4:1-2 - Call to Repentance")). However, the tone quickly shifts from invitation to imminent threat, as the prophet describes the approach of an unnamed, devastating enemy from the north. This chapter is replete with vivid metaphors of war and destruction, painting a picture of a land laid waste and a people in despair. Verse 13 specifically amplifies the speed and force of this invasion, following earlier warnings about the enemy's approach (e.g., [Jeremiah 4:6](/jeremiah/4-6 "Jeremiah 4:6 - Enemy from the North")). The lament "Woe unto us!" in this verse foreshadows the deeper anguish and desolation described later in the chapter, such as the prophet's own grief over the impending destruction in [Jeremiah 4:19-22](/jeremiah/4-19 "Jeremiah 4:19-22 - Jeremiah's Anguish").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecies in Jeremiah primarily concern the kingdom of Judah during the late 7th and early 6th centuries BCE, a tumultuous period marked by the decline of Assyrian power and the rise of Babylon. The "he" in this verse is widely understood to refer to Nebuchadnezzar and the Babylonian army, which God would use as His instrument of judgment against Judah for their persistent idolatry, social injustice, and rejection of His covenant. Geographically, the threat from the "north" (e.g., [Jeremiah 1:14](/jeremiah/1-14 "Jeremiah 1:14 - Threat from the North")) was a common motif in prophetic literature, as invading armies typically advanced through the fertile crescent, entering Judah from that direction. Culturally, chariots and swift horses were symbols of military might and speed in ancient warfare, making the imagery particularly impactful to an audience familiar with such military power.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Jeremiah. It underscores the theme of **Divine Judgment**, demonstrating God's sovereign control over nations and His willingness to use foreign powers to execute His righteous wrath against His disobedient people, as seen throughout the book (e.g., [Jeremiah 25:9](/jeremiah/25-9 "Jeremiah 25:9 - Babylon as God's Servant")). The vivid descriptions of speed and overwhelming force highlight the **Inevitability of Judgment** once God's patience has run out and repentance has been rejected. The lament "Woe unto us! for we are spoiled" encapsulates the theme of **Despair and Ruin**, portraying the utter devastation and hopelessness that would befall Judah, a consequence of their persistent spiritual rebellion and failure to "circumcise their hearts" as called for in [Jeremiah 4:4](/jeremiah/4-4 "Jeremiah 4:4 - Circumcise Your Hearts").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **come up (Hebrew, _ʻâlâh'_):** This primitive root signifies ascending, rising, or mounting. In this context, it vividly describes the swift, overwhelming advance of the invading force, emphasizing their rapid ascent over the land, much like a storm front rising on the horizon. It conveys not merely movement but a powerful, imposing emergence.
* **whirlwind (Hebrew, _çûwphâh'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to sweep away," this term denotes a hurricane, storm, or tempest. It powerfully illustrates the destructive, uncontrollable, and all-encompassing force of the enemy's chariots, suggesting an unstoppable natural phenomenon that devastates everything in its path.
* **spoiled (Hebrew, _shâdad'_):** This root properly means "to be burly" or "powerful," but figuratively implies "to ravage" or "to lay waste." Here, in the passive voice, it conveys the complete and utter destruction, devastation, and ruin that Judah would suffer at the hands of the invaders. It signifies that they are utterly plundered and destroyed, leaving nothing intact.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Behold, he shall come up as clouds":** This opening phrase serves as a dramatic announcement, drawing immediate attention to the sudden and overwhelming appearance of the enemy. The comparison to "clouds" suggests not only immense speed but also a vast, dark, and encompassing presence, like a rapidly approaching storm front that covers the sky, bringing with it a sense of dread and inevitability.
* **"and his chariots [shall be] as a whirlwind":** This clause intensifies the imagery of destruction. Chariots, the premier war machines of the ancient world, are likened to a "whirlwind" (or hurricane). This metaphor emphasizes their uncontrollable, devastating force, sweeping away all resistance and leaving utter devastation in its wake, much like a natural disaster.
* **"his horses are swifter than eagles":** The focus shifts to the speed of the cavalry. Eagles (or large birds of prey) were renowned for their swift and decisive dives. This comparison highlights the incredible velocity and predatory efficiency of the enemy's horses, underscoring the idea that escape or resistance would be futile due to their overwhelming speed.
* **"Woe unto us! for we are spoiled":** This final exclamation marks a dramatic shift in perspective, from the prophet's description of the enemy to the desperate cry of the people themselves. "Woe" expresses profound lamentation and despair. The declaration "for we are spoiled" signifies their realization of complete and utter devastation, acknowledging that they are utterly plundered, ruined, and helpless in the face of the overwhelming judgment.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 4:13 is rich in **Imagery**, painting a vivid picture of the approaching judgment through sensory details. The enemy is seen "as clouds," their chariots "as a whirlwind," and their horses "swifter than eagles," creating a powerful visual of speed and destructive force. The verse employs striking **Simile**, directly comparing the enemy's advance to natural phenomena (clouds, whirlwind) and swift animals (eagles) using "as" or "than." This technique magnifies the perceived power and inevitability of the invasion. The shift from descriptive prophecy to the direct lament of the people ("Woe unto us!") is an example of **Dramatic Irony** or **Direct Address**, drawing the reader into the emotional impact of the impending doom. The entire verse functions as a powerful **Prophetic Warning**, using hyperbole and vivid language to impress upon Judah the severity and inescapable nature of God's impending judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 4:13 serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of divine judgment and its consequences. It illustrates God's absolute sovereignty over history and nations, demonstrating that He orchestrates even the actions of seemingly unstoppable empires to fulfill His righteous purposes. The swiftness and overwhelming nature of the depicted invasion underscore that when God's patience with persistent sin is exhausted, His judgment is decisive and inescapable. This passage reminds us that God is not merely a God of mercy but also of justice, who will ultimately hold His people accountable for their covenant faithfulness. The lament of "Woe unto us! for we are spoiled" highlights the despair and ruin that accompany unrepentant rebellion, serving as a timeless warning against spiritual complacency and disobedience.

* [Isaiah 5:26-30](/isaiah/5-26 "Isaiah 5:26-30 - God Summons the Nations")
* [Deuteronomy 28:49-50](/deuteronomy/28-49 "Deuteronomy 28:49-50 - Prophecy of a Swift Nation")
* [Lamentations 1:8](/lamentations/1-8 "Lamentations 1:8 - Jerusalem's Suffering and Desolation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 4:13, though a prophecy of ancient judgment, carries profound contemporary relevance. It compels us to consider the reality of consequences—that choices, both individual and collective, have repercussions. Just as Judah faced the inevitable outcome of their spiritual apostasy, so too do we encounter the natural and divine consequences of our actions. The urgency conveyed by the swift, overwhelming imagery should stir us to a posture of spiritual readiness, prompting us to heed God's warnings and pursue genuine repentance without delay. This verse challenges us to examine our own lives and communities: Are we complacent in our faith? Are we ignoring the calls for righteousness? The cry of "Woe unto us!" is a stark reminder that true security lies not in worldly strength or self-deception, but in humble obedience and reliance upon God. It calls us to cultivate a heart that is sensitive to divine truth and quick to respond to the Spirit's leading, lest we find ourselves unprepared in times of trial or judgment.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be complacent, ignoring God's warnings or calls to repentance?**
* **How does the imagery of swift, overwhelming judgment impact my understanding of God's justice and sovereignty?**
* **What practical steps can I take today to cultivate a greater sense of spiritual readiness and responsiveness to God's will?**

### FAQ
**Who is the "he" referred to in Jeremiah 4:13?**

Answer: The "he" in Jeremiah 4:13 refers to the invading enemy that God would use as an instrument of His judgment against Judah. While not explicitly named in this verse, the broader context of Jeremiah's prophecies, particularly the repeated warnings about a threat from the north (e.g., [Jeremiah 1:14](/jeremiah/1-14 "Jeremiah 1:14 - Threat from the North") and [Jeremiah 6:22-26](/jeremiah/6-22 "Jeremiah 6:22-26 - Description of the Northern Foe")), strongly indicates the Babylonian Empire under King Nebuchadnezzar. God sovereignly employed this powerful nation to execute His righteous judgment upon Judah for their persistent idolatry and disobedience.

**What does the phrase "Woe unto us! for we are spoiled" signify?**

Answer: This phrase represents the desperate cry of the people of Judah as they face the overwhelming and inescapable destruction prophesied by Jeremiah. "Woe" (Hebrew: *ʼôwy*) is an exclamation of deep lamentation, sorrow, and despair. To be "spoiled" (Hebrew: *shâdad*) means to be utterly ravaged, plundered, or laid waste. Together, the phrase signifies the complete realization of their helplessness and the devastating impact of the invasion, indicating that their land, cities, and lives would be utterly destroyed and plundered, leaving them in a state of utter ruin and hopelessness. It is the cry of a people who have finally understood the full, dire consequences of their unrepentant sin, as seen in the later historical accounts of Jerusalem's fall in [2 Kings 25](/2_kings/25 "2 Kings 25 - The Fall of Jerusalem").

**How does the imagery of "clouds," "whirlwind," and "eagles" contribute to the message?**

Answer: These powerful natural and animal imageries are employed to convey the overwhelming speed, destructive force, and inescapable nature of the impending judgment. "Clouds" (Hebrew: *ʻânân*) suggest a vast, dark, and rapidly approaching presence, like a storm front that covers the sky and brings dread. "Whirlwind" (Hebrew: *çûwphâh*) vividly portrays uncontrollable, sweeping, and devastating power, leaving nothing intact. "Eagles" (Hebrew: *nesher*), known for their swift and predatory descent, emphasize the incredible velocity and efficiency of the enemy's advance, signifying that escape or resistance would be futile. Together, these metaphors amplify the sense of terror, inevitability, and total destruction that Judah would face, highlighting the futility of resistance against God's ordained judgment.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Jeremiah 4:13 describes a historical judgment upon Judah, its underlying principles find profound Christ-centered fulfillment and resonance. The swift, overwhelming nature of the judgment foreshadows the ultimate, decisive judgment that will be executed by Christ at the end of the age. Just as the Babylonian army was an instrument of God's wrath, so too will Christ, the righteous judge, return with power and glory to execute judgment upon all who have rejected God's grace and persisted in rebellion (e.g., [Matthew 25:31-33](/matthew/25-31 "Matthew 25:31-33 - The Judgment of the Nations")). The "woe" cried out by Judah in their despair finds its ultimate echo in the lament of those who will face the Lamb's wrath, having ignored the call to repentance (e.g., [Revelation 6:15-17](/revelation/6-15 "Revelation 6:15-17 - The Wrath of the Lamb")). However, Christ's first coming was not for judgment but for salvation, offering a way of escape from the ultimate "spoiling" of sin and death through His atoning sacrifice (e.g., [John 3:17](/john/3-17 "John 3:17 - Jesus Did Not Come to Condemn")). He is the true Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, providing refuge and hope for those who turn to Him (e.g., [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Thus, Jeremiah's warning, while dire, ultimately points to the necessity of repentance and faith in Christ as the only true deliverance from the coming wrath and the ultimate fulfillment of God's justice and mercy.

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

Isaiah 19:1

¶ The burden of Egypt. Behold, the LORD rideth upon a swift cloud, and shall come into Egypt: and the idols of Egypt shall be moved at his presence, and the heart of Egypt shall melt in the midst of it.

Isaiah 66:15

¶ For, behold, the LORD will come with fire, and with his chariots like a whirlwind, to render his anger with fury, and his rebuke with flames of fire.

Lamentations 4:19

Our persecutors are swifter than the eagles of the heaven: they pursued us upon the mountains, they laid wait for us in the wilderness.

Habakkuk 1:8

Their horses also are swifter than the leopards, and are more fierce than the evening wolves: and their horsemen shall spread themselves, and their horsemen shall come from far; they shall fly as the eagle [that] hasteth to eat.

Isaiah 5:28

Whose arrows [are] sharp, and all their bows bent, their horses' hoofs shall be counted like flint, and their wheels like a whirlwind:

Isaiah 13:5

They come from a far country, from the end of heaven, [even] the LORD, and the weapons of his indignation, to destroy the whole land.

Nahum 1:3

The LORD [is] slow to anger, and great in power, and will not at all acquit [the wicked]: the LORD hath his way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds [are] the dust of his feet.