Jeremiah 4:17

KJV

As keepers of a field, are they against her round about; because she hath been rebellious against me, saith the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

As keepers {H8104} of a field {H7704}, are they against her round about {H5439}; because she hath been rebellious {H4784} against me, saith {H5002} the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Like guards in a field they surround her, because she has rebelled against me," says ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible

They surround her like men guarding a field, because she has rebelled against Me,” declares the LORD.

American Standard Version

As keepers of a field are they against her round about, because she hath been rebellious against me, saith Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 4:17 delivers a stark prophecy of impending divine judgment upon Judah, likening the invading armies to "keepers of a field" who surround and plunder the land, not to protect it, but to ensure its thorough destruction. This severe consequence is explicitly stated as the direct result of Judah's chronic and pervasive rebellion against the LORD, highlighting God's righteous justice and the inescapable nature of the judgment brought upon His unfaithful covenant people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within Jeremiah's early prophecies (chapters 1-6), which predominantly focus on the imminent judgment descending upon Judah from a "foe from the north"—a clear reference to the rising power of Babylon. The preceding verses in chapter 4 depict the land mourning, the heavens growing dark, and the people lamenting their desolation, setting a somber tone for the impending catastrophe. Jeremiah 4:17 specifically follows a series of vivid warnings and lamentations, emphasizing that Judah's destruction is not an arbitrary act but a direct, divinely ordained response to their persistent idolatry and covenant breaking. The imagery of the "keepers of a field" serves as a powerful metaphor, intensifying the sense of encirclement and inescapable doom that will befall Jerusalem, as prophesied throughout [Jeremiah's early chapters](/jeremiah/1 "Jeremiah 1 - The Call of Jeremiah").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jeremiah prophesied during a tumultuous period in Judah's history, primarily under the reigns of Kings Josiah, Jehoiakim, and Zedekiah (late 7th to early 6th century BCE). This era was marked by significant political instability, with Judah caught between the declining Assyrian Empire, the resurgent Egypt, and the burgeoning Babylonian Empire. Spiritually, despite Josiah's reforms, the nation quickly reverted to widespread idolatry, syncretism, and social injustice, mirroring the apostasy of previous generations. The people had abandoned the covenant obligations made with the LORD, engaging in practices like Baal worship and even child sacrifice. Culturally, "keepers of a field" were common figures, typically watchmen guarding valuable crops (like grapes or grain) from thieves or animals. The inversion of this role in Jeremiah 4:17—where the "keepers" are hostile invaders—would have been a chilling and immediately understandable image to the original audience, signifying a complete reversal of expectation and a devastating, systematic plundering of their homeland, much like a field is harvested. This imagery underscores the comprehensive nature of the judgment, leaving no corner of the "field" untouched, as seen in the later siege of [Jerusalem by Babylon](/2_kings/25 "2 Kings 25 - The Fall of Jerusalem").
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 4:17 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Jeremiah. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Judgment for Rebellion**, explicitly stating that Judah's suffering is a direct consequence of their unfaithfulness to God. The phrase "because she hath been rebellious against me, saith the LORD" serves as the divine rationale for the impending disaster, emphasizing God's justice and His intolerance for persistent sin against His covenant. Secondly, the verse highlights the **Inevitable Siege and Destruction** that awaits Judah. The metaphor of "keepers of a field... against her round about" paints a vivid picture of complete encirclement and an impending, thorough devastation, signifying that escape will be nearly impossible and the land will be thoroughly plundered. This theme is pervasive, with Jeremiah frequently warning of the coming "foe from the north" (e.g., [Jeremiah 6:22-26](/jeremiah/6-22 "Jeremiah 6:22-26 - The Invading Army")). Finally, it reinforces the **Sovereignty of God over Nations**, demonstrating that even foreign invaders, like the Babylonians, are ultimately instruments in God's hand, fulfilling His righteous purposes and executing His judgment against His own people when they stray too far from His ways, as described in [Jeremiah 25:9](/jeremiah/25-9 "Jeremiah 25:9 - God's Instrument of Judgment").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **keepers (Hebrew, _shâmar'_):** From H8104, meaning "to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e. guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc." In typical usage, a "keeper" (or watchman) would protect a field or vineyard from harm. Here, the meaning is ironically inverted; the "keepers" are not protecting Judah but are instead acting as agents of destruction, surrounding the nation to ensure its comprehensive desolation. This highlights the severe perversion of their role as instruments of divine judgment.
* **field (Hebrew, _sâdeh'_):** From H7704, meaning "a field (as flat); country, ground, land, soil, [idiom] wild." In this context, "field" serves as a metaphor for the land of Judah itself. Just as a field is cultivated for its produce, Judah was meant to be a fertile land blessed by God. However, because of its rebellion, it is now treated as a field to be harvested for destruction, with its inhabitants and resources plundered by the invading forces.
* **rebellious (Hebrew, _mârâh'_):** From H4784, meaning "to be (causatively, make) bitter (or unpleasant); (figuratively) to rebel (or resist; causatively, to provoke)." This word encapsulates the essence of Judah's sin against God. It signifies not merely accidental disobedience but a deliberate, obstinate, and defiant turning away from the LORD, provoking His wrath. This deep-seated spiritual condition is the explicit cause of the severe judgment described in the verse.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"As keepers of a field, are they against her round about;":** This clause introduces a powerful metaphor. The "keepers of a field" typically protect crops, but here, they are the invading armies (the "they") who are "against her" (Judah/Jerusalem). The phrase "round about" emphasizes the complete encirclement and siege, indicating that Judah will be thoroughly surrounded and there will be no escape from the impending devastation. This imagery conveys the systematic and comprehensive nature of the judgment.
* **"because she hath been rebellious against me, saith the LORD.":** This second clause provides the explicit divine rationale for the judgment. Judah's suffering is not random or unjust; it is a direct consequence of their persistent "rebellion" (mârâh) against the LORD. This rebellion encompasses their idolatry, unfaithfulness to the covenant, and disregard for God's laws and prophetic warnings. The concluding phrase, "saith the LORD," functions as a divine oracle, lending absolute authority and certainty to the pronouncement of judgment, indicating that this is God's direct word and His sovereign will being executed.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 4:17 is rich with literary devices that amplify its message of impending doom. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, where the invading armies are likened to "keepers of a field." This is immediately followed by potent **Irony**, as these "keepers" are not protecting but rather besieging and destroying the "field" (Judah). This inversion of the expected role of a field keeper vividly portrays the unexpected and devastating nature of God's judgment. The nation of Judah is also subtly presented with **Personification** through the use of the feminine pronoun "her," allowing the prophet to speak of the land and its people as a unified entity experiencing the assault. Finally, the concluding phrase, "saith the LORD," functions as a **Divine Oracle** or a prophetic formula, authenticating the message as direct revelation from God Himself and underscoring the absolute certainty and divine authority behind the pronouncement of judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 4:17 stands as a stark reminder of the gravity of covenant infidelity and the unwavering justice of God. It highlights that God's patience, while vast, is not infinite, and persistent rebellion against His revealed will inevitably leads to severe consequences. The verse underscores the theological principle that sin, particularly the rejection of God's authority and covenant, has real and devastating repercussions, both nationally and individually. It reveals God as sovereign over all nations, even using foreign powers as instruments of His righteous judgment against His own people when they abandon Him. This passage serves as a powerful testament to the seriousness with which God views faithfulness and obedience, emphasizing that His character includes both boundless love and uncompromising justice.

* [Deuteronomy 28:49-52](/deuteronomy/28-49 "Deuteronomy 28:49-52 - Prophecy of Siege and Destruction")
* [Isaiah 1:2-4](/isaiah/1-2 "Isaiah 1:2-4 - Israel's Rebellion Against God")
* [Hosea 4:1-3](/hosea/4-1 "Hosea 4:1-3 - God's Indictment Against Israel")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 4:17 offers timeless spiritual lessons for believers today. It serves as a profound warning that persistent spiritual rebellion, whether individual or corporate, carries serious consequences. Just as God warned Judah through Jeremiah, He continues to provide guidance, warnings, and calls to repentance through His Word and the Holy Spirit. This verse compels us to seriously consider the state of our hearts and our obedience to God. It reminds us that sin is not trivial; it grieves God and can lead to broken fellowship, spiritual barrenness, and even divine discipline. Rather than provoking God through obstinacy, we are called to a posture of humility, attentiveness to His voice, and a readiness to repent. Understanding this verse fosters a deeper appreciation for God's holiness and justice, encouraging us to walk in faithful obedience, recognizing that true flourishing comes only from aligning our lives with His will and embracing His covenant love.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be subtly or overtly rebellious against God's known will?**
* **How seriously do I take God's warnings and calls to repentance, both in Scripture and through the promptings of the Holy Spirit?**
* **What steps can I take to cultivate a heart that is more responsive and obedient to the LORD?**
* **How does understanding God's justice in this verse deepen my appreciation for His grace and mercy?**

### FAQ
**Who are the "keepers of a field" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: The "keepers of a field" in Jeremiah 4:17 are a metaphorical representation of the invading armies that God would send against Judah. While literal keepers of a field typically guard and protect crops, here the role is ironically inverted. These "keepers" are not protecting Judah but are instead surrounding it with hostile intent, much like watchmen would strategically position themselves around a field to ensure a thorough harvest—in this case, a harvest of destruction and plunder. Historically, this refers to the Babylonian armies that would lay siege to Jerusalem and devastate the land of Judah as an instrument of God's judgment, as described in [2 Kings 24-25](/2_kings/24 "2 Kings 24-25 - The Babylonian Captivity").

**What was the nature of Judah's rebellion against the LORD?**

Answer: Judah's rebellion against the LORD was multifaceted and deeply ingrained, as highlighted throughout Jeremiah's prophecy. It primarily involved widespread idolatry, where the people abandoned the worship of the one true God for pagan deities like Baal and Asherah, often engaging in abhorrent practices such as child sacrifice ([Jeremiah 7:30-31](/jeremiah/7-30 "Jeremiah 7:30-31 - Abominations in the Temple")). Their rebellion also manifested as a blatant disregard for God's covenant laws, leading to social injustice, oppression of the vulnerable, and moral corruption ([Jeremiah 5:26-28](/jeremiah/5-26 "Jeremiah 5:26-28 - Wickedness and Injustice")). Furthermore, Judah consistently rejected the prophetic warnings and calls to repentance delivered by Jeremiah and other prophets, demonstrating an obstinate and defiant heart against God's authority and grace ([Jeremiah 7:23-26](/jeremiah/7-23 "Jeremiah 7:23-26 - Disobedience and Stubbornness")). This cumulative and persistent unfaithfulness constituted their "rebellion," provoking God's righteous judgment.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 4:17, with its stark portrayal of judgment for rebellion, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment not in the continuation of such judgment upon His people, but in its radical transformation and absorption in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While Judah faced the just consequences of their rebellion, Jesus Christ, the perfect Son of God, willingly became the ultimate "keeper" and protector of His people, not through destructive siege, but through redemptive sacrifice. He is the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep ([John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - The Good Shepherd")), contrasting sharply with the destructive "keepers" of Jeremiah's prophecy. Humanity's rebellion, symbolized by Judah's persistent unfaithfulness, is fully addressed in Christ. On the cross, Jesus bore the full weight of divine judgment for the rebellion of all who would believe, becoming sin for us so that we might become the righteousness of God ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). Through His atoning work, the ultimate consequence of rebellion—eternal separation from God—is overcome, offering forgiveness and reconciliation to those who turn from their sin and trust in Him. The new covenant established in His blood ([Hebrews 8:6-13](/hebrews/8 "Hebrews 8 - The New Covenant")) replaces the old covenant, which Judah broke, offering not judgment for rebellion but the Spirit-empowered ability to obey and live in faithful relationship with God, ushering in an era where God's people are truly protected and nourished by their divine Shepherd.

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 5:23

But this people hath a revolting and a rebellious heart; they are revolted and gone.

2 Kings 25:1

¶ And it came to pass in the ninth year of his reign, in the tenth month, in the tenth [day] of the month, [that] Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came, he, and all his host, against Jerusalem, and pitched against it; and they built forts against it round about.

2 Kings 25:4

And the city was broken up, and all the men of war [fled] by night by the way of the gate between two walls, which [is] by the king's garden: (now the Chaldees [were] against the city round about:) and [the king] went the way toward the plain.

Nehemiah 9:30

Yet many years didst thou forbear them, and testifiedst against them by thy spirit in thy prophets: yet would they not give ear: therefore gavest thou them into the hand of the people of the lands.

Ezekiel 2:3

And he said unto me, Son of man, I send thee to the children of Israel, to a rebellious nation that hath rebelled against me: they and their fathers have transgressed against me, [even] unto this very day.

Ezekiel 2:7

And thou shalt speak my words unto them, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear: for they [are] most rebellious.

Luke 21:20

¶ And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh.