Jeremiah 44:6

KJV

Wherefore my fury and mine anger was poured forth, and was kindled in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem; and they are wasted [and] desolate, as at this day.

KJV (with Strong's)

Wherefore my fury {H2534} and mine anger {H639} was poured forth {H5413}, and was kindled {H1197} in the cities {H5892} of Judah {H3063} and in the streets {H2351} of Jerusalem {H3389}; and they are wasted {H2723} and desolate {H8077}, as at this day {H3117}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Hence my fury and anger were poured out and ignited in the cities of Y'hudah and the streets of Yerushalayim; so that they became waste and desolate, as they are today.'

Berean Standard Bible

Therefore My wrath and anger poured out and burned in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem, so that they have become the desolate ruin they are today.

American Standard Version

Wherefore my wrath and mine anger was poured forth, and was kindled in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem; and they are wasted and desolate, as it is this day.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 44:6 serves as a profound divine indictment, recalling the catastrophic judgment God unleashed upon Judah and Jerusalem. It explicitly attributes the utter desolation of their cities and streets to the outpouring of God's "fury" and "anger," which was "poured forth" and "kindled" as a direct and righteous consequence of the people's persistent idolatry and profound disobedience. The poignant phrase "as at this day" underscores the immediate, undeniable, and tangible reality of this judgment, serving as a solemn and urgent warning to the Jewish remnant in Egypt who, despite witnessing such devastation, continued in similar rebellious patterns of worshiping false gods.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 44 stands as a climactic and tragically poignant chapter within the book of Jeremiah, marking a critical confrontation between the prophet and the Jewish remnant who, against God's explicit command and the prophet's earnest warnings (as detailed in [Jeremiah 42](/jeremiah/42 "Jeremiah 42 - The Remnant Seeks Counsel") and [Jeremiah 43](/jeremiah/43 "Jeremiah 43 - The Remnant Disobeys")), fled to Egypt after the fall of Jerusalem and the assassination of Gedaliah. In Egypt, Jeremiah, compelled by divine authority, directly confronts their continued and blatant idolatry, particularly their entrenched devotion to the "queen of heaven." Verse 6 functions as a powerful rhetorical device, a backward glance at the recent, catastrophic destruction of their homeland. It serves to remind them that their current desolate state was not arbitrary but a direct and inevitable consequence of their rebellion, a pattern they were alarmingly repeating even in their supposed place of refuge. This verse powerfully reinforces the prophetic warnings that permeated Jeremiah's entire ministry, demonstrating God's consistent character in executing promised judgment when His covenant people persist in sin.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for Jeremiah 44:6 is the immediate aftermath of the Babylonian conquest of Judah and the complete destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BC. The once-glorious capital, the spiritual and political heart of the nation, lay in ruins, its magnificent Temple destroyed, and its population largely exiled to Babylon. Those who remained, including the stubborn remnant addressed here, were living amidst the physical scars of God's judgment, surrounded by the tangible evidence of His wrath. Culturally, the worship of foreign deities, especially the "queen of heaven" (likely a syncretistic blend of Ishtar/Astarte and local Canaanite goddesses), was a deeply entrenched and pervasive practice among the Judahites, despite centuries of prophetic warnings and covenant stipulations demanding exclusive worship of Yahweh. This idolatry often involved fertility rites, child sacrifice, and syncretistic practices that directly violated the Mosaic covenant. The flight to Egypt was a desperate, human-devised attempt to escape Babylonian rule and find security, yet it ironically led them into a land renowned for its own vast pantheon of gods, further tempting them into the very idolatry that had brought about their ruin. The phrase "as at this day" would have resonated profoundly with the audience, as the devastation of Judah and Jerusalem was a fresh, visible, and deeply traumatic reality, a constant, tangible reminder of God's fulfilled word.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 44:6 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes that define the book of Jeremiah. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Judgment for Persistent Disobedience**. God's "fury" and "anger" are not capricious outbursts but righteous, holy responses to generations of covenant breaking, particularly the pervasive idolatry that defiled the land and people (as seen in earlier condemnations like [Jeremiah 7:18-20](/jeremiah/7-18-20 "Jeremiah 7:18-20 - Worship of the Queen of Heaven")). Secondly, the verse highlights the **Consequences of Idolatry**, demonstrating unequivocally that the worship of false gods leads not to prosperity, security, or blessing, but to utter ruin, desolation, and divine abandonment. The destruction of Jerusalem and Judah serves as the ultimate testament to the futility and danger of turning away from the one true God. Thirdly, this verse powerfully reinforces the **Veracity and Fulfillment of God's Prophetic Word**. The "wasted and desolate" state of Judah and Jerusalem was precisely what God had warned through Jeremiah for decades (e.g., [Jeremiah 25:8-11](/jeremiah/25-8-11 "Jeremiah 25:8-11 - Seventy Years of Desolation")). The phrase "as at this day" validates the divine warnings, proving that God's word is not empty but brings about what it declares, whether blessing for obedience or judgment for rebellion.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **fury (Hebrew, _chêmâh'_):** H2534. This term, derived from a root meaning "to be hot," primarily denotes intense heat. Figuratively, it is widely used to describe anger, rage, or hot displeasure, often with a consuming or destructive quality. It can also refer to poison, implying a venomous, feverish intensity. In Jeremiah 44:6, it speaks to the burning, passionate intensity of God's righteous indignation against sin, emphasizing that His wrath is not a capricious outburst but a settled, holy response to persistent rebellion.
* **kindled (Hebrew, _bâʻar'_):** H1197. A primitive root meaning "to kindle," "to burn," or "to consume by fire." This word vividly portrays the active, consuming nature of God's judgment, likening it to a fire that spreads rapidly and devastates thoroughly. The imagery underscores the comprehensive and destructive power of the divine wrath, which actively consumed the cities and streets of Judah and Jerusalem.
* **desolate (Hebrew, _shᵉmâmâh'_):** H8077. This feminine noun signifies devastation, ruin, or astonishment. It describes the state of utter abandonment, emptiness, and horror left in the wake of destruction. Coupled with "wasted" (H2723, _chorbâh'_), it paints a complete and stark picture of the utter ruin of the cities, emphasizing not just physical destruction but also the profound sense of abandonment and the shocking reality of the judgment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Wherefore my fury and mine anger was poured forth,"**: This opening clause establishes the divine origin and the direct cause of the ensuing devastation. The conjunction "Wherefore" (or "Therefore") emphatically links the judgment to the preceding actions of the people—their pervasive idolatry and stubborn disobedience. God's "fury" (חֵמָה, _chemah_) and "anger" (אַף, _'aph_, literally "nose" or "nostril," referring to the rapid breathing in passion) are depicted as a unified, intense outpouring, much like a liquid forcefully discharged from a vessel. This powerful imagery suggests an unstoppable, overwhelming force of divine wrath, a deliberate act of judgment.
* **"and was kindled in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem;"**: The imagery shifts from a liquid "poured forth" to a fire "kindled," likening God's wrath to a consuming blaze. This divine fire was not confined but spread throughout the entire land, affecting both the major "cities of Judah" and the very "streets of Jerusalem," which was the spiritual and political heart of the nation. This emphasizes the comprehensive and pervasive nature of the judgment, leaving no place untouched, and highlighting the public, undeniable, and widespread manifestation of God's righteous wrath.
* **"and they are wasted [and] desolate, as at this day."**: This final clause describes the tangible, observable, and enduring result of God's judgment. The cities and streets are "wasted" (לְחָרְבָּה, _l'chorbah_, meaning drought, desolation, ruin, a place laid waste) and "desolate" (לְשָׁמָה, _l'shamah_, meaning utter devastation, astonishment, a state of abandonment). The concluding phrase "as at this day" is crucial; it serves as a powerful, immediate validation of the prophecy. It grounds the divine pronouncement in the present, lived reality of the audience, reminding them that the destruction was not a distant threat or a forgotten event, but an undeniable, visible, and current fact of their recent history—a stark, living testament to God's faithfulness in executing His word.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 44:6 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of divine judgment with compelling force. **Personification** is evident in the depiction of God's "fury" and "anger" as active agents that are "poured forth" and "kindled." This gives abstract emotions a tangible, dynamic, and forceful presence, imbuing the divine wrath with a dynamic, almost physical, destructive power. **Imagery** is central to the verse, with the vivid metaphors of a liquid "poured forth" and a fire "kindled," creating a powerful mental picture of an overwhelming, consuming judgment. The subsequent description of cities being "wasted" and "desolate" further enhances this imagery, painting a stark and chilling picture of utter ruin. The phrase "as at this day" serves as a form of **Stark Realism** and **Direct Address**, as the prophet confronts the people with the undeniable, present reality of the consequences of their past actions. This direct appeal to their lived experience, the visible evidence of destruction surrounding them, underscores the inescapable truth of God's word and the certainty of His judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 44:6 profoundly articulates the unchanging biblical truth that God is holy, righteous, and just, and His character demands a response to persistent sin and rebellion. The outpouring of His "fury" and "anger" is not arbitrary or capricious but a just and necessary consequence for the deep-seated idolatry and disobedience of His covenant people. This verse serves as a solemn reminder that God's warnings are not idle threats but are ultimately fulfilled, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to His own character and His covenant. It underscores the profound severity of breaking faith with the Almighty and the devastating impact of spiritual adultery, revealing that the Lord will not tolerate the worship of false gods in the place of His rightful sovereignty.

* [Deuteronomy 28:15-68](/deuteronomy/28-15-68 "Deuteronomy 28:15-68 - Curses for Disobedience")
* [Lamentations 2:1-5](/lamentations/2-1-5 "Lamentations 2:1-5 - God's Anger Poured Out on Zion")
* [Romans 1:18](/romans/1-18 "Romans 1:18 - God's Wrath Revealed Against Ungodliness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 44:6 stands as an enduring testament to the gravity of persistent sin and the certainty of divine judgment for rebellion against God's revealed will. For contemporary believers, this verse serves as a powerful reminder that while we live under the New Covenant of grace, God's character of holiness and justice remains immutable. It calls us to sober reflection on the dangers of idolatry in our own lives, recognizing that anything that usurps God's rightful place in our hearts—whether it be wealth, power, relationships, comfort, self-will, or even ministry itself—can become an idol with destructive consequences. The "wasted and desolate" state described in the verse should prompt us to examine our own obedience to God's Word, urging us to listen attentively to His voice and to walk in faithful submission, lest we, too, experience spiritual barrenness, a lack of divine presence, or the painful consequences of choosing our own way over His. It compels us to learn from the historical lessons of God's people, understanding that true security, flourishing, and spiritual vitality are found only in wholehearted devotion to the Lord.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "idols" (things that take God's place) might be subtly present in my own life, and how might they be leading to spiritual "desolation" or a diminished walk with God?**
* **How does this verse challenge and deepen my understanding of God's character, particularly His holiness and justice, in light of His abundant grace?**
* **In what specific ways am I, like the remnant, prone to ignore God's clear warnings and pursue my own perceived safety or desires instead of His revealed will?**
* **What practical and intentional steps can I take today to cultivate greater obedience, deeper devotion, and unwavering trust in God's Word in my daily life?**

### FAQ

**Why was God's fury and anger "poured forth" on Judah and Jerusalem?**

Answer: God's fury and anger were "poured forth" as a direct and just consequence of the persistent idolatry and profound disobedience of the people of Judah and Jerusalem. Despite repeated warnings through prophets like Jeremiah, the people stubbornly worshipped false gods, engaged in detestable practices, and refused to follow God's covenant commands. This verse emphasizes that the desolation was not arbitrary but a righteous judgment from a holy God against generations of covenant breaking, particularly their spiritual adultery in turning to other deities like the "queen of heaven" (as discussed in [Jeremiah 44:17-19](/jeremiah/44-17-19 "Jeremiah 44:17-19 - The Remnant's Continued Idolatry")). Their actions provoked divine wrath, leading to the promised curses of the covenant.

**What does "as at this day" signify in Jeremiah 44:6?**

Answer: The phrase "as at this day" is a powerful rhetorical device that underscores the immediate, undeniable, and tangible reality of the judgment. It refers to the present, visible state of Judah and Jerusalem at the very moment Jeremiah was speaking to the remnant in Egypt. The cities were literally "wasted and desolate," their structures destroyed, their populations exiled or killed. This phrase served as a stark, tangible reminder to the audience that God's warnings were not empty threats but had been fulfilled in their own recent, traumatic history. It validated the prophet's message and highlighted the inescapable consequences of their rebellion, even as they continued their disobedient ways in Egypt. The destruction was a living, undeniable testimony to the veracity and power of God's word.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 44:6 vividly portrays the consuming nature of God's righteous wrath against sin, particularly the idolatry and rebellion of His covenant people. While this judgment brought physical desolation to Judah and Jerusalem, it foreshadows a deeper, spiritual reality concerning humanity's universal condition. All humanity, in its rebellion against a holy God, stands under a similar divine indictment, deserving of the "fury" and "anger" of a perfectly just God. However, the ultimate fulfillment of this judgment, and its glorious reversal, is found in the person and work of Jesus Christ. On the cross, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") became the recipient of the divine wrath that was "poured forth" upon Him. He bore the full weight of humanity's sin and endured the "kindled" judgment we deserved, becoming a curse for us ([Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse")). Through His atoning sacrifice, Christ took upon Himself the "desolation" of sin's penalty, so that those who believe in Him might be spared from eternal separation and instead experience spiritual life, reconciliation, and restoration. The New Covenant, inaugurated by Christ's blood, offers a way for humanity to be reconciled to God, transforming hearts that were once "wasted and desolate" by sin into living temples of the Holy Spirit ([1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Your Body is a Temple of the Holy Spirit")). Thus, the terrifying judgment seen in Jeremiah 44:6 ultimately points to the profound mercy and justice of God revealed in Jesus, who offers salvation from the wrath to come ([Romans 5:9](/romans/5-9 "Romans 5:9 - Saved from Wrath Through Him")) and brings spiritual life where there was only desolation.

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 7:20

Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, mine anger and my fury shall be poured out upon this place, upon man, and upon beast, and upon the trees of the field, and upon the fruit of the ground; and it shall burn, and shall not be quenched.

Isaiah 51:20

Thy sons have fainted, they lie at the head of all the streets, as a wild bull in a net: they are full of the fury of the LORD, the rebuke of thy God.

Jeremiah 42:18

For thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; As mine anger and my fury hath been poured forth upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem; so shall my fury be poured forth upon you, when ye shall enter into Egypt: and ye shall be an execration, and an astonishment, and a curse, and a reproach; and ye shall see this place no more.

Isaiah 51:17

¶ Awake, awake, stand up, O Jerusalem, which hast drunk at the hand of the LORD the cup of his fury; thou hast drunken the dregs of the cup of trembling, [and] wrung [them] out.

Jeremiah 21:5

And I myself will fight against you with an outstretched hand and with a strong arm, even in anger, and in fury, and in great wrath.

Isaiah 6:11

Then said I, Lord, how long? And he answered, Until the cities be wasted without inhabitant, and the houses without man, and the land be utterly desolate,

Jeremiah 7:34

Then will I cause to cease from the cities of Judah, and from the streets of Jerusalem, the voice of mirth, and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom, and the voice of the bride: for the land shall be desolate.