Jeremiah 49:30

KJV

Flee, get you far off, dwell deep, O ye inhabitants of Hazor, saith the LORD; for Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon hath taken counsel against you, and hath conceived a purpose against you.

KJV (with Strong's)

Flee {H5127}, get {H5110} you far off {H3966}, dwell {H3427} deep {H6009}, O ye inhabitants {H3427} of Hazor {H2674}, saith {H5002} the LORD {H3068}; for Nebuchadrezzar {H5019} king {H4428} of Babylon {H894} hath taken counsel {H6098}{H3289} against you, and hath conceived {H2803} a purpose {H4284} against you.

Complete Jewish Bible

Flee! Leave your homes! Hide yourselves well, you who live in Hatzor," says ADONAI; "for N'vukhadretzar king of Bavel has devised a plan against you; he has formed a scheme against you.

Berean Standard Bible

Run! Escape quickly! Lie low, O residents of Hazor,” declares the LORD, “for Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon has drawn up a plan against you; he has devised a strategy against you.

American Standard Version

Flee ye, wander far off, dwell in the depths, O ye inhabitants of Hazor, saith Jehovah; for Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon hath taken counsel against you, and hath conceived a purpose against you.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 49:30 delivers an urgent, divinely mandated command to the inhabitants of Hazor: to flee, distance themselves, and seek deep refuge, for Nebuchadrezzar, the formidable king of Babylon, has meticulously planned and purposed their destruction. This prophetic oracle powerfully underscores the LORD's absolute sovereignty over all nations and history, revealing His foreknowledge and active orchestration of events, even employing pagan rulers as instruments of His righteous judgment against those who oppose His will.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within Jeremiah's extensive collection of oracles against foreign nations (chapters 46-51), a section that systematically demonstrates the LORD's universal dominion. Prior to the specific judgment against Hazor, Jeremiah has pronounced divine decrees against powerful entities like Egypt, Philistia, Moab, Ammon, Edom, and Damascus. The prophecy concerning Hazor, found in [Jeremiah 49:28-33](/jeremiah/49-28-33 "Jeremiah 49:28-33 - Prophecy Against Kedar and Hazor"), immediately follows a warning to Kedar, another nomadic group, and precedes the final oracle against Elam. This placement reinforces a consistent theological message: no nation, regardless of its perceived strength, remoteness, or cultural distinctiveness, is beyond the scope of God's divine judgment or His sovereign plan. The recurring motif throughout these chapters is God's use of Babylon, under Nebuchadrezzar, as His chosen instrument of wrath, a "hammer" against the nations, to execute His predetermined will.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Hazor was an ancient and historically significant city in northern Canaan, known for its strategic location. While the original Bronze Age Hazor had been famously destroyed by Joshua ([Joshua 11:10-11](/joshua/11-10-11 "Joshua 11:10-11 - Joshua's Conquest of Hazor")), scholars debate whether Jeremiah's reference is to a rebuilt city, a specific region, or, more likely, a confederacy of nomadic Arab tribes inhabiting the Transjordanian region during the late 7th to early 6th century BC. Nebuchadrezzar II, the powerful king of the Neo-Babylonian Empire (reigned 605-562 BC), was the dominant geopolitical force of the era, responsible for the destruction of Jerusalem and the Babylonian exile. The cultural context of the ancient Near East often attributed the rise and fall of empires to the will of their respective deities. For Jeremiah, however, there was no ambiguity: it was Yahweh, the God of Israel, who orchestrated these global shifts, using Nebuchadrezzar as His unwitting agent. The command to "dwell deep" resonates with ancient practices of seeking refuge in caves, deserts, or other remote, inaccessible areas during times of invasion.

* **Key Themes:** The prophecy against Hazor significantly contributes to several profound themes within Jeremiah's book and the broader prophetic corpus. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **Divine Sovereignty over Nations**, emphasizing that the LORD is not merely the God of Israel but the supreme ruler of all the earth, orchestrating the destinies of empires and peoples ([Jeremiah 27:6](/jeremiah/27-6 "Jeremiah 27:6 - Nebuchadnezzar as God's Servant")). Secondly, it underscores the **Inevitable Nature of Divine Judgment**, portraying judgment not as a mere possibility but as a determined and inescapable outcome once God's decree is issued, often in response to national pride, idolatry, or violence. The precise planning of Nebuchadrezzar is presented as a direct fulfillment of God's "purpose," highlighting the certainty of the impending doom. Thirdly, the urgent command to "Flee, get you far off, dwell deep" highlights **Divine Warning and Mercy**, demonstrating God's justice intertwined with a form of compassion, offering a chance for escape even when the ultimate judgment is certain. This reflects a consistent biblical pattern where God provides an opportunity to respond to His warnings, even if the overall outcome for the nation is fixed.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Flee (Hebrew, _nûwç'_):** This primitive root (H5127) signifies to "flit, vanish away, subside, escape." It conveys a sense of urgent, desperate flight, implying that the danger is imminent and overwhelming, necessitating a swift and complete departure from the threatened area. The command is not merely to move, but to disappear, to make oneself scarce from the impending destruction, highlighting the severity of the threat.
* **Deep (Hebrew, _ʻâmaq'_):** Derived from the root (H6009), meaning "to be (causatively, make) deep (literally or figuratively)." When paired with "dwell" (H3427, _yâshab_), it suggests seeking refuge in remote, isolated, or profoundly hidden places—such as caves, desolate wildernesses, or inaccessible regions—to escape detection and the reach of the invading forces. It paints a vivid picture of extreme concealment as the only hope for survival.
* **Purpose (Hebrew, _machăshâbâh'_):** This noun (H4284) comes from the verb _châshab_ (H2803), meaning "to plot or contrive (usually in a malicious sense)." _Machăshâbâh_ refers to a contrivance, an intention, or a plan. In this context, it emphasizes the deliberate, calculated, and often malevolent intent behind Nebuchadrezzar's actions, highlighting that his campaign against Hazor is not accidental or spontaneous but a well-thought-out strategy, ultimately orchestrated by divine will.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Flee, get you far off, dwell deep, O ye inhabitants of Hazor":** This opening imperative is a direct, urgent command from the LORD to the people of Hazor. "Flee" (נוּס, _nûwç_) denotes a rapid, desperate escape. "Get you far off" (נוּדוּ מְאֹד, _nûddû mᵉʼôd_) intensifies the command, urging them to wander or remove themselves to a great distance, implying the need for absolute separation from the threatened locale. "Dwell deep" (הַעְמִיקוּ לָשֶׁבֶת, _haʿmîqû lâshevet_) suggests seeking profound concealment, perhaps in caves, deserts, or other inaccessible places, indicating the severity of the impending threat and the need for extreme measures of self-preservation.
* **"saith the LORD;":** This phrase serves as a divine authentication of the preceding command and the subsequent declaration. It signifies that the warning and the impending judgment originate directly from Yahweh (H3068, _Yᵉhôvâh_), the covenant God of Israel, affirming the absolute authority, certainty, and divine origin of the prophecy.
* **"for Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon hath taken counsel against you,":** This clause provides the immediate and compelling reason for the urgent flight. Nebuchadrezzar (H5019, _Nᵉbûwkadneʼtstsar_), the powerful monarch of Babylon (H894, _Bâbel_), is identified as the divinely appointed agent of destruction. The phrase "hath taken counsel" (יָעַץ עֵצָה, _yâʿats ʿêtsâh_ - H3289, H6098) indicates that a deliberate, strategic plan has been formulated against Hazor, emphasizing the methodical and determined nature of the Babylonian threat, which is ultimately under God's sovereign hand.
* **"and hath conceived a purpose against you.":** This final clause reinforces the previous one, stressing the complete and malicious intent behind Nebuchadrezzar's actions. "Hath conceived a purpose" (חָשַׁב מַחֲשָׁבָה, _châshab machăshâbâh_ - H2803, H4284) highlights that this is not a random attack but a well-thought-out scheme, a fixed determination to bring about Hazor's downfall. This emphasizes the inevitability of the judgment, as the enemy's plan is already set, ultimately under God's sovereign direction.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 49:30 is rich in literary devices that amplify its prophetic impact and underscore the urgency of its message. The most prominent is the use of **Imperative Mood**, seen in the series of commands: "Flee," "get you far off," and "dwell deep." This creates a sense of immediate and dire necessity, directly conveying the urgency of the situation to the inhabitants of Hazor. The phrase "saith the LORD" functions as a **Divine Oracle Formula**, a hallmark of prophetic literature, authenticating the message as directly from God and lending it ultimate authority, certainty, and inevitability. The description of Nebuchadrezzar having "taken counsel" and "conceived a purpose" employs **Anthropomorphism**, attributing human intellectual processes of planning and strategizing to the king, thereby highlighting his deliberate and calculated intent. This also serves as a form of **Foreshadowing**, as the detailed planning of the enemy indicates the certainty of the impending destruction. The entire verse functions as a powerful **Prophetic Warning**, a common genre in Jeremiah, designed to alert the recipients to impending judgment and, implicitly, to call for a response, even if the primary purpose here is to declare the certainty of doom.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly illustrates the LORD's absolute sovereignty over all nations and His strategic use of seemingly secular powers to execute His divine will. It reveals that human kings, even those unaware of God's overarching plan like Nebuchadrezzar, are ultimately instruments in the hands of the Almighty to bring about His righteous judgments. The command to "flee" is a stark testament to the severity of divine wrath, yet it also subtly hints at God's mercy in providing a warning, even when judgment is decreed. This echoes a consistent biblical theme: God's justice is always perfectly aligned with His omnipotence, ensuring that His purposes, whether in judgment or salvation, will inevitably come to pass, demonstrating His ultimate control over human history.

* [Isaiah 10:5-7](/isaiah/10-5-7 "Isaiah 10:5-7 - Assyria as God's Rod") - God declares Assyria to be the "rod of My anger," an instrument to execute His wrath, though Assyria does not realize it.
* [Habakkuk 1:5-6](/habakkuk/1-5-6 "Habakkuk 1:5-6 - The Chaldeans as God's Instrument") - The LORD declares He is raising up the Chaldeans (Babylonians) to execute judgment, a nation described as "dreadful and terrible."
* [Proverbs 21:1](/proverbs/21-1 "Proverbs 21:1 - The King's Heart in God's Hand") - "The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will," affirming God's ultimate control over rulers' decisions and plans.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 49:30 serves as a timeless reminder that God is actively involved in the affairs of humanity and nations, orchestrating events according to His sovereign will. For us today, this verse compels a deep reflection on the nature of divine warnings and the certainty of God's judgment against unrighteousness. It challenges us to consider whether we are heeding the warnings found in God's Word, or if we are complacent in our spiritual lives, assuming that consequences for sin will not befall us. Just as Hazor was urged to seek refuge from a physical threat, believers are called to seek ultimate refuge in God Himself, who is our unshakeable fortress and deliverer in a world filled with spiritual and temporal dangers. This passage should cultivate a profound sense of awe for God's power and a humble recognition of our need to live in alignment with His righteous commands, trusting that His plans, though sometimes mysterious and often involving difficult circumstances, are always perfect and just.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might God be issuing "warnings" in my life or in the world today, and how am I responding to them?**
* **How does the idea of God using even ungodly rulers and nations to accomplish His purposes affect my trust in His sovereignty amidst global events and political turmoil?**
* **What does "dwelling deep" or seeking true spiritual refuge look like for a believer in Christ in contemporary society, amidst its pressures and distractions?**
* **How does the certainty of God's judgment against nations inform my understanding of personal accountability and the seriousness of sin in my own life?**

### FAQ
**Who were the inhabitants of Hazor, and why were they singled out for judgment?**

Answer: The inhabitants of Hazor refer to the people residing in or around the ancient city or region of Hazor. While the original Hazor was a prominent Canaanite city destroyed by Joshua, in Jeremiah's time (late 7th to early 6th century BC), it most likely referred to a confederacy of nomadic Arab tribes or a specific region in northern Transjordan (possibly related to the Hazor mentioned in [Nehemiah 11:33](/nehemiah/11-33 "Nehemiah 11:33 - Hazor in Benjamin")). They were singled out for judgment as part of God's broader program of divine judgment against nations that had engaged in pride, idolatry, or opposition to His people and His will. Although their specific sins are not detailed in this verse, the overarching narrative of Jeremiah's prophecies against foreign nations indicates that their practices and defiance of God's moral order warranted this severe prophetic warning and impending destruction by Nebuchadrezzar, who was God's chosen instrument for executing judgment across the region. This demonstrates God's universal justice, holding all nations accountable to His divine standards.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Jeremiah 49:30 speaks of a historical judgment upon Hazor, its profound theological undercurrents find ultimate fulfillment and transformation in Jesus Christ. The urgent command to "flee" from impending destruction foreshadows the spiritual urgency for all humanity to escape the ultimate judgment for sin. Just as Hazor faced an inescapable earthly foe in Nebuchadrezzar, all humanity faces the inescapable reality of divine judgment for sin ([Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All Have Sinned") and [Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin")). However, in Christ, the call to "flee" becomes an invitation to find ultimate refuge not in physical hiding places but in His atoning work. He is the true "deep dwelling" ([Psalm 91:1-2](/psalm/91-1-2 "Psalm 91:1-2 - Dwelling in the Shelter of the Most High")), the secure hiding place where believers are protected from the wrath of God ([Romans 5:9](/romans/5-9 "Romans 5:9 - Justified by His Blood")). The "counsel" and "purpose" of Nebuchadrezzar, though divinely orchestrated, point to the far greater, eternal "purpose" of God in Christ—to redeem a people for Himself ([Ephesians 1:11](/ephesians/1-11 "Ephesians 1:11 - God's Purpose in Christ")). Jesus, the Lamb of God, bore the full weight of God's judgment on the cross, becoming the ultimate sacrifice that takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Thus, the historical judgment on Hazor serves as a stark reminder of God's justice, compelling us to seek the spiritual deliverance and eternal refuge found only in the finished work of our Lord Jesus 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

Jeremiah 25:9

Behold, I will send and take all the families of the north, saith the LORD, and Nebuchadrezzar the king of Babylon, my servant, and will bring them against this land, and against the inhabitants thereof, and against all these nations round about, and will utterly destroy them, and make them an astonishment, and an hissing, and perpetual desolations.

Isaiah 10:7

Howbeit he meaneth not so, neither doth his heart think so; but [it is] in his heart to destroy and cut off nations not a few.

Jeremiah 27:6

And now have I given all these lands into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon, my servant; and the beasts of the field have I given him also to serve him.

Jeremiah 25:24

And all the kings of Arabia, and all the kings of the mingled people that dwell in the desert,

Jeremiah 25:25

And all the kings of Zimri, and all the kings of Elam, and all the kings of the Medes,