Jeremiah 49:31

Arise, get you up unto the wealthy nation, that dwelleth without care, saith the LORD, which have neither gates nor bars, [which] dwell alone.

Arise {H6965}, get you up {H5927} unto the wealthy {H7961} nation {H1471}, that dwelleth {H3427} without care {H983}, saith {H5002} the LORD {H3068}, which have neither gates {H1817} nor bars {H1280}, which dwell {H7931} alone {H910}.

Get up! March on a nation at ease, that lives secure," says ADONAI. "They have neither gates nor bars; they live in isolation.

Rise up, advance against a nation at ease, one that dwells securely,” declares the LORD. “They have no gates or bars; they live alone.

Arise, get you up unto a nation that is at ease, that dwelleth without care, saith Jehovah; that have neither gates nor bars, that dwell alone.

Commentary

Jeremiah 49:31 presents a powerful declaration from the LORD concerning a nation targeted for judgment. This verse is part of a series of prophecies against various foreign nations surrounding Judah, demonstrating God's sovereign control over all peoples, not just Israel.

Context

This particular prophecy (Jeremiah 49:28-33) is directed against Kedar and the kingdoms of Hazor, which were Arab tribes located in the desert regions east of Judah. These groups were known for their wealth, often accumulated through trade and livestock, and for their independent, often isolated, way of life. The command "Arise, get you up" is addressed to an invading force, likely the Babylonians under Nebuchadnezzar, whom God used as instruments of His wrath against nations that had grown complacent in their perceived security.

Key Themes

  • False Security and Complacency: The phrase "that dwelleth without care" highlights the nation's overconfidence and lack of vigilance. They believed their wealth and isolation made them immune to attack, a common human failing throughout history. This theme resonates with other biblical warnings against trusting in material possessions or human defenses, rather than in God.
  • Vulnerability Despite Wealth: The description "neither gates nor bars" emphasizes their physical defenselessness. Despite their "wealthy" status, their lack of fortifications made them easy prey for a determined invader, illustrating that worldly riches cannot provide ultimate protection.
  • Divine Sovereignty in Judgment: The declaration "saith the LORD" underscores that this impending judgment is not a random event but a deliberate act orchestrated by God. He is the one who initiates the command for the invasion, demonstrating His absolute control over nations and their destinies.
  • Isolation and Lack of Allies: The phrase "[which] dwell alone" suggests that this nation did not form alliances or build strong relationships with other powers. While this might have contributed to their sense of security, it also meant they had no one to turn to when judgment came, leaving them utterly exposed.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase translated "dwelleth without care" (yoshevet labetach) conveys a sense of secure dwelling, often implying a false sense of security or complacency due to a lack of perceived threat. It's a state of being undisturbed and at ease, which in this context, precedes a rude awakening. The description of having "neither gates nor bars" literally means they lacked the typical defensive structures of fortified cities, relying instead on their remoteness or perhaps a nomadic lifestyle, making them deceptively easy targets for a well-organized military force.

Practical Application

Jeremiah 49:31 serves as a timeless warning against placing ultimate trust in worldly resources, whether wealth, isolation, or perceived invincibility. It reminds us that true security comes only from God. Nations and individuals alike can fall into the trap of complacency, believing their prosperity or self-sufficiency will protect them from life's challenges or divine reckoning. This verse calls us to reflect on where our true confidence lies and to avoid the spiritual dangers of self-reliance and neglecting our spiritual defenses.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Ezekiel 38:11

    And thou shalt say, I will go up to the land of unwalled villages; I will go to them that are at rest, that dwell safely, all of them dwelling without walls, and having neither bars nor gates,

  • Isaiah 47:8

    Therefore hear now this, [thou that art] given to pleasures, that dwellest carelessly, that sayest in thine heart, I [am], and none else beside me; I shall not sit [as] a widow, neither shall I know the loss of children:

  • Deuteronomy 33:28

    Israel then shall dwell in safety alone: the fountain of Jacob [shall be] upon a land of corn and wine; also his heavens shall drop down dew.

  • Micah 7:14

    ¶ Feed thy people with thy rod, the flock of thine heritage, which dwell solitarily [in] the wood, in the midst of Carmel: let them feed [in] Bashan and Gilead, as in the days of old.

  • Numbers 23:9

    For from the top of the rocks I see him, and from the hills I behold him: lo, the people shall dwell alone, and shall not be reckoned among the nations.

  • Jeremiah 48:11

    Moab hath been at ease from his youth, and he hath settled on his lees, and hath not been emptied from vessel to vessel, neither hath he gone into captivity: therefore his taste remained in him, and his scent is not changed.

  • Isaiah 32:11

    Tremble, ye women that are at ease; be troubled, ye careless ones: strip you, and make you bare, and gird [sackcloth] upon [your] loins.
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