Jeremiah 49:5

KJV

Behold, I will bring a fear upon thee, saith the Lord GOD of hosts, from all those that be about thee; and ye shall be driven out every man right forth; and none shall gather up him that wandereth.

KJV (with Strong's)

Behold, I will bring {H935} a fear {H6343} upon thee, saith {H5002} the Lord {H136} GOD {H3069} of hosts {H6635}, from all those that be about {H5439} thee; and ye shall be driven out {H5080} every man {H376} right forth {H6440}; and none shall gather up {H6908} him that wandereth {H5074}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I am bringing terror on you," says Adonai ELOHEI-Tzva'ot, "from every side. Each of you will be driven out headlong, with no one to gather the fugitives.

Berean Standard Bible

Behold, I am about to bring terror upon you, declares the Lord GOD of Hosts, from all those around you. You will each be driven headlong, with no one to regather the fugitives.

American Standard Version

Behold, I will bring a fear upon thee, saith the Lord, Jehovah of hosts, from all that are round about thee; and ye shall be driven out every man right forth, and there shall be none to gather together the fugitives.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 49:5 delivers a potent divine judgment against the Ammonites, declaring that the Lord GOD of hosts will supernaturally inflict a pervasive fear upon them, originating from their surrounding adversaries. This profound terror will precipitate their chaotic and complete expulsion from their land, with every individual driven out in disarray. The prophecy culminates in a chilling pronouncement of utter desolation and a complete lack of refuge, emphasizing that no one will be able to gather or provide aid to those scattered and wandering, underscoring the finality and severity of God's wrath against their pride and hostility.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 49 is situated within the "Oracles Against the Nations" (Jeremiah 46-51), a significant section of the book that underscores Yahweh's universal sovereignty. These prophecies demonstrate that God's authority extends beyond Israel, holding all nations accountable for their actions, particularly their pride, idolatry, and hostility towards His covenant people. Specifically, Jeremiah 49:1-6 focuses on Ammon, following the oracle against Moab ([Jeremiah 48](/jeremiah/48 "Jeremiah 48 - Prophecy Against Moab")) and preceding judgments against Edom, Damascus, Kedar, Hazor, and Elam. This strategic placement within the prophetic collection reinforces a consistent divine pattern: God is the supreme ruler who executes justice upon any nation that opposes His purposes or oppresses His chosen people, affirming that no earthly power is exempt from His scrutiny and retribution.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Ammonites were an ancient Semitic people, descendants of Lot through his younger daughter, as recorded in the ancestral narrative of [Genesis 19:38](/genesis/19-38 "Genesis 19:38 - Origin of the Ammonites"). Their territory was located east of the Jordan River, directly bordering Israel. Throughout their history, Ammon proved to be a persistent adversary of Israel, frequently engaging in conflict and opportunistically exploiting Judah's misfortunes, such as during the devastating Babylonian invasions. They were notorious for their nationalistic pride, aggressive expansionism into Israelite lands (as alluded to in [Jeremiah 49:1](/jeremiah/49-1 "Jeremiah 49:1 - Prophecy Against Ammon")), and the abhorrent worship of Molech, a deity associated with child sacrifice, which was a profound abomination to Yahweh (e.g., [1 Kings 11:7](/1_kings/11-7 "1 Kings 11:7 - Solomon's Idolatry")). The prophecy in Jeremiah 49:5 anticipates the impending invasion by Nebuchadnezzar's Babylonian forces, whom God would use as instruments of His judgment to bring about the desolation of Ammon, including their capital city, Rabbah.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes prevalent in Jeremiah and broader prophetic literature. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment**, illustrating that God is the ultimate ruler over all nations, not merely Israel, and that He justly executes punishment upon those who defy His moral order or oppress His people. The majestic phrase "saith the Lord GOD of hosts" powerfully conveys this absolute authority. Another critical theme is the **Consequences of Pride and Hostility**, as Ammon's downfall is directly attributed to their arrogance and continuous antagonism towards Judah. The prophecy also highlights the theme of **Scattering and Desolation** as a severe form of divine punishment, a stark contrast to God's promises of gathering and restoration for His covenant people, as seen in passages like [Jeremiah 29:14](/jeremiah/29-14 "Jeremiah 29:14 - God's Promise to Gather Israel"). The complete lack of refuge for the scattered Ammonites underscores the severity and finality of this particular judgment, emphasizing the hopelessness of those outside God's covenant grace.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Fear (Hebrew, _pachad_):** This word (H6343) denotes a sudden alarm, terror, or dread. In Jeremiah 49:5, it signifies a divinely instilled, overwhelming terror that will seize the Ammonites. This is not merely a natural anxiety but a profound, paralyzing dread that originates directly from God Himself. This "fear" serves as a precursor to their impending destruction, indicating a complete loss of courage and the onset of utter chaos.
* **Driven out (Hebrew, _nâdach_):** This primitive root (H5080) means "to push off," "expel," "mislead," or "thrust away." It conveys a forceful, involuntary expulsion. When applied to the Ammonites, it describes their violent and sudden removal from their land, emphasizing that their displacement is not a voluntary migration but a compelled, chaotic scattering at the hands of an external, irresistible force, orchestrated by God.
* **Gather up (Hebrew, _qâbats_):** Meaning "to grasp" or "collect" (H6908), this word implies assembling, gathering together, or providing refuge. In the negative "none shall gather up," it underscores the absolute desolation and hopelessness of the Ammonites' plight. It signifies that there will be no one to offer aid, shelter, or restoration to the displaced and scattered, contrasting sharply with God's covenant promises to gather His own people from exile.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Behold, I will bring a fear upon thee":** This opening declaration serves as a solemn and emphatic pronouncement of divine judgment. "Behold" (KJV) functions as an interjection, drawing immediate attention to the certainty and gravity of what is about to be revealed. The Lord explicitly states His active role ("I will bring") in inflicting a profound, paralyzing terror upon Ammon, indicating that their impending doom is not a random occurrence but a direct act of God's sovereign will.
* **"saith the Lord GOD of hosts, from all those that be about thee":** This phrase identifies both the divine source of the prophecy and the instrument of judgment. "The Lord GOD of hosts" (Hebrew: *ʼĂdônây Yᵉhôvih tsâbâʼ*) is a majestic title emphasizing God's supreme authority, power, and sovereignty over all creation, including celestial and earthly armies. This reinforces that the judgment is not arbitrary but comes from the one who controls all forces. The terror will arise "from all those that be about thee," signifying that Ammon's surrounding neighbors, likely instruments of God's wrath (such as the Babylonians), will be the immediate cause of their fear and destruction, leaving them no escape.
* **"and ye shall be driven out every man right forth":** This clause vividly describes the chaotic and complete expulsion of the Ammonite population. "Driven out" (Hebrew: *nâdach*) conveys a forceful, involuntary scattering. "Every man right forth" emphasizes the suddenness, disorganization, and universality of their flight; each person will be expelled directly forward, without a planned destination, unity, or ability to resist, signifying the utter collapse of their national structure and social order.
* **"and none shall gather up him that wandereth.":** This chilling final clause highlights the severity and finality of the judgment. It means there will be no one to offer aid, shelter, or restoration to the displaced and scattered Ammonites. Unlike God's covenant people, whom He promises to gather even from far-off lands, Ammon will find no such mercy or protector in their time of distress. The "wandereth" (Hebrew: *nâdad*) emphasizes their aimless, desperate flight, devoid of hope or help.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 49:5 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of impending judgment with dramatic force. The phrase "Behold, I will bring a fear upon thee, saith the Lord GOD of hosts" utilizes **Divine Oracle**, immediately signaling that the words are a direct, authoritative pronouncement from God Himself, lending them absolute certainty and gravity. The title "**Lord GOD of hosts**" functions as a powerful **epithet**, emphasizing God's omnipotence and His absolute command over all forces, both heavenly and earthly, thereby underscoring the inevitability and overwhelming nature of the judgment against Ammon. The description of the Ammonites being "driven out every man right forth" and the subsequent "none shall gather up him that wandereth" employs vivid **Imagery** of chaotic flight and utter desolation, painting a stark picture of a nation utterly dismantled and abandoned. Furthermore, the stark contrast between God's promise to gather His scattered covenant people (a recurring theme in Jeremiah) and the Ammonites' fate of having "none shall gather up him that wandereth" functions as a powerful **juxtaposition**, highlighting the unique covenant relationship God has with Israel versus His righteous judgment on other nations.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 49:5 profoundly illustrates God's universal sovereignty and His unwavering commitment to justice. It reveals that no nation, regardless of its perceived strength or autonomy, is beyond the reach of divine accountability. The Ammonites, known for their persistent pride, idolatry, and consistent hostility towards God's people, serve as a stark example that such defiance ultimately incurs severe consequences. This verse underscores the theological truth that God is not merely the God of Israel, but the "Lord GOD of hosts," actively involved in the affairs of all nations, orchestrating their rise and fall according to His righteous purposes. The judgment on Ammon serves as a perpetual reminder that national pride and opposition to God's will inevitably lead to destruction and desolation, a fate characterized by terror, scattering, and a complete lack of refuge.

* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Pride Precedes Destruction")
* [Psalm 46:1](/psalm/46-1 "God Our Refuge and Strength")
* [Isaiah 13:9](/isaiah/13-9 "The Day of the Lord's Wrath")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 49:5, though a prophecy of judgment against an ancient nation, carries enduring truths for contemporary reflection and application. It compels us to acknowledge God's absolute sovereignty over all of creation and history, reminding us that no power, human or national, can ultimately defy His will. We are soberly reminded that pride, self-reliance, and hostility towards God's purposes, whether manifested on a national or individual level, inevitably lead to a state of fear, scattering, and spiritual desolation. The chilling image of "none shall gather up him that wandereth" serves as a powerful warning against rejecting the only true source of refuge and security. It challenges us to examine where we place our trust: in fleeting human strength, worldly alliances, or the unfailing protection of the Lord GOD of hosts. This verse calls us to humility, repentance, and a profound reverence for God's justice, while simultaneously inviting us to seek His mercy and find our ultimate refuge in Him, knowing that He is the one who gathers His own and provides lasting peace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be exhibiting a spirit of pride or self-reliance that subtly opposes God's will?**
* **How does the concept of God's universal sovereignty, as demonstrated in this judgment against Ammon, shape my understanding of current global events and the ultimate destiny of nations?**
* **What does it truly mean to find refuge and security in God, especially when faced with the "fear" and "scattering" that life's challenges can bring?**
* **How can I actively seek to be a "gatherer" of the lost and wandering, reflecting God's heart for restoration and compassion, in contrast to the desolate fate of Ammon?**

### FAQ

**What was the primary sin of the Ammonites that led to this severe judgment?**

Answer: The Ammonites' judgment stemmed from a combination of factors, including their persistent nationalistic pride, their aggressive expansionism into Israelite territory (specifically Gilead, mentioned in [Jeremiah 49:1](/jeremiah/49-1 "Jeremiah 49:1 - Prophecy against Ammon")), their idolatry (particularly the worship of Molech, which involved child sacrifice, a grave abomination to Yahweh), and their consistent hostility towards God's covenant people, often exploiting Judah's weaknesses and misfortunes. Their actions demonstrated a profound disregard for God's justice and His chosen nation, leading to divine retribution.

**How does "the Lord GOD of hosts" emphasize God's power in this context?**

Answer: The title "Lord GOD of hosts" (Hebrew: *ʼĂdônây Yᵉhôvih tsâbâʼ*) is a majestic and powerful designation for God. *ʼĂdônây* signifies absolute mastership, *Yᵉhôvih* is God's covenant name YHWH, and *tsâbâʼ* means "armies" or "hosts" (referring to celestial armies, earthly armies, or the entire created order). When used together, especially in a context of judgment, it profoundly emphasizes God's supreme authority and His command over all forces in heaven and earth. It declares that the judgment against Ammon is not merely a political or military outcome, but a direct, irresistible act of the Almighty, who marshals all creation to accomplish His will. This title assures that the prophecy will be fulfilled because it is spoken by the one who controls all things, as also seen in the awe-inspiring vision of [Isaiah 6:3](/isaiah/6-3 "Isaiah 6:3 - Holiness of the Lord of Hosts").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Jeremiah 49:5 directly prophesies judgment against the ancient Ammonites, its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment lies in how it illuminates profound truths about God's universal sovereignty, the nature of judgment, and the glorious provision of salvation, all of which find their ultimate expression and resolution in Jesus Christ. The "fear" brought upon Ammon foreshadows the spiritual terror and ultimate judgment awaiting all who reject God's authority and persist in rebellion against Him. However, in Christ, this judgment is transformed for those who believe. Jesus, as the true "Lord GOD of hosts" (a title implicitly applied to Him as the sovereign King and warrior in passages like [Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11-16 "Revelation 19:11-16 - Christ as Victorious Warrior")), is the one who ultimately defeats all hostile powers and gathers His scattered people. Unlike the Ammonites, who had "none shall gather up him that wandereth," Christ is the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep and promises to gather them into one flock, ensuring that none are lost (as declared in [John 10:16](/john/10-16 "John 10:16 - Jesus the Good Shepherd") and [John 6:39](/john/6-39 "John 6:39 - Jesus' Promise to Raise Up All Believers")). He provides the ultimate refuge from divine wrath, taking the judgment upon Himself on the cross, so that those who trust in Him are no longer "driven out" by fear but are brought near and adopted into God's family ([Ephesians 2:13](/ephesians/2-13 "Ephesians 2:13 - Brought Near by Christ's Blood")). Thus, the terrifying desolation pronounced against Ammon serves as a stark backdrop against which the glorious gathering and salvation offered in Christ shine all the more brightly, revealing Him as the only true source of security and hope.

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 46:5

Wherefore have I seen them dismayed [and] turned away back? and their mighty ones are beaten down, and are fled apace, and look not back: [for] fear [was] round about, saith the LORD.

Jeremiah 49:29

Their tents and their flocks shall they take away: they shall take to themselves their curtains, and all their vessels, and their camels; and they shall cry unto them, Fear [is] on every side.

Jeremiah 48:41

Kerioth is taken, and the strong holds are surprised, and the mighty men's hearts in Moab at that day shall be as the heart of a woman in her pangs.

Jeremiah 48:44

He that fleeth from the fear shall fall into the pit; and he that getteth up out of the pit shall be taken in the snare: for I will bring upon it, [even] upon Moab, the year of their visitation, saith the LORD.

2 Kings 7:6

For the Lord had made the host of the Syrians to hear a noise of chariots, and a noise of horses, [even] the noise of a great host: and they said one to another, Lo, the king of Israel hath hired against us the kings of the Hittites, and the kings of the Egyptians, to come upon us.

2 Kings 7:7

Wherefore they arose and fled in the twilight, and left their tents, and their horses, and their asses, even the camp as it [was], and fled for their life.

Joshua 2:9

And she said unto the men, I know that the LORD hath given you the land, and that your terror is fallen upon us, and that all the inhabitants of the land faint because of you.