Jeremiah 5:10

KJV

¶ Go ye up upon her walls, and destroy; but make not a full end: take away her battlements; for they [are] not the LORD'S.

KJV (with Strong's)

Go ye up {H5927} upon her walls {H8284}, and destroy {H7843}; but make {H6213} not a full end {H3617}: take away {H5493} her battlements {H5189}; for they are not the LORD'S {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Go through her rows [of vines], and destroy them (but don't destroy them completely): strip away her branches, they do not belong to ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible

Go up through her vineyards and ravage them, but do not finish them off. Strip off her branches, for they do not belong to the LORD.

American Standard Version

Go ye up upon her walls, and destroy; but make not a full end: take away her branches; for they are not Jehovah’s.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 5:10 is a powerful prophetic declaration, a divine command issued to an unnamed invading force, likely the Babylonians, to execute judgment upon Judah and its capital, Jerusalem. This verse mandates the destruction of the city's defenses and a significant portion of its inhabitants, yet it contains a critical caveat: "make not a full end." This statement profoundly underscores God's righteous indignation against His people's pervasive apostasy and idolatry while simultaneously revealing His enduring covenant faithfulness and profound mercy, ensuring that complete annihilation will not occur, thereby preserving a remnant for future restoration.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 5:10 is strategically placed within a scathing prophetic oracle that details God's impending judgment on Judah for its widespread moral corruption and spiritual rebellion. The preceding verses (Jeremiah 5:1-9) meticulously chronicle the nation's profound moral decay, emphasizing their stubborn refusal to repent despite repeated divine warnings. Jeremiah's poignant search for a single righteous person in Jerusalem (Jeremiah 5:1) establishes a somber tone, leading directly to the comprehensive indictment of their pervasive idolatry, deceit, and social injustice. This verse, therefore, acts as a divine commission to the instruments of God's judgment, explicitly authorizing the assault on Jerusalem's fortifications as a direct and inescapable consequence of their deep-seated unfaithfulness. It marks a pivotal transition from the *reasons* for divine wrath to the precise *execution* of that judgment, setting the stage for the vivid descriptions of invasion and devastation that unfold throughout the remainder of the chapter.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophetic ministry of Jeremiah unfolds against the tumultuous geopolitical landscape of the late 7th and early 6th centuries BCE. This era was characterized by the precipitous decline of the Neo-Assyrian Empire and the meteoric rise of Babylon as the preeminent regional power. Judah, strategically positioned between these colossal empires, repeatedly vacillated in its allegiances, often seeking pragmatic political alliances with foreign powers rather than placing its trust in the sovereign Lord. Culturally, the people of Judah had alarmingly assimilated pagan practices, including the worship of foreign deities and participation in immoral rituals, despite their sacred covenant relationship with Yahweh. Cities like Jerusalem relied heavily on their formidable fortified walls and projecting battlements for defense, viewing them as impregnable symbols of security and national strength. The divine command to "take away her battlements" directly challenges this human-centered reliance, profoundly signifying that these man-made defenses, explicitly declared "not the LORD'S," would offer no true protection against a divinely orchestrated judgment executed through a foreign army.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes that permeate the book of Jeremiah. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Judgment and Justice**, as God, speaking through the prophet, unequivocally declares His intent to punish Judah's persistent sin, particularly their rampant idolatry and egregious covenant breaking, as vividly depicted in passages like [Jeremiah 5:7-9](/jeremiah/5-7-9 "Jeremiah 5:7-9 - Judah's Idolatry and Unfaithfulness"). Inseparably linked with judgment is the profound theme of **God's Enduring Mercy and Covenant Faithfulness**, powerfully highlighted by the crucial and restraining phrase, "but make not a full end." This divine limitation on the scope of destruction, also echoed in [Jeremiah 30:11](/jeremiah/30-11 "Jeremiah 30:11 - God's Promise of Partial Judgment and Restoration"), foreshadows the preservation of a righteous remnant and the eventual restoration of Israel, thereby demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to His promises even in the midst of His wrath. Finally, the verse incisively addresses the theme of **Misplaced Trust and False Security**, as the command to dismantle "battlements; for they are not the LORD'S" exposes Judah's perilous reliance on human fortifications and political alliances rather than on the sovereign protection of Yahweh, a warning consistent with the prophet's fervent call for true repentance and unreserved trust in God alone (cf. [Jeremiah 17:5-8](/jeremiah/17-5-8 "Jeremiah 17:5-8 - Cursed is the one who trusts in man")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **destroy (Hebrew, _shâchath'_):** From H7843, meaning "to decay, i.e. (causatively) ruin (literally or figuratively); batter, cast off, corrupt(-er, thing), destroy(-er, -uction), lose, mar, perish, spill, spoiler, [idiom] utterly, waste(-r)." This word conveys the profound severity and totality of the intended devastation. It signifies not merely damage, but an utter ruination and laying waste, indicating the comprehensive and destructive nature of God's judgment.
* **full end (Hebrew, _kâlâh'_):** From H3617, meaning "a completion; adverb, completely; also destruction; altogether, (be, utterly) consume(-d), consummation(-ption), was determined, (full, utter) end, riddance." This term denotes absolute, utter annihilation or termination. The negative command "make not a full end" is, therefore, a profound statement of divine restraint and mercy, indicating that despite the severe judgment, God will not utterly wipe out His people.
* **LORD'S (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** From H3068, referring to the self-Existent or Eternal God, Jehovah, the Jewish national name of God. This signifies that the battlements, though physically present and seemingly robust, were not built with God's approval, sustained by trust in Him, or intended for His glory. Their existence and the confidence placed in them were rooted in human pride and self-reliance, rendering them illegitimate in God's eyes and thus subject to divine dismantling.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Go ye up upon her walls, and destroy;":** This clause issues a direct, imperative command from God to the instruments of His judgment—the invading army. "Her walls" refers specifically to the formidable fortifications of Jerusalem and, by extension, Judah. The command to "destroy" signifies the severity and purposeful nature of the impending judgment, serving as a divine authorization for the devastation that is about to unfold.
* **"but make not a full end:":** This crucial, parenthetical clause introduces a profound and merciful limitation on the extent of the destruction. Despite the severity of the judgment, God explicitly forbids complete annihilation. This reveals God's enduring mercy and unwavering faithfulness to His covenant, ensuring the preservation of a remnant and the continuation of His redemptive plan.
* **"take away her battlements;":** This is a specific divine directive to dismantle the projecting defensive structures of the city. "Battlements" symbolize Judah's misplaced reliance on physical strength and human-derived security. Their removal signifies the stripping away of Judah's false sense of security and their misplaced trust in human provisions rather than in divine protection.
* **"for they are not the LORD'S.":** This explanatory clause provides the divine rationale for the command to remove the battlements. It unequivocally declares that these fortifications, and by extension, the trust placed in them, were neither sanctioned, blessed, nor owned by Yahweh. They represented a reliance on human power and strategic ingenuity apart from God, rendering them ultimately ineffective and destined for divine dismantling.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 5:10 employs several potent **literary devices** to convey its powerful message. The primary device is the **Divine Oracle/Command**, where God directly issues imperative instructions for judgment, underscoring His absolute sovereignty and active, decisive involvement in human history. The language throughout is intensely **imperative**, with direct commands such as "Go ye up," "destroy," and "take away," which collectively create an overwhelming sense of urgency, inevitability, and divine authority. **Symbolism** is profoundly prominent, particularly with "walls" and "battlements" serving as potent representations of Judah's physical defenses and, more broadly, their misguided trust in human strength and security rather than in the omnipotent God. The declaration that these battlements are "not the LORD'S" functions as a powerful **metaphor** for anything built or relied upon apart from God's explicit will, blessing, and divine ownership. There is also a subtle yet profound **irony** in God commanding the destruction of the very structures His people believed would protect them, starkly highlighting the ultimate futility of human efforts and defenses without divine favor. Finally, the phrase "but make not a full end" functions as a striking **antithesis** to the preceding command to "destroy," creating a stark contrast that powerfully emphasizes God's tempered justice and His enduring, covenantal mercy.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 5:10 profoundly illustrates the intricate tension between God's righteous judgment and His enduring covenant faithfulness. The command to "destroy" reflects God's unwavering justice against sin, particularly the idolatry and rebellion that violated the very core of His covenant with Israel. Yet, the crucial limitation "but make not a full end" reveals a divine mercy that transcends immediate and total punishment. This is not arbitrary destruction but a disciplinary act meticulously aimed at purification and eventual restoration, ensuring the survival of a remnant through whom His promises will ultimately be fulfilled. It also serves as a timeless warning against placing trust in human constructs or achievements ("battlements") over the sovereign power and protection of the Lord, reminding us that true and lasting security is found only in Him.

* [Jeremiah 30:11](/jeremiah/30-11 "God's Promise to Not Make a Full End")
* [Psalm 20:7](/psalms/20-7 "Trusting in the Lord, Not in Chariots or Horses")
* [Deuteronomy 28:49-52](/deuteronomy/28-49-52 "Prophecy of Invasion and Siege for Disobedience")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 5:10 offers profound and timeless insights for contemporary believers, serving as a powerful reminder of God's multifaceted character as both perfectly just and infinitely merciful. While He is long-suffering and patient, there inevitably comes a point when persistent rebellion and unrepentant sin invite His righteous judgment. This judgment, however, is consistently tempered by His enduring love and faithfulness, ensuring that even in the midst of severe discipline, there remains an unwavering hope for restoration and a future. The vivid imagery of "battlements" serves as a potent metaphor for anything we tend to rely on for security, protection, or identity apart from God—be it our financial stability, career achievements, relational networks, political affiliations, or even our innate personal abilities. If these "battlements" are explicitly declared "not the LORD'S," they are ultimately vulnerable, inherently flawed, and destined to fail us when truly tested. True security, genuine peace, and lasting stability are found only when our trust is unreservedly placed in the Lord, aligning our lives, our defenses, and our deepest hopes with His divine will and perfect purposes. This verse issues a compelling call for profound self-examination: What are our personal "battlements"? Are they truly "of the LORD'S," meticulously built on His truth and sustained by His omnipotent power, or are they flimsy human constructs destined to crumble under divine scrutiny or life's inevitable, often overwhelming, storms?

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "battlements" or sources of security do I tend to rely on in my life that might not truly be "of the LORD'S," and how might I begin to dismantle them?**
* **How does understanding God's judgment tempered with His profound mercy (the "not a full end" clause) shape my view of His character and my personal response to His discipline in my own life?**
* **In what specific areas of my life do I need to relinquish my own "battlements" of self-reliance and instead place complete, unwavering trust in God's sovereign provision and protective care?**

### FAQ
**What does "make not a full end" mean in the context of God's judgment?**

Answer: The phrase "make not a full end" (Hebrew: *kâlâh*) is a crucial and profound expression of God's mercy and unwavering covenant faithfulness, even amidst the most severe judgment. It signifies that while God will indeed bring devastating destruction and discipline upon Judah for their profound sins, He will not utterly annihilate them. This divine limitation ensures the survival of a remnant, thereby preserving His people and His sacred promises for future restoration, as clearly seen in other prophetic books like [Isaiah 6:13](/isaiah/6-13 "Isaiah 6:13 - The Holy Seed is the Remnant"). It powerfully demonstrates that God's ultimate purpose in judgment is not total annihilation but rather purification, a call to repentance, and a return to Him, allowing for the eventual and glorious fulfillment of His overarching redemptive plan for humanity.

**Why were Judah's "battlements" considered "not the LORD'S"?**

Answer: Judah's "battlements" (their defensive structures and fortifications) were considered "not the LORD'S" because the people had fundamentally misplaced their trust and security in these physical constructs and in their own military or political alliances, rather than in the Lord Himself. Their confidence was rooted in human strength, strategic defenses, and worldly power, all of which were pursued apart from a true, obedient, and trusting relationship with God. This misplaced trust was, in essence, a form of idolatry, diverting their absolute reliance from the sovereign God who alone could truly protect them. Therefore, God declares these defenses illegitimate in His sight, signifying that they would offer no true or lasting protection against His divinely ordained judgment. This timeless principle is powerfully echoed in [Psalm 127:1](/psalms/127-1 "Psalm 127:1 - Unless the LORD Builds the House"), which states, "Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 5:10, though a stark declaration of impending judgment, finds its ultimate and profound Christ-centered fulfillment within the grand narrative of God's redemptive plan. The divine command to "destroy" but crucially "make not a full end" vividly foreshadows God's unwavering and perfect justice against sin, a justice that is ultimately and completely satisfied in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. On the cross, Christ willingly became the ultimate recipient of God's righteous wrath against humanity's sin, experiencing the "full end" of judgment so that all who believe in Him might never face it (cf. [Romans 8:1](/romans/8-1 "Romans 8:1 - No Condemnation in Christ Jesus")). The preservation of a remnant in Jeremiah profoundly points to God's unshakeable faithfulness to His covenant, a covenant that is ultimately secured, fulfilled, and brought to its glorious culmination in Christ, who is the true Israel and the head of the new covenant community (cf. [Galatians 3:16](/galatians/3-16 "Galatians 3:16 - The Promises Made to Abraham and His Seed, Christ")). Furthermore, the "battlements" that were explicitly declared "not the LORD'S" powerfully symbolize humanity's futile and self-defeating attempts to secure itself, establish its own righteousness, or find lasting peace apart from God. In Christ, we discover our true, eternal, and impenetrable defense. He is our ultimate "strong tower" (cf. [Proverbs 18:10](/proverbs/18-10 "Proverbs 18:10 - The Name of the LORD is a Strong Tower")), our profound peace, and our unassailable security. Through His atoning sacrifice, He decisively dismantled the spiritual "battlements" of sin, death, and separation that stood between us and God, establishing a new and living way into God's presence (cf. [Hebrews 10:19-20](/hebrews/10-19-20 "Hebrews 10:19-20 - The New and Living Way Through Christ's Blood")). Thus, Jeremiah's prophecy of limited destruction and the removal of false securities ultimately points to the comprehensive, eternal salvation and true, unshakeable security found exclusively in Christ Jesus.

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 4:27

For thus hath the LORD said, The whole land shall be desolate; yet will I not make a full end.

Psalms 78:61

And delivered his strength into captivity, and his glory into the enemy's hand.

Psalms 78:62

He gave his people over also unto the sword; and was wroth with his inheritance.

Matthew 22:7

But when the king heard [thereof], he was wroth: and he sent forth his armies, and destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city.

Jeremiah 39:8

And the Chaldeans burned the king's house, and the houses of the people, with fire, and brake down the walls of Jerusalem.

Hosea 1:9

Then said [God], Call his name Loammi: for ye [are] not my people, and I will not be your [God].

2 Chronicles 36:17

Therefore he brought upon them the king of the Chaldees, who slew their young men with the sword in the house of their sanctuary, and had no compassion upon young man or maiden, old man, or him that stooped for age: he gave [them] all into his hand.