Jeremiah 5:17

KJV

And they shall eat up thine harvest, and thy bread, [which] thy sons and thy daughters should eat: they shall eat up thy flocks and thine herds: they shall eat up thy vines and thy fig trees: they shall impoverish thy fenced cities, wherein thou trustedst, with the sword.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they shall eat up {H398} thine harvest {H7105}, and thy bread {H3899}, which thy sons {H1121} and thy daughters {H1323} should eat {H398}: they shall eat up {H398} thy flocks {H6629} and thine herds {H1241}: they shall eat up {H398} thy vines {H1612} and thy fig trees {H8384}: they shall impoverish {H7567} thy fenced {H4013} cities {H5892}, wherein thou {H2007} trustedst {H982}, with the sword {H2719}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They will eat up your harvest and your bread, they will eat up your sons and your daughters, they will eat up your flocks and your herds, they will eat up your vines and your fig trees; with the sword they will beat down your fortified cities, in which you trust.

Berean Standard Bible

They will devour your harvest and food; they will consume your sons and daughters; they will eat up your flocks and herds; they will feed on your vines and fig trees. With the sword they will destroy the fortified cities in which you trust.”

American Standard Version

And they shall eat up thy harvest, and thy bread, which thy sons and thy daughters should eat; they shall eat up thy flocks and thy herds; they shall eat up thy vines and thy fig-trees; they shall beat down thy fortified cities, wherein thou trustest, with the sword.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 5:17 powerfully prophesies the comprehensive and devastating judgment awaiting Judah due to their pervasive unfaithfulness and idolatry. The verse describes an invading foreign nation, acting as God's instrument, that will utterly consume Judah's agricultural produce, livestock, and vital resources, leaving nothing for their families. Furthermore, this enemy will dismantle the very fortifications and cities in which Judah had foolishly placed their trust, demonstrating the futility of relying on human strength rather than divine protection. This pronouncement underscores the severe consequences of national rebellion against God's covenant and highlights the absolute nature of divine retribution.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 5 forms a pivotal section within Jeremiah's early prophecies, delivered during the tumultuous reigns leading up to the Babylonian exile. This chapter specifically details God's profound indictment against Judah for their widespread apostasy, moral corruption, and persistent refusal to repent. Following a series of rhetorical challenges to Judah's spiritual integrity and a lament over their stubbornness (e.g., [Jeremiah 5:1-9](/jeremiah/5-1-9 "Jeremiah 5:1-9 - God's Search for Righteousness and Judah's Corruption")), the Lord declares His intention to bring a powerful, ancient, and previously unknown nation against them as a divine instrument of judgment ([Jeremiah 5:15](/jeremiah/5-15 "Jeremiah 5:15 - The Coming Invader from the North")). Verse 17 elaborates on the specific and comprehensive nature of this impending destruction, moving from the general threat to the precise economic and military ruin that will befall Judah. It serves as a concrete manifestation of the covenant curses outlined in the Mosaic Law for disobedience, particularly those found in [Deuteronomy 28:33-57](/deuteronomy/28-33-57 "Deuteronomy 28:33-57 - Curses for Disobedience").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jeremiah prophesied during a period of immense geopolitical upheaval, marked by the decline of the Assyrian Empire and the ascendance of Babylon as the dominant regional power. Despite the reforms initiated by King Josiah, the people of Judah had largely reverted to widespread idolatry, social injustice, and spiritual complacency. Their trust had shifted from their covenant God, Yahweh, to alliances with foreign powers (such as Egypt) and their own formidable military defenses, particularly their numerous fortified cities. Agriculturally, Judah was an agrarian society, heavily reliant on harvests (grain, grapes, figs) and livestock (flocks and herds) for sustenance, trade, and economic stability. The "fenced cities" (fortified cities) were considered impregnable strongholds, representing their primary defense against invaders. The prophecy of an enemy "eating up" these vital resources and destroying these cities would have evoked profound fear and a sense of utter vulnerability, as it described the complete dismantling of their societal and economic infrastructure, leading inevitably to famine, subjugation, and national collapse.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 5:17 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Jeremiah. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Judgment and Retribution**, demonstrating that God's patience has limits and that unrepentant sin inevitably leads to severe, divinely orchestrated consequences. This judgment is not arbitrary but a righteous response to Judah's persistent rebellion and covenant unfaithfulness, as further elaborated in [Jeremiah 5:25](/jeremiah/5-25 "Jeremiah 5:25 - Sins Withholding Good"). Secondly, the verse emphasizes **Total Devastation and Loss**, using repetitive language ("eat up") to convey the absolute stripping away of all resources—from basic sustenance to the very means of production—signifying complete economic collapse and famine. This imagery underscores the thoroughness of God's judgment. Thirdly, it underscores the theme of **Misplaced Trust**, revealing the profound futility of Judah's reliance on their physical fortifications and military might ("fenced cities, wherein thou trustedst") rather than on the Lord, who alone is their true protector and source of security, as articulated in [Psalm 20:7](/psalms/20-7 "Psalm 20:7 - Trust in the Lord"). Finally, the mention of the "sword" points to the theme of **Invasion and Conquest**, explicitly foretelling the military defeat and occupation by a foreign power, historically fulfilled by the Babylonian Empire, which God uses as His instrument of wrath (cf. [Jeremiah 25:9](/jeremiah/25-9 "Jeremiah 25:9 - Nebuchadnezzar as God's Servant")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **eat up (Hebrew, _ʼâkal'_ H398):** This primitive root signifies consumption, but in this context, it carries a strong connotation of voracious, destructive devouring. Its repeated use ("eat up thine harvest," "eat up thy bread," "eat up thy flocks," "eat up thy vines") emphasizes the totality and rapaciousness of the enemy's actions, leaving nothing behind. It's not mere consumption for sustenance, but a complete stripping away, leading to utter destitution and famine. The verb implies a comprehensive and insatiable destruction.
* **fenced (Hebrew, _mibtsâr'_ H4013):** Derived from a root meaning "to cut off" or "to fortify," this word refers to a fortification, a castle, or a fortified city. These were considered Judah's primary defensive structures, built for security and protection against invaders. The mention of them here highlights the irony and futility of their strength when faced with divine judgment, as these seemingly impregnable strongholds would offer no refuge or defense against the instrument of God's wrath.
* **trustedst (Hebrew, _bâṭach'_ H982):** This root means "to hide for refuge," "to trust," "to be confident or sure." It denotes a deep reliance and confidence placed in something or someone. In Jeremiah 5:17, it points to Judah's misplaced confidence in their material and military defenses rather than in the Lord. This reveals a profound spiritual failure, a breach of covenant loyalty, and a fundamental misunderstanding of true security. Their trust in human constructs would prove to be a false and ultimately devastating hope.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they shall eat up thine harvest, and thy bread, which thy sons and thy daughters should eat":** This opening clause immediately establishes the economic devastation, targeting the most fundamental aspects of sustenance: the grain harvest and daily bread. The poignant addition "which thy sons and thy daughters should eat" highlights the tragic human cost, emphasizing that even the food intended for the most vulnerable members of society would be seized, leading to widespread famine, starvation, and profound suffering among families. This detail appeals directly to the listener's empathy.
* **"they shall eat up thy flocks and thine herds":** Moving beyond agricultural produce, the prophecy extends to the destruction of Judah's livestock. Flocks (sheep and goats) and herds (cattle) represented significant wealth, primary food sources (meat and milk), and essential labor (for plowing and transport). Their consumption signifies a complete obliteration of animal resources, further crippling the economy and ensuring a deep, pervasive famine that would affect every household.
* **"they shall eat up thy vines and thy fig trees":** This clause specifies the destruction of two key fruit-bearing plants, which were not only staple foods but also symbols of prosperity, blessing, and peace in ancient Israel (cf. [1 Kings 4:25](/1_kings/4-25 "1 Kings 4:25 - Peace Under Solomon")). Vines produced grapes for wine, and fig trees provided a staple fruit. Their destruction indicates not only a loss of current produce but also the long-term ruin of agricultural capacity, ensuring that future harvests would also be impossible, leaving the land barren and unproductive for years to come.
* **"they shall impoverish thy fenced cities, wherein thou trustedst, with the sword."** This final clause shifts from economic ruin to military conquest and the dismantling of Judah's perceived security. "Impoverish" (Hebrew _râshash_) implies demolishing, making destitute, or utterly destroying. The "fenced cities" represent Judah's military strongholds and centers of population, which they relied upon for defense and refuge. The phrase "wherein thou trustedst" directly indicts their misplaced faith in human fortifications over divine protection. The "sword" is the explicit instrument of this destruction, signifying a violent military invasion that would utterly dismantle their defenses, bring about their complete subjugation, and leave them utterly vulnerable.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 5:17 employs several powerful **literary devices** to convey its message of impending judgment with vivid impact. The most prominent is **Repetition**, specifically of the phrase "they shall eat up." This anaphora creates a relentless, almost rhythmic, emphasis on the comprehensive and insatiable nature of the invading enemy's destruction. It builds a sense of overwhelming loss, leaving no aspect of Judah's livelihood untouched, from their crops to their livestock and fruit trees. **Hyperbole** is also present in the cumulative effect of this destruction, suggesting a complete and utter stripping away of all resources, which, while perhaps not literally every single item, effectively conveys the absolute totality and severity of the ruin. The phrase "which thy sons and thy daughters should eat" is a poignant use of **Pathos**, appealing directly to the reader's emotions by highlighting the suffering of innocent children and families, making the judgment more visceral, tragic, and personally impactful. Finally, the stark contrast between the seemingly impregnable "fenced cities" and their ultimate "impoverishment with the sword" serves as a powerful form of **Irony**, exposing the profound futility of human reliance on physical defenses and material security when divine judgment is at hand. The very objects of their misplaced trust become the instruments of their downfall.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 5:17 serves as a stark reminder of God's unwavering justice and the severe consequences of covenant infidelity. It illustrates the profound principle that when a people persistently rejects the Lord and places their trust in worldly securities, God will, in His righteous judgment, allow those very securities to be stripped away. This divine judgment is not arbitrary but a just and holy response to Judah's deep-seated rebellion, widespread idolatry, and pervasive moral decay, directly fulfilling the curses outlined in the Mosaic Covenant against disobedience. The verse underscores God's absolute sovereignty over nations, demonstrating His ability to raise up and bring down empires as instruments of His divine will, even against His own covenant people when they stray from His path. It highlights the inherent danger of misplaced trust, teaching that true security, lasting provision, and ultimate refuge come only from a right, obedient, and trusting relationship with the Almighty, not from material wealth, military might, or human ingenuity.

* [Deuteronomy 28:48](/deuteronomy/28-48 "Deuteronomy 28:48 - Serving Enemies in Hunger") - Foreshadows the very economic devastation and subjugation described in Jeremiah 5:17 as a consequence of disobedience.
* [Psalm 118:8-9](/psalms/118-8-9 "Psalm 118:8-9 - Trust in the Lord, Not Man") - Contrasts reliance on man and princes with trusting in the Lord, directly addressing the theme of misplaced trust in human strength.
* [Hosea 8:7](/hosea/8-7 "Hosea 8:7 - Sowing the Wind, Reaping the Whirlwind") - Speaks of sowing the wind and reaping the whirlwind, illustrating the direct cause-and-effect relationship between spiritual rebellion and catastrophic judgment.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 5:17 calls us to a profound and searching self-examination regarding the true objects of our trust and the sincerity of our walk with God. In a world that often prioritizes financial security, material possessions, career achievements, and personal independence, this verse stands as a powerful prophetic warning: anything that replaces God as our ultimate source of security, provision, and identity is a false idol, destined to fail and be "eaten up" when tested by life's inevitable storms or divine judgment. Do we, like ancient Judah, place our confidence in our "fenced cities"—our careers, our savings, our social status, our physical health, our intellectual prowess, or even our perceived control over our lives—rather than in the unfailing faithfulness of God? The devastating imagery in the verse reminds us that true and lasting security is found only in a vibrant, obedient, and trusting relationship with the Lord. It compels us to repent of any misplaced trusts, to re-evaluate our priorities in light of eternity, and to align our lives fully with God's will, understanding that His protective hand is our only true and unshakeable refuge. This passage urges us to cultivate a heart of radical dependence on Him, recognizing that all blessings flow from His grace and that His judgment, though severe, is always just and ultimately redemptive, designed to call His people back to Himself.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the "fenced cities" in my life—the things I trust in more than God for security, provision, or identity?**
* **How does the imagery of "eating up" resources challenge my sense of material security and comfort, prompting me to re-evaluate my priorities?**
* **In what specific ways might I be exhibiting spiritual complacency or misplaced trust, similar to Judah's unfaithfulness described here?**
* **What practical steps can I take this week to deepen my trust in God and lessen my reliance on worldly things and my own perceived strength?**

### FAQ
**Why is God's judgment so severe in this passage?**

Answer: God's judgment in Jeremiah 5:17 is severe because it is a direct and righteous response to Judah's prolonged and pervasive unfaithfulness, idolatry, and covenant breaking. Despite repeated warnings and calls to repentance from prophets like Jeremiah, the people of Judah stubbornly refused to turn back to the Lord, instead embracing false gods and engaging in widespread social injustice and moral corruption. The severity of the judgment reflects the gravity of their sin and God's holy character. It also serves as a fulfillment of the curses outlined in the Mosaic Covenant (e.g., [Deuteronomy 28:15-68](/deuteronomy/28-15-68 "Deuteronomy 28:15-68 - Curses for Disobedience")) for disobedience, demonstrating that God takes His covenant seriously and that there are real, devastating consequences for rebellion against His righteous standards. The "eating up" of resources and destruction of cities symbolizes the complete dismantling of a society that had rejected its divine foundation and its only true source of life and blessing.

**What does "impoverish thy fenced cities, wherein thou trustedst" mean for us today?**

Answer: This phrase highlights the perennial danger of misplaced trust. For ancient Judah, "fenced cities" represented their military strength, physical security, and national pride—their ultimate defense against enemies. They trusted in these human constructs more than in God. For us today, "fenced cities" can represent anything in which we place our ultimate security, confidence, or hope apart from God. This could include financial wealth, a successful career, social status, political power, personal abilities, intellectual prowess, or even human relationships. The timeless message is that anything we trust in more than God is ultimately vulnerable and can be "impoverished" or stripped away. [Psalm 146:3](/psalms/146-3 "Psalm 146:3 - Do Not Trust in Princes") reminds us, "Put not your trust in princes, nor in the son of man, in whom there is no help." The verse calls us to examine where our true trust lies and to shift our ultimate reliance to God, who alone is an unfailing refuge, an unshakeable foundation, and our faithful provider.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 5:17, with its stark depiction of judgment and the stripping away of false securities, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment not in the direct experience of such judgment by believers, but profoundly in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The "sword" of judgment that fell upon Judah for their sin and misplaced trust ultimately fell upon Christ on the cross. He became the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), bearing the full weight of God's righteous wrath against humanity's unfaithfulness, so that all who trust in Him might be spared from the judgment their own sin deserves (cf. [Isaiah 53:5-6](/isaiah/53-5-6 "Isaiah 53:5-6 - Christ's Atoning Sacrifice")). Furthermore, the misplaced trust of Judah in their "fenced cities" points to humanity's universal tendency to seek security and provision in worldly things and self-reliance. Christ, however, offers a true and eternal security that no earthly power or circumstance can "eat up" or "impoverish." He is the solid rock upon which we can build our lives, ensuring that when the storms come, our house will not fall ([Matthew 7:24-27](/matthew/7-24-27 "Matthew 7:24-27 - The Wise and Foolish Builders")). He is the true bread of life that satisfies spiritual hunger and offers eternal sustenance ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus the Bread of Life")), and the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for His flock, ensuring their ultimate safety, provision, and eternal life ([John 10:11, 28](/john/10-11-28 "John 10:11, 28 - The Good Shepherd Gives Eternal Life")). In Christ, the devastating judgment foreshadowed in Jeremiah 5:17 is transformed into a promise of abundant life, unshakeable peace, and an eternal kingdom for all who place their trust in Him alone ([Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13-14 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Delivered from Darkness into Christ's Kingdom")).

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

Leviticus 26:16

I also will do this unto you; I will even appoint over you terror, consumption, and the burning ague, that shall consume the eyes, and cause sorrow of heart: and ye shall sow your seed in vain, for your enemies shall eat it.

Deuteronomy 28:33

The fruit of thy land, and all thy labours, shall a nation which thou knowest not eat up; and thou shalt be only oppressed and crushed alway:

Lamentations 2:2

The Lord hath swallowed up all the habitations of Jacob, and hath not pitied: he hath thrown down in his wrath the strong holds of the daughter of Judah; he hath brought [them] down to the ground: he hath polluted the kingdom and the princes thereof.

Jeremiah 50:17

Israel [is] a scattered sheep; the lions have driven [him] away: first the king of Assyria hath devoured him; and last this Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon hath broken his bones.

Jeremiah 8:16

The snorting of his horses was heard from Dan: the whole land trembled at the sound of the neighing of his strong ones; for they are come, and have devoured the land, and all that is in it; the city, and those that dwell therein.

Jeremiah 50:7

All that found them have devoured them: and their adversaries said, We offend not, because they have sinned against the LORD, the habitation of justice, even the LORD, the hope of their fathers.

Deuteronomy 28:30

Thou shalt betroth a wife, and another man shall lie with her: thou shalt build an house, and thou shalt not dwell therein: thou shalt plant a vineyard, and shalt not gather the grapes thereof.