Jeremiah 5:19

KJV

And it shall come to pass, when ye shall say, Wherefore doeth the LORD our God all these [things] unto us? then shalt thou answer them, Like as ye have forsaken me, and served strange gods in your land, so shall ye serve strangers in a land [that is] not yours.

KJV (with Strong's)

And it shall come to pass, when ye shall say {H559}, Wherefore {H8478}{H4100} doeth {H6213} the LORD {H3068} our God {H430} all these things unto us? then shalt thou answer {H559} them, Like as ye have forsaken {H5800} me, and served {H5647} strange {H5236} gods {H430} in your land {H776}, so shall ye serve {H5647} strangers {H2114} in a land {H776} that is not yours.

Complete Jewish Bible

And when your people ask, 'Why has ADONAI our God done all these things to us?' you are to give them this answer: 'Just as you abandoned me and served strange gods in your own land, so likewise you will serve strangers in a land that is not your own.'

Berean Standard Bible

And when the people ask, ‘For what offense has the LORD our God done all these things to us?’ You are to tell them, ‘Just as you have forsaken Me and served foreign gods in your land, so will you serve foreigners in a land that is not your own.’”

American Standard Version

And it shall come to pass, when ye shall say, Wherefore hath Jehovah our God done all these things unto us? then shalt thou say unto them, Like as ye have forsaken me, and served foreign gods in your land, so shall ye serve strangers in a land that is not yours.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 5:19 is a stark prophetic declaration from the Lord, delivered through Jeremiah, anticipating Judah's future lament during their impending exile. It unveils God's righteous justification for the severe judgment, directly linking their suffering to their profound spiritual unfaithfulness. The verse highlights a principle of divine reciprocity: because Judah abandoned the Lord to serve foreign deities in their own land, they would be compelled to serve foreign oppressors in a land not their own. This serves as a powerful testament to the consequences of covenant infidelity and idolatry.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Jeremiah's broader prophetic ministry, primarily addressing the kingdom of Judah during the late 7th and early 6th centuries BCE, leading up to the Babylonian exile. Chapters 1-6 of Jeremiah establish the prophet's call and deliver an initial series of indictments against Judah for their widespread apostasy, idolatry, and social injustice. Chapter 5 specifically details the pervasive corruption, from the common people to the prophets and priests, emphasizing their stubborn refusal to repent despite repeated warnings. Verse 19 acts as a divine pre-emptive answer to the people's inevitable cry of "Why?" when the promised judgment, particularly the invasion and exile by a foreign nation, finally materializes. It underscores the Lord's omniscience and His unwavering commitment to justice, even as His people question His actions.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jeremiah prophesied during a turbulent period marked by the decline of Assyrian power and the rise of Babylon. Judah, caught between these shifting geopolitical forces, often sought alliances with foreign nations rather than trusting in the Lord, a practice frequently condemned by prophets. Spiritually, the nation was steeped in syncretism, blending the worship of Yahweh with the idolatrous practices of surrounding Canaanite and Mesopotamian religions, including child sacrifice and astral worship. This spiritual adultery was a direct violation of the Mosaic Covenant, particularly the [First Commandment](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - No Other Gods Before Me"). Culturally, the covenant relationship with God was understood in terms of loyalty and exclusive devotion, much like a marriage. Judah's idolatry was seen as spiritual prostitution, incurring the covenant curses outlined in passages like [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses"). The impending "strangers" refer to the Babylonian invaders, God's chosen instrument of judgment against His unfaithful people.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 5:19 powerfully encapsulates several dominant themes found throughout the book of Jeremiah and the broader prophetic corpus. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Retribution and Justice**, demonstrating that God's judgment is not arbitrary but a direct, just consequence of human sin and covenant breaking. The suffering of Judah is portrayed as a direct outcome of their choices, reflecting the principle of sowing and reaping found in [Galatians 6:7](/galatians/6-7 "Galatians 6:7 - Sowing and Reaping"). Secondly, the verse emphasizes the grievous nature of **Idolatry and Apostasy**, identifying the "forsaking" of the Lord and serving "strange gods" as the primary transgression. This spiritual infidelity is the root cause of their downfall. Thirdly, it illustrates **Poetic Justice** or *lex talionis*, where the punishment mirrors the crime. Because Judah served foreign deities, they would be forced to serve foreign masters, a theme also echoed in [Deuteronomy 28:47-48](/deuteronomy/28-47 "Deuteronomy 28:47-48 - Consequences of Disobedience"). Finally, the verse underscores **Covenant Accountability**, reminding God's people that their privileged relationship with Yahweh came with solemn obligations, and failure to uphold these obligations would inevitably lead to severe consequences, including exile from the promised land, as warned in the Mosaic Law (e.g., [Leviticus 26](/leviticus/26 "Leviticus 26 - Blessings and Curses")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **say (Hebrew, _ʼâmar'_):** H559. A primitive root meaning "to say," used with broad application, including to answer, declare, command, or think. In this verse, it appears twice, first referring to Judah's future lamenting question ("when ye shall say") and then to the prophet's divine response ("then shalt thou answer them"). This highlights the direct, dialogical nature of God's communication through Jeremiah, anticipating and addressing the people's confusion or self-pity.
* **God (Hebrew, _ʼĕlôhîym'_):** H430. The plural form of _ʼĕlôah_, most commonly referring to the supreme God (Yahweh), especially with the definite article, but also used for "gods" in the ordinary sense. Its dual usage in this verse—"the LORD our God" (referring to Yahweh) and "strange gods" (referring to foreign deities)—creates a stark contrast, emphasizing Judah's betrayal of the one true God by worshipping false, impotent idols.
* **forsaken (Hebrew, _ʻâzab'_):** H5800. A primitive root meaning "to loosen, relinquish, permit, fail, leave (destitute), refuse." Here, it signifies Judah's deliberate act of abandoning or turning away from their covenant relationship with the Lord. This is not a passive neglect but an active rejection of God's exclusive claim on their loyalty and worship, forming the core of their transgression.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it shall come to pass, when ye shall say, Wherefore doeth the LORD our God all these [things] unto us?"**: This clause sets the scene for a future moment of distress and questioning. God, through Jeremiah, prophesies that the people will inevitably cry out in confusion and perhaps self-pity, wondering why such calamities (exile, foreign oppression) are befalling them at the hand of their own covenant God. This anticipates their denial of responsibility and their failure to connect their suffering with their sin.
* **"then shalt thou answer them,"**: This is the divine command to Jeremiah (or any future prophet/leader) to deliver God's direct, unequivocal explanation. It signifies that God will not leave His people in ignorance regarding the reasons for their judgment; the answer will be provided clearly and forcefully.
* **"Like as ye have forsaken me, and served strange gods in your land,"**: This clause provides the "why." It specifies Judah's two primary transgressions: first, "forsaking" Yahweh, indicating a deliberate abandonment of their covenant relationship and exclusive devotion; and second, "served strange gods," pointing to their widespread idolatry and syncretism within the very land God had given them. This highlights their spiritual adultery and disloyalty.
* **"so shall ye serve strangers in a land [that is] not yours."**: This clause declares the precise nature of the judgment, which perfectly mirrors the sin. The consequence is a form of poetic justice: because they willingly served foreign deities (_nêkâr_ / _ʼĕlôhîym_) in their own land, they would be forced to serve foreign people (_zûwr_) as oppressors in a foreign land. This exile and subjugation would be the direct, fitting recompense for their unfaithfulness.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 5:19 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message. **Anticipation** is evident as the Lord foretells Judah's future question, demonstrating divine foreknowledge and control over historical events. The core of the verse is built upon a striking **Parallelism** and **Chiasm** (ABBA structure), creating a profound sense of **Poetic Justice**. The structure can be seen as: "forsaken me (A) / served strange gods (B) in your land (C)" followed by "serve strangers (B') in a land not yours (C')". The "strange gods" (B) are mirrored by "strangers" (B'), and "your land" (C) by "a land not yours" (C')'. This creates a powerful **Irony**: their choice to embrace the foreign (idols) leads to their subjugation by the foreign (nations). The use of the same root word for "strange" (H5236, _nêkâr_) in "strange gods" and "strangers" (H2114, _zûwr_, related in concept) further emphasizes this direct, reciprocal consequence. The entire verse functions as a divine **Rhetorical Question** and **Answer**, designed to leave no doubt about the justice of God's actions.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly articulates the theological principle of divine justice and the consequences of covenant infidelity. It underscores that God's judgments are not arbitrary acts of vengeance but righteous responses to human sin, particularly the sin of idolatry, which is a direct affront to His exclusive sovereignty and a betrayal of the covenant relationship. The "strangers" and "strange gods" highlight the reciprocal nature of divine justice: what Judah sowed in spiritual disloyalty, they would reap in physical subjugation. This serves as a timeless warning that turning away from the one true God for anything else—whether literal idols or modern-day substitutes like wealth, power, or self-worship—inevitably leads to spiritual and often tangible forms of bondage and loss. God's faithfulness to His covenant includes both blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience, ensuring His holiness and justice are upheld.

* [Deuteronomy 28:47-48](/deuteronomy/28-47 "Deuteronomy 28:47-48 - Curses for Disobedience")
* [Leviticus 26:33](/leviticus/26-33 "Leviticus 26:33 - Scattering Among the Nations")
* [Isaiah 1:2-4](/isaiah/1-2 "Isaiah 1:2-4 - Israel's Rebellion")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 5:19 calls us to profound introspection regarding our own loyalties and affections. While we may not bow to physical idols, the principle of "strange gods" remains acutely relevant. Anything that displaces God from the supreme position in our hearts—be it career, comfort, relationships, reputation, or personal desires—becomes an idol that demands our service and ultimately leads to a form of spiritual bondage. This verse serves as a sober reminder that God is just, and while His grace abounds, His covenant with His people requires exclusive devotion. Our choices have consequences, and genuine freedom and flourishing are found only in wholehearted, undivided allegiance to the Lord. We are challenged to examine what we truly serve and to repent of any "strange gods" that have usurped God's rightful place, lest we find ourselves serving "strangers" in a "land not ours"—a spiritual state of alienation and unfreedom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "strange gods" might I be serving in my own life today, subtly or overtly, that compete with my devotion to the Lord?**
* **How do my daily choices reflect whom or what I truly serve?**
* **In what ways might I be experiencing "serving strangers in a land not yours" as a consequence of misplaced loyalties or spiritual compromise?**
* **What steps can I take to cultivate a more exclusive and undivided devotion to God, ensuring He remains first in my life?**

### FAQ

**What does "strange gods" refer to in this context?**

Answer: In Jeremiah's time, "strange gods" (Hebrew: _ʼĕlôhîym nêkâr_) primarily referred to the pagan deities worshipped by the surrounding nations, such as Baal, Asherah, and the host of gods associated with fertility cults and astral worship. These were considered "strange" because they were foreign to the covenant God of Israel, Yahweh, who had revealed Himself as the one true God. Judah's adoption and worship of these foreign deities constituted a grave act of spiritual adultery and a direct violation of the [First Commandment](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - No Other Gods Before Me"), which strictly prohibited worshipping any other gods besides the Lord.

**How does Judah's "forsaking" God relate to their "serving strange gods"?**

Answer: The "forsaking" (Hebrew: _ʻâzab_) of God is the foundational act of disloyalty that precedes and enables the "serving strange gods." To "forsake" God implies a deliberate abandonment of the covenant relationship and the exclusive devotion owed to Him. It's not merely a passive drifting away, but an active turning from the one true source of life and blessing. Once God is forsaken, a vacuum is created, which is then filled by the worship and service of "strange gods." This indicates a fundamental shift in allegiance, where the people's trust, worship, and obedience are transferred from Yahweh to idols, leading to spiritual and moral corruption throughout the land, as described in Jeremiah's prophecies (e.g., [Jeremiah 2:13](/jeremiah/2-13 "Jeremiah 2:13 - Two Evils of Israel")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 5:19, with its stark portrayal of Judah's covenant breaking and the ensuing judgment, finds its ultimate fulfillment and resolution in Jesus Christ. The people of God "forsaking" the Lord and "serving strange gods" highlights humanity's pervasive sin problem—our innate tendency to turn from the Creator to worship the created, leading to spiritual exile and bondage. Christ, however, perfectly embodies the obedient Israelite, never "forsaking" the Father but always doing His will (e.g., [John 8:29](/john/8-29 "John 8:29 - Jesus Always Pleases the Father")). He is the true Israel, fulfilling the covenant where Judah failed. The "strangers" Judah was forced to serve due to their sin foreshadow the spiritual bondage to sin and death from which humanity needed deliverance. Jesus came to set us free from serving these spiritual "strangers"—the dominion of sin, the law, and death (e.g., [Romans 6:16-18](/romans/6-16 "Romans 6:16-18 - Slaves to Righteousness") and [Galatians 5:1](/galatians/5-1 "Galatians 5:1 - Freedom in Christ")). Through His atoning sacrifice, Christ bore the curse of the covenant that Judah incurred (e.g., [Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse")), allowing those who believe in Him to be reconciled to God and brought into a new covenant, where God's law is written on their hearts, preventing them from "forsaking" Him (e.g., [Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31 "Jeremiah 31:31-34 - The New Covenant") and [Hebrews 8:8-12](/hebrews/8-8 "Hebrews 8:8-12 - The New Covenant Superiority")). Thus, the judgment on Judah for their idolatry points to the profound need for a Savior who would perfectly obey God and liberate His people from the spiritual "strangers" of sin, ushering them into the true promised "land" of eternal life and fellowship with God (e.g., [Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1-4 - New Heaven and New Earth")).

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

Deuteronomy 28:47

Because thou servedst not the LORD thy God with joyfulness, and with gladness of heart, for the abundance of all [things];

Deuteronomy 28:48

Therefore shalt thou serve thine enemies which the LORD shall send against thee, in hunger, and in thirst, and in nakedness, and in want of all [things]: and he shall put a yoke of iron upon thy neck, until he have destroyed thee.

1 Kings 9:8

And at this house, [which] is high, every one that passeth by it shall be astonished, and shall hiss; and they shall say, Why hath the LORD done thus unto this land, and to this house?

1 Kings 9:9

And they shall answer, Because they forsook the LORD their God, who brought forth their fathers out of the land of Egypt, and have taken hold upon other gods, and have worshipped them, and served them: therefore hath the LORD brought upon them all this evil.

Jeremiah 22:8

And many nations shall pass by this city, and they shall say every man to his neighbour, Wherefore hath the LORD done thus unto this great city?

Jeremiah 22:9

Then they shall answer, Because they have forsaken the covenant of the LORD their God, and worshipped other gods, and served them.

Jeremiah 16:13

Therefore will I cast you out of this land into a land that ye know not, [neither] ye nor your fathers; and there shall ye serve other gods day and night; where I will not shew you favour.