Jeremiah 51:5

KJV

For Israel [hath] not [been] forsaken, nor Judah of his God, of the LORD of hosts; though their land was filled with sin against the Holy One of Israel.

KJV (with Strong's)

For Israel {H3478} hath not been forsaken {H488}, nor Judah {H3063} of his God {H430}, of the LORD {H3068} of hosts {H6635}; though their land {H776} was filled {H4390} with sin {H817} against the Holy One {H6918} of Israel {H3478}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Isra'el and Y'hudah are not left widowed of their God, ADONAI-Tzva'ot; but the land of [the Kasdim] is full of guilt before the Holy One of Isra'el."

Berean Standard Bible

For Israel and Judah have not been abandoned by their God, the LORD of Hosts, though their land is full of guilt before the Holy One of Israel.”

American Standard Version

For Israel is not forsaken, nor Judah, of his God, of Jehovah of hosts; though their land is full of guilt against the Holy One of Israel.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 51:5 stands as a profound declaration of Yahweh's unwavering covenant faithfulness to Israel and Judah, even amidst their profound national sin and the devastating judgment of the Babylonian exile. It serves as a divine assurance that despite the appearances of abandonment and the severe consequences of their disobedience, God, the "LORD of hosts" and "Holy One of Israel," has not ultimately forsaken His chosen people, maintaining His long-term redemptive purposes for them.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Jeremiah's extensive prophecies against Babylon, specifically in chapters 50-51, which detail the impending divine judgment and destruction of the conquering empire. While the preceding verses focus on the instruments and extent of Babylon's downfall, Jeremiah 51:5 abruptly shifts focus, providing a crucial theological pivot. It contrasts Babylon's certain annihilation with God's enduring commitment to His own people, Israel and Judah. This juxtaposition highlights God's sovereign control over nations and His distinct covenant relationship with His chosen people, even when they are under discipline. The verse serves as a beacon of hope and a theological anchor, reminding the exiles that their suffering is not a sign of ultimate rejection but a painful, yet purposeful, part of God's larger plan, which includes future restoration as promised in [Jeremiah 29:10](/jeremiah/29-10 "Jeremiah 29:10 - Plans for Restoration").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop is the Babylonian exile (586 BCE), following the destruction of Jerusalem and the First Temple. The people of Judah, including many from the northern kingdom of Israel who had been assimilated, were living as captives in a foreign land. This period was marked by immense despair, questioning of God's faithfulness, and a sense of national abandonment. The very existence of the people seemed precarious, and their land lay desolate. Culturally, the concept of a nation's god being defeated when its people were conquered was prevalent. Therefore, for the exiles, the declaration that Yahweh, the "LORD of hosts," had "not been forsaken" them directly challenged this prevailing worldview and offered a radical counter-narrative to their lived experience of loss and displacement. It affirmed God's transcendent power above all earthly empires and deities.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 51:5 encapsulates several pivotal themes central to the book of Jeremiah and the broader Old Testament narrative. Foremost is **God's Unwavering Covenant Faithfulness (Hesed)**. Despite Israel and Judah's pervasive sin, which led to exile, God's commitment to His covenant promises remains intact. This verse emphatically states that He has "not been forsaken" them, underscoring His steadfast love and loyalty even when His people are unfaithful, a truth echoed in [2 Timothy 2:13](/2_timothy/2-13 "2 Timothy 2:13 - God Remains Faithful"). Secondly, the verse highlights the **Gravity and Consequence of Sin**. The phrase "though their land was filled with sin against the Holy One of Israel" powerfully conveys the depth of Israel's rebellion. Their sin was not merely a transgression of laws but an offense against the very character of a holy and righteous God, necessitating divine judgment. Lastly, the verse subtly introduces the theme of **Hope Amidst Judgment**. While the immediate context is one of severe discipline and the downfall of nations, the assurance that God has not forsaken His people provides a glimmer of future restoration and a reminder that God's ultimate purpose for His people is redemption, not annihilation, as seen in the broader prophetic messages of [Jeremiah](/jeremiah/31 "Jeremiah 31 - The New Covenant").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **forsaken (Hebrew, _ʼalmân'_):** Derived from a root suggesting bereavement or being discarded, this word implies a state of being abandoned, widowed, or left desolate. In this context, it powerfully negates the common perception or fear among the exiles that God had completely abandoned them. It asserts that despite their dire circumstances and the consequences of their sin, God has not treated them as utterly discarded or bereft of His presence and care.
* **filled (Hebrew, _mâlêʼ'_):** This root signifies being full, complete, or overflowing. When applied to the land being "filled with sin," it paints a vivid picture of pervasive, abundant, and overwhelming wickedness. It suggests that sin was not merely present but saturated the very fabric of their society and land, reaching a tipping point that necessitated divine intervention and judgment.
* **Holy One (Hebrew, _qâdôwsh'_):** This term emphasizes God's sacredness, moral purity, and absolute separateness from all that is common or sinful. When Israel's land is described as "filled with sin against the Holy One of Israel," it underscores the profound offense of their transgressions. Their sin was not against a distant or indifferent deity, but against the very essence of perfect holiness and righteousness, making their guilt all the more grievous.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For Israel hath not been forsaken, nor Judah of his God, of the LORD of hosts;"**: This opening clause delivers the core message of divine faithfulness. It explicitly states that neither the northern kingdom (Israel) nor the southern kingdom (Judah) has been abandoned by their God. The repetition of "his God" and the powerful title "the LORD of hosts" (Yahweh Sabaoth) reinforces the intimate, covenantal relationship God maintains with His people, asserting His supreme power and authority over all creation and armies, even in their state of exile. This is a direct counter-narrative to the despair and perceived abandonment felt by the exiles.
* **"though their land was filled with sin against the Holy One of Israel."**: This second clause provides the crucial qualification and explanation for their current predicament. It acknowledges the undeniable reality of their profound sinfulness. The phrase "filled with sin" vividly portrays the pervasive nature of their transgression, suggesting that their wickedness had reached a saturation point. The sin was not merely against a set of laws but "against the Holy One of Israel," a title that emphasizes God's absolute moral purity and separateness. This highlights the severity of their rebellion and justifies the disciplinary judgment they were experiencing, without negating God's ultimate faithfulness.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 51:5 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound theological message. Central to its impact is **Contrast**, juxtaposing God's unwavering faithfulness ("not been forsaken") with Israel's pervasive sin ("filled with sin"). This stark comparison highlights both the depth of human depravity and the even greater depth of divine grace and covenant loyalty. The use of **Divine Titles** such as "the LORD of hosts" and "the Holy One of Israel" is also highly significant. "The LORD of hosts" (Yahweh Sabaoth) functions as a title of power and sovereignty, reassuring the exiles that their God is the ultimate commander, capable of both judging nations and preserving His people. "The Holy One of Israel" emphasizes God's absolute moral purity and separateness, intensifying the gravity of Israel's sin against such a transcendent being. Furthermore, the phrase "their land was filled with sin" utilizes **Hyperbole** and **Metonymy**. "Filled" is an exaggeration to emphasize the overwhelming extent of their wickedness, while "land" metonymically represents the people and their actions within that land, making the consequences of their sin tangible and widespread.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 51:5 is a profound theological statement on the nature of God's covenant with His people. It underscores the tension between divine justice and divine mercy, revealing that God's discipline, even severe judgment like exile, is not equivalent to abandonment. Instead, it is a corrective measure from a faithful God who remains committed to His promises despite His people's unfaithfulness. This verse affirms God's absolute sovereignty over history and nations, demonstrating that even when His people are at their lowest point, He is still "the LORD of hosts," orchestrating events for His ultimate redemptive purposes. It also highlights the profound seriousness of sin, particularly when committed against a God who is "the Holy One," emphasizing that moral transgression has deep spiritual implications and necessitates a divine response.

* [Deuteronomy 31:6](/deuteronomy/31-6 "Deuteronomy 31:6 - God Will Not Fail or Forsake You")
* [Lamentations 3:22-23](/lamentations/3-22 "Lamentations 3:22-23 - The Lord's Mercies Never Come to an End")
* [2 Timothy 2:13](/2_timothy/2-13 "2 Timothy 2:13 - God Remains Faithful")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 51:5 offers profound comfort and a sobering challenge for believers today. In moments of personal failure, suffering, or when the consequences of our actions seem overwhelming, this verse serves as a powerful reminder that God does not forsake His own. His faithfulness is not contingent on our perfection but is rooted in His unchanging character and covenant promises. We can find deep assurance that even when we experience the painful discipline for our shortcomings, it is not a sign of ultimate abandonment but rather the loving hand of a Father who seeks to refine and restore us. Conversely, the verse also calls us to a profound awareness of the gravity of sin. Our transgressions are not trivial; they are offenses against a holy and righteous God. This should lead us to humility, repentance, and a renewed commitment to living lives that honor His sacred character. Just as God had a plan for Israel beyond their exile, He has a purpose for our lives even through trials, calling us to trust in His sovereign hand and His ultimate good intentions for those who are His.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life might you be tempted to feel forsaken by God, and how does this verse challenge that feeling?**
* **How does understanding God as "the Holy One of Israel" deepen your understanding of the seriousness of your own sin?**
* **What specific actions can you take this week to live in greater awareness of God's unwavering faithfulness, even amidst personal struggles or societal challenges?**

### FAQ
**How can God say Israel has "not been forsaken" when they are in exile?**

Answer: The statement "not been forsaken" in [Jeremiah 51:5](/jeremiah/51-5 "Jeremiah 51:5 - God Has Not Forsaken Israel") does not mean God approved of their sin or that they avoided consequences. Rather, it signifies that God's covenant relationship and long-term redemptive purposes for Israel remained intact, even during their period of severe discipline. The exile was a consequence of their unfaithfulness, but it was also a corrective measure from a faithful God, not a sign of His ultimate abandonment. He was still "the LORD of hosts," sovereign over their circumstances, and had plans for their future restoration, as revealed in prophecies like [Jeremiah 29:10-14](/jeremiah/29-10 "Jeremiah 29:10-14 - Plans for Hope and a Future").

**What does the title "LORD of hosts" signify in this context?**

Answer: "LORD of hosts" (Hebrew: _Yahweh Sabaoth_) is a powerful divine title emphasizing God's absolute sovereignty, power, and authority. "Hosts" refers to heavenly armies, celestial bodies, and earthly forces. In the context of [Jeremiah 51:5](/jeremiah/51-5 "Jeremiah 51:5 - God Has Not Forsaken Israel"), it reassures the exiled Israelites that their God is not weak or defeated, even though their nation has been conquered. He is the supreme commander over all creation and all nations, including Babylon. This title underscores His ability to both execute judgment and fulfill His promises of preservation and restoration for His people, demonstrating that their ultimate hope rests in His omnipotent hand.

**What does "Holy One of Israel" imply about Israel's sin?**

Answer: The title "Holy One of Israel" (Hebrew: _Qadosh Yisrael_) emphasizes God's unique moral purity, absolute righteousness, and separateness from all sin and defilement. When [Jeremiah 51:5](/jeremiah/51-5 "Jeremiah 51:5 - God Has Not Forsaken Israel") states that Israel's land was "filled with sin against the Holy One of Israel," it highlights the profound gravity of their transgressions. Their sin was not merely a breaking of rules but a direct offense against the very essence of God's perfect, transcendent character. This makes their guilt all the more egregious and underscores why divine judgment was necessary, as a holy God cannot tolerate unholiness indefinitely.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 51:5, with its declaration of God's unwavering faithfulness despite Israel's pervasive sin, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The "Holy One of Israel" who could not overlook sin became incarnate in the person of Jesus, the [Holy One of God](/mark/1-24 "Mark 1:24 - Jesus, the Holy One of God"), who perfectly embodied divine holiness and righteousness. Humanity, like ancient Israel, was "filled with sin," deserving of judgment and indeed, utterly forsaken by God in its fallen state. However, God's covenant faithfulness, which preserved a remnant of Israel, is fully realized in Christ's atoning work. On the cross, Jesus, the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), became sin for us, experiencing the ultimate forsaking by God ("My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" - [Matthew 27:46](/matthew/27-46 "Matthew 27:46 - Jesus Cries Out on the Cross")) so that those who believe in Him would never be forsaken by God. Through Christ's sacrifice, the sin that filled the land and separated humanity from the Holy One is atoned for, allowing for a new covenant relationship where believers are eternally secure in God's love, assured by the promise that He will [never leave them nor forsake them](/hebrews/13-5 "Hebrews 13:5 - God Will Never Leave You"). Thus, the hope of non-forsaking, initially extended to Israel under the Old Covenant, is perfectly and eternally secured for all who are in Christ, the true Israel of God.

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

Romans 11:1

¶ I say then, Hath God cast away his people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, [of] the tribe of Benjamin.

Romans 11:2

God hath not cast away his people which he foreknew. Wot ye not what the scripture saith of Elias? how he maketh intercession to God against Israel, saying,

Zechariah 12:6

In that day will I make the governors of Judah like an hearth of fire among the wood, and like a torch of fire in a sheaf; and they shall devour all the people round about, on the right hand and on the left: and Jerusalem shall be inhabited again in her own place, [even] in Jerusalem.

Zechariah 12:8

In that day shall the LORD defend the inhabitants of Jerusalem; and he that is feeble among them at that day shall be as David; and the house of David [shall be] as God, as the angel of the LORD before them.

Hosea 4:1

¶ Hear the word of the LORD, ye children of Israel: for the LORD hath a controversy with the inhabitants of the land, because [there is] no truth, nor mercy, nor knowledge of God in the land.

Isaiah 62:12

And they shall call them, The holy people, The redeemed of the LORD: and thou shalt be called, Sought out, A city not forsaken.

Jeremiah 33:24

Considerest thou not what this people have spoken, saying, The two families which the LORD hath chosen, he hath even cast them off? thus they have despised my people, that they should be no more a nation before them.