Jeremiah 6:23

KJV

They shall lay hold on bow and spear; they [are] cruel, and have no mercy; their voice roareth like the sea; and they ride upon horses, set in array as men for war against thee, O daughter of Zion.

KJV (with Strong's)

They shall lay hold {H2388} on bow {H7198} and spear {H3591}; they are cruel {H394}, and have no mercy {H7355}; their voice {H6963} roareth {H1993} like the sea {H3220}; and they ride {H7392} upon horses {H5483}, set in array {H6186} as men {H376} for war {H4421} against thee, O daughter {H1323} of Zion {H6726}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They will take hold of bow and spear; they are cruel; they have no compassion: their noise as they ride on horses is like the roaring sea; and they are equipped for battle against you, daughter of Tziyon.

Berean Standard Bible

They grasp the bow and spear; they are cruel and merciless. Their voice roars like the sea, and they ride upon horses, lined up like men in formation against you, O Daughter of Zion.”

American Standard Version

They lay hold on bow and spear; they are cruel, and have no mercy; their voice roareth like the sea, and they ride upon horses, every one set in array, as a man to the battle, against thee, O daughter of Zion.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 6:23 is a vivid and chilling prophetic warning describing the imminent and terrifying invasion of Judah by a ruthless northern army, identified as the Babylonians. The verse portrays the invaders as merciless, equipped for war, and advancing with an overwhelming, roaring force, signaling God's severe judgment upon Jerusalem, poetically referred to as the "daughter of Zion," for its persistent rebellion and spiritual decay. This powerful imagery underscores the inescapable nature of the coming divine retribution and the dire consequences of unrepentant sin.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a broader section of Jeremiah's prophecies (chapters 6-10) that intensely focuses on the impending judgment of Judah and Jerusalem. Specifically, [Jeremiah chapter 6](/jeremiah/6 "Jeremiah 6 - The Invasion from the North") serves as a dire warning, painting a picture of an enemy approaching from the north, poised to devastate the land. The preceding verses in [Jeremiah 6:1-5](/jeremiah/6-1 "Jeremiah 6:1-5 - Warning to Flee") urge the inhabitants of Jerusalem to flee, while [Jeremiah 6:6-8](/jeremiah/6-6 "Jeremiah 6:6-8 - Jerusalem's Corruption") lament the city's deep-seated corruption and obstinacy, providing the theological justification for the severity of the judgment described in [Jeremiah 6:23](/jeremiah/6-23 "Jeremiah 6:23 - The Cruel Invaders"). The imagery of a fierce, unyielding enemy is consistent throughout this chapter, emphasizing the inescapable nature of God's wrath against a people who have repeatedly rejected His covenant.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jeremiah prophesied during the late 7th and early 6th centuries BCE, a tumultuous period leading up to the Babylonian exile. Judah, under kings like Jehoiakim and Zedekiah, was caught between the waning power of Assyria, the rising might of Egypt, and the burgeoning empire of Babylon (Chaldea). God, through Jeremiah, identified Babylon as His chosen instrument of judgment against Judah for its widespread idolatry, social injustice, and spiritual apostasy. The description of the army in [Jeremiah 6:23](/jeremiah/6-23 "Jeremiah 6:23 - The Cruel Invaders") reflects the military prowess and brutal tactics characteristic of ancient Near Eastern armies, particularly the Babylonians, known for their efficiency and ruthlessness in siege warfare and conquest. The "daughter of Zion" is a common poetic personification of Jerusalem and its inhabitants, evoking a sense of vulnerability and impending sorrow, akin to a lament over a beloved child.
* **Key Themes:** [Jeremiah 6:23](/jeremiah/6-23 "Jeremiah 6:23 - The Cruel Invaders") powerfully contributes to several key themes pervasive in the book of Jeremiah. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Judgment** as a consequence of covenant unfaithfulness, demonstrating God's sovereignty over nations and His use of foreign powers to execute His righteous decrees. Secondly, the verse underscores the **Severity of Sin** and the dire consequences of unrepentant disobedience, contrasting the invaders' cruelty with the mercy God had continually offered His people. Thirdly, it emphasizes the **Irreversibility of Impending Doom** once God's patience is exhausted, painting a picture of an overwhelming and unstoppable force that leaves no room for escape. This theme is further developed in passages like [Jeremiah 5:15-17](/jeremiah/5-15 "Jeremiah 5:15-17 - The Distant Nation's Invasion"), which also describe the terrifying nature of the northern invaders.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Cruel (Hebrew, _ʼakzârîy'_):** Derived from a root indicating "terrible," this word describes the inherent nature of the invading army. It signifies a complete lack of compassion or pity, highlighting their unyielding brutality. This characteristic is central to the prophecy, emphasizing that the judgment would be executed by an instrument devoid of the mercy that Judah itself had often lacked.
* **Roareth (Hebrew, _hâmâh'_):** This primitive root describes making a loud sound, often associated with great commotion, tumult, or rage. It can refer to the roar of a lion, the sound of a crowd, or the tumultuous noise of the sea. Here, it vividly conveys the overwhelming, terrifying, and chaotic sound of the approaching army, a sound that instills fear and signifies an unstoppable force.
* **Daughter of Zion (Hebrew, _bath Tsîyôwn'_):** "Daughter" (H1323, _bath_) is a common idiom for the inhabitants of a city or region, often used in prophetic and lament literature to personify the community. "Zion" (H6726, _Tsîyôwn_) refers to Jerusalem, specifically the temple mount, but by extension, the entire city and its people. The phrase "daughter of Zion" evokes a tender, intimate relationship, making the impending judgment all the more poignant and tragic, as it is directed against God's beloved, yet rebellious, people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"They shall lay hold on bow and spear;":** This clause immediately establishes the military readiness and aggressive posture of the invading force. "Lay hold" (H2388, _châzaq_) suggests a firm grasp, indicating their proficiency and determination in wielding their weapons. The mention of "bow" (H7198, _qesheth_) and "spear" (H3591, _kîydôwn_) identifies them as well-equipped warriors, capable of both ranged and close-quarters combat, signifying a complete and formidable military threat.
* **"they [are] cruel, and have no mercy;":** This is a direct and stark characterization of the invaders. "Cruel" (H394, _ʼakzârîy_) and "have no mercy" (H7355, _râcham_) underscore their inhumane nature. This moral descriptor is crucial; it highlights that God is using an instrument that perfectly embodies the lack of compassion that Judah itself had shown to the poor and needy, and to God's warnings. Their ruthlessness ensures the full execution of judgment.
* **"their voice roareth like the sea;":** This powerful simile describes the terrifying sound of the approaching army. The "voice" (H6963, _qôwl_) here refers to the collective sound of their advance—their shouts, the thunder of their horses, the clamor of their weapons. Comparing it to the "sea" (H3220, _yâm_) emphasizes its immense volume, its tumultuous and overwhelming nature, and its unstoppable force, much like crashing waves that engulf everything in their path.
* **"and they ride upon horses, set in array as men for war against thee, O daughter of Zion.":** This final clause completes the picture of a disciplined and formidable military machine. "Ride upon horses" (H7392, _râkab_ H5483, _çûwç_) indicates their speed and mobility, typical of conquering armies of the time. "Set in array" (H6186, _ʻârak_) signifies their organized and strategic formation, not a chaotic mob but a disciplined force, prepared for battle. The phrase "as men for war" (H376, _ʼîysh_ H4421, _milchâmâh_) further stresses their professional and determined military posture. The direct address "against thee, O daughter of Zion" (H1323, _bath_ H6726, _Tsîyôwn_) makes the prophecy intensely personal and immediate for the people of Jerusalem, highlighting their vulnerability as the direct target of this terrifying force.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 6:23 is rich with literary devices that amplify its prophetic impact. The most prominent is **Simile**, explicitly stated in "their voice roareth like the sea." This comparison vividly conveys the overwhelming, tumultuous, and terrifying sound of the approaching army, evoking a sense of an unstoppable natural force. **Personification** is employed in the address "O daughter of Zion," which gives Jerusalem a human identity, allowing the prophet to speak to the city as a vulnerable individual facing impending doom, thereby intensifying the emotional weight of the prophecy. **Imagery** is central throughout the verse, painting a detailed and frightening picture of the invaders: their weapons ("bow and spear"), their cruel disposition ("cruel, and have no mercy"), their thundering advance ("ride upon horses"), and their disciplined formation ("set in array as men for war"). This sensory imagery creates a palpable sense of dread and inevitability. The stark **Contrast** between the "cruel" and "merciless" invaders and the implied expectation of God's mercy, which Judah had forfeited, also serves to highlight the severity of the judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 6:23 is a profound statement on divine justice and the consequences of unrepentant sin. It reveals God's sovereignty over all nations, even using a pagan, ruthless army as an instrument of His righteous judgment against His own covenant people who had persistently rebelled against Him. This verse underscores the principle that while God is merciful and long-suffering, His patience has limits, and unheeded warnings eventually lead to severe retribution. It highlights the terrifying reality of facing God's wrath when His grace is spurned, demonstrating that His holiness demands a response to sin. The cruelty of the invaders also serves as a mirror, reflecting Judah's own lack of mercy and justice within its society, a theme frequently addressed by Jeremiah.

* [Deuteronomy 28:49-50](/deuteronomy/28-49 "Descriptive Title")
* [Isaiah 5:26-30](/isaiah/5-26 "Descriptive Title")
* [Habakkuk 1:6-8](/habakkuk/1-6 "Descriptive Title")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 6:23, while a specific historical prophecy, carries timeless truths for believers today. It serves as a stark reminder that God is just and holy, and that He takes sin seriously. For us, it should provoke a deep examination of our own lives and communities: are we truly heeding God's warnings, or are we complacent in our spiritual walk? The mercilessness of the invaders contrasts sharply with the call for compassion and justice that permeates God's law and the teachings of Christ. This verse challenges us to cultivate hearts of mercy and to live in genuine repentance, recognizing that divine judgment, though not always manifesting as a physical invasion, is a spiritual reality for those who reject God's grace. It calls us to trust in God's ultimate sovereignty, even when circumstances are terrifying, and to seek His face with humility and obedience.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the description of the invading army challenge my understanding of God's justice and sovereignty?**
* **In what ways might I be complacent or unrepentant in areas of my life where God is calling for change?**
* **What lessons can I draw from the "cruel and merciless" nature of the invaders regarding the importance of compassion and justice in my own life and community?**

### FAQ
**What does "daughter of Zion" mean in this context?**

Answer: "Daughter of Zion" (Hebrew: _bat-Tziyyon_) is a poetic and personified term for Jerusalem and its inhabitants. It's often used in prophetic and lament literature to refer to the people of God's chosen city. In [Jeremiah 6:23](/jeremiah/6-23 "Jeremiah 6:23 - The Cruel Invaders"), it emphasizes the direct target of the impending judgment, evoking a sense of intimacy and vulnerability, as if God is lamenting over His beloved, yet rebellious, child, Jerusalem. It highlights the tragic irony that the very city meant to be God's dwelling place and a light to the nations is now facing His wrath.

**Why would God use such a "cruel" army to punish His own people?**

Answer: This question touches on the complex nature of divine judgment. God, in His sovereignty, can use any instrument to fulfill His purposes, even those that are themselves wicked or ruthless. In the Old Testament, foreign nations often served as "rods of His anger" (e.g., [Isaiah 10:5](/isaiah/10-5 "Isaiah 10:5 - Assyria, the Rod of God's Anger")). The cruelty of the Babylonians in [Jeremiah 6:23](/jeremiah/6-23 "Jeremiah 6:23 - The Cruel Invaders") highlights the severity of Judah's sin and the depth of their spiritual apostasy, which had exhausted God's long-suffering patience. It also serves as a stark contrast to the mercy and compassion God desires from His people, demonstrating that when His covenant is broken, the consequences can be severe and executed through instruments that know no mercy, reflecting the very lack of mercy shown by Judah.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 6:23, a prophecy of terrifying judgment, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment not in a literal invasion, but in the profound spiritual realities of sin, judgment, and redemption through Jesus Christ. The "cruel" and "merciless" nature of the invading army foreshadows the inescapable reality of God's righteous wrath against sin, a wrath that would have consumed humanity entirely had not a perfect substitute intervened. Jesus, the true [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), willingly bore the full brunt of this divine judgment on the cross, becoming a curse for us (as seen in [Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse")). He is the one who, unlike the merciless invaders, offers abundant mercy and compassion, fulfilling the very characteristic that Judah lacked and that the invaders embodied in their absence. Furthermore, the "daughter of Zion," though facing earthly destruction, finds its ultimate hope and spiritual fulfillment in the new Jerusalem, the Church, which Christ establishes and promises that "the gates of hell shall not prevail against it" ([Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - The Church Built on the Rock")). Through Christ, believers are delivered from the ultimate judgment and are brought into a kingdom of peace, where the roar of war is replaced by the voice of the Shepherd ([John 10:27-28](/john/10-27 "John 10:27-28 - My Sheep Hear My Voice")). He is the true King who rides not on a horse for war, but on a donkey, bringing salvation and peace ([Zechariah 9:9](/zechariah/9-9 "Zechariah 9:9 - Your King Comes to You"), fulfilled in [Matthew 21:5](/matthew/21-5 "Matthew 21:5 - Jesus' Triumphal Entry")).

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

Isaiah 13:18

[Their] bows also shall dash the young men to pieces; and they shall have no pity on the fruit of the womb; their eye shall not spare children.

Jeremiah 50:42

They shall hold the bow and the lance: they [are] cruel, and will not shew mercy: their voice shall roar like the sea, and they shall ride upon horses, [every one] put in array, like a man to the battle, against thee, O daughter of Babylon.

Habakkuk 1:6

For, lo, I raise up the Chaldeans, [that] bitter and hasty nation, which shall march through the breadth of the land, to possess the dwellingplaces [that are] not theirs.

Habakkuk 1:10

And they shall scoff at the kings, and the princes shall be a scorn unto them: they shall deride every strong hold; for they shall heap dust, and take it.

Isaiah 19:4

And the Egyptians will I give over into the hand of a cruel lord; and a fierce king shall rule over them, saith the Lord, the LORD of hosts.

Jeremiah 4:29

The whole city shall flee for the noise of the horsemen and bowmen; they shall go into thickets, and climb up upon the rocks: every city [shall be] forsaken, and not a man dwell therein.

Isaiah 5:26

And he will lift up an ensign to the nations from far, and will hiss unto them from the end of the earth: and, behold, they shall come with speed swiftly: