TRV
See on the biblical-era map
Study This Verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Jeremiah 6:18–30. His three-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
Here, I. God appeals to all the neighbours, nay, to the whole world, concerning the equity of his proceedings against Judah and Jerusalem (Jer 6:18, Jer 6:19): "Hear, you nations, and know particularly, O congregation of the mighty, the great men of the nations, that take cognizance of the affairs of states about you and make remarks upon them. Observe now what is doing among those of Judah and Jerusalem; you hear of the desolations brought upon them, the earth rings of it, trembles under it; you all wonder that I should bring evil upon this people, that are in covenant with me, that profess relation to me, that have worshipped me, and been highly favoured by me; you are ready to ask, Wherefore has the Lord done thus to this land? Deu 29:24. Know then," 1. "That it is the natural product of their devices. The evil brought upon them is the fruit of their thought. They thought to strengthen themselves by their alliance with foreigners, and by that very thing they weakened and diminished themselves, they betrayed and exposed themselves." 2. "That it is the just punishment of their disobedience and rebellion. God does but execute upon them the curse of the law for their violation of its commands. It is because they have not hearkened to my words nor to my law, nor regarded a word I have said to them, but rejected it all. They would never have been ruined thus by the judgments of God's hand if they had not refused to be ruled by the judgments of his mouth: therefore you cannot say that they have any wrong done them."
II.God rejects their plea, by which they insisted upon their external services as sufficient to atone for all their sins.
Alas! it is a frivolous plea (Jer 6:20): "To what purpose come there to me incense and sweet cane, to be burnt for a perfume on the golden altar, though it was the best of the kind, and far-fetched? What care I for your burnt-offerings and your sacrifices?" They not only cannot profit God (no sacrifice does, Psa 50:9), but they do not please him, for none does this but the sacrifice of the upright; that of the wicked is an abomination to him. Sacrifice and incense were appointed to excite their repentance, and to direct them to a Mediator, and assist their faith in him. Where this good use was made of them they were acceptable, God had respect to them and to those that offered them. But when they were offered with an opinion that thereby they made God their debtor, and purchased a license to go on in sin, they were so far from being pleasing to God that they were a provocation to him.
III.He foretels the desolation that was now coming upon them.
1.God designs their ruin because they hate to be reformed (Jer 6:21): I will lay stumbling-blocks before this people, occasions of falling not into sin, but into trouble. Those whom God has marked for destruction he perplexes and embarrasses in their counsels, and obstructs and retards all the methods they take for their own safety. The parties of the enemy, which they met with wherever they went, were stumbling-blocks to them; in ever corner they stumbled upon them and were dashed to pieces by them: The fathers and the sons together shall fall upon them; neither the fathers with their wisdom, nor the sons with their strength and courage, shall escape them, or get over them. The sons that sinned with their fathers fall with them. Even the neighbour and his friend shall perish and not be able to help either themselves or one another.
2.He will make use of the Chaldeans as instruments of it; for whatever work God has to do he will find out proper instruments for the doing of it. This is a people fetched from the north, from the sides of the earth. Babylon itself lay a great way off northward; and some of the countries that were subject to the king of Babylon, out of which his army was levied, lay much further. These must be employed in this service, Jer 6:22, Jer 6:23. For,
(1.)It is a people very numerous, a great nation, which will make their invasion the more formidable.
(2.)It is a warlike people. They lay hold on bow and spear, and at this time know how to use them, for they are used to them. They ride upon horses, and therefore they march the more swiftly, and in battle press the harder. No nation had yet brought into the field a better cavalry that the Chaldeans.
(3.)It is a barbarous people. They are cruel and have no mercy, being greedy of prey and flushed with victory. They take a pride in frightening all about them; their voice roars like the sea. And,
(4.)They have a particular design upon Judah and Jerusalem, in hopes greatly to enrich themselves with the spoil of that famous country. They are set in array against thee, O daughter of Zion! The sins of God's professing people make them an easy prey to those that are God's enemies as well as theirs.
IV.He describes the very great consternation which Judah and Jerusalem should be in upon the approach of this formidable enemy, Jer 6:24-26.
1.They own themselves in a fright, upon the first intelligence brought them of the approach of the enemy: "When we have but heard the fame thereof our hands wax feeble, and we have no heart to make any resistance; anguish has taken hold of us, and we are immediately in an extremity of pain, like that of a woman in travail." Note, Sense of guilt quite dispirits men, upon the approach of any threatening trouble. What can those hope to do for themselves who have made God their enemy?
2.They confine themselves by consent to their houses, not daring to show their heads abroad; for, though they could not but expect that the sword of the enemy would at last find them out there, yet they would rather die tamely and meanly there than run any venture, either by fight or flight, to help themselves. Thus they say one to another, "Go not forth into the field, no not to fetch in your provision thence, nor walk by the way; dare not to go to church or market, it is at your peril if you do, for the sword of the enemy, and the fear of it, are on every side; the highways are unoccupied, as in Jael's time," Jdg 5:6. Let this remind us, when we travel the roads in safety and there is none to make us afraid, to bless God for our share in the public tranquillity.
3.The prophet calls upon them sadly to lament the desolations that were coming upon them. He was himself the lamenting prophet, and called upon his people to join with him in his lamentations: "O daughter of my people, hear they God calling thee to weeping and mourning, and answer his call: do not only put on sackcloth for a day, but gird it on for thy constant wear; do not only put ashes on thy head, but wallow thyself in ashes; put thyself into close mourning, and use all the tokens of bitter lamentation, not forced and for show only, but with the greatest sincerity, as parents mourn for an only son, and think themselves comfortless because they are childless. Thus do thou lament for the spoiler that suddenly comes upon us. Though he has not come yet, he is coming, the decree has gone forth: let us therefore meet the execution of it with a suitable sadness." As saints may rejoice in hope of God's mercies, though they see them only in the promise, so sinners must mourn for fear of God's judgments, though they see them only in the threatenings.
V.He constitutes the prophet a judge over this people that now stand upon their trial:
as Jer 1:10, I have set thee over the nations; so here, I have set thee for a tower, or as a sentinel, or a watchman, upon a tower, among my people, as an inspector of their actions, that thou mayest know, and try their way, Jer 6:27. Not that God needed any to inform him concerning them; on the contrary, the prophet knew little of them in comparison but by the spirit of prophecy. But thus God appeals to the prophet himself, and his own observation concerning their character, that he might be fully satisfied in the equity of God's proceedings against them and with the more assurance give them warning of the judgments coming. God set him for a tower, conspicuous to all and attacked by many, but made him a fortress, a strong tower, gave him courage to stem the tide and bear the shock of their displeasure. Those that will be faithful reprovers have need to be firm as fortresses. Now in trying their way he will find two things: - 1. That they are wretchedly debauched (Jer 6:28): They are all grievous revolters, revolters of revolters (so the word is), the worst of revolters, as a servant of servants is the meanest servant. They have a revolting heart, have deeply revolted, and revolt more and more. They seemed to start fair, but they revolt and start back. They walk with slanders; they make nothing of belying and backbiting one another, nay, they make a perfect trade of it; it is their constant course, and they govern themselves by the slanders they hear, hating those that they hear ill-spoken of, though ever so unjustly. They are brass and iron, base metals, and there is nothing in them that is valuable. They were as silver and gold, but they have degenerated. Nay, as they are all revolters, so they are all corrupters, not only debauched themselves, but industrious to debauch others, to corrupt them as they themselves are corrupt; nay, to make them seven times more the children of hell than themselves. It is often so; sinners soon become tempters. 2. That they would never be reclaimed and reformed; it was in vain to think of reforming them, for various methods had been tried with them, and all to no purpose, Jer 6:29, Jer 6:30. He compares them to ore that was supposed to have some good metal in it, and was therefore put into the furnace by the refiner, who used all his art, and took abundance of pains, about it, but it proved all dross, nothing of any value could be extracted out of it. God by his prophets and by his providences had used the most proper means to refine this people and to purify them from their wickedness; but it was all in vain. By the continual preaching of the word, and in a series of afflictions, they had been kept in a constant fire, but all to no purpose. The bellows have been still kept so near the fire, to blow it, that they are burnt with the heat of it, or they are quite worn out with long use and thrown into the fire as good for nothing. The prophets have preached their throats sore with crying aloud against the sins of Israel, and yet they are not convinced and humbled. The lead, which was then used in refining silver, as quicksilver is now, is consumed of the fire, and has not done its work. The founder melts in vain; his labour is lost, for the wicked are not plucked away, no care is taken to separate between the precious and the vile, to purge out the old leaven, to cast out of communion those who, being corrupt themselves, are in danger of infecting others. Or, Their wickednesses are not removed (so some read it); they are still as bad as ever, and nothing will prevail to part between them and their sins. They will not be brought off from their idolatries and immoralities by all they have heard, and all they have felt, of the wrath of God against them; and therefore that doom is passed upon them (Jer 6:30): Reprobate silver shall they be called, useless and worthless; they glitter as if they had some silver in them, but there is nothing of real virtue or goodness to be found among them; and for this reason the Lord has rejected them. He will no more own them as his people, nor look for any good from them; he will take them away like dross (Psa 119:119), and prepare a consuming fire for those that would not be purified by a refining fire. By this it appears, (1.) That God has no pleasure in the death and ruin of sinners, for he tries all ways and methods with them to prevent their destruction and qualify them for salvation. Both his ordinances and his providences have a tendency this way, to part between them and their sins; and yet with many it is all lost labour. We have piped unto you, and you have not danced; we have mourned unto you, and you have not wept. Therefore, (2.) God will be justified in the death of sinners and all the blame will lie upon themselves. He did not reject them till he had used all proper means to reform them; did not cast them off so long as there was any hope of them, nor abandon them as dross till it appeared that they were reprobate silver.
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
One surviving comment on this verse from the historical church.
(Verse 27 and following) I have appointed you as a strong tester among my people, and you will know and prove their ways. All these leaders are turning away (or disobedient), walking deceitfully (or perversely). Bronze and iron are all corrupted, the bellows in the fire have failed (which the Greeks more significantly call a 'puffer'), the lead is consumed, the refiner has vainly blown (or the moneylender). For their wickedness is not consumed: call them reprobate silver, for the Lord has rejected them. The prophet is given as a strong proof to an unbelieving people, which is called Mabsar in Hebrew, which either means fortified, according to Aquila, or enclosed and surrounded, according to Symmachus and the Septuagint, like a very strong city, so that it fears no treachery from any people; and when you have proven and understood the way of a sinful people, then you will understand that silver mixed with copper cannot be purged in any way. For just as lead is mixed with metals that are adulterated and corrupted, so that the foreign material can be separated, and if perhaps it has not been purified, all the lead is consumed and reduced to nothing: in the same way, every discourse of teachings and prophetic speech perishes in those who scorn to listen (Psalm 57). Let us speak also about those who, like deaf asps, plug their ears so as not to hear the voices of those who enchant. For the mint worker and the metal smelter have labored in vain: their wickedness has not been consumed. Therefore, they are called not silver, but reprobate silver, because the Lord has rejected them. And the princes are those who turn away from the Lord, who walk perversely and deceitfully.
Continue studying Jeremiah 6:27 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.
Read & Compare
BibleGatewayThis verse in more than 200 translations and 70 languages.
Bible.comThe YouVersion reader — hundreds of translations, reading plans, and highlights.
ESV.orgCrossway's official English Standard Version reader.
NET BibleThe NET translation with 60,000+ translators' notes on every rendering decision.
STEP BibleTyndale House's free study tool — original text, vocabulary, and scholarly resources.
BibliaLogos Bible Software's free web reader.
USCCBThe New American Bible (Revised Edition) with the U.S. bishops' study notes.
Commentaries
BibleHub CommentariesDozens of classic commentaries on this verse, gathered on one page.
StudyLightMore than 100 commentary sets — the largest collection on the web.
BibleRefPlain-English commentary on what this verse means, verse by verse.
Enduring WordDavid Guzik's free commentary on this chapter, widely used by Bible teachers.
Bible Study ToolsVerse commentary alongside Greek and Hebrew study aids.
Original Language & Research
- BibleHub InterlinearThe verse word by word — original language, transliteration, and English.
- BibleHub LexiconEvery word's original-language definition and Strong's entry.
Blue Letter BibleDeep-study tools — Strong's numbers, concordance, and word studies.
SefariaThe Hebrew text with Rashi and centuries of Jewish commentary.
Sermons, Hymns & Audio
TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.
Summary
Jeremiah 6:27 articulates God's specific and demanding commission to the prophet Jeremiah, positioning him as a divinely appointed observer and steadfast scrutinizer within the nation of Judah. God declares that He has established Jeremiah as a "tower" and a "fortress," signifying a role of elevated discernment and unwavering stability. This strategic placement enables Jeremiah to intimately understand and rigorously test the spiritual and moral condition, or "way," of the people, thereby exposing their true heart before God. The verse underscores the profound spiritual insight and fortitude required for Jeremiah's prophetic office amidst a rebellious nation.
Context
Literary Context
Jeremiah 6:27 is situated within a weighty section of Jeremiah's prophecy (chapters 4-6) that vividly portrays God's profound sorrow, disappointment, and impending judgment upon Judah for their persistent sin and rebellion. This chapter, in particular, details the nation's spiritual apostasy, their rejection of divine warnings, and the inevitable consequences, including the looming invasion from the north. Within this dire pronouncement of national decay, verse 27 marks a crucial moment where God reaffirms Jeremiah's unique and arduous role. It immediately follows God's lament over Judah's stubbornness and precedes further descriptions of their deep moral corruption and the coming destruction, emphasizing that Jeremiah's assessment is not merely human observation but a divinely revealed understanding of their true spiritual state.
Historical & Cultural Context
Jeremiah's prophetic ministry unfolded during a period of intense geopolitical upheaval in the late 7th and early 6th centuries BCE, culminating in the Babylonian exile. Judah found itself precariously positioned between the rising power of Babylon and the declining might of Egypt. Internally, the nation was plagued by pervasive idolatry, social injustice, and a widespread abandonment of their covenant relationship with Yahweh. The imagery of a "tower" and a "fortress" would have held immediate and powerful resonance for an ancient audience, as fortified cities and watchtowers were indispensable for defense and strategic observation against external threats. Similarly, the concept of "trying" or "assaying" metals was a well-understood process in the ancient Near East, where precious metals were rigorously tested for purity. This cultural understanding illuminates Jeremiah's role as a spiritual assayer, tasked with discerning the genuine spiritual purity (or profound lack thereof) within a nation that, despite outward religious observances, had deeply deviated from God's commands.
Key Themes
This verse powerfully contributes to several foundational themes within the book of Jeremiah and the broader prophetic tradition. Firstly, it highlights the Divine Commission and Authority of the prophet; Jeremiah's role is not self-initiated but divinely ordained ("I have set thee"), granting him an elevated perspective and unwavering steadfastness in his challenging task. Secondly, it emphasizes the theme of Spiritual Discernment and Examination. Jeremiah is called to "know and try their way," which necessitates a deep, penetrating insight into the nation's actions, motives, and faithfulness, akin to how God Himself "tests the heart and the mind" as powerfully stated in Jeremiah 17:10. This rigorous examination is crucial for exposing the pervasive Spiritual Impurity and Hypocrisy that characterized Judah, a recurring lament throughout the book of Jeremiah. Finally, the imagery of a "tower" and "fortress" reinforces the theme of the prophet as a Watchman and Defender of Truth, standing firm against the prevailing unrighteousness and warning the people of impending judgment, a role also vividly portrayed in Ezekiel 3:17.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This primitive root signifies "to give," but is used with immense latitude, often meaning "to place," "to appoint," or "to establish." In Jeremiah 6:27, it underscores God's sovereign initiative and deliberate act in appointing Jeremiah to his prophetic office. It conveys that Jeremiah's position and authority are not self-derived but are a direct, intentional bestowal from God, establishing him firmly in his unique role.
Derived from a root meaning "to test" or "to examine," this word literally refers to an assayer or a testing place for metals. When applied metaphorically to Jeremiah, it signifies his divinely appointed role as one who tests, examines, and discerns the true spiritual quality of the people. He is positioned as an elevated observer, not merely to see from afar, but to scrutinize and reveal the hidden impurities within Judah's "metal"—their spiritual and moral character.
This primitive root means "to test," "to examine," or "to prove," particularly in the context of metals to determine their purity. When applied to Jeremiah's mission, it signifies a rigorous, discerning process of evaluating the genuineness of Judah's faith and obedience. He was to expose their hypocrisy and reveal how far their "way" had deviated from God's commands, distinguishing the pure from the impure, the genuine from the counterfeit.
Verse Breakdown
"I have set thee [for] a tower [and] a fortress among my people"
This initial clause powerfully asserts God's sovereign action in commissioning Jeremiah. The dual imagery of a "tower" (a place of elevated observation and testing) and a "fortress" (a stronghold signifying stability, strength, and the defense of truth) defines Jeremiah's unique and authoritative position. He is not merely a transient messenger but an established, unmovable point of reference and discernment, strategically placed within the very midst of God's covenant people, Judah. This divine placement grants him the necessary vantage point and spiritual fortitude to undertake his demanding prophetic task.
"that thou mayest know and try their way"
This second clause articulates the explicit purpose and objective of Jeremiah's divine commission. The conjunction "that" indicates the intended outcome. Jeremiah is divinely empowered to "know" (to gain deep, intimate, and discerning insight into) and "try" (to rigorously test and prove, like an assayer testing metal) the "way" of the people. "Their way" refers comprehensively to their conduct, their moral and spiritual course of life, encompassing their actions, attitudes, and fundamental faithfulness (or profound lack thereof) to God's covenant. This was a task of profound spiritual investigation, designed to reveal the true, often corrupt, condition of their hearts.
Literary Devices
Jeremiah 6:27 is rich in Metaphor and Symbolism, central to conveying the depth and nature of Jeremiah's prophetic role. The prophet is not literally a stone "tower" or a physical "fortress," but these terms serve as powerful metaphors for his elevated position of observation, his spiritual stability, and his unwavering role as a defender of God's truth. The "tower" specifically evokes a vantage point for clear sight and discernment, while the "fortress" implies strength, resilience, and a secure place from which to withstand the pervasive spiritual corruption. Furthermore, the verbs "know" and "try" (especially "try") draw upon the Analogy of an assayer testing metals for purity. This Figurative Language effectively communicates the precision, rigor, and divine authority with which Jeremiah was to scrutinize the spiritual and moral purity of Judah, exposing the dross of their sin and the counterfeit nature of their faith.
Theological and Thematic Connections
This verse profoundly speaks to the very nature of prophetic ministry and God's sovereign oversight of His people. It reveals God's unwavering commitment to exposing truth, even when that truth is deeply uncomfortable or condemns, and His persistent desire for His people to be genuinely pure. Jeremiah's role as an assayer directly reflects God's own attribute as the one who searches and tests the hearts and minds of humanity, bringing hidden motives and actions into the light. This divine scrutiny is not merely for condemnation but is ultimately purposed for calling to repentance and restoration, though in Judah's case, their persistent rebellion often led to inevitable judgment. The passage underscores that true spirituality is not about outward performance or superficial adherence but about inward purity and integrity, which God, through His chosen instruments, seeks to reveal and cultivate.
Reflection and Application
Jeremiah 6:27 serves as a powerful and timeless reminder of God's intimate knowledge of our hearts and the paramount importance of genuine spiritual integrity. For believers today, it challenges us to move beyond superficial religiosity and to willingly allow God's Word and Spirit to "know and try" our own "way." This demands honest self-examination, a courageous willingness to confront our hidden motives, unconfessed sins, and areas of compromise, and an unwavering commitment to living authentically before God. For those entrusted with spiritual leadership, this verse illuminates the demanding yet vital call to discernment and truth-telling within the community of faith. Like Jeremiah, leaders are called to observe, understand, and, when necessary, lovingly but firmly challenge the spiritual condition of God's people, always seeking to uphold biblical truth and encourage genuine transformation. It profoundly reminds us that God sees beyond our outward appearances, urging us to cultivate a heart that is truly devoted to Him in every aspect of our lives.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does it mean for Jeremiah to be "set as a tower and a fortress"?
This powerful imagery signifies Jeremiah's divinely appointed role as both an elevated observer and a steadfast defender of God's truth. As a "tower" (Hebrew: bâchôwn, related to assaying metals), he was strategically positioned to gain a clear, discerning vantage point over the spiritual landscape of Judah, much like an assayer meticulously examining precious metals for purity. As a "fortress" (Hebrew: mibtsâr), he was endowed with spiritual strength and stability, enabling him to stand firm against the pervasive unrighteousness and to protect God's message from corruption. This dual role profoundly equipped him to accurately assess the nation's spiritual condition and to deliver God's uncompromising word.
How was Jeremiah to "know and try their way"?
Jeremiah was commissioned to "know" (Hebrew: yâdaʻ, implying deep, experiential, and intimate knowledge) and "try" (Hebrew: bâchan, meaning to test or examine, specifically like metals for purity) the "way" (Hebrew: derek, their course of life, conduct, and moral path) of the people. This was not merely a human psychological assessment but a divinely enabled spiritual discernment. Through God's direct revelation and the profound prophetic burden placed upon him, Jeremiah was to expose the deep-seated idolatry, pervasive hypocrisy, and systemic social injustice that permeated Judah, revealing their true spiritual state despite their outward religious observances. His entire ministry served as a divine test, making manifest the impurity of their hearts, as vividly described in passages like Jeremiah 17:9.
Does this verse have relevance for Christians today?
Absolutely. Jeremiah 6:27 offers profound and enduring relevance for believers in every age. Firstly, it underscores the critical importance of spiritual discernment for all Christians, urging us to "test everything; hold fast what is good" as admonished in 1 Thessalonians 5:21. We are called to diligently examine our own hearts and lives in light of God's Word, ensuring our "way" aligns with His perfect will. Secondly, it highlights the challenging yet vital role of spiritual leaders (pastors, teachers, elders) who, like Jeremiah, are called to observe, understand, and, when necessary, lovingly but firmly challenge the spiritual condition of the church, guiding it towards purity and truth. Finally, it serves as a powerful reminder that God sees and intimately knows the true condition of our hearts, encouraging us to live lives of genuine faith and obedience, not mere outward show, knowing that "the Lord searches all hearts and understands every plan and thought" as stated in 1 Chronicles 28:9.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Jeremiah's commission as a "tower" and "fortress" to "know and try" the way of God's people finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While Jeremiah was a prophet tasked with discerning the spiritual impurity of a nation, Christ is the divine Assayer, the one who perfectly knows and tests the hearts of all humanity. He is the true "tower" of salvation, providing an unshakeable vantage point from which all truth is revealed, and the ultimate "fortress" for His people, offering perfect security and defense against all spiritual adversaries, as promised in Psalm 18:2. Jesus' earthly ministry was characterized by His profound ability to "know" the inner thoughts and motives of individuals, often exposing the hypocrisy of the religious elite while extending grace to the truly penitent, as seen in His interactions with the Pharisees and the woman caught in adultery in John 8:3-11. He is the one who perfectly "tries" (tests) the hearts and minds, discerning the true state of every soul, for "nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account" as powerfully declared in Hebrews 4:13. Through His life, death, and resurrection, Christ not only exposed humanity's sin but also provided the means for true spiritual purity and transformation, becoming the "Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" John 1:29. He is the ultimate fulfillment of God's desire to have a people whose "way" is pure and pleasing, having offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice to cleanse us from all unrighteousness, making us new creations in Him, as described in 2 Corinthians 5:17.