Jeremiah 6:4

Prepare ye war against her; arise, and let us go up at noon. Woe unto us! for the day goeth away, for the shadows of the evening are stretched out.

Prepare {H6942} ye war {H4421} against her; arise {H6965}, and let us go up {H5927} at noon {H6672}. Woe {H188} unto us! for the day {H3117} goeth away {H6437}, for the shadows {H6752} of the evening {H6153} are stretched out {H5186}.

"Prepare for war against her! Get up! Let's attack at noon!" "Woe to us! for the day is waning, evening shadows are lengthening."

โ€˜Prepare for battle against her; rise up, let us attack at noon. Woe to us, for the daylight is fading; the evening shadows grow long.

Prepare ye war against her; arise, and let us go up at noon. Woe unto us! for the day declineth, for the shadows of the evening are stretched out.

Commentary

Jeremiah 6:4 captures the chilling urgency of an approaching enemy, painting a vivid picture of the impending judgment upon Judah and Jerusalem. The verse shifts between the invaders' determined resolve and their perceived time constraint, amplifying the sense of inevitable doom.

Context

This verse is set within Jeremiah's prophetic warnings to Judah, primarily Jerusalem, regarding God's impending judgment for their persistent idolatry, social injustice, and spiritual rebellion. Chapters 4-6 detail the coming invasion from the North, likely referring to the powerful Babylonian empire, which God would use as His instrument of discipline. The preceding verses in Jeremiah 6 describe Jerusalem as a beautiful but corrupt pasture, ripe for destruction. The call to flee and prepare for invasion is already sounded.

Key Themes

  • Impending Judgment: The verse powerfully conveys the swift and determined approach of God's judgment against a disobedient people. There is no escape, only the stark reality of war.
  • Urgency and Determination of the Enemy: The invaders are depicted as relentless, eager to attack even at the unconventional time of "noon," and lamenting the fading light, indicating their desire to complete their destructive task without delay.
  • Consequences of Rebellion: This passage is a stark reminder of the severe consequences of turning away from God's commands and failing to repent.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "Prepare ye war against her" in Hebrew is qad'shu milchamah (ืงื“ืฉื• ืžืœื—ืžื”), which can be translated as "sanctify war." This suggests a war declared with solemnity and determination, perhaps even implying divine authorization for the invaders, making their mission seem sacred or divinely ordained from their perspective. The mention of "at noon" is unusual for an attack, as it's the hottest part of the day, possibly highlighting the invaders' extreme eagerness, confidence, or the sheer unexpectedness of their assault. The lament "Woe unto us! for the day goeth away, for the shadows of the evening are stretched out" is often interpreted as the invaders' frustration that daylight is fading, urging them to press the attack before nightfall, underscoring their relentless pursuit of destruction.

Practical Application

Jeremiah 6:4 serves as a timeless warning about the inevitability of consequences for persistent rebellion against God. For believers today, it underscores the importance of spiritual vigilance and heeding God's warnings. Just as the invaders in this verse felt an urgency to complete their task, we are reminded that there is a time when the window of opportunity for repentance or action may close. It calls us to examine our own lives for areas of disobedience and to respond to God's truth with urgency, understanding that His justice, while merciful, is also sure. The passage highlights that God can use unexpected means and agents to bring about His purposes, whether in judgment or correction.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Jeremiah 15:8 (5 votes)

    Their widows are increased to me above the sand of the seas: I have brought upon them against the mother of the young men a spoiler at noonday: I have caused [him] to fall upon it suddenly, and terrors upon the city.

  • Joel 3:9 (4 votes)

    ยถ Proclaim ye this among the Gentiles; Prepare war, wake up the mighty men, let all the men of war draw near; let them come up:

  • Zephaniah 2:4 (4 votes)

    ยถ For Gaza shall be forsaken, and Ashkelon a desolation: they shall drive out Ashdod at the noon day, and Ekron shall be rooted up.

  • Jeremiah 8:20 (3 votes)

    The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved.

  • Song Of Solomon 2:17 (2 votes)

    Until the day break, and the shadows flee away, turn, my beloved, and be thou like a roe or a young hart upon the mountains of Bether.

  • Jeremiah 51:27 (2 votes)

    Set ye up a standard in the land, blow the trumpet among the nations, prepare the nations against her, call together against her the kingdoms of Ararat, Minni, and Ashchenaz; appoint a captain against her; cause the horses to come up as the rough caterpillers.

  • Jeremiah 51:28 (2 votes)

    Prepare against her the nations with the kings of the Medes, the captains thereof, and all the rulers thereof, and all the land of his dominion.