Jeremiah 6:6

KJV

For thus hath the LORD of hosts said, Hew ye down trees, and cast a mount against Jerusalem: this [is] the city to be visited; she [is] wholly oppression in the midst of her.

KJV (with Strong's)

For thus hath the LORD {H3068} of hosts {H6635} said {H559}, Hew ye down {H3772} trees {H6097}, and cast {H8210} a mount {H5550} against Jerusalem {H3389}: this is the city {H5892} to be visited {H6485}; she is wholly oppression {H6233} in the midst {H7130} of her.

Complete Jewish Bible

For ADONAI-Tzva'ot says this: "Cut down her trees, and raise a siege-ramp against Yerushalayim! This is the city to be punished; in her there is nothing but oppression.

Berean Standard Bible

For this is what the LORD of Hosts says: “Cut down the trees and raise a siege ramp against Jerusalem. This city must be punished; there is nothing but oppression in her midst.

American Standard Version

For thus hath Jehovah of hosts said, Hew ye down trees, and cast up a mound against Jerusalem: this is the city to be visited; she is wholly oppression in the midst of her.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 6:6 delivers a profoundly severe prophetic declaration from the sovereign God, the LORD of hosts, announcing the imminent and divinely orchestrated judgment upon Jerusalem. This passage graphically details the coming siege, instructing the unnamed invading forces to "hew ye down trees, and cast a mount against Jerusalem." This destructive "visitation" is presented not as a random calamity but as a direct, righteous consequence of Jerusalem's pervasive and systemic injustice, as the city is unequivocally condemned as being "wholly oppression in the midst of her." The verse powerfully underscores God's unwavering righteous indignation against sin and His absolute sovereign authority to employ even foreign nations as instruments of His just decrees.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 6 is a pivotal chapter within the prophet's early ministry (Jeremiah 1-10), which primarily functions as a dire warning to Judah concerning impending judgment due to their deep-seated idolatry and rampant social injustice. This chapter intensifies the vivid imagery of an unstoppable enemy advancing from the North, widely understood to be the Neo-Babylonian Empire, depicting the terror and inevitability of their siege. Verses 1-5 describe the enemy's rapid advance, urging flight and lamenting the lack of repentance, while verses 7-8 pivot to Jerusalem's incurable spiritual sickness and moral decay. Jeremiah 6:6 serves as a chilling divine command that directly orchestrates the method of this judgment, explicitly linking the physical destruction of the city to the moral rot previously detailed in chapters 2-5, particularly the widespread corruption and perversion of justice highlighted in passages like [Jeremiah 5:28](/jeremiah/5-28 "Jeremiah 5:28 - Injustice and Prosperity of the Wicked"). Thus, the verse functions as a divine decree, emphasizing that the coming devastation is not merely a geopolitical conflict but a divinely ordained "visitation" upon a rebellious covenant people.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jeremiah prophesied during a tumultuous period in the late 7th and early 6th centuries BC, a time marked by the decline of the Assyrian Empire and the meteoric rise of the Neo-Babylonian Empire. Judah, caught precariously between these shifting superpowers, repeatedly vacillated between precarious political alliances and flagrant rebellion against God's covenant commands. The formidable title "the LORD of hosts" (Hebrew: _Yahweh Sabaoth_) is a crucial theological descriptor, emphasizing God's supreme authority as the divine commander of all heavenly armies and earthly forces, thereby indicating that the impending invasion is not a random act of war but a meticulously planned event under His direct, sovereign command. The chilling command to "hew ye down trees, and cast a mount against Jerusalem" directly references ancient Near Eastern siege warfare tactics. Invading armies would systematically clear all surrounding timber, using the felled trees to construct massive siege ramps (mounds or banks), formidable towers, and powerful battering rams, all necessary to breach heavily fortified city walls. This prophecy accurately and tragically foreshadowed the devastating Babylonian sieges of Jerusalem, culminating in its complete destruction in [586 BC, a tragic event meticulously recorded in 2 Kings 25](/2_kings/25 "2 Kings 25 - The Fall of Jerusalem and Exile"). The cultural context reveals a society that, despite maintaining outward religious rituals, had become inwardly corrupt, practicing systemic injustice and violating the very covenant principles that defined their relationship with God.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes pervasive in Jeremiah and the broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Judgment for Injustice**, making it unequivocally clear that God's "visitation" is a direct, righteous response to Jerusalem's profound moral corruption, particularly its pervasive "oppression" of the vulnerable. This highlights a consistent prophetic message that authentic worship must always be accompanied by righteousness and justice, as famously articulated in [Amos 5:24](/amos/5-24 "Amos 5:24 - Let Justice Roll Down Like Waters"). Secondly, it emphasizes the severe **Consequences of Sin**, demonstrating that spiritual and moral decay, especially manifested as social injustice and covenant unfaithfulness, inevitably leads to a severe divine reckoning. The city's internal rottenness directly precipitates its external destruction. Thirdly, the verse powerfully reinforces **God's Sovereignty Over Nations and History**. Even the actions of formidable foreign armies are presented not as independent forces but as instruments in the hand of the "LORD of hosts," fulfilling His overarching purposes. This theme is foundational throughout the prophetic books, asserting God's ultimate and absolute control over the rise and fall of kingdoms, as profoundly articulated in passages like [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God's Sovereignty Over Kingdoms and Times").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** From the root meaning "to be," this is the sacred covenant name of God, YHWH, signifying the self-Existent, Eternal One. In this context, the full title "LORD of hosts" (YHWH Sabaoth) emphasizes His absolute sovereignty, omnipotence, and His role as the divine commander of all forces, both heavenly and earthly. This reinforces that the impending judgment is not a random occurrence but a deliberate, intentional act by the supreme authority who commands all creation.
* **visited (Hebrew, _pâqad'_):** This highly versatile verb can mean to inspect, attend to, muster, or appoint. However, in numerous prophetic contexts, particularly when God is the subject and a rebellious people are the object, _pâqad_ carries the strong connotation of divine reckoning, judgment, or punishment. Here, it signifies that God is "calling to account" Jerusalem for its actions, implying a punitive inspection and a decisive act of judgment rather than a benevolent visitation.
* **oppression (Hebrew, _ʻôsheq'_):** This potent term denotes injury, fraud, unjust gain, or extortion, particularly when perpetrated against the poor, the weak, and the marginalized. The phrase "wholly oppression in the midst of her" paints an exceptionally grim picture of pervasive, systemic injustice that had become deeply ingrained in the very fabric and heart of Jerusalem's society. It implies that injustice was not an isolated incident or a minor flaw but a defining and overwhelming characteristic of the city's internal life and ethical framework.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For thus hath the LORD of hosts said,"**: This opening clause unequivocally establishes the divine authority and ultimate origin of the message. It is not merely Jeremiah's personal opinion or a human prediction, but a direct, authoritative pronouncement from YHWH, the sovereign commander of all creation. This sets a tone of absolute certainty, divine mandate, and the inevitability of the coming judgment.
* **"Hew ye down trees, and cast a mount against Jerusalem:"**: This is a direct, chilling command from God, not to Judah, but implicitly to the invading forces (Babylon). It details the specific and brutal tactics of ancient siege warfare. "Hewing down trees" refers to the systematic deforestation of the surrounding land to gather vast quantities of timber, which would then be used to "cast a mount" – to construct a massive siege ramp or embankment. This ramp would allow the attackers to reach the height of the city walls, facilitating their assault and eventual breach. This clause vividly portrays the physical destruction that God Himself is orchestrating through human agents.
* **"this [is] the city to be visited;"**: This clause precisely identifies Jerusalem as the specific target of God's punitive inspection. The term "visited" (Hebrew: _pâqad_) here carries the full weight of divine judgment, indicating that God is about to hold the city accountable for its actions and bring about a reckoning. It underscores that the impending siege is not merely a human conflict but a divinely ordained and executed judgment.
* **"she [is] wholly oppression in the midst of her."**: This final, damning indictment provides the ultimate, unequivocal reason for God's severe judgment. Jerusalem is not merely partially corrupt or occasionally unjust; she is "wholly oppression." The term "oppression" (Hebrew: _ʻôsheq_) signifies rampant injustice, exploitation, and extortion, particularly against the vulnerable and marginalized. The phrase "in the midst of her" indicates that this corruption is deeply embedded within the city's very core, pervasive and systemic, justifying the extreme measure of divine intervention and destruction.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 6:6 masterfully employs several potent literary devices to convey its stark and unyielding message of judgment. The most prominent is **Divine Command**, where the LORD directly issues instructions to the (unnamed) besiegers, powerfully highlighting His absolute sovereignty over human events and His active, intentional role in orchestrating judgment. There is also vivid and visceral **Imagery** of a city under siege, with the precise depiction of "hewing down trees" and "casting a mount" creating a tangible and terrifying sense of impending doom and destruction. The phrase "wholly oppression in the midst of her" functions as a form of **Hyperbole** or **Intensification**, dramatically emphasizing the pervasive and total moral decay within Jerusalem, suggesting its corruption is absolute. This is further amplified by **Personification**, as Jerusalem is treated as a moral agent, capable of being "wholly oppression," thereby justifying the severe divine "visitation." The entire verse functions as a powerful **Prophetic Oracle of Judgment**, a common and defining genre in Jeremiah, delivering a definitive and severe pronouncement of God's righteous wrath and the certainty of its execution.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 6:6 stands as a stark and sobering testament to God's unwavering commitment to justice and His righteous indignation against sin, particularly systemic social injustice. It reveals that while God is merciful, long-suffering, and patient, His divine patience has definitive limits, and He will ultimately hold His covenant people accountable for their unfaithfulness and profound moral corruption. The theological implication is profound: God's holy character demands that He "visit" (judge) those who pervert justice and oppress the vulnerable, especially when such practices become deeply ingrained and pervasive within His chosen city, Jerusalem. This passage underscores that a true covenant relationship with God is not merely about external ritual adherence or superficial religious observance, but about living out righteousness and justice in all spheres of life, reflecting God's own character. The impending destruction of Jerusalem is thus presented not as a defeat for God, but as a powerful demonstration of His sovereign power, His unwavering moral standard, and His willingness to use even foreign nations as instruments of His divine will to bring about justice.

* [Isaiah 1:16-17](/isaiah/1-16 "Isaiah 1:16-17 - God's Call to Justice and Righteousness")
* [Amos 5:24](/amos/5-24 "Amos 5:24 - Let Justice Roll Down Like Waters")
* [Micah 6:8](/micah/6-8 "Micah 6:8 - What the LORD Requires: Justice, Mercy, and Humility")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 6:6 serves as a timeless and profoundly sobering reminder that God's justice is not an abstract theological concept but a living, active reality that profoundly impacts individuals, communities, and nations. For us today, this passage calls for deep and honest self-examination and a critical look at the societies we inhabit. Are we, individually or collectively, contributing to, benefiting from, or passively tolerating systems of "oppression" – whether economic exploitation, social marginalization, racial injustice, or systemic corruption? This verse powerfully challenges us to move beyond superficial religious observance to embody the righteousness and justice that God unequivocally demands. It reminds us that genuine spiritual health is inextricably linked to ethical conduct, particularly in how we treat the most vulnerable and marginalized among us. While the specific judgment on ancient Jerusalem was unique in its historical context, the underlying principle remains eternally true: God sees, God cares deeply about injustice, and God will ultimately hold accountable those who perpetuate oppression. This profound truth should stir us to sincere repentance where we have fallen short, to active and courageous advocacy for righteousness in our spheres of influence, and to a steadfast trust in God's ultimate sovereignty even amidst the most difficult circumstances.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific ways might my own life, my church, or my community inadvertently contribute to or overlook "oppression" in its various, often subtle, forms?**
* **How does this verse challenge my preconceived understanding of God's justice, His patience with sin, and His methods of divine intervention?**
* **What practical, concrete steps can I take today to actively advocate for justice and righteousness in my sphere of influence, thereby reflecting God's profound heart for the oppressed?**
* **How does the concept of God "visiting" a city for its sins inform and shape my prayers for my own nation, community, or even the global society?**

### FAQ
**Why does God command such a harsh judgment, even detailing siege tactics?**

Answer: God commands such a harsh judgment, even detailing siege tactics, to underscore the extreme severity of Jerusalem's sin and the absolute certainty of His divine response. The phrase "the LORD of hosts" emphasizes His absolute sovereignty and power over all nations, including the invading Babylonians, whom He explicitly uses as instruments of His righteous judgment. The detailed command to "hew ye down trees, and cast a mount against Jerusalem" is not merely a prediction but a divine orchestration, demonstrating that the impending destruction is not a random calamity but a direct, intentional "visitation" (judgment) for Jerusalem's deep-seated corruption and "wholly oppression." This vividly illustrates God's unwavering commitment to justice and His intolerance for pervasive unrighteousness, especially among His covenant people who were called to be a light and example to the nations.

**What does "she is wholly oppression in the midst of her" mean for Jerusalem?**

Answer: The phrase "she is wholly oppression in the midst of her" means that injustice, extortion, and exploitation were not isolated incidents or minor flaws but had become the defining characteristic and pervasive reality within Jerusalem's society. The term "oppression" (Hebrew: _ʻôsheq_) refers to unjust gain, injury, or fraud, particularly against the poor and vulnerable. "Wholly" (or "altogether") emphasizes the totality and saturation of this corruption, indicating that it permeated every level of society. "In the midst of her" signifies that this moral decay was deeply embedded in the city's very core, affecting its social, economic, and judicial systems. It represents a complete and damning departure from the covenant ideals of justice and righteousness that God expected from His people, making the city ripe for severe divine judgment. This pervasive sin is the direct and primary cause of God's severe "visitation" upon them.

**Is this ancient prophecy relevant for believers today?**

Answer: Absolutely. While the specific historical context of Jeremiah 6:6 concerns ancient Jerusalem, the underlying theological principles are timeless and profoundly relevant for believers today. Firstly, it serves as a powerful reminder of God's unwavering commitment to justice and His righteous indignation against oppression and systemic sin. This calls us to examine our own lives and societies for any forms of injustice we might be perpetuating or passively tolerating. Secondly, it highlights the serious consequences of spiritual and moral decay, emphasizing that God holds His people accountable for their actions and lack of righteousness. This encourages genuine repentance, a pursuit of holiness, and a commitment to ethical living. Thirdly, it reinforces God's ultimate sovereignty over all human events, including the rise and fall of nations. For believers, this means trusting in God's overarching plan even when circumstances are difficult, and striving to live righteously as citizens of His kingdom, actively advocating for justice and compassion in a fallen world.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 6:6, with its grim pronouncement of divine judgment upon a city "wholly oppression," finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment not in a repeated physical destruction but in the profound spiritual reckoning and redemptive work accomplished through Jesus Christ. The "visitation" of judgment upon Jerusalem for its systemic sin and injustice foreshadows the greater, universal reality of humanity's pervasive sinfulness and the absolute necessity of God's definitive intervention. While ancient Jerusalem faced a temporal judgment for its specific transgressions, all humanity stands under the condemnation of sin, a spiritual "oppression" that enslaves the heart, distorts justice, and separates us from God.

Jesus, the true [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), bore the ultimate "visitation" of God's righteous wrath against sin on the cross. He became the target of divine judgment, not for His own oppression or sin, but for ours, offering Himself as the perfect, atoning sacrifice to satisfy God's holy justice (as profoundly articulated in [Romans 3:25-26](/romans/3-25 "Romans 3:25-26 - God's Righteousness Displayed Through Christ")). Furthermore, Christ's earthly ministry was characterized by a radical and unwavering commitment to justice and compassion, actively confronting oppression, healing the broken, and advocating for the marginalized, thereby embodying the very righteousness that ancient Jerusalem so tragically lacked. He inaugurated a new covenant, not based on a physical city's walls or external rituals, but on a transformed heart, where the law of God is written within and His Spirit empowers true righteousness ([Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant")). The "city to be visited" by judgment in Jeremiah finds its glorious redemptive counterpart in the [New Jerusalem](/revelation/21-2 "Revelation 21:2 - The New Jerusalem"), a heavenly city where "no longer will there be any curse" ([Revelation 22:3](/revelation/22-3 "Revelation 22:3 - No More Curse")), because Christ has definitively dealt with all sin and oppression, ushering in an eternal reign of perfect righteousness, justice, and peace. Thus, the severity of Jeremiah's prophecy highlights the profound depth of human sin, making the boundless grace and redemptive work of Christ all the more glorious, necessary, and eternally significant.

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

Jeremiah 32:24

Behold the mounts, they are come unto the city to take it; and the city is given into the hand of the Chaldeans, that fight against it, because of the sword, and of the famine, and of the pestilence: and what thou hast spoken is come to pass; and, behold, thou seest [it].

Deuteronomy 20:19

When thou shalt besiege a city a long time, in making war against it to take it, thou shalt not destroy the trees thereof by forcing an axe against them: for thou mayest eat of them, and thou shalt not cut them down (for the tree of the field [is] man's [life]) to employ [them] in the siege:

Deuteronomy 20:20

Only the trees which thou knowest that they [be] not trees for meat, thou shalt destroy and cut them down; and thou shalt build bulwarks against the city that maketh war with thee, until it be subdued.