Jeremiah 7:34

Then will I cause to cease from the cities of Judah, and from the streets of Jerusalem, the voice of mirth, and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom, and the voice of the bride: for the land shall be desolate.

Then will I cause to cease {H7673} from the cities {H5892} of Judah {H3063}, and from the streets {H2351} of Jerusalem {H3389}, the voice {H6963} of mirth {H8342}, and the voice {H6963} of gladness {H8057}, the voice {H6963} of the bridegroom {H2860}, and the voice {H6963} of the bride {H3618}: for the land {H776} shall be desolate {H2723}.

Then in the cities of Y'hudah and the streets of Yerushalayim I will silence the sounds of joy and gladness and the voices of bridegroom and bride; because the land will be reduced to ruins.

I will remove from the cities of Judah and the streets of Jerusalem the sounds of joy and gladness and the voices of the bride and bridegroom, for the land will become a wasteland.”

Then will I cause to cease from the cities of Judah, and from the streets of Jerusalem, the voice of mirth and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom and the voice of the bride; for the land shall become a waste.

Jeremiah 7:34 delivers a stark prophecy of divine judgment against the kingdom of Judah and its capital, Jerusalem. This verse concludes a powerful section often referred to as the "Temple Sermon" (Jeremiah 7:1-15), where the prophet Jeremiah confronts the people's false security in the presence of the Lord's Temple while engaging in widespread idolatry and moral corruption.

Context

This verse is the culmination of God's indictment against His people, who had turned away from Him to worship other gods and commit various sins (see Jeremiah 7:9). Despite their outward religious observance, their hearts were far from God. The Lord declares that because of their persistent disobedience and refusal to repent, He will bring about a complete devastation that will silence all sounds of normal life and celebration. This judgment was prophesied to be executed through the Babylonian invasion, leading to the destruction of Jerusalem and the exile of its inhabitants.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Judgment: The verse underscores God's unwavering justice. He does not tolerate persistent sin and rebellion indefinitely. The cessation of joy is a direct consequence of Judah's unfaithfulness.
  • Utter Desolation: The imagery of silencing the "voice of mirth, and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom, and the voice of the bride" paints a vivid picture of absolute ruin. Weddings symbolize new beginnings, hope, and the continuation of life. Their absence signifies a complete end to societal function and future prospects.
  • Consequences of Idolatry: The severity of this judgment directly correlates with the severity of their sin, particularly their idolatry and spiritual adultery against God.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew words for "mirth" (sason) and "gladness" (simchah) are frequently used together in the Old Testament to describe profound joy, often associated with festivals, celebrations, and divine blessing. Their removal signifies the antithesis of blessing – a curse of sorrow and silence. The phrase "voice of the bridegroom, and the voice of the bride" is a powerful idiom for the vibrancy and continuity of community life. Its cessation means the breaking of the social fabric and the end of procreation, symbolizing the utter destruction and depopulation of the land.

Related Scriptures

This prophecy of desolation is echoed in other prophetic books, such as Isaiah 24:8, which speaks of the cessation of joy and musical instruments during judgment. The reversal of this very curse, promising the return of the "voice of mirth, and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom, and the voice of the bride" after a period of restoration, is beautifully foretold in Jeremiah 33:10-11, highlighting God's ultimate plan for redemption beyond judgment.

Practical Application

Jeremiah 7:34 serves as a timeless warning about the serious consequences of spiritual complacency and unrepentant sin. It reminds us that outward religious observance without genuine devotion and obedience to God is futile. True joy and peace are found not in worldly pleasures or false securities, but in a right relationship with God. This verse calls believers to examine their hearts, prioritize genuine faith, and seek to live in obedience, understanding that God is just and faithful to His warnings as well as His promises.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Revelation 18:23

    And the light of a candle shall shine no more at all in thee; and the voice of the bridegroom and of the bride shall be heard no more at all in thee: for thy merchants were the great men of the earth; for by thy sorceries were all nations deceived.

  • Hosea 2:11

    I will also cause all her mirth to cease, her feast days, her new moons, and her sabbaths, and all her solemn feasts.

  • Ezekiel 26:13

    And I will cause the noise of thy songs to cease; and the sound of thy harps shall be no more heard.

  • Jeremiah 25:10

    Moreover I will take from them the voice of mirth, and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom, and the voice of the bride, the sound of the millstones, and the light of the candle.

  • Leviticus 26:33

    And I will scatter you among the heathen, and will draw out a sword after you: and your land shall be desolate, and your cities waste.

  • Isaiah 1:7

    Your country [is] desolate, your cities [are] burned with fire: your land, strangers devour it in your presence, and [it is] desolate, as overthrown by strangers.

  • Jeremiah 16:9

    For thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Behold, I will cause to cease out of this place in your eyes, and in your days, the voice of mirth, and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom, and the voice of the bride.

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