Jeremiah 8:16

The snorting of his horses was heard from Dan: the whole land trembled at the sound of the neighing of his strong ones; for they are come, and have devoured the land, and all that is in it; the city, and those that dwell therein.

The snorting {H5170} of his horses {H5483} was heard {H8085} from Dan {H1835}: the whole land {H776} trembled {H7493} at the sound {H6963} of the neighing {H4684} of his strong ones {H47}; for they are come {H935}, and have devoured {H398} the land {H776}, and all {H4393} that is in it; the city {H5892}, and those that dwell {H3427} therein.

From Dan can be heard the snorting of his horses; when his stallions neigh, the whole land trembles. For they come devouring the land and all in it, the city and those who dwell there.

The snorting of enemy horses is heard from Dan. At the sound of the neighing of mighty steeds, the whole land quakes. They come to devour the land and everything in it, the city and all who dwell in it.

The snorting of his horses is heard from Dan: at the sound of the neighing of his strong ones the whole land trembleth; for they are come, and have devoured the land and all that is in it; the city and those that dwell therein.

Jeremiah 8:16 delivers a powerful and terrifying prophetic warning to the people of Judah, vividly describing the imminent invasion by a devastating enemy. The verse uses evocative imagery of horses and their sounds to convey the swiftness, overwhelming power, and terrifying nature of the approaching judgment.

Historical and Cultural Context

This verse is set during a tumultuous period in Judah's history, as the Babylonian Empire was rising to prominence and threatening the ancient Near East. The prophet Jeremiah consistently warned Judah of impending judgment due to their persistent idolatry, social injustice, and spiritual apostasy. The mention of "Dan" is highly significant; as the northernmost city of Israel, it was historically the first point of entry for invaders coming from Mesopotamia (like Assyria and later Babylon). This detail underscores the immediate and widespread nature of the threat from the north, a common theme in Jeremiah's prophecies of divine judgment.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Imminent Divine Judgment: The verse paints a vivid picture of judgment arriving swiftly and with overwhelming force. The "snorting" and "neighing" of horses signify the closeness and inevitability of the invasion, an instrument of God's wrath against a disobedient people.
  • Overwhelming Power of the Enemy: The "strong ones" (referring to warhorses and warriors) are portrayed as an irresistible force that causes "the whole land" to tremble. This highlights the futility of resistance against an army empowered by God's decree.
  • Total Devastation: The invading force is described as having "devoured the land, and all that is in it; the city, and those that dwell therein." This imagery speaks to a complete and utter destruction, leaving nothing untouched – a direct consequence of Judah's spiritual rebellion and refusal to repent. This aligns with earlier warnings about the consequences of disobedience detailed in the Mosaic Law.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "strong ones" (אַבִּירִים - abbirim) used here often refers to powerful, mighty individuals or, in this context, powerful warhorses. The imagery emphasizes their formidable strength and the terror they inspire. The verb "devoured" (אָכְלָה - akh'lah) suggests not just military conquest, but a complete consumption, as if the land and its inhabitants were literally eaten up, implying total destruction and desolation.

Related Scriptures

This verse's imagery resonates with other prophetic passages concerning the northern threat:

  • Jeremiah 4:15-16 also speaks of news from Dan and the coming destruction from the north.
  • Jeremiah 5:15-17 describes the "ancient nation" that God will bring against Judah, whose horses are swifter than eagles.
  • The concept of God raising up a foreign nation as an instrument of judgment is also seen in Habakkuk 1:6, where the Chaldeans (Babylonians) are specifically identified.

Practical Application

Jeremiah 8:16 serves as a stark reminder of the serious consequences of ignoring divine warnings and persisting in sin. It highlights God's sovereignty, even in using seemingly destructive forces to bring about His purposes of judgment and eventual restoration. For believers today, it underscores the importance of:

  • Heeding Warnings: Being attentive to God's warnings, whether through Scripture, conscience, or faithful messengers.
  • Repentance: Understanding that genuine repentance can avert or mitigate judgment.
  • God's Sovereignty: Recognizing that God is ultimately in control, even amidst chaos and destruction, and can use any means to accomplish His will.

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.

  • Judges 5:22

    Then were the horsehoofs broken by the means of the pransings, the pransings of their mighty ones.

  • Judges 18:29

    And they called the name of the city Dan, after the name of Dan their father, who was born unto Israel: howbeit the name of the city [was] Laish at the first.

  • 1 Corinthians 10:28

    But if any man say unto you, This is offered in sacrifice unto idols, eat not for his sake that shewed it, and for conscience sake: for the earth [is] the Lord's, and the fulness thereof:

  • Jeremiah 4:15

    For a voice declareth from Dan, and publisheth affliction from mount Ephraim.

  • Jeremiah 4:16

    Make ye mention to the nations; behold, publish against Jerusalem, [that] watchers come from a far country, and give out their voice against the cities of Judah.

  • Habakkuk 3:10

    The mountains saw thee, [and] they trembled: the overflowing of the water passed by: the deep uttered his voice, [and] lifted up his hands on high.

  • Jeremiah 4:24

    I beheld the mountains, and, lo, they trembled, and all the hills moved lightly.

Add TrulyRandomVerse to your Home Screen for quick access!

← Back