Jeremiah 5:22

Jeremiah 5:22 presents a powerful rhetorical question from the LORD to the unfaithful people of Judah, challenging their lack of reverence by pointing to His undeniable control over creation.

Context

This verse is situated within a chapter where the prophet Jeremiah is detailing the widespread moral and spiritual corruption in Judah. The people have turned away from God, engaging in idolatry and injustice, despite God's repeated warnings. Jeremiah 5 is a direct indictment, describing their spiritual blindness and their refusal to acknowledge God's authority. In this specific verse, God uses His supreme power over the natural world as an irrefutable argument for why His people should fear and obey Him, contrasting His steadfast control over the mighty sea with their unruly rebellion.

Key Themes

• God's Absolute Sovereignty and Power: The central message is God's unparalleled might, demonstrated by His ability to set unbreachable limits for the vast and powerful sea. The waves, though they "toss themselves" and "roar," are utterly powerless against His "perpetual decree." This imagery underscores that if God can control the untamed ocean, He certainly has authority over humanity.
• Divine Authority and Unchangeable Decrees: God's word is not just a suggestion but a "perpetual decree" – an eternal, unalterable command that even the forces of nature must obey. This highlights His reliability and the futility of trying to defy His will, whether in the natural or moral realm.
• Human Rebellion and Lack of Reverence: The rhetorical question, "Fear ye not me? ...will ye not tremble at my presence?" exposes the profound spiritual disconnect of Judah. Despite witnessing God's power daily in creation, they failed to acknowledge Him and live in awe of His presence, a theme echoed throughout the prophetic books concerning Israel's unfaithfulness (e.g., Jeremiah 5:1).
• The Consequence of Disobedience: Implicit in the warning is the understanding that if God's decrees for nature are unyielding, then His decrees concerning human conduct and judgment will also be carried out. The lack of fear ultimately leads to divine judgment.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "fear" (yare') here implies not just terror, but a profound reverence, awe, and respect that leads to obedience. The term "tremble" (chuwl) further emphasizes a physical and spiritual response to overwhelming power and majesty. The phrase "perpetual decree" (choq 'olam) signifies an everlasting, unchangeable law or ordinance, underscoring the steadfastness of God's command over creation.

Related Scriptures

The concept of God setting boundaries for the sea is a recurring theme in Scripture, emphasizing His creative power and sovereignty. For instance, in Job 38:8-11, God similarly challenges Job by asking, "Who shut up the sea with doors... and set bars and doors for it?" This highlights God's unique power over chaos. The call to "fear the LORD" is also a foundational principle, often linked to wisdom and knowledge, as seen in Proverbs 9:10, where it is declared to be the beginning of wisdom.

Practical Application

For us today, Jeremiah 5:22 serves as a powerful reminder of God's unchanging nature and absolute control. It challenges us to reflect on our own reverence for God. Do we truly fear Him in the sense of holding Him in awe and respect, allowing that reverence to shape our decisions and actions? Just as the sea cannot transgress its God-ordained boundaries, so too are we called to live within the moral and spiritual boundaries He has established. Recognizing His immense power over creation should inspire not only humility but also profound trust and obedience, knowing that the God who controls the raging sea is also sovereign over our lives and circumstances.