How does Jeremiah 5:17 connect to the warnings in Deuteronomy 28?

Context of Jeremiah 5:17

“ ‘They will devour your harvest and food; they will consume your sons and daughters; they will eat up your flocks and herds; they will destroy your vines and fig trees. With the sword they will demolish the fortified cities in which you trust.’ ” (Jeremiah 5:17)

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Echoes of Deuteronomy 28

Jeremiah’s prophecy is not a new threat; it is the outworking of the covenant warnings Moses delivered centuries earlier. The same God who promised blessing for obedience also warned of judgment for rebellion.

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Point-by-Point Parallels

• Devoured harvest and food → “A nation you do not know will eat the produce of your land and all your labor.” (Deuteronomy 28:33)

• Sons and daughters taken → “Your sons and daughters will be given to another people.” (Deuteronomy 28:32, 41)

• Flocks and herds consumed → “Your ox will be slaughtered before your eyes… your sheep will be given to your enemies.” (Deuteronomy 28:31)

• Vines and fig trees ruined → “You will plant and cultivate vineyards but not drink the wine… Your olive trees will be throughout your territory, but you will not anoint yourself.” (Deuteronomy 28:39-40)

• Fortified cities destroyed by siege → “They will besiege all the cities throughout your land… until the high fortified walls in which you trust come down.” (Deuteronomy 28:52)

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God’s Covenant Consistency

• Jeremiah shows the faithfulness of God to His own word—faithful in blessing (Deuteronomy 28:1-14) and equally faithful in judgment (vv. 15-68).

• The prophet’s language confirms that national calamity is a covenant consequence, not random fate.

• Other prophets make the same connection: see Leviticus 26:27-33; 2 Chronicles 36:15-21; Ezekiel 5:11-17.

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Application for Today

• Divine warnings are as trustworthy as divine promises; neglecting either distorts God’s character (Romans 11:22).

• Jeremiah’s generation learned that delayed judgment is not denied judgment; repentance remains the only safe response (Jeremiah 18:7-8).

• The cross ultimately bears the curse for all who trust Christ (Galatians 3:13), yet continued disobedience still invites discipline (Hebrews 12:5-11).