What is the meaning of Jeremiah 5:9? Should I not punish them for these things? “Should I not punish them for these things?” (Jeremiah 5:9) • God’s question is rhetorical, underlining His justice. After cataloging Judah’s sins—lying tongues (Jeremiah 5:1), rejection of correction (Jeremiah 5:3), oppression of the poor (Jeremiah 5:28)—the Lord makes clear that divine punishment is not optional; it is a moral necessity (cf. Romans 1:18; Psalm 7:11). • The phrase “these things” gathers all previous charges. Our holy God cannot ignore habitual, unrepentant rebellion (Isaiah 5:20–23). • Divine punishment serves both retribution and restoration: retribution because sin has real consequences (Galatians 6:7), restoration because discipline calls the remnant back to covenant faithfulness (Hebrews 12:6; Jeremiah 24:5–7). declares the LORD. “declares the LORD.” (Jeremiah 5:9) • This stamp of authority reminds readers that the warning comes from the covenant-making, covenant-keeping God (Exodus 3:14; Malachi 3:6). • By inserting His personal declaration, God removes any doubt that His resolve is final. Humans may argue or rationalize, but Yahweh’s verdict stands (Isaiah 40:8; Numbers 23:19). • The phrase underscores prophetic reliability; Jeremiah speaks not personal opinion but inspired, infallible revelation (2 Peter 1:21; 2 Timothy 3:16). Should I not avenge Myself on such a nation as this? “Should I not avenge Myself on such a nation as this?” (Jeremiah 5:9) • “Avenge” highlights God’s personal involvement: sin offends His character (Deuteronomy 32:35; Nahum 1:2). It is not just societal breakdown; it is a direct affront to Him. • “Such a nation” points to collective guilt. While individuals are accountable, national sin invites national judgment (2 Chronicles 36:15-17; Amos 3:2). • God’s vengeance is righteous, never capricious. He waits with patience (2 Peter 3:9), yet when a people cross His red-line, He acts to defend His glory and uphold justice (Ezekiel 36:22-23; Revelation 19:1-2). • For believers, this assurance of divine justice offers hope amid apparent triumphs of evil (Psalm 73; Revelation 6:10). summary Jeremiah 5:9 reveals God’s unwavering commitment to justice. Confronted with Judah’s entrenched sin, the Lord affirms that punishment and vengeance are unavoidable responses from a holy God. His personal declaration authenticates the prophecy, and His promised action safeguards His glory while calling His people to repentance. |
    |