A lion has gone up from his thicket, and a destroyer of nations has set out. He has left his lair to lay waste your land. Your cities will be reduced to ruins and lie uninhabited. A lion has gone up from his thicketThe imagery of a "lion" in this context is powerful and evocative. In the Hebrew text, the word for lion is "אַרְיֵה" (aryeh), symbolizing strength, ferocity, and an unstoppable force. Lions were known in the ancient Near East as apex predators, and their roar was a sound of terror. The "thicket" represents a place of concealment and security, suggesting that this force has been lying in wait, ready to pounce. Historically, this can be seen as a metaphor for the Babylonian empire, which was rising in power and ready to strike against Judah. Spiritually, it serves as a reminder of the consequences of turning away from God, as His protection is withdrawn, allowing such forces to emerge. a destroyer of nations has set out
The phrase "destroyer of nations" underscores the vast impact of the impending threat. The Hebrew word for "destroyer" is "מַשְׁחִית" (mashchit), which conveys utter devastation and ruin. This is not just a local skirmish but a force that affects entire nations, emphasizing the severity of the judgment coming upon Judah. Historically, the Babylonians were known for their military prowess and their ability to conquer and subdue large territories. This serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of national sin and the importance of seeking God's guidance and protection. He has left his lair to lay waste your land
The "lair" signifies a place of rest and preparation, and its abandonment indicates a deliberate and determined action. The Hebrew word "מְעוֹנָה" (me'onah) for "lair" suggests a dwelling or habitation, reinforcing the idea of a calculated move from a place of security to one of aggression. The phrase "lay waste your land" speaks to the totality of the destruction that is to come. The land, which was a gift from God to His people, is now subject to devastation due to their disobedience. This serves as a poignant reminder of the covenant relationship between God and His people, and the blessings and curses associated with obedience and disobedience. Your cities will be reduced to ruins and lie uninhabited
The imagery of cities being "reduced to ruins" is stark and foreboding. The Hebrew word "חָרְבוֹת" (charavot) for "ruins" conveys a sense of desolation and emptiness. Cities, which are centers of life, culture, and community, will become ghost towns, devoid of inhabitants. This is a direct consequence of the people's failure to heed God's warnings through His prophets. Historically, the Babylonian conquest led to the destruction of Jerusalem and the exile of its people, fulfilling this prophecy. Spiritually, it serves as a call to repentance and a return to God, who alone can restore and rebuild what has been lost. Persons / Places / Events 1. JeremiahThe prophet who conveyed God's messages to the people of Judah, warning them of impending judgment due to their unfaithfulness. 2. LionSymbolic representation of a powerful and destructive force, often used to describe Babylon or its king, Nebuchadnezzar, who would come against Judah. 3. ThicketRepresents a place of concealment or origin, indicating where the threat emerges from. 4. Destroyer of NationsRefers to the Babylonian empire, known for its military conquests and destruction of other nations. 5. JudahThe southern kingdom of Israel, which was facing imminent judgment due to its idolatry and disobedience to God. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty in JudgmentGod uses nations and leaders as instruments of His judgment. Understanding His sovereignty helps us trust His plans even when they involve difficult circumstances. The Consequences of SinPersistent disobedience and idolatry lead to destruction. This serves as a warning to remain faithful and repentant. The Urgency of RepentanceJust as Judah was warned, we are called to examine our lives and turn back to God before facing consequences. Hope Amidst JudgmentWhile judgment is severe, God's ultimate plan includes restoration and redemption for those who turn back to Him. The Role of ProphetsProphets like Jeremiah are vital in communicating God's truth. We should value and heed the messages of those who speak God's word today. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the imagery of a lion in Jeremiah 4:7 help us understand the nature of the threat Judah faced? 2. In what ways can we see God's sovereignty at work in the events described in Jeremiah 4:7, and how does this apply to our lives today? 3. What parallels can we draw between the warnings given to Judah and the warnings given to the church in the New Testament? 4. How can we apply the urgency of repentance seen in Jeremiah's message to our personal spiritual lives? 5. What lessons can we learn from the role of prophets like Jeremiah in communicating God's truth, and how can we apply these lessons in discerning truth today? Connections to Other Scriptures Daniel 7The imagery of a lion is also used in Daniel's vision to represent Babylon, highlighting the consistency of biblical symbolism. Revelation 5The lion imagery contrasts with the Lion of Judah, Jesus Christ, who brings salvation rather than destruction. Isaiah 5Similar warnings of judgment against Israel for their unfaithfulness, emphasizing the consequences of turning away from God. People Dan, JeremiahPlaces Dan, Jerusalem, Mount Ephraim, ZionTopics Cities, Desolate, Desolation, Destroyer, Forth, Gentiles, Inhabitant, Journeyed, Laid, Lair, Lay, Lie, Lion, Makes, Nations, Ruins, Secret, Thicket, Towns, Unpeopled, Waste, WoodsDictionary of Bible Themes Jeremiah 4:7 5508 ruins Jeremiah 4:7-8 5899 lament Library The Wailing of Risca
You all know the story; it scarce needs that I should tell it to you. Last Saturday week some two hundred or more miners descended in health and strength to their usual work in the bowels of the earth. They had not been working long, their wives and their children had risen, and their little ones had gone to their schools, when suddenly there was heard a noise at the mouth of the pit;--it was an explosion,--all knew what it meant. Men's hearts failed them, for well they prophesied the horror which …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 7: 1861How those are to be Admonished who Sin from Sudden Impulse and those who Sin Deliberately.
(Admonition 33.). Differently to be admonished are those who are overcome by sudden passion and those who are bound in guilt of set purpose. For those whom sudden passion overcomes are to be admonished to regard themselves as daily set in the warfare of the present life, and to protect the heart, which cannot foresee wounds, with the shield of anxious fear; to dread the hidden darts of the ambushed foe, and, in so dark a contest, to guard with continual attention the inward camp of the soul. For, …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great Prevailing Prayer.
Text.--The effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.--James v. 16. THE last lecture referred principally to the confession of sin. To-night my remarks will be chiefly confined to the subject of intercession, or prayer. There are two kinds of means requisite to promote a revival; one to influence men, the other to influence God. The truth is employed to influence men, and prayer to move God. When I speak of moving God, I do not mean that God's mind is changed by prayer, or that his …
Charles Grandison Finney—Lectures on Revivals of Religion How to Make Use of Christ for Cleansing of us from Our Daily Spots.
Having spoken of the way of making use of Christ for removing the guilt of our daily transgressions, we come to speak of the way of making use of Christ, for taking away the guilt that cleaveth to the soul, through daily transgressions; "for every sin defileth the man," Matt. xv. 20; and the best are said to have their spots, and to need washing, which presupposeth filthiness and defilement, Eph. v. 27. John xiii. 8-10. Hence we are so oft called to this duty of washing and making us clean. Isa. …
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life "For they that are after the Flesh do Mind the Things of the Flesh,",
Rom. viii. 5.--"For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh,", &c. Though sin hath taken up the principal and inmost cabinet of the heart of man--though it hath fixed its imperial throne in the spirit of man, and makes use of all the powers and faculties in the soul to accomplish its accursed desires and fulfil its boundless lusts, yet it is not without good reason expressed in scripture, ordinarily under the name of "flesh," and a "body of death," and men dead in sins, are …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning "Who Walk not after the Flesh, but after the Spirit. For they that are after the Flesh,"
Rom. viii. 4, 5.--"Who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For they that are after the flesh," &c. If there were nothing else to engage our hearts to religion, I think this might do it, that there is so much reason in it. Truly it is the most rational thing in the world, except some revealed mysteries of faith, which are far above reason, but not contrary to it. There is nothing besides in it, but that which is the purest reason. Even that part of it which is most difficult to man, …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning "If So be that the Spirit of God Dwell in You. Now if any Man have not the Spirit of Christ, He is None of His. "
Rom. viii. 9.--"If so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his." "But will God in very deed dwell with men on the earth?" 2 Chron. vi. 18. It was the wonder of one of the wisest of men, and indeed, considering his infinite highness above the height of heavens, his immense and incomprehensible greatness, that the heaven of heavens cannot contain him, and then the baseness, emptiness, and worthlessness of man, it may be a wonder to the …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning The Acceptable Sacrifice;
OR, THE EXCELLENCY OF A BROKEN HEART: SHOWING THE NATURE, SIGNS, AND PROPER EFFECTS OF A CONTRITE SPIRIT. BEING THE LAST WORKS OF THAT EMINENT PREACHER AND FAITHFUL MINISTER OF JESUS CHRIST, MR. JOHN BUNYAN, OF BEDFORD. WITH A PREFACE PREFIXED THEREUNTO BY AN EMINENT MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL IN LONDON. London: Sold by George Larkin, at the Two Swans without Bishopgates, 1692. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. The very excellent preface to this treatise, written by George Cokayn, will inform the reader of …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 Original Sin
Q-16: DID ALL MANKIND FALL IN ADAM'S FIRST TRANSGRESSION? A: The covenant being made with Adam, not only for himself, but for his posterity, all mankind descending from him, by ordinary generation, sinned in him, and fell with him in his first transgression. 'By one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin,' &c. Rom 5:12. Adam being a representative person, while he stood, we stood; when he fell, we fell, We sinned in Adam; so it is in the text, In whom all have sinned.' Adam was the head …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity Repentance
Then has God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.' Acts 11: 18. Repentance seems to be a bitter pill to take, but it is to purge out the bad humour of sin. By some Antinomian spirits it is cried down as a legal doctrine; but Christ himself preached it. From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent,' &c. Matt 4: 17. In his last farewell, when he was ascending to heaven, he commanded that Repentance should be preached in his name.' Luke 24: 47. Repentance is a pure gospel grace. …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments Directions to Awakened Sinners.
Acts ix. 6. Acts ix. 6. And he, trembling and astonished, said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do. THESE are the words of Saul, who also is called Paul, (Acts xiii. 9,) when he was stricken to the ground as he was going to Damascus; and any one who had looked upon him in his present circumstances and knew nothing more of him than that view, in comparison with his past life, could have given, would have imagined him one of the most miserable creatures that ever lived upon earth, and would have expected …
Philip Doddridge—Practical Discourses on Regeneration The Quotation in Matt. Ii. 6.
Several interpreters, Paulus especially, have asserted that the interpretation of Micah which is here given, was that of the Sanhedrim only, and not of the Evangelist, who merely recorded what happened and was said. But this assertion is at once refuted when we consider the object which Matthew has in view in his entire representation of the early life of Jesus. His object in recording the early life of Jesus is not like that of Luke, viz., to communicate historical information to his readers. …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament Jesus Attends the First Passover of his Ministry.
(Jerusalem, April 9, a.d. 27.) Subdivision B. Jesus Talks with Nicodemus. ^D John III. 1-21. ^d 1 Now there was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. [Nicodemus is mentioned only by John. His character is marked by a prudence amounting almost to timidity. At John vii. 50-52 he defends Jesus, but without committing himself as in any way interested in him: at John xix. 38, 39 he brought spices for the body of Jesus, but only after Joseph of Arimathæa had secured the body. …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel Jeremiah
The interest of the book of Jeremiah is unique. On the one hand, it is our most reliable and elaborate source for the long period of history which it covers; on the other, it presents us with prophecy in its most intensely human phase, manifesting itself through a strangely attractive personality that was subject to like doubts and passions with ourselves. At his call, in 626 B.C., he was young and inexperienced, i. 6, so that he cannot have been born earlier than 650. The political and religious …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Jeremiah 4:7 NIVJeremiah 4:7 NLTJeremiah 4:7 ESVJeremiah 4:7 NASBJeremiah 4:7 KJV
Jeremiah 4:7 Commentaries
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