◄ Jeremiah 18:21 ►
Therefore, hand their children over to famine; pour out the power of the sword upon them. Let their wives become childless and widowed; let their husbands be slain by disease, their young men struck down by the sword in battle.
Study Bible
Therefore, hand their children over to famine;
This phrase reflects the severe consequences of disobedience and rebellion against God. In the context of Jeremiah, the people of Judah had persistently turned away from God, despite numerous warnings. Famine is often used in the Bible as a form of divine judgment (Leviticus 26:26, Ezekiel 5:16). It signifies not only physical hunger but also spiritual desolation. The handing over of children to famine underscores the depth of the nation's sin, affecting even the most vulnerable.

pour out the power of the sword upon them.
The sword symbolizes war and destruction, a common theme in prophetic literature as a tool of divine retribution (Isaiah 34:5-6, Ezekiel 21:3-5). The "power of the sword" indicates a complete and overwhelming defeat, suggesting that the people will face not just military defeat but also the loss of protection and peace. This phrase highlights the seriousness of turning away from God's covenant, as the sword often represents God's judgment against nations (Deuteronomy 32:41-42).

Let their wives become childless and widowed;
This part of the verse emphasizes the social and familial devastation that results from judgment. In ancient Near Eastern culture, women relied heavily on their husbands and children for social status and economic security. Becoming childless and widowed would leave them vulnerable and destitute. This reflects the broader theme of societal collapse due to sin, as seen in Lamentations 1:1, where Jerusalem is described as a widow.

let their husbands be slain by disease,
Disease as a form of judgment is seen throughout the Bible, often accompanying war and famine (Deuteronomy 28:21-22). It serves as a reminder of the frailty of human life and the consequences of living outside of God's will. The slaying of husbands by disease further compounds the suffering of the community, leaving families without providers and protectors.

their young men struck down by the sword in battle.
Young men represent the strength and future of a nation. Their being struck down in battle signifies not only immediate loss but also a bleak future for the community. This phrase connects to the broader biblical narrative where the loss of young warriors is a sign of divine displeasure and a precursor to national decline (2 Samuel 1:25, Amos 4:10). It underscores the theme of judgment and the dire consequences of forsaking God's commandments.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jeremiah
The prophet who is delivering God's message. Known for his lamentations and warnings to the people of Judah.

2. Judah
The southern kingdom of Israel, which is the primary audience of Jeremiah's prophecies.

3. God
The divine speaker through Jeremiah, expressing judgment against the people of Judah.

4. The Enemies of Jeremiah
Those who oppose Jeremiah's prophetic message and seek to harm him.

5. Famine, Sword, and Disease
Instruments of divine judgment mentioned in the verse, symbolizing the severe consequences of disobedience.
Teaching Points
The Seriousness of Sin
Sin has severe consequences, both spiritually and physically. Jeremiah's plea reflects the gravity of turning away from God.

The Role of a Prophet
Prophets are called to deliver God's truth, even when it is difficult or unpopular. Jeremiah's faithfulness is a model for believers today.

God's Justice and Mercy
While God is just and must punish sin, His ultimate desire is for repentance and restoration. This balance is crucial in understanding His character.

Intercession and Imprecation
Jeremiah's prayer is a form of intercession, albeit with a focus on justice. Believers are called to pray for both justice and mercy in the world.

The Power of Prayer
Prayer is a powerful tool for believers, not only for personal needs but also for seeking God's will and justice in broader circumstances.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Jeremiah's role as a prophet inform our understanding of speaking truth in today's world?

2. In what ways do the consequences of sin described in Jeremiah 18:21 reflect the broader biblical account of judgment and redemption?

3. How can we balance the call for justice with the call for mercy in our prayers and actions?

4. What lessons can we learn from Jeremiah's faithfulness in delivering God's message despite opposition?

5. How do the themes of famine, sword, and disease in Jeremiah 18:21 connect to the warnings and promises found in Deuteronomy 28?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Deuteronomy 28
This chapter outlines the blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience, including famine, sword, and disease, which are echoed in Jeremiah's prophecy.

Lamentations 2
Jeremiah's lament over the destruction of Jerusalem, where similar themes of judgment and suffering are present.

Ezekiel 5
Another prophetic book that describes the consequences of Israel's disobedience, using similar imagery of famine, sword, and disease.

Psalm 109
A psalm of imprecation, where the psalmist calls for judgment upon his enemies, reflecting the tone of Jeremiah's plea.
Sermons
Jeremiah's Enemies and His Prayer Against ThemD. Young Jeremiah 18:18-23
PersecutionS. Conway Jeremiah 18:18-23
The Prophet's Prayer for Vengeance on His EnemiesS. Conway Jeremiah 18:19-23
People
Jeremiah
Places
Jerusalem, Lebanon, Sirion
Topics
Battle, Bereaved, Blood, Cause, Childless, Death, Deliver, Famine, Fight, Force, Hurl, Meet, Overtaken, Pestilence, Pour, Power, Run, Sides, Slain, Smitten, Sons, Struck, Swept, Sword, Widowed, Widows, Wives, Youths
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Jeremiah 18:21

     4823   famine, physical
     5496   revenge, examples

Jeremiah 18:20-22

     4257   pit

Library
The Sins of Communities Noted and Punished.
"Verily I say unto you, All these things shall come upon this generation." This is predicated of the judgments of God on those who had shed the blood of his saints. The Savior declares that all the righteous blood which had been shed on the earth from that of Abel down to the gospel day, should come on that generation! But is not this unreasonable and contrary to the Scriptures? "Far be wickedness from God and iniquity from the Almighty. For the work of man shall be render unto him, and cause every …
Andrew Lee et al—Sermons on Various Important Subjects

The Hebrew Sages and their Proverbs
[Sidenote: Role of the sages in Israel's life] In the days of Jeremiah and Ezekiel (Jer. xviii. 18; Ezek. vii. 26) three distinct classes of religious teachers were recognized by the people: the prophets, the priests, and the wise men or sages. From their lips and pens have come practically all the writings of the Old Testament. Of these three classes the wise men or sages are far less prominent or well known. They wrote no history of Israel, they preached no public sermons, nor do they appear …
Charles Foster Kent—The Origin & Permanent Value of the Old Testament

The Sick Person Ought Now to Send for Some Godly and Religious Pastor.
In any wise remember, if conveniently it may be, to send for some godly and religious pastor, not only to pray for thee at thy death--for God in such a case hath promised to hear the prayers of the righteous prophets, and elders of the church (Gen. xx. 7; Jer. xviii. 20; xv. 1; 1 Sam. xii. 19, 23; James v. 14, 15, 16)--but also upon thy unfeigned repentance to declare to thee the absolution of thy sins. For as Christ hath given him a calling to baptize thee unto repentance for the remission of thy …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

The Hindrances to Mourning
What shall we do to get our heart into this mourning frame? Do two things. Take heed of those things which will stop these channels of mourning; put yourselves upon the use of all means that will help forward holy mourning. Take heed of those things which will stop the current of tears. There are nine hindrances of mourning. 1 The love of sin. The love of sin is like a stone in the pipe which hinders the current of water. The love of sin makes sin taste sweet and this sweetness in sin bewitches the …
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12

The Ninth Commandment
Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.' Exod 20: 16. THE tongue which at first was made to be an organ of God's praise, is now become an instrument of unrighteousness. This commandment binds the tongue to its good behaviour. God has set two natural fences to keep in the tongue, the teeth and lips; and this commandment is a third fence set about it, that it should not break forth into evil. It has a prohibitory and a mandatory part: the first is set down in plain words, the other …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments

John Bunyan on the Terms of Communion and Fellowship of Christians at the Table of the Lord;
COMPRISING I. HIS CONFESSION OF FAITH, AND REASON OF HIS PRACTICE; II. DIFFERENCES ABOUT WATER BAPTISM NO BAR TO COMMUNION; AND III. PEACEABLE PRINCIPLES AND TRUE[1] ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. Reader, these are extraordinary productions that will well repay an attentive perusal. It is the confession of faith of a Christian who had suffered nearly twelve years' imprisonment, under persecution for conscience sake. Shut up with his Bible, you have here the result of a prayerful study of those holy …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Jeremiah, a Lesson for the Disappointed.
"Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the Lord."--Jeremiah i. 8. The Prophets were ever ungratefully treated by the Israelites, they were resisted, their warnings neglected, their good services forgotten. But there was this difference between the earlier and the later Prophets; the earlier lived and died in honour among their people,--in outward honour; though hated and thwarted by the wicked, they were exalted to high places, and ruled in the congregation. …
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VIII

Of the Decrees of God.
Eph. i. 11.--"Who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will."--Job xxiii. 13. "He is in one mind, and who can turn him? and what his soul desireth, even that he doeth." Having spoken something before of God, in his nature and being and properties, we come, in the next place, to consider his glorious majesty, as he stands in some nearer relation to his creatures, the work of his hands. For we must conceive the first rise of all things in the world to be in this self-being, the first conception …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Degrees of Sin
Are all transgressions of the law equally heinous? Some sins in themselves, and by reason of several aggravations, are more heinous in the sight of God than others. He that delivered me unto thee, has the greater sin.' John 19: 11. The Stoic philosophers held that all sins were equal; but this Scripture clearly holds forth that there is a gradual difference in sin; some are greater than others; some are mighty sins,' and crying sins.' Amos 5: 12; Gen 18: 21. Every sin has a voice to speak, but some …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments

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

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