◄ Jeremiah 20:5 ►
I will give away all the wealth of this city--all its products and valuables, and all the treasures of the kings of Judah--to their enemies. They will plunder them, seize them, and carry them off to Babylon.
Study Bible
I will deliver
The phrase "I will deliver" signifies a decisive action by God, indicating His sovereign control over the events that are about to unfold. The Hebrew root word here is "נָתַן" (natan), which means to give, put, or set. This conveys the idea that God is actively handing over the wealth and treasures of Jerusalem as a consequence of the people's disobedience. It underscores the theme of divine judgment that runs throughout the book of Jeremiah, reminding us that God is just and His decrees are fulfilled.

all the wealth of this city
The "wealth of this city" refers to the accumulated riches and resources of Jerusalem. Historically, Jerusalem was a significant city in the ancient Near East, known for its prosperity and strategic location. The Hebrew word for wealth, "חֹסֶן" (chosen), implies not just material riches but also the strength and security that wealth provides. This phrase highlights the totality of what will be lost due to the people's unfaithfulness, serving as a stark warning of the consequences of turning away from God.

all its products and valuables
This phrase emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the loss. "Products" and "valuables" suggest the fruits of labor and the precious items that were highly esteemed. The Hebrew words "יְגִיעַ" (yegia) for products and "יְקָר" (yeqar) for valuables indicate the toil and the esteemed possessions that will be taken. This serves as a reminder that earthly treasures are fleeting and can be easily lost when a nation or individual turns away from God's commandments.

and the treasures of the kings of Judah
The "treasures of the kings of Judah" refer to the royal wealth accumulated over generations. These treasures were not only material but also symbolic of the nation's glory and God's favor. The Hebrew word "אוֹצָר" (otzar) for treasures suggests a storehouse or treasury, indicating the vastness and value of what is to be lost. This loss signifies the end of an era and the removal of God's protection and blessing from the royal line due to their persistent idolatry and rebellion.

into the hands of their enemies
This phrase indicates the transfer of power and possession from the people of Judah to their adversaries. The Hebrew word "יָד" (yad) for hand often symbolizes power and control. The enemies, likely the Babylonians, are instruments of God's judgment. This serves as a sobering reminder that God can use even those who do not know Him to accomplish His purposes and bring about His justice.

who will plunder them, seize them, and carry them off to Babylon
The actions described—plundering, seizing, and carrying off—depict the complete and utter defeat of Jerusalem. The Hebrew verbs "בָּזַז" (bazaz) for plunder, "לָקַח" (laqach) for seize, and "הוֹלִיךְ" (holich) for carry off, convey the violence and finality of the conquest. Babylon, a symbol of worldly power and opposition to God, becomes the place of exile and judgment. This serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of forsaking God and the reality of His warnings through the prophets. It also foreshadows the hope of eventual restoration, as God’s plans ultimately include redemption and return for His people.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jeremiah
A prophet called by God to deliver messages of judgment and hope to the people of Judah. He is known for his perseverance in the face of opposition.

2. Judah
The southern kingdom of Israel, which was facing impending judgment due to its disobedience and idolatry.

3. Babylon
The empire that God used as an instrument of judgment against Judah. Babylon was known for its wealth and power during this period.

4. Kings of Judah
The rulers of Judah who were often unfaithful to God, leading the nation into idolatry and away from God's commandments.

5. Enemies
Refers to the Babylonians who would conquer Judah, as a fulfillment of God's judgment against the nation's unfaithfulness.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty in Judgment
God is sovereign and His judgments are just. The prophecy in Jeremiah 20:5 reminds us that God uses nations and events to fulfill His purposes.

Consequences of Disobedience
The fall of Judah serves as a warning about the consequences of turning away from God. Disobedience leads to loss and destruction.

The Reality of Spiritual Warfare
The plundering of Judah's treasures symbolizes the spiritual warfare that believers face. We must guard our spiritual "treasures" against the enemy.

Hope Beyond Judgment
While Jeremiah's message is one of judgment, it also points to the hope of restoration. God's discipline is meant to bring His people back to Him.

Faithfulness in Adversity
Jeremiah's perseverance in delivering God's message, despite opposition, encourages us to remain faithful in our own trials.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the prophecy in Jeremiah 20:5 reflect the broader theme of judgment and restoration found throughout the book of Jeremiah?

2. In what ways can the fall of Judah serve as a warning for modern believers about the dangers of idolatry and disobedience?

3. How can we apply the concept of spiritual warfare, as symbolized by the plundering of Judah's treasures, to our daily lives?

4. What lessons can we learn from Jeremiah's faithfulness in delivering God's message, even when it was unpopular or dangerous?

5. How do the events described in Jeremiah 20:5 connect with the promises of hope and restoration found in other parts of Scripture, such as the New Testament?
Connections to Other Scriptures
2 Kings 24-25
These chapters provide a historical account of the Babylonian conquest of Judah, aligning with Jeremiah's prophecy.

Lamentations 1
Written by Jeremiah, this book laments the fall of Jerusalem and the fulfillment of the prophecies of judgment.

Deuteronomy 28
This chapter outlines the blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience, which are echoed in the judgment pronounced in Jeremiah.

Daniel 1
Describes the exile of the people of Judah to Babylon, including the taking of treasures and noble youths, fulfilling Jeremiah's prophecy.
Sermons
A Changed Name and a Dreadful DoomD. Young Jeremiah 20:1-6
Magor-Missabib; Or, the Fate of a False ProphetA.F. Muir Jeremiah 20:3-6
People
Benjamin, Immer, Jeremiah, Magormissabib, Pashur
Places
Babylon, Benjamin Gate, Topheth
Topics
Babylon, Carry, Enemies, Gains, Judah, Kings, Moreover, Plunder, Precious, Prey, Products, Riches, Treasures, Valuables, Wealth, Yes
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Jeremiah 20:5

     5591   treasure

Jeremiah 20:3-6

     5044   names, giving of

Jeremiah 20:4-6

     4215   Babylon

Library
The Revelation to which the Scripture of the Old Testament Owes Its Existence.
"O Lord, . . . Thou art stronger than I, and hast prevailed."--Jer. xx. 7. The understanding of the Holy Spirit's work in Scripture requires us to distinguish the preparation, and the formation that was the outcome of the preparation. We will discuss these two separately. The Holy Spirit prepared for Scripture by the operations which from Paradise to Patmos supernaturally apprehended the sinful life of this world, and thus raised up believing men who formed the developing Church. This will seem very …
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit

The Revelation of the Old Testament in Writing.
"Then I said, I will not speak any more in His Name. But His word was in my heart as a burning fire, shut up in my bones: and I was weary with forbearing, but I could not."--Jer. xx. 9. Altho the miracles performed for and in the midst of Israel created a glorious life-center in the midst of the heathen world, yet they did not constitute a Holy Scripture; for this can not be created except God speak to man, even to His people Israel. "God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in times …
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit

One Thing is Needful;
or, SERIOUS MEDITATIONS UPON THE FOUR LAST THINGS: DEATH, JUDGMENT, HEAVEN, AND HELL UNTO WHICH IS ADDED EBAL AND GERIZZIM, OR THE BLESSING AND THE CURSE, by John Bunyan. London: Printed for Nath. Ponder, at the Peacock in the Poultry, 1688.[1] ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. According to Charles Doe, in that curious sheet called The Struggler for the Preservation of Mr. John Bunyan's Labours, these poems were published about the year 1664, while the author was suffering imprisonment for conscience …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

The Baptist's Inquiry and Jesus' Discourse Suggested Thereby.
(Galilee.) ^A Matt. XI. 2-30; ^C Luke VII. 18-35. ^c 18 And the disciples of John told him of all these things. ^a 2 Now when John had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent by his disciples ^c 19 And John calling unto him two of his disciples sent them unto the Lord [John had been cast into prison about December, a.d. 27, and it was now after the Passover, possibly in May or June, a.d. 28. Herod Antipas had cast John into prison because John had reproved him for taking his brother's wife. …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

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

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

Meditations for the Morning.
1. Almighty God can, in the resurrection, as easily raise up thy body out of the grave, from the sleep of death, as he hath this morning wakened thee in thy bed, out of the sleep of nature. At the dawning of which resurrection day, Christ shall come to be glorified in his saints; and every one of the bodies of the thousands of his saints, being fashioned like unto his glorious body, shall shine as bright as the sun (2 Thess. i. 10; Jude, ver. 14; Phil. iii. 21; Luke ix. 31;) all the angels shining …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

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

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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