Jeremiah 6:11

But I am full of the LORD's wrath; I am tired of holding it back. "Pour it out on the children in the street, and on the young men gathered together. For both husband and wife will be captured, the old and the very old alike.

Study Bible

But I am full of the LORD’s wrath;
This phrase reflects the prophet Jeremiah's deep sense of divine anger against the persistent sin and rebellion of Judah. The wrath of the LORD is a recurring theme in the Old Testament, often associated with the covenantal relationship between God and Israel. The people have broken the covenant, and divine justice demands a response. This wrath is not arbitrary but is a reaction to the people's idolatry and injustice, as seen throughout the book of Jeremiah.

I am tired of holding it back.
Jeremiah expresses the burden of carrying the message of impending judgment. The prophet's role is to communicate God's message, and here, he conveys the urgency and inevitability of divine judgment. This reflects the prophetic tension between mercy and justice, as God has been patient, but the time for judgment has come. This mirrors the patience of God seen in other scriptures, such as 2 Peter 3:9, where God is described as patient, not wanting anyone to perish.

“Pour it out on the children in the street,
The imagery of children in the street highlights the totality of the coming judgment. In ancient Near Eastern culture, children playing in the streets was a sign of peace and normalcy. The mention of children indicates that the judgment will be comprehensive, affecting all levels of society. This also underscores the severity of the situation, as even the most innocent and vulnerable will not be spared.

and on the young men gathered together.
Young men represent the strength and future of the nation. In the context of ancient warfare, young men were often the defenders of the city. Their gathering could imply preparation for defense or social interaction, but the judgment will render them powerless. This reflects the futility of human strength against divine judgment, as seen in other biblical narratives where human efforts are insufficient without God's favor.

For both husband and wife will be captured,
The capture of both husband and wife signifies the breakdown of family units, which were the foundational social structures in ancient Israel. This phrase indicates the complete disruption of societal norms and the devastating impact of the coming judgment. The capture of families also reflects the historical context of exile, where entire communities were uprooted and taken into captivity, as happened during the Babylonian conquest.

the old and the very old alike.
The inclusion of the elderly in this judgment emphasizes its totality and impartiality. In ancient cultures, the elderly were respected and often spared in times of conflict due to their vulnerability. However, this judgment is so severe that even they are not exempt. This highlights the seriousness of the people's sin and the comprehensive nature of God's justice. It also serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of turning away from God, as seen in the broader narrative of Israel's history.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jeremiah
The prophet called by God to deliver messages of warning and judgment to the people of Judah. He is known for his lamentations and deep emotional connection to his people.

2. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who is expressing His righteous anger due to the persistent disobedience and sin of His people.

3. Children and Young Men
Represent the future generation of Judah, indicating that the coming judgment will affect all levels of society.

4. Husband and Wife
Symbolize the family unit, showing that the judgment will disrupt the core of societal structure.

5. The Old and Very Old
Indicate that no one is exempt from the consequences of the nation's sin, emphasizing the totality of the impending judgment.

Teaching Points

The Reality of Divine Wrath
God's wrath is a response to persistent sin and rebellion. It is not arbitrary but a just response to the violation of His holiness.

The Universality of Judgment
The passage emphasizes that sin affects all people, regardless of age or status. This serves as a warning that no one is immune to the consequences of sin.

The Urgency of Repentance
Given the certainty of God's judgment, there is an urgent need for repentance and turning back to God. This is a call to examine our lives and align them with God's will.

The Role of the Prophet
Jeremiah's role as a prophet was to communicate God's message, even when it was difficult. This challenges us to speak truth in love, even when it is unpopular.

Hope Beyond Judgment
While the passage focuses on judgment, the broader context of Jeremiah includes promises of restoration and hope for those who turn back to God.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does understanding the context of Jeremiah's ministry help us grasp the significance of God's wrath in this passage?

2. In what ways does the universality of judgment in Jeremiah 6:11 challenge our understanding of sin and its consequences in today's world?

3. How can we apply the urgency of repentance in our personal lives and communities, considering the warnings in Jeremiah?

4. What can we learn from Jeremiah's role as a prophet about speaking truth in our own contexts, especially when it is difficult?

5. How do other scriptures that speak of God's judgment and restoration help us find hope and encouragement in the midst of warnings like those in Jeremiah 6:11?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Jeremiah 7:20
This verse also speaks of God's wrath being poured out on all flesh, reinforcing the theme of comprehensive judgment.

Ezekiel 9:5-6
Similar to Jeremiah 6:11, this passage describes a vision of judgment where no one is spared, highlighting the severity of God's response to sin.

Isaiah 13:9-11
These verses describe the day of the Lord's wrath, connecting to the theme of divine judgment against sin and rebellion.