Jeremiah 16:16

But for now I will send for many fishermen, declares the LORD, and they will catch them. After that I will send for many hunters, and they will hunt them down on every mountain and hill, even from the clefts of the rocks.

Study Bible

But for now
This phrase indicates a shift in divine strategy. The Hebrew word "עַתָּה" (attah) suggests an immediate or present action. It reflects God's current intention to act decisively in the affairs of His people. Historically, this marks a transition from warning to action, emphasizing the urgency and immediacy of God's plan.

I will send for many fishermen
The imagery of "fishermen" is significant. In Hebrew, "דַּיָּגִים" (dayyagim) refers to those who catch fish, symbolizing a methodical and patient approach. This metaphor suggests that God will use agents to gather His people, much like fishermen gather fish. In the context of ancient Israel, fishing was a common occupation, making this metaphor relatable and vivid. It implies a divine gathering, possibly of those who are lost or scattered.

declares the LORD
This phrase underscores the authority and certainty of the message. The Hebrew "נְאֻם־יְהוָה" (ne'um-YHWH) is a prophetic formula that authenticates the message as coming directly from God. It reassures the audience of the divine origin and reliability of the prophecy.

and they will catch them
The act of catching, "וְדָגוּם" (vedagum), implies success and inevitability. It suggests that the divine plan will be fulfilled without fail. The imagery of catching reinforces the idea of gathering and reclaiming, possibly indicating a return or restoration of the people.

After that I will send for many hunters
The transition from fishermen to "hunters" (צַיָּדִים, tsayadim) introduces a more aggressive and determined approach. Hunting involves pursuit and capture, often in challenging terrains. This shift suggests a more intense phase of God's plan, where those who are elusive or resistant will be sought out. Historically, hunting was a skillful and strategic activity, indicating that God's agents will be thorough and relentless.

and they will hunt them down
The phrase "וְצָדוּם" (vetsadum) conveys a sense of pursuit and capture. It implies that no one will escape the divine search. This reflects God's comprehensive knowledge and control over all situations, ensuring that His purposes are accomplished.

on every mountain and hill
Mountains and hills, "עַל־כָּל־הָר וְעַל־כָּל־גִּבְעָה" (al-kol-har ve'al-kol-giv'ah), symbolize places of refuge and hiding. In ancient times, these locations were often seen as places of safety or worship. The mention of these terrains indicates that God's search will be exhaustive, reaching even the most remote or secure places.

and from the clefts of the rocks
The "clefts of the rocks" (וּמִנְּקִיקֵי הַסְּלָעִים, uminnikikei hasela'im) represent hidden or protected areas. This imagery suggests that there will be no place too hidden or secure for God's reach. It emphasizes the thoroughness of God's pursuit and the futility of trying to escape His will.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jeremiah
A major prophet in the Old Testament, called by God to deliver messages of judgment and hope to the people of Judah.

2. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who speaks through Jeremiah to convey His plans and purposes.

3. Fishermen and Hunters
Metaphorical agents used by God to gather and pursue the people of Israel, symbolizing different methods of divine intervention.

4. Mountains, Hills, and Clefts of the Rocks
Geographic features symbolizing places of refuge or hiding, indicating that no place is beyond God's reach.

Teaching Points

Divine Sovereignty
God is in control of all events and uses various means to accomplish His purposes, whether through judgment or redemption.

Inescapability of God's Judgment
Just as fishermen and hunters are thorough in their pursuit, God's judgment is comprehensive and unavoidable.

Call to Repentance
The imagery serves as a warning to turn back to God before judgment comes, highlighting the urgency of repentance.

God's Relentless Pursuit
While the context is judgment, the broader biblical account shows God's relentless pursuit of His people for redemption.

Symbolism of Fishermen and Hunters
These roles can also symbolize the church's mission to seek out and bring people to God, transforming judgment imagery into a call for evangelism.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the imagery of fishermen and hunters in Jeremiah 16:16 reflect God's methods of dealing with His people?

2. In what ways can the concept of divine judgment in this passage be seen as a call to repentance for us today?

3. How does the use of geographic features like mountains and hills in this verse emphasize the inescapability of God's reach?

4. How can the transformation of the "fishermen" imagery from judgment in Jeremiah to evangelism in the New Testament inspire our mission as Christians?

5. What practical steps can we take to ensure we are responding to God's call for repentance and aligning ourselves with His purposes?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Amos 4:2
This verse also uses the imagery of fishermen to describe God's judgment, emphasizing the inevitability of divine intervention.

Matthew 4:19
Jesus calls His disciples to be "fishers of men," which can be seen as a redemptive parallel to the judgment imagery in Jeremiah.

Ezekiel 29:4-5
Similar imagery of fishing is used to describe God's judgment on Egypt, reinforcing the theme of divine sovereignty over nations.

Revelation 6:15-17
The imagery of people hiding in rocks and mountains during the end times echoes the inescapability of God's judgment.