◄ Jeremiah 18:17 ►
I will scatter them before the enemy like the east wind. I will show them My back and not My face in the day of their calamity."
Study Bible
I will scatter them
The phrase "I will scatter them" reflects God's judgment upon His people, Israel, for their persistent disobedience and idolatry. The Hebrew root word for "scatter" is "פּוּץ" (puts), which conveys the idea of dispersing or spreading out. Historically, this scattering is reminiscent of the Assyrian and Babylonian exiles, where the Israelites were forcibly removed from their homeland. This scattering serves as both a punishment and a means to fulfill God's sovereign plan, reminding us of the consequences of turning away from God's commandments.

before the enemy
The phrase "before the enemy" indicates that the scattering will occur in the presence of adversaries. The Hebrew word for "enemy" is "אוֹיֵב" (oyev), which can refer to both physical and spiritual adversaries. In the historical context, this refers to the surrounding nations that God used as instruments of His judgment. Spiritually, it serves as a reminder that turning away from God leaves one vulnerable to the attacks of the enemy, both physically and spiritually.

like the east wind
The "east wind" in the Bible often symbolizes destruction and desolation. In the Hebrew context, the east wind, or "קָדִים" (qadim), is a hot, dry wind from the desert that withers and destroys. This imagery is used to convey the severity and inevitability of God's judgment. The east wind is relentless and unstoppable, much like the consequences of Israel's unfaithfulness. It serves as a powerful metaphor for the divine retribution that comes upon those who forsake the covenant with God.

I will show them My back
The phrase "I will show them My back" is a vivid depiction of God's withdrawal of His presence and favor. In Hebrew, the word for "back" is "עֹרֶף" (oreph), which can also mean "neck" or "backside." This signifies a turning away, a refusal to look upon or bless. In the ancient Near Eastern context, showing one's back was a sign of rejection and disfavor. This is a sobering reminder of the seriousness of sin and the reality of divine judgment when God's people persist in rebellion.

and not My face
The contrast of "not My face" emphasizes the loss of God's favor and blessing. In Hebrew, "face" is "פָּנִים" (panim), often associated with God's presence, blessing, and grace. To seek God's face is to seek His favor and guidance. The absence of God's face signifies a withdrawal of His protective and guiding presence. This serves as a warning of the spiritual desolation that comes when one is separated from God due to sin.

in the day of their calamity
The "day of their calamity" refers to the time of judgment and distress that will come upon the people as a result of their disobedience. The Hebrew word for "calamity" is "רָעָה" (ra'ah), which can mean evil, disaster, or misfortune. This phrase underscores the inevitability of divine judgment when God's people turn away from Him. It serves as a call to repentance and a reminder of the hope that remains for those who return to God, even in the midst of calamity.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jeremiah
A prophet called by God to deliver messages of warning and hope to the people of Judah. His ministry spanned the reigns of several kings and was marked by themes of repentance and judgment.

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

3. The East Wind
In the Hebrew context, the east wind is often associated with destruction and desolation. It is a metaphor for the judgment that God is bringing upon Judah.

4. The Enemy
Refers to the Babylonian forces that God would use as instruments of His judgment against Judah.

5. Calamity
The impending disaster and suffering that would come upon Judah as a result of their rebellion against God.
Teaching Points
The Consequences of Disobedience
God's judgment is a direct result of persistent disobedience and idolatry. Just as Judah faced consequences, we must be mindful of the spiritual repercussions of turning away from God.

The Symbolism of the East Wind
The east wind represents God's power to bring about change, whether through judgment or blessing. It serves as a reminder of His sovereignty over all creation.

God's Presence and Absence
The imagery of God showing His back instead of His face highlights the importance of seeking His presence. In times of trouble, we should strive to remain in His favor through obedience and repentance.

Repentance as a Path to Restoration
While judgment is severe, God's ultimate desire is for His people to return to Him. Repentance opens the door to restoration and renewed relationship with God.

The Role of Prophets
Prophets like Jeremiah were tasked with delivering difficult messages. Their role underscores the importance of speaking truth, even when it is unpopular or challenging.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the imagery of the east wind in Jeremiah 18:17 help us understand the nature of God's judgment?

2. In what ways can we ensure that we are seeking God's face rather than turning away from Him in our daily lives?

3. How does the message of Jeremiah 18:17 relate to the broader theme of repentance found throughout the Bible?

4. What lessons can we learn from the role of prophets like Jeremiah in delivering God's messages to His people?

5. How can we apply the warnings of Jeremiah 18:17 to our personal and communal spiritual lives today?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Deuteronomy 31:17
This verse speaks of God hiding His face from Israel due to their idolatry, similar to the imagery in Jeremiah 18:17 where God turns His back on Judah.

Hosea 13:15
The east wind is also mentioned here as a symbol of destruction, reinforcing the theme of divine judgment.

Ezekiel 7:22
God speaks of turning His face away from His people due to their abominations, paralleling the message in Jeremiah.
Sermons
East WindsH. B. Freeman, M. A.Jeremiah 18:17
The Sinner's DoomHelps for the PulpitJeremiah 18:17
People
Jeremiah
Places
Jerusalem, Lebanon, Sirion
Topics
Attacker, Calamity, Disaster, Downfall, East, Enemies, Enemy, Face, Flight, Neck, Scatter, Shew, Wind
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Jeremiah 18:17

     1255   face of God
     4821   east
     5127   back

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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