Jeremiah 21:5

And I Myself will fight against you with an outstretched hand and a mighty arm, with anger, fury, and great wrath.

Study Bible

I Myself
This phrase emphasizes the personal involvement of God in the situation. In the Hebrew text, the use of "I Myself" underscores the direct action of Yahweh, indicating that this is not a delegated task but one that God takes upon Himself. It reflects the seriousness of the situation and the personal nature of the covenant relationship between God and His people. Historically, this is a moment where God is directly addressing the leaders of Judah, showing that their actions have warranted His direct intervention.

will fight against you
The Hebrew root for "fight" is "לחם" (lacham), which means to engage in battle or warfare. This is a stark reversal of the usual role of God as the protector and defender of Israel. Instead of fighting for His people, God is now positioned as their adversary due to their persistent disobedience and idolatry. This phrase serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of turning away from God's commandments and the covenant.

with an outstretched hand
The imagery of an "outstretched hand" is often used in the Old Testament to depict God's power and intervention, whether in deliverance or judgment. In Exodus, God's outstretched hand brought plagues upon Egypt, demonstrating His power over nations. Here, it signifies God's readiness and determination to execute judgment against Judah. The historical context is crucial, as Judah is facing the threat of Babylonian invasion, and this phrase indicates that God is actively allowing this as a form of judgment.

and a mighty arm
The "mighty arm" symbolizes strength and power. In Hebrew, "זרוע" (zeroa) is often associated with God's ability to accomplish His will. This phrase reassures the reader of God's omnipotence, but in this context, it is a fearsome reminder of His capability to bring about justice and judgment. Theologically, it serves as a warning that God's patience has limits, and His power can be directed against those who oppose His will.

with anger and fury and great wrath
These terms collectively describe the intensity of God's emotional response to the sin and rebellion of His people. "Anger" (אף, aph), "fury" (חמה, chemah), and "great wrath" (קצף גדול, qetseph gadol) convey a progression of divine displeasure. This triad of terms is used to emphasize the severity of the situation and the depth of God's righteous indignation. In the scriptural context, it reflects the culmination of Judah's persistent idolatry and injustice, which has provoked God to act decisively. From a conservative Christian perspective, this serves as a powerful reminder of the holiness of God and the seriousness with which He views sin. It calls believers to repentance and a renewed commitment to living in accordance with God's will.

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, including Zedekiah.

2. Zedekiah
The last king of Judah, during whose reign Jerusalem was besieged by the Babylonians. He sought Jeremiah's counsel in a time of crisis.

3. Judah
The southern kingdom of Israel, which was facing imminent destruction due to its persistent disobedience and idolatry.

4. Babylonian Siege
The historical event where the Babylonian army, led by King Nebuchadnezzar, besieged Jerusalem, leading to its eventual fall and the exile of its people.

5. God's Judgment
The divine response to Judah's unfaithfulness, characterized by God's active opposition to His own people due to their sin.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty in Judgment
God is not only a God of love and mercy but also of justice and righteousness. His sovereignty extends to executing judgment when His people persist in sin.

The Consequences of Disobedience
Persistent disobedience and idolatry lead to severe consequences. Judah's experience serves as a warning to remain faithful to God's commands.

The Dual Nature of God's Power
The same power that delivers can also judge. God's "outstretched hand" is a symbol of both salvation and judgment, depending on the response of His people.

The Urgency of Repentance
In times of impending judgment, the call to repentance is urgent. God's warnings through prophets like Jeremiah are opportunities for His people to turn back to Him.

Understanding God's Wrath
God's wrath is not arbitrary but is a response to sin and rebellion. It is an aspect of His holiness and justice, meant to bring about correction and restoration.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the imagery of God's "outstretched hand and mighty arm" in Jeremiah 21:5 compare to its use in other parts of the Bible, such as in Exodus and Deuteronomy?

2. What lessons can we learn from Judah's disobedience and the resulting judgment that can be applied to our personal lives today?

3. In what ways does understanding God's sovereignty in judgment affect our view of His character and our relationship with Him?

4. How can we ensure that we are responsive to God's warnings and calls for repentance in our own lives?

5. How does the concept of God's wrath, as seen in Jeremiah 21:5, help us understand the balance between His justice and mercy?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 6:6
The phrase "outstretched hand and mighty arm" is reminiscent of God's deliverance of Israel from Egypt, highlighting His power both to save and to judge.

Deuteronomy 4:34
This verse also uses similar language to describe God's mighty acts, emphasizing His sovereignty and ability to act decisively in history.

Isaiah 5:25
This passage speaks of God's anger and judgment against His people, paralleling the themes of divine wrath found in Jeremiah 21:5.

Ezekiel 20:33-34
These verses describe God's intention to rule over His people with an outstretched arm, again illustrating His authority and power.