I will appoint destroyers against you, each man with his weapons, and they will cut down the choicest of your cedars and throw them into the fire. I will appointThe phrase "I will appoint" signifies God's sovereign authority and intentionality in His actions. The Hebrew root word here is "paqad," which often implies a divine visitation or intervention. In the context of Jeremiah, it underscores God's active role in orchestrating events as a response to the people's disobedience. This is a reminder of God's ultimate control over history and His ability to raise up nations or individuals to fulfill His purposes. destroyers against you
The term "destroyers" is derived from the Hebrew word "shachath," which means to ruin or corrupt. Historically, this refers to the Babylonian forces that God would use as instruments of judgment against Judah. Theologically, it serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of turning away from God. The "destroyers" are not random forces but are specifically appointed by God, emphasizing His justice and the seriousness of sin. each with his weapons
This phrase highlights the preparedness and determination of the destroyers. The imagery of "weapons" suggests a well-equipped and formidable force. In the ancient Near Eastern context, this would evoke fear and a sense of impending doom. Spiritually, it serves as a metaphor for the spiritual battles believers face, reminding us to be vigilant and prepared with the armor of God as described in Ephesians 6. they will cut down
The action "cut down" is from the Hebrew "karath," which means to cut off or destroy. This conveys a sense of finality and thoroughness in the judgment that is to come. It reflects the irreversible nature of God's judgment once it is decreed. For the people of Judah, it was a call to repentance before it was too late. your best cedars
"Cedars" were highly valued in the ancient world, known for their strength, durability, and beauty. The "best cedars" symbolize the pride and glory of Judah, possibly referring to the royal palace or the temple. The destruction of these cedars signifies the loss of what was most esteemed and cherished. It serves as a warning against placing trust in material or earthly splendor rather than in God. and throw them into the fire
The imagery of fire is often associated with purification and judgment in the Bible. Here, it signifies complete destruction. The act of throwing the cedars into the fire symbolizes the totality of the coming devastation. It is a powerful reminder of the consuming nature of God's judgment against sin, but also of His desire to purify and refine His people. This calls believers to reflect on their own lives and the areas that need to be surrendered to God's refining fire. Persons / Places / Events 1. JeremiahA major prophet in the Old Testament, called by God to deliver messages of warning and hope to the people of Judah. 2. JudahThe southern kingdom of Israel, which was often warned by prophets like Jeremiah about impending judgment due to their disobedience to God. 3. DestroyersLikely referring to the Babylonian forces that God would use as instruments of judgment against Judah for their unfaithfulness. 4. CedarsSymbolic of strength and pride, often used in the construction of palaces and temples. The cutting down of cedars signifies the destruction of what is considered valuable and strong. 5. FireRepresents judgment and purification, often used in the Bible to depict God's righteous anger and the consequences of sin. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty in JudgmentGod appoints and uses nations and events to fulfill His purposes, even in judgment. We must recognize His ultimate authority over all things. The Consequences of DisobedienceJudah's destruction serves as a warning of the serious consequences of turning away from God. We are called to live in obedience to His commands. The Symbolism of CedarsThe cedars represent human pride and self-reliance. We must be careful not to place our trust in worldly strength or achievements. Repentance and RestorationWhile judgment is certain for unrepentant sin, God always offers a path to restoration for those who turn back to Him with sincere hearts. The Role of ProphetsProphets like Jeremiah were tasked with delivering difficult messages. We should be open to receiving correction and guidance from God's Word and His messengers today. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the imagery of "destroyers" and "cedars" in Jeremiah 22:7 help us understand the nature of God's judgment? 2. In what ways can we see God's sovereignty at work in the world today, similar to how He used Babylon against Judah? 3. Reflect on a time when you relied on your own "cedars" (strengths or achievements). How can you shift your trust to God instead? 4. How do the warnings in Jeremiah 22:7 and similar passages in Isaiah and Ezekiel challenge us to live in obedience to God? 5. What steps can we take to ensure we are receptive to God's correction and guidance, as delivered through His Word and His people? Connections to Other Scriptures Isaiah 10:33-34This passage also speaks of the Lord cutting down the lofty trees, symbolizing the humbling of the proud and powerful. Ezekiel 17:22-24Here, the imagery of trees is used to describe God's sovereignty and His ability to raise up and bring down nations. Psalm 29:5The voice of the Lord is described as powerful enough to break the cedars, emphasizing God's supreme authority over creation. People Babylonians, Coniah, David, Jehoiachin, Jehoiakim, Jeremiah, Josiah, Nebuchadnezzar, Nebuchadrezzar, ShallumPlaces Abarim, Babylon, Bashan, Gilead, Jerusalem, LebanonTopics Apart, Armed, Beams, Best, Cast, Cedar, Cedars, Cedar-trees, Choice, Choicest, Cut, Destroyers, Destruction, Fine, Fire, Prepare, Ready, Separated, Throw, War, WeaponsDictionary of Bible Themes Jeremiah 22:4-9 1351 covenant, with David Jeremiah 22:5-7 8833 threats Library The Life of Mr. James Mitchel.
Mr. James Mitchel[152] was educated at the university of Edinburgh, and was, with some other of his fellow-students, made master of arts anno 1656. Mr. Robert Leighton (afterwards bishop Leighton), being then principal of that college, before the degree was conferred upon them, tendered to them the national and solemn league and covenant; which covenants, upon mature deliberation, he took, finding nothing in them but a short compend of the moral law, binding to our duty towards God and towards …
John Howie—Biographia Scoticana (Scots Worthies)Columban.
THE wild districts of Ireland were occupied with convents, after the example of Patrick, and cultivated by the hard labour of the monks. The Irish convents were distinguished by their strict Christian discipline, their diligence and their zeal in the study of the Scriptures, and of science in general, as far as they had the means of acquiring it. Irish monks brought learning from Britain and Gaul, they treasured up this learning and elaborated it in the solitude of the convent, and they are said …
Augustus Neander—Light in the Dark Places "Hear the Word of the Lord, Ye Rulers of Sodom, Give Ear unto the Law of Our God, Ye People of Gomorrah,"
Isaiah i. 10, 11, &c.--"Hear the word of the Lord, ye rulers of Sodom, give ear unto the law of our God, ye people of Gomorrah," &c. It is strange to think what mercy is mixed with the most wrath like strokes and threatenings. There is no prophet whose office and commission is only for judgment, nay, to speak the truth, it is mercy that premises threatenings. The entering of the law, both in the commands and curses, is to make sin abound, that grace may superabound, so that both rods and threatenings …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning "If we Say that we have Fellowship with Him, and Walk in Darkness, we Lie,"
1 John i. 6.--"If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie," &c. That which is the sum of religion, sincerity, and a correspondency between profession and practice, is confirmed by reason, and much strengthened by nature itself, so that religion, reason, and nature, conspire in one, to hold out the beauty and comeliness of sincerity, and to put a note and character of infamy and deformity upon all hypocrisy and deceit, especially in the matters of religion. There is …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning Joy
'The fruit of the Spirit is joy.' Gal 5:52. The third fruit of justification, adoption, and sanctification, is joy in the Holy Ghost. Joy is setting the soul upon the top of a pinnacle - it is the cream of the sincere milk of the word. Spiritual joy is a sweet and delightful passion, arising from the apprehension and feeling of some good, whereby the soul is supported under present troubles, and fenced against future fear. I. It is a delightful passion. It is contrary to sorrow, which is a perturbation …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity The Two Classes.
"Two men went up into the temple to pray."--Luke xvii. 10. I now want to speak of two classes: First, those who do not feel their need of a Saviour who have not been convinced of sin by the Spirit; and Second, those who are convinced of sin and cry, "What must I do to be saved?" All inquirers can be ranged under two heads: they have either the spirit of the Pharisee, or the spirit of the publican. If a man having the spirit of the Pharisee comes into an after-meeting, I know of no better portion …
Dwight L. Moody—The Way to God and How to Find It A Discourse of the House and Forest of Lebanon
OF THE HOUSE OF THE FOREST OF LEBANON. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. That part of Palestine in which the celebrated mountains of Lebanon are situated, is the border country adjoining Syria, having Sidon for its seaport, and Land, nearly adjoining the city of Damascus, on the north. This metropolitan city of Syria, and capital of the kingdom of Damascus, was strongly fortified; and during the border conflicts it served as a cover to the Assyrian army. Bunyan, with great reason, supposes that, to keep …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 "To what Purpose is the Multitude of Your Sacrifices unto Me? Saith the Lord,"
Isaiah i. 11.--"To what purpose is the multitude of your sacrifices unto me? saith the Lord," &c. This is the word he calls them to hear and a strange word. Isaiah asks, What mean your sacrifices? God will not have them. I think the people would say in their own hearts, What means the prophet? What would the Lord be at? Do we anything but what he commanded us? Is he angry at us for obeying him? What means this word? Is he not repealing the statute and ordinance he had made in Israel? If he had reproved …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning Jewish Homes
It may be safely asserted, that the grand distinction, which divided all mankind into Jews and Gentiles, was not only religious, but also social. However near the cities of the heathen to those of Israel, however frequent and close the intercourse between the two parties, no one could have entered a Jewish town or village without feeling, so to speak, in quite another world. The aspect of the streets, the building and arrangement of the houses, the municipal and religious rule, the manners and customs …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life 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 Links Jeremiah 22:7 NIVJeremiah 22:7 NLTJeremiah 22:7 ESVJeremiah 22:7 NASBJeremiah 22:7 KJV
Jeremiah 22:7 Commentaries
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