Jeremiah 30:5
Yes, this is what the LORD says: "A cry of panic is heard--a cry of terror, not of peace.
Yes, this is what the LORD says:
This phrase emphasizes the authority and divine origin of the message. In the context of Jeremiah, the prophet often begins his declarations with this formula to assert that the words are not his own but are directly from God. This is a common prophetic introduction found throughout the Old Testament, underscoring the role of prophets as God's mouthpieces (e.g., Isaiah 1:10, Ezekiel 2:4).

A cry of panic is heard—
The "cry of panic" reflects the immediate emotional response to impending disaster. Historically, this can be linked to the Babylonian threat against Judah, which caused widespread fear among the people. The imagery of a "cry" is often used in the Bible to depict distress and urgency (e.g., Exodus 14:10, 2 Kings 19:3).

a cry of terror,
This phrase intensifies the previous one, indicating not just panic but deep-seated fear. The terror is likely due to the realization of God's judgment coming upon the nation. In the broader biblical narrative, terror often accompanies divine judgment (e.g., Deuteronomy 28:67, Isaiah 13:8).

not of peace.
The absence of peace highlights the contrast between the people's current state and the peace that God desires for His people. This reflects the covenantal consequences outlined in Deuteronomy, where disobedience leads to turmoil rather than peace. Theologically, it points to the ultimate peace found in Christ, who is called the "Prince of Peace" (Isaiah 9:6), contrasting the temporary peace the world offers.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who speaks through the prophet Jeremiah, delivering messages of both judgment and hope.

2. Jeremiah
A major prophet in the Old Testament, known for his prophecies concerning the destruction and eventual restoration of Jerusalem and Judah.

3. Judah
The southern kingdom of Israel, facing impending judgment and exile due to their disobedience and idolatry.

4. Babylonian Exile
The historical context of Jeremiah's prophecies, where the people of Judah were taken captive by Babylon as a consequence of their sins.

5. Cry of Panic
Represents the emotional and spiritual state of the people of Judah as they face the consequences of their rebellion against God.
Teaching Points
The Reality of Divine Judgment
God's warnings through the prophets are serious and should not be taken lightly. The cry of panic is a direct result of ignoring God's commands.

The Consequences of Sin
Sin leads to chaos and fear, as seen in the panic described. We must recognize the destructive nature of sin in our lives and communities.

The Call to Repentance
Even in the midst of judgment, God calls His people to repentance. This is a reminder of His mercy and desire for restoration.

Hope Beyond Judgment
While the immediate context is one of terror, the broader message of Jeremiah includes promises of restoration and peace for those who turn back to God.

Trust in God's Sovereignty
In times of panic and terror, believers are called to trust in God's ultimate plan and sovereignty, knowing that He works all things for good.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the "cry of panic" in Jeremiah 30:5 reflect the spiritual state of Judah, and what can we learn from this about the consequences of turning away from God?

2. In what ways do the themes of judgment and restoration in Jeremiah parallel the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament?

3. How can we apply the call to repentance found in Jeremiah to our personal lives and communities today?

4. What are some modern-day "cries of panic" that might indicate a need for spiritual renewal and repentance?

5. How can we find hope and peace in God's promises, even when facing times of distress and uncertainty?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Isaiah 13:6-8
Similar themes of terror and panic are expressed as a result of God's judgment, highlighting the seriousness of divine retribution.

Matthew 24:6-8
Jesus speaks of future times of distress and panic, drawing a parallel to the prophetic warnings of the Old Testament.

1 Thessalonians 5:3
Paul warns of sudden destruction coming upon those who are complacent, echoing the themes of unexpected terror found in Jeremiah.
Written in a Book; Or, Words Held OverA.F. Muir
People
David, Jacob, Jeremiah
Places
Babylon, Zion
Topics
Cries, Cry, Dread, Ears, Fear, Panic, Peace, Says, Shaking, Surely, Terror, Thus, Trembling, Voice
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Jeremiah 30:5

     8754   fear

Library
A Bygone Year.
A Bygone Year. "For who is this that engaged his heart to approach unto Me? saith the Lord."--Jer. xxx. 21. A year, another year is fled; Its issues who can tell? Millions of voices of the dead Reply from heaven or hell. All these were living at the birth Of the departed year; They all have vanish'd from the earth, We fill their places here. Though to the eye, the ear, the mind Of man their speech is seal'd, The eternal meaning each may find, In two plain words reveal'd. Lost spirits, from the
James Montgomery—Sacred Poems and Hymns

The Twofold Testimony of John - the First Sabbath of Jesus's Ministry - the First Sunday - the First Disciples.
THE forty days, which had passed since Jesus had first come to him, must have been to the Baptist a time of soul-quickening, of unfolding understanding, and of ripened decision. We see it in his more emphasised testimony to the Christ; in his fuller comprehension of those prophecies which had formed the warrant and substance of his Mission; but specially in the yet more entire self-abnegation, which led him to take up a still lowlier position, and acquiescingly to realise that his task of heralding
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Covenanting Provided for in the Everlasting Covenant.
The duty of Covenanting is founded on the law of nature; but it also stands among the arrangements of Divine mercy made from everlasting. The promulgation of the law, enjoining it on man in innocence as a duty, was due to God's necessary dominion over the creatures of his power. The revelation of it as a service obligatory on men in a state of sin, arose from his unmerited grace. In the one display, we contemplate the authority of the righteous moral Governor of the universe; in the other, we see
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting

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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