O inhabitant of Lebanon, nestled in the cedars, how you will groan when pangs of anguish come upon you, agony like a woman in labor." You who dwell in LebanonThis phrase refers to the inhabitants of Judah, particularly the royal family and leaders, who are metaphorically described as dwelling in Lebanon. Lebanon was known for its majestic cedar trees, which were highly valued and used in the construction of palaces and temples. The reference to Lebanon symbolizes the opulence and security that the leaders of Judah enjoyed. However, this security is superficial, as their hearts are far from God. The Hebrew root for "dwell" (יָשַׁב, yashab) implies a sense of comfort and complacency, highlighting the false sense of security that comes from material wealth and earthly power. Nestled in the cedars
The imagery of being "nestled in the cedars" further emphasizes the comfort and luxury that the leaders of Judah experience. Cedars of Lebanon were renowned for their strength and beauty, often used as a symbol of pride and stability. However, this pride is misplaced, as it is not rooted in faithfulness to God. The Hebrew word for "nestled" (קִנֵּן, qinnen) suggests a sense of being securely established, yet this security is illusory without obedience to God's covenant. How you will groan
The word "groan" (נָאָה, na'ah) conveys a deep, mournful sound, often associated with distress and lamentation. This prophetic warning indicates that the time of judgment is imminent, and the leaders who once felt secure will experience profound anguish. The groaning is a result of the impending judgment that God will bring upon them due to their unfaithfulness and idolatry. When pangs come upon you
The "pangs" (חִיל, chil) refer to sudden and intense pain, often used in the context of childbirth. This metaphor highlights the inevitability and intensity of the coming judgment. Just as labor pains are unavoidable and increase in intensity, so too will the consequences of Judah's disobedience be unavoidable and severe. The historical context here points to the Babylonian invasion and the subsequent exile, which were direct results of the nation's persistent sin. Agony like a woman in labor
This simile underscores the severity and inevitability of the suffering that will befall Judah. The agony of childbirth is a powerful image of intense and unavoidable pain, symbolizing the depth of the nation's coming distress. In the Hebrew culture, labor pains were often used as a metaphor for times of great trial and transformation. This imagery serves as a call to repentance, urging the people to turn back to God before the full force of judgment is realized. Persons / Places / Events 1. Inhabitant of LebanonThis refers to the people of Judah, particularly the royal family and leaders who lived in luxury and security, symbolized by the cedars of Lebanon. 2. LebanonKnown for its majestic cedar trees, Lebanon symbolizes strength, beauty, and prosperity. In this context, it represents the opulence and false security of Judah's leaders. 3. CedarsThe cedars of Lebanon were highly valued and used in the construction of palaces and temples. They symbolize the wealth and pride of Judah's leaders. 4. Pangs and AgonyThese terms describe the impending judgment and suffering that will come upon Judah, likened to the intense pain of childbirth. 5. JeremiahThe prophet who delivered God's message of warning and impending judgment to the people of Judah. Teaching Points False Security in Earthly WealthThe leaders of Judah trusted in their wealth and opulence, symbolized by the cedars of Lebanon. We must be cautious not to place our security in material possessions, which can be fleeting. Inevitable JudgmentJust as the inhabitants of Lebanon faced inevitable judgment, we are reminded that God's justice will prevail. It is crucial to live righteously and in accordance with His will. The Pain of ConsequencesThe imagery of labor pains signifies the intense suffering that comes from turning away from God. This serves as a warning to remain faithful and obedient to avoid such consequences. Pride Comes Before a FallThe pride of Judah's leaders led to their downfall. Humility and reliance on God are essential to avoid the pitfalls of pride. Repentance and RestorationWhile judgment is certain, God always offers a path to repentance and restoration. We should seek His forgiveness and strive to align our lives with His purposes. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the imagery of the cedars of Lebanon help us understand the false security of Judah's leaders, and how can we apply this understanding to our own lives? 2. In what ways does the metaphor of labor pains in Jeremiah 22:23 relate to the concept of spiritual growth and transformation in the New Testament? 3. How can we guard against the pride that led to the downfall of Judah's leaders, and what practical steps can we take to cultivate humility? 4. What are some modern-day examples of placing security in material wealth, and how can we shift our focus to find true security in God? 5. How does the theme of inevitable judgment in Jeremiah 22:23 encourage us to live righteously, and what other scriptures reinforce this message? Connections to Other Scriptures Isaiah 2:12-13This passage also uses the imagery of cedars to describe the pride of people that will be humbled by God's judgment. Ezekiel 31:3-14The fall of Assyria is likened to a cedar tree, illustrating how God brings down the proud and mighty. Matthew 24:8Jesus uses the metaphor of birth pains to describe the beginning of sorrows before the end times, similar to the agony described in Jeremiah. People Babylonians, Coniah, David, Jehoiachin, Jehoiakim, Jeremiah, Josiah, Nebuchadnezzar, Nebuchadrezzar, ShallumPlaces Abarim, Babylon, Bashan, Gilead, Jerusalem, LebanonTopics Buildings, Cedar, Cedars, Childbirth, Dwell, Dweller, Gracious, Greatly, Groan, Hast, Inhabitant, Inhabitress, Labor, Lebanon, Living-place, Makes, Makest, Making, Nest, Nested, Nestled, O, Pain, Pains, Pangs, Pitied, Pitiful, Travail, TravailingDictionary of Bible Themes Jeremiah 22:23 4424 cedar 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 22:23 NIVJeremiah 22:23 NLTJeremiah 22:23 ESVJeremiah 22:23 NASBJeremiah 22:23 KJV
Jeremiah 22:23 Commentaries
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