Every city flees at the sound of the horseman and archer. They enter the thickets and climb among the rocks. Every city is abandoned; no inhabitant is left. Every city fleesThis phrase captures the urgency and desperation of the situation. In the Hebrew text, the word for "flees" (נָסָה, nasah) conveys a sense of rapid escape, often used in contexts of war or disaster. Historically, this reflects the period of impending Babylonian invasion, where cities in Judah would be abandoned as people sought refuge. The imagery here is vivid, illustrating the panic and chaos that ensues when divine judgment is imminent. It serves as a reminder of the consequences of turning away from God and the inevitable judgment that follows. at the sound of the horsemen and archers
The "sound" (קוֹל, qol) signifies not just the physical noise but the foreboding presence of an approaching army. Horsemen and archers were integral to ancient Near Eastern military forces, representing speed and deadly precision. This phrase underscores the might and terror of the Babylonian army, which God uses as an instrument of judgment. The historical context of warfare in the ancient world adds depth to this imagery, as these were formidable forces that often determined the outcome of battles. They enter the thickets
The act of entering "thickets" (יַעַר, ya'ar) suggests seeking cover or hiding. In the ancient Near East, thickets or wooded areas were natural places of refuge during invasions. This reflects the instinctive human response to seek safety amidst chaos. Spiritually, it can symbolize the futility of trying to hide from God's judgment, as no physical refuge can shield one from divine justice. and climb among the rocks
Climbing "among the rocks" (סֶלַע, sela) further emphasizes the desperate search for safety. Rocks and caves were common hiding places, offering protection from enemies. This imagery is consistent with other biblical accounts where people sought refuge in rocky terrains during times of distress. It highlights the lengths to which people will go to escape danger, yet it also serves as a metaphor for the ultimate futility of escaping God's reach. Every city is abandoned
The repetition of "every city" being "abandoned" (עָזַב, azab) reinforces the totality of the desolation. The Hebrew root conveys a sense of forsaking or leaving behind, often used in contexts of desolation and ruin. This reflects the complete and utter devastation that comes upon a nation that has turned away from God. It serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of sin and the reality of divine judgment. not a man remains
The phrase "not a man remains" (אֵין אִישׁ, ein ish) underscores the total evacuation and desolation. It paints a picture of complete emptiness, where once-thriving communities are left void of life. This stark imagery serves as a powerful warning of the consequences of persistent disobedience and rebellion against God. It calls believers to reflect on the importance of faithfulness and the reality of divine justice. Persons / Places / Events 1. JeremiahThe prophet who conveyed God's messages to the people of Judah, warning them of impending judgment due to their unfaithfulness. 2. JudahThe southern kingdom of Israel, which was facing imminent invasion and destruction due to its disobedience to God. 3. Horsemen and ArchersSymbolic of the invading armies, likely the Babylonians, who were instruments of God's judgment. 4. Thickets and RocksRepresent places of refuge where people would flee in desperation to escape the invading forces. 5. Cities of JudahThese were the urban centers that would be abandoned as the people fled from the approaching threat. Teaching Points The Reality of Divine JudgmentGod's warnings through His prophets are serious and should not be taken lightly. The people of Judah faced real consequences for their disobedience. The Futility of Earthly RefugeSeeking refuge in thickets and rocks symbolizes the futility of relying on earthly solutions in the face of divine judgment. True safety is found only in God. The Call to RepentanceThe impending judgment was a call for the people to repent and return to God. This remains a timeless message for all believers. The Sovereignty of God in HistoryGod uses nations and events to accomplish His purposes. Understanding His sovereignty helps us trust Him even in times of chaos. The Urgency of Spiritual PreparednessJust as the people of Judah were caught unprepared, we must be spiritually vigilant and ready for Christ's return. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the imagery of fleeing to thickets and rocks challenge our understanding of where true security lies? 2. In what ways can we see the sovereignty of God at work in the events of our own lives and the world today? 3. How does the call to repentance in Jeremiah 4:29 resonate with the message of John the Baptist in the New Testament? 4. What are some modern-day "horsemen and archers" that might cause us to flee from God's presence rather than towards it? 5. How can we apply the lessons of Jeremiah 4:29 to ensure we are spiritually prepared for Christ's return? Connections to Other Scriptures Jeremiah 6:22-23This passage also describes the coming invasion from the north, emphasizing the terror and destruction that the invaders would bring. Isaiah 2:19-21Similar imagery is used where people hide in caves and rocks from the terror of the Lord and the splendor of His majesty. Revelation 6:15-17This New Testament passage echoes the theme of people hiding in caves and rocks during times of divine judgment. People Dan, JeremiahPlaces Dan, Jerusalem, Mount Ephraim, ZionTopics Archer, Archers, Bow, Bowman, Bowmen, Cities, Cliffs, Climb, Cover, Deserted, Dwell, Dwelleth, Dwelling, Dwells, Enter, Flee, Fleeing, Flees, Fleeth, Flight, Forsaken, Horseman, Horsemen, Noise, Rocks, Shooting, Takes, Therein, Thickets, Town, Towns, Voice, WoodlandDictionary of Bible Themes Jeremiah 4:29 4354 rock
5143 climbing
5206 archers Library The Wailing of Risca
You all know the story; it scarce needs that I should tell it to you. Last Saturday week some two hundred or more miners descended in health and strength to their usual work in the bowels of the earth. They had not been working long, their wives and their children had risen, and their little ones had gone to their schools, when suddenly there was heard a noise at the mouth of the pit;--it was an explosion,--all knew what it meant. Men's hearts failed them, for well they prophesied the horror which …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 7: 1861How those are to be Admonished who Sin from Sudden Impulse and those who Sin Deliberately.
(Admonition 33.). Differently to be admonished are those who are overcome by sudden passion and those who are bound in guilt of set purpose. For those whom sudden passion overcomes are to be admonished to regard themselves as daily set in the warfare of the present life, and to protect the heart, which cannot foresee wounds, with the shield of anxious fear; to dread the hidden darts of the ambushed foe, and, in so dark a contest, to guard with continual attention the inward camp of the soul. For, …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great Prevailing Prayer.
Text.--The effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.--James v. 16. THE last lecture referred principally to the confession of sin. To-night my remarks will be chiefly confined to the subject of intercession, or prayer. There are two kinds of means requisite to promote a revival; one to influence men, the other to influence God. The truth is employed to influence men, and prayer to move God. When I speak of moving God, I do not mean that God's mind is changed by prayer, or that his …
Charles Grandison Finney—Lectures on Revivals of Religion How to Make Use of Christ for Cleansing of us from Our Daily Spots.
Having spoken of the way of making use of Christ for removing the guilt of our daily transgressions, we come to speak of the way of making use of Christ, for taking away the guilt that cleaveth to the soul, through daily transgressions; "for every sin defileth the man," Matt. xv. 20; and the best are said to have their spots, and to need washing, which presupposeth filthiness and defilement, Eph. v. 27. John xiii. 8-10. Hence we are so oft called to this duty of washing and making us clean. Isa. …
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life "For they that are after the Flesh do Mind the Things of the Flesh,",
Rom. viii. 5.--"For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh,", &c. Though sin hath taken up the principal and inmost cabinet of the heart of man--though it hath fixed its imperial throne in the spirit of man, and makes use of all the powers and faculties in the soul to accomplish its accursed desires and fulfil its boundless lusts, yet it is not without good reason expressed in scripture, ordinarily under the name of "flesh," and a "body of death," and men dead in sins, are …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning "Who Walk not after the Flesh, but after the Spirit. For they that are after the Flesh,"
Rom. viii. 4, 5.--"Who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For they that are after the flesh," &c. If there were nothing else to engage our hearts to religion, I think this might do it, that there is so much reason in it. Truly it is the most rational thing in the world, except some revealed mysteries of faith, which are far above reason, but not contrary to it. There is nothing besides in it, but that which is the purest reason. Even that part of it which is most difficult to man, …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning "If So be that the Spirit of God Dwell in You. Now if any Man have not the Spirit of Christ, He is None of His. "
Rom. viii. 9.--"If so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his." "But will God in very deed dwell with men on the earth?" 2 Chron. vi. 18. It was the wonder of one of the wisest of men, and indeed, considering his infinite highness above the height of heavens, his immense and incomprehensible greatness, that the heaven of heavens cannot contain him, and then the baseness, emptiness, and worthlessness of man, it may be a wonder to the …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning The Acceptable Sacrifice;
OR, THE EXCELLENCY OF A BROKEN HEART: SHOWING THE NATURE, SIGNS, AND PROPER EFFECTS OF A CONTRITE SPIRIT. BEING THE LAST WORKS OF THAT EMINENT PREACHER AND FAITHFUL MINISTER OF JESUS CHRIST, MR. JOHN BUNYAN, OF BEDFORD. WITH A PREFACE PREFIXED THEREUNTO BY AN EMINENT MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL IN LONDON. London: Sold by George Larkin, at the Two Swans without Bishopgates, 1692. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. The very excellent preface to this treatise, written by George Cokayn, will inform the reader of …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 Original Sin
Q-16: DID ALL MANKIND FALL IN ADAM'S FIRST TRANSGRESSION? A: The covenant being made with Adam, not only for himself, but for his posterity, all mankind descending from him, by ordinary generation, sinned in him, and fell with him in his first transgression. 'By one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin,' &c. Rom 5:12. Adam being a representative person, while he stood, we stood; when he fell, we fell, We sinned in Adam; so it is in the text, In whom all have sinned.' Adam was the head …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity Repentance
Then has God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.' Acts 11: 18. Repentance seems to be a bitter pill to take, but it is to purge out the bad humour of sin. By some Antinomian spirits it is cried down as a legal doctrine; but Christ himself preached it. From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent,' &c. Matt 4: 17. In his last farewell, when he was ascending to heaven, he commanded that Repentance should be preached in his name.' Luke 24: 47. Repentance is a pure gospel grace. …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments Directions to Awakened Sinners.
Acts ix. 6. Acts ix. 6. And he, trembling and astonished, said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do. THESE are the words of Saul, who also is called Paul, (Acts xiii. 9,) when he was stricken to the ground as he was going to Damascus; and any one who had looked upon him in his present circumstances and knew nothing more of him than that view, in comparison with his past life, could have given, would have imagined him one of the most miserable creatures that ever lived upon earth, and would have expected …
Philip Doddridge—Practical Discourses on Regeneration The Quotation in Matt. Ii. 6.
Several interpreters, Paulus especially, have asserted that the interpretation of Micah which is here given, was that of the Sanhedrim only, and not of the Evangelist, who merely recorded what happened and was said. But this assertion is at once refuted when we consider the object which Matthew has in view in his entire representation of the early life of Jesus. His object in recording the early life of Jesus is not like that of Luke, viz., to communicate historical information to his readers. …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament Jesus Attends the First Passover of his Ministry.
(Jerusalem, April 9, a.d. 27.) Subdivision B. Jesus Talks with Nicodemus. ^D John III. 1-21. ^d 1 Now there was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. [Nicodemus is mentioned only by John. His character is marked by a prudence amounting almost to timidity. At John vii. 50-52 he defends Jesus, but without committing himself as in any way interested in him: at John xix. 38, 39 he brought spices for the body of Jesus, but only after Joseph of Arimathæa had secured the body. …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel 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 4:29 NIVJeremiah 4:29 NLTJeremiah 4:29 ESVJeremiah 4:29 NASBJeremiah 4:29 KJV
Jeremiah 4:29 Commentaries
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