Their quivers are like open graves;This phrase uses vivid imagery to describe the threat posed by the Babylonians. The quiver, a container for arrows, symbolizes readiness for battle and the potential for death. The comparison to "open graves" suggests the inevitability of death and destruction that follows their military campaigns. In biblical context, an "open grave" often symbolizes corruption and death (
Psalm 5:9). This imagery underscores the severity of the judgment God is bringing upon Judah for their unfaithfulness. The open grave also implies that there is no escape from the impending doom, as the Babylonians are relentless in their conquest.
they are all mighty men.
The Babylonians are described as "mighty men," emphasizing their strength, skill, and prowess in battle. Historically, the Babylonian army was known for its military might and strategic capabilities, which were instrumental in their conquests across the ancient Near East. This description serves as a warning to Judah of the formidable nature of their enemy. The term "mighty men" is often used in the Old Testament to describe warriors of great strength and valor (2 Samuel 23:8-39). This highlights the seriousness of the threat and the futility of resisting without divine intervention. The might of these men can also be seen as a tool in God's hand to execute judgment, reflecting the theme of God using foreign nations to discipline His people, as seen throughout the prophetic books.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
JeremiahA major prophet in the Old Testament, known for his prophecies concerning the judgment and restoration of Israel. He is often called the "weeping prophet" due to his deep sorrow over the sins of his people and the impending judgment.
2.
Babylonians (Chaldeans)The foreign nation used by God as an instrument of judgment against Judah. They are described metaphorically in this verse, emphasizing their deadly and destructive power.
3.
JudahThe southern kingdom of Israel, which was facing imminent judgment due to its persistent sin and rebellion against God.
4.
QuiversA metaphorical reference to the arsenal of the Babylonians, symbolizing the deadly and inevitable nature of their attack.
5.
Open GravesThis imagery suggests death and destruction, indicating the severity of the threat posed by the Babylonians.
Teaching Points
The Reality of Divine JudgmentGod's judgment is real and often comes through unexpected means. The Babylonians were a tool in God's hand to bring about His righteous judgment on Judah.
The Consequences of SinPersistent sin leads to inevitable consequences. Judah's refusal to repent resulted in severe judgment, reminding us of the importance of turning away from sin.
The Power of Metaphor in ScriptureThe use of vivid imagery, such as "quivers like open graves," helps us understand the seriousness of God's messages. It invites us to reflect deeply on the spiritual realities behind the physical descriptions.
God's Sovereignty Over NationsGod can use any nation or people, even those who do not know Him, to accomplish His purposes. This reminds us of His ultimate control over world events.
Call to RepentanceThe warnings in Jeremiah serve as a call to repentance for all believers. We are encouraged to examine our lives and turn back to God before facing His discipline.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Jeremiah 5:16?
2.How does Jeremiah 5:16 illustrate the consequences of turning away from God?
3.What can we learn about God's judgment from Jeremiah 5:16?
4.How does Jeremiah 5:16 connect with other warnings in the Old Testament?
5.How can we apply the lessons of Jeremiah 5:16 to modern society?
6.What steps can we take to avoid the fate described in Jeremiah 5:16?
7.What is the historical context of Jeremiah 5:16 regarding the Babylonian invasion?
8.How does Jeremiah 5:16 reflect God's judgment on Israel?
9.What does the imagery of the "open grave" in Jeremiah 5:16 symbolize?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Jeremiah 5?
11.Jeremiah 5:14-17 – How does an invading foreign nation align with archaeological evidence and recorded Babylonian conquests, or does the biblical narrative exaggerate historical details?
12.Jeremiah 14:11-12: Why would God forbid prayers of intercession, when other biblical passages encourage praying for others?
13.Deuteronomy 2:34 describes the total destruction of entire cities, including children; how can this be reconciled with a merciful and just God?
14.What is a debased mind?What Does Jeremiah 5:16 Mean
Their quivers• Jeremiah has just announced that the LORD is bringing “a distant nation” against Judah (Jeremiah 5:15). Their primary weapon is the bow. A full quiver signals a ready, relentless assault.
• Similar images appear inJeremiah 6:22-23, where the invaders “grasp the bow and the spear” and come “like men in formation.”
• Literal arrows will fly, yet the picture also underscores certainty of judgment—every shaft has a target, none will miss (Jeremiah 50:9).
are like open graves• An “open grave” offers no escape; it receives the dead and keeps them. Comparing quivers to graves links arrow-wounds with burial: death rides on every flight.
•Psalm 5:9 andRomans 3:13 speak of “open graves” to convey corruption and destruction. Here, the metaphor presses the point that the invaders’ weapons guarantee death, not mere intimidation.
•Proverbs 30:16 names Sheol among things that never say “Enough!”—a fitting echo of quivers that keep pouring out arrows until the land is filled with casualties.
they are all mighty men• The enemy soldiers are “mighty,” seasoned warriors who do not falter. Their valor matches their weaponry.
•Isaiah 5:26-30 portrays a similar host: “None grows weary or stumbles… their arrows are sharpened.” The passage reinforces the idea of an unstoppable force.
•Jeremiah 46:9 invites Egypt’s champions to battle, yet even they cannot withstand men like these. The contrast shows how formidable the army in chapter 5 truly is.
summaryJeremiah 5:16 paints a terse but terrifying portrait of the coming Babylonian assault. Brimming quivers guarantee a barrage of arrows; those arrows bring certain death, as sure as an uncovered grave awaits a corpse; and every soldier loosing them is a proven warrior. The verse drives home the literal reality of divine judgment: when God’s patience ends and His warnings go unheeded, the instruments of punishment arrive fully equipped, deadly in aim, and unstoppable in strength.
(16)
An open sepulchre.--Every arrow in the quivers of the Chaldaean bowmen was to be as a messenger of death, a blast or pestilence from the grave.
Verse 16. -
Their quiver. (See on Jeremiah 4:29.) As an open sepulcher;
i.
e. furnished with deadly arrows, "fiery darts." So the psalmist, of the "throat" of deceitful persecutors (
Psalm 5:9).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Their quiversאַשְׁפָּת֖וֹ(’aš·pā·ṯōw)Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 827:A quiver (for arrows)are like openפָּת֑וּחַ(pā·ṯū·aḥ)Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - masculine singular
Strong's 6605:To open wide, to loosen, begin, plough, carvegraves;כְּקֶ֣בֶר(kə·qe·ḇer)Preposition-k | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6913:A grave, sepulcherthey are allכֻּלָּ֖ם(kul·lām)Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, everymighty warriors.גִּבּוֹרִֽים׃(gib·bō·w·rîm)Adjective - masculine plural
Strong's 1368:Powerful, warrior, tyrant
Links
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OT Prophets: Jeremiah 5:16 Their quiver is an open tomb they (Jer.) 
