| Berean Standard Bible | Par ▾ |
A Lament over Zion
1Oh, that my head were a spring of water,
and my eyes a fountain of tears!
I would weep day and night
over the slain daughter of my people.
2If only I had a traveler’s lodge in the wilderness,
I would abandon my people and depart from them,
for they are all adulterers,
a crowd of faithless people.
3“They bend their tongues like bows;
lies prevail over truth in the land.
For they proceed from evil to evil,
and they do not take Me into account,”
declares the LORD.
4“Let everyone guard against his neighbor;
do not trust any brother,
for every brother deals craftily,
and every friend spreads slander.
5Each one betrays his friend;
no one tells the truth.
They have taught their tongues to lie;
they wear themselves out committing iniquity.
6You dwella in the midst of deception;
in their deceit they refuse to know Me,”
declares the LORD.
7Therefore this is what the LORD of Hosts says:
“Behold, I will refine them and test them,
for what else can I do
because ofb the daughter of My people?
8Their tongues are deadly arrows;
they speak deception.
With his mouth a man speaks peace to his neighbor,
but in his heart he sets a trap for him.
9Should I not punish them for these things?
declares the LORD.
Should I not avenge Myself
on such a nation as this?”
10I will take up a weeping and wailing for the mountains,
a dirge over the wilderness pasture,
for they have been scorched so no one passes through,
and the lowing of cattle is not heard.
Both the birds of the air and the beasts have fled;
they have gone away.
11“And I will make Jerusalem a heap of rubble,
a haunt for jackals;c
and I will make the cities of Judah a desolation,
without inhabitant.”
12Who is the man wise enough to understand this? To whom has the mouth of the LORD spoken, that he may explain it? Why is the land destroyed and scorched like a desert, so no one can pass through it?
13And the LORD answered, “It is because they have forsaken My law, which I set before them; they have not walked in it or obeyed My voice.14Instead, they have followed the stubbornness of their hearts and gone after the Baals, as their fathers taught them.”
15Therefore this is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: “Behold, I will feed this people wormwood and give them poisoned water to drink.16I will scatter them among the nations that neither they nor their fathers have known, and I will send a sword after them until I have finished them off.”
17This is what the LORD of Hosts says:
“Take note, and summon the wailing women;
send for the most skillful among them.
18Let them come quickly
and take up a lament over us,
that our eyes may overflow with tears,
and our eyelids may gush with water.
19For the sound of wailing
is heard from Zion:
‘How devastated we are!
How great is our shame!
For we have abandoned the land
because our dwellings have been torn down.’”
20Now, O women, hear the word of the LORD.
Open your ears to the word of His mouth.
Teach your daughters to wail,
and one another to lament.
21For death has climbed in through our windows;
it has entered our fortresses
to cut off the children from the streets,
the young men from the town squares.
22Declare that this is what the LORD says:
“The corpses of men will fall like dung
upon the open field,
like newly cut grain behind the reaper,
with no one to gather it.”
23This is what the LORD says:
“Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom,
nor the strong man in his strength,
nor the wealthy man in his riches.
24But let him who boasts boast in this,
that he understands and knows Me,
that I am the LORD,d
who exercises loving devotion,e
justice and righteousness on the earth—
for I delight in these things,”
declares the LORD.
25“Behold, the days are coming,” declares the LORD, “when I will punish all who are circumcised only in the flesh—26Egypt, Judah, Edom, Ammon, Moab, and all the inhabitants of the desert who clip the hair of their temples. For all these nations are uncircumcised, and the whole house of Israel is uncircumcised in heart.”
Footnotes:6a That is, Jeremiah dwells (the Hebrew is singular)
7b LXX
because of the wickedness of11c Or
serpents or
dragons24d Cited in
1 Corinthians 1:31 and
2 Corinthians 10:1724e Forms of the Hebrew
chesed are translated here and in most cases throughout the Scriptures as
loving devotion; the range of meaning includes
love,
goodness,
kindness,
faithfulness, and
mercy, as well as
loyalty to a covenant.
Jeremiah 9 Summary
A Lament over ZionVerses 1–2 – Jeremiah’s Tears and Longing to Escape
The prophet wishes his head were “a fountain of tears” so he could grieve nonstop for his slain nation. He even dreams of retreating to the desert to avoid the people’s sins.
Verses 3–6 – A Land Ruined by Deceit
Tongues are “bent like bows”; lies fly like arrows. No neighbor can be trusted. Deceit has become the national language, and the people “refuse to know Me,” says the LORD.
Verses 7–9 – God Declares Refining Judgment
Because the nation is impure, the LORD says, “I will refine and test them.” Their smooth words hide ambushes, so divine punishment is certain.
Verses 10–16 – Coming Desolation and Exile
Jeremiah weeps for the mountains; Judah’s fields will be burned and empty. Jerusalem will be “a heap of ruins.” The disaster comes because the people have “forsaken My Law and followed the Baals.” Wormwood, poisoned water, scattering, and the sword await.
Verses 17–22 – Mourning Women Summoned
Professional wailers are called to teach the nation how to lament. Death has climbed through the windows; bodies will lie like manure in the open fields with no one to gather them.
Verses 23–24 – The True Boast
“Let not the wise boast in wisdom… or the rich in riches, but let him who boasts boast in this: that he understands and knows Me,” the LORD who delights in loyal love, justice, and righteousness.
Verses 25–26 – Judgment on External Religion
Days are coming when the LORD will punish all the “circumcised yet uncircumcised.” Egypt, Judah, and every other group face judgment, for “all the house of Israel are uncircumcised in heart.”
Jeremiah 9 offers a poignant portrait of a prophet's heartbreak over the coming judgment on his people. Filled with lamentation and sorrow, it paints a bleak picture of the consequences of rebellion against God, highlighting the themes of deceit, mourning, desolation, and the significance of genuine wisdom.
Historical Setting
• Timeframe: c. 626–586 BC, final decades before Babylon destroys Jerusalem in 586 BC.
• Kings in view: Likely Jehoiakim and Zedekiah, whose reigns were marked by idolatry and political intrigue (2 Kings 23:36–24:20).
• International background: Egypt and Babylon vie for control; Judah trusts shifting alliances instead of God (Isaiah 30:1–3).
Social Conditions in Judah
• Breakdown of trust: Verse 4’s warning echoesGenesis 27: “every brother will supplant.”
• Institutional corruption: Prophets and priests spread lies (Jeremiah 8:10).
• Popular religion: Baal worship thrives, blending Canaanite fertility rites with nominal Yahweh worship (1 Kings 18:21).
Literary Flow
1. Personal lament (vv. 1–2)
2. Diagnosis of deceit (vv. 3–6)
3. Divine answer: refining fire (vv. 7–9)
4. Nationwide funeral dirge (vv. 10–22)
5. Climactic call to true knowledge of God (vv. 23–24)
6. Universal verdict on empty ritual (vv. 25–26)
Key Themes
• Genuine grief over sin (cf.Luke 19:41 where Jesus weeps for Jerusalem).
• Truth vs. lies (Psalm 12;John 8:44 calls Satan “the father of lies”).
• Refining judgment (Malachi 3:2–3).
• Inner vs. outer religion: “uncircumcised in heart” repeatsDeuteronomy 10:16 and foreshadowsRomans 2:28–29.
• The right boast: Paul quotesJeremiah 9:24 in1 Corinthians 1:31 to redirect pride toward the Lord.
Archaeological Notes
• Burn layers in Jerusalem and Lachish (Level III, 6th century BC) match the fiery devastation Jeremiah predicts.
• The Lachish Letters, ostraca written during Nebuchadnezzar’s siege, complain of deceptive officials and failing morale—parallel to Jeremiah’s portrait of a deceit-filled kingdom.
• Mourning women: Texts from Ugarit and Egypt show organized female lamenters hired for funerals; Jeremiah taps that cultural custom.
Connections to the New Testament
• Boasting only in knowing God anticipatesGalatians 6:14, “may I never boast except in the cross.”
• The image of refining links to1 Peter 1:7, where faith is tested “like gold.”
• External circumcision without heart change mirrorsActs 7:51, Stephen’s charge of “uncircumcised hearts and ears.”
Word Snapshot
• “Deceit” (Heb. sheqer): used six times in this chapter; contrasts with God’s “truth” (John 14:6).
• “Refine” (tsaraph): smelting metal; trials remove dross (Proverbs 17:3).
• “Know” (yada‘): intimate, covenant knowledge; same verb for marital intimacy (Genesis 4:1).
Practical Takeaways
1. Grieve sin, don’t glamorize it. Jeremiah’s tears model godly sorrow (2 Corinthians 7:10).
2. Truth matters. Lies rip societies apart; followers of Jesus are called to “speak the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15).
3. Accept God’s refining. Hard seasons can purify motives and faith.
4. Boast in the Lord alone. Achievements, power, and wealth fade; knowing God endures.
5. Guard against empty rituals. Religious symbols—ancient circumcision or modern traditions—mean nothing without a changed heart.
Christ in the Passage
• Like Jeremiah, Jesus wept over Jerusalem’s future ruin.
• Jesus is the ultimate Man of Sorrows who bears judgment so the repentant can be refined, not destroyed (Isaiah 53:3–5).
• The “knowledge of the LORD” promised here becomes personal through the New Covenant (Jeremiah 31:34;John 17:3).
For Further Study
CompareJeremiah 9 withPsalm 51 on heart change, and withJames 3 on the power of the tongue.
Connections to Additional Scriptures
Psalm 34:18The LORD is near to the brokenhearted; He saves the contrite in spirit. This verse echoes the compassion and nearness of God to those who mourn over sin.
Proverbs 3:5-6Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. This passage reinforces the call to seek God's wisdom.
1 Corinthians 1:31Therefore, as it is written: 'Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.' This New Testament reference aligns with Jeremiah's call to boast in knowing God.
Teaching Points
The Prophet's LamentJeremiah expresses profound grief over the sins of his people, wishing for a place to weep for them (
Jeremiah 9:1). This highlights the deep compassion and sorrow a true servant of God feels for the lost.
Deceit and UnfaithfulnessThe chapter describes a society filled with deceit, lies, and unfaithfulness (
Jeremiah 9:3-6). These sins are not just personal but have permeated the entire community, leading to a breakdown of trust and integrity.
God's JudgmentGod declares His intention to refine and test His people because of their persistent sinfulness (
Jeremiah 9:7-9). This serves as a warning that divine judgment is inevitable when a nation turns away from righteousness.
The Call to WisdomThe Lord challenges the wise to understand and know Him, emphasizing that true wisdom is found in knowing God and His ways (
Jeremiah 9:23-24). This contrasts with the false wisdom of the world.
Boasting in the LordThe passage concludes with a call to boast not in human achievements but in understanding and knowing the Lord, who exercises kindness, justice, and righteousness on earth (
Jeremiah 9:23-24).
Practical Applications
Cultivate CompassionLike Jeremiah, we should cultivate a heart of compassion and concern for those who are lost and living in sin.
Pursue IntegrityIn a world filled with deceit, strive to be a person of truth and integrity, reflecting God's character in your daily life.
Seek God's WisdomPrioritize knowing God and His Word over worldly wisdom and achievements. Let your life be guided by His truth.
Reflect on God's CharacterRegularly meditate on God's kindness, justice, and righteousness, allowing these attributes to shape your actions and attitudes.
People
1.
The Prophet JeremiahWhile not directly named in this chapter, Jeremiah is the speaker and the one lamenting over the state of Israel. He is the mouthpiece of God, conveying the divine message of judgment and sorrow.
2.
The People of Judah/IsraelReferred to throughout the chapter, they are the primary subjects of Jeremiah's lament. They are described as deceitful, unfaithful, and idolatrous, leading to their impending judgment.
3.
The LORD (Yahweh)God is the one speaking through Jeremiah, expressing His grief over the people's sins and declaring the coming judgment. The Hebrew name used is often Yahweh, emphasizing His covenant relationship with Israel.
4.
The WiseIn verse 12, the "wise" are mentioned rhetorically, questioning who among them understands why the land is ruined. This highlights the lack of true wisdom among the people.
5.
The NationsIn verse 16, God speaks of scattering the people among the nations, indicating foreign peoples who will witness or participate in the judgment against Israel.
6.
The WomenIn verses 17-20, women are called to lament and teach their daughters wailing, symbolizing the depth of sorrow and the cultural practice of mourning.
7.
The DeadWhile not a person per se, the dead are referenced in the context of the great mourning and the consequences of the people's sins, emphasizing the severity of the coming destruction.
Places
1.
JerusalemJerusalem is the central city in the context of Jeremiah's prophecies. It is the capital of Judah and the spiritual center for the Israelites. In
Jeremiah 9, it is depicted as a place of lament due to the people's unfaithfulness and the impending judgment.
2.
The LandThis refers to the land of Judah, which is under threat of desolation because of the people's sins. The Hebrew word for "land" is "אֶרֶץ" (eretz), which can mean land, earth, or country, emphasizing the widespread impact of the coming judgment.
3.
The WildernessThe wilderness is mentioned as a place of refuge and mourning. Jeremiah expresses a desire to leave the city and dwell in the wilderness due to the deceit and unfaithfulness of the people. The Hebrew term "מִדְבָּר" (midbar) often signifies a desolate or uninhabited area, symbolizing separation and desolation.
Events
1.
Jeremiah's Lament for His PeopleJeremiah expresses deep sorrow for the plight of his people, wishing his head were a spring of water to weep day and night for the slain of his people.
^Reference^:
Jeremiah 9:1^Hebrew Insight^: The word for "weep" (בָּכָה, bakah) conveys a deep, mournful crying.
2.
Desire for SeparationJeremiah wishes to leave his people and live in the desert because of their unfaithfulness and treachery.
^Reference^:
Jeremiah 9:2^Hebrew Insight^: "Treacherous" (בּוֹגֵד, boged) indicates betrayal or deceit.
3.
Deceit and Lies Among the PeopleThe people are described as being deceitful, using their tongues like bows to shoot lies.
^Reference^:
Jeremiah 9:3^Hebrew Insight^: The imagery of the "tongue as a bow" (לָשׁוֹן קֶשֶׁת, lashon keshet) emphasizes the destructive power of their words.
4.
Warning Against Trusting NeighborsJeremiah warns that no one should trust their neighbor or even their own family, as everyone deceives and slanders.
^Reference^:
Jeremiah 9:4-5^Hebrew Insight^: "Deceive" (רָמָה, ramah) and "slander" (רָכִיל, rakil) highlight the pervasive dishonesty.
5.
God's Judgment PronouncedThe LORD declares that He will refine and test the people because of their wickedness.
^Reference^:
Jeremiah 9:7^Hebrew Insight^: "Refine" (צָרַף, tsaraph) suggests a purification process, akin to refining metal.
6.
Desolation of the LandGod describes the land as desolate, with Jerusalem in ruins and the cities of Judah uninhabited.
^Reference^:
Jeremiah 9:11^Hebrew Insight^: "Desolate" (שָׁמֵם, shamem) conveys utter devastation and emptiness.
7.
Call for MourningThe LORD calls for the women to wail and teach their daughters to lament, as death has climbed through the windows.
^Reference^:
Jeremiah 9:17-21^Hebrew Insight^: "Wail" (נָהָה, nahah) is a call for public mourning and lamentation.
8.
Boasting in the LORDThe LORD instructs that the wise, strong, and rich should not boast in their attributes, but rather in understanding and knowing Him.
^Reference^:
Jeremiah 9:23-24^Hebrew Insight^: "Boast" (הָלַל, halal) is used to emphasize where true glory should lie.
9.
Judgment on the NationsGod declares that He will punish all those who are circumcised only in the flesh, including Judah and other nations, for their unfaithfulness.
^Reference^:
Jeremiah 9:25-26^Hebrew Insight^: The emphasis on "circumcised only in the flesh" (נִמּוּל בְּשָׂר, nimul basar) highlights the lack of true spiritual commitment.
Topics
1.
Lamentation for Israel's Condition (Jeremiah 9:1-2)Jeremiah expresses deep sorrow for the spiritual and moral decay of Israel. He wishes for a place to weep for the slain of his people. The Hebrew word for "lament" (בָּכָה, bakah) conveys a profound sense of mourning and weeping.
2.
Deceit and Treachery Among the People (Jeremiah 9:3-6)The people are described as being skilled in deceit, with their tongues likened to a bow that shoots lies. The Hebrew term for "deceit" (מִרְמָה, mirmah) highlights the pervasive dishonesty and betrayal among them.
3.
God's Judgment on Israel (Jeremiah 9:7-9)The Lord declares His intention to refine and test the people due to their wickedness. The imagery of refining (צָרַף, tsaraph) suggests a process of purification through judgment.
4.
Desolation and Mourning (Jeremiah 9:10-11)A vivid picture of desolation is painted, with Jerusalem and the towns of Judah left in ruins. The Hebrew word for "desolation" (שְׁמָמָה, shemamah) underscores the complete devastation that results from their sin.
5.
Call to Understanding and Knowledge of God (Jeremiah 9:12-16)The Lord challenges the wise to understand why the land is ruined, pointing to the people's rejection of His law. The emphasis is on knowing (יָדַע, yada) God and His ways as the true source of wisdom.
6.
Boasting in the Lord (Jeremiah 9:23-24)A contrast is drawn between human pride in wisdom, strength, and riches, and the true boast that should be in understanding and knowing the Lord. The Hebrew root for "boast" (הָלַל, halal) is used to emphasize the proper focus of glory.
7.
Judgment on the Nations (Jeremiah 9:25-26)The chapter concludes with a warning of judgment not only on Israel but also on the surrounding nations. The focus is on the external sign of circumcision versus the internal reality of a heart aligned with God.
Themes
1.
Mourning and LamentationJeremiah 9 opens with a profound expression of grief and lamentation over the sins and impending judgment of Israel. The prophet wishes for a place to weep for his people, highlighting the deep sorrow for their spiritual state. This theme is rooted in the Hebrew word "בָּכָה" (bakah), meaning to weep or lament, as seen in
Jeremiah 9:1: "Oh, that my head were a spring of water and my eyes a fountain of tears, I would weep day and night for the slain of the daughter of my people."
2.
Deceit and FalsehoodThe chapter addresses the pervasive deceit and falsehood among the people of Israel. The Hebrew word "שֶׁקֶר" (sheqer), meaning falsehood or deception, is central to this theme.
Jeremiah 9:5 states, "They go from one sin to another; they do not acknowledge Me," declares the LORD. This highlights the moral and spiritual corruption prevalent in society.
3.
Judgment and ConsequencesA significant theme in
Jeremiah 9 is the impending judgment due to the people's unfaithfulness. The Hebrew word "פָּקַד" (paqad), meaning to punish or visit, is relevant here. In
Jeremiah 9:9, God declares, "Shall I not punish them for these things?" This underscores the certainty of divine retribution for sin.
4.
Call to Understanding and Knowledge of GodThe chapter emphasizes the importance of understanding and knowing God, contrasting it with the people's ignorance. The Hebrew word "יָדַע" (yada), meaning to know, is crucial in this context.
Jeremiah 9:24 states, "But let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows Me." This theme calls for a deep, personal relationship with God.
5.
Circumcision of the HeartJeremiah 9 introduces the concept of the circumcision of the heart, a metaphor for true spiritual transformation. The Hebrew word "עָרֵל" (arel), meaning uncircumcised, is used to describe the people's spiritual state. In
Jeremiah 9:26, God speaks of judgment on "all who are circumcised only in the flesh," pointing to the need for inner purity and devotion.
6.
God’s Sovereignty and JusticeThe chapter reaffirms God's sovereignty and justice in dealing with nations and individuals. The Hebrew word "מִשְׁפָּט" (mishpat), meaning justice or judgment, is central to this theme.
Jeremiah 9:24 highlights God's attributes: "I am the LORD, who exercises loving devotion, justice, and righteousness on the earth." This underscores God's righteous governance over all creation.
Answering Tough Questions
1.
In Jeremiah 9:4, is the sweeping claim that brothers deceive each other founded on real social conditions or an exaggerated portrayal?2.Jeremiah 9:11 states Jerusalem will be a heap of ruins—do archaeological records fully support this level of devastation?
3.In Jeremiah 9:14, the people follow Baal—how does this align historically with evidence of idol worship in that era?
4.Jeremiah 9:15 mentions God giving “wormwood” and “poisoned water” as judgment—can this be reconciled with known scientific or historical data?
5.Jeremiah 9:23–24 prioritizes knowing God over wisdom, might, or riches—why would an all-knowing deity require such devotion while devaluing human achievements?
Bible Study Discussion Questions
1. How does Jeremiah's lament in verses 1-6 resonate with you in times of social and moral decay?
2. What does it mean to be "refined and tested" by God (verses 7-11)? Can you think of personal experiences?
3. How can the consequences of rebellion against God (verses 12-16) be seen in today's society?
4. Reflect on the imagery of mourning and desolation in verses 17-22. How can such powerful images inspire a change in our behavior?
5. In verses 23-26, what does God consider true wisdom, and how does it contrast with society's definition of wisdom?
6. How can one practice having a "circumcised heart" in a contemporary context?
7. How does the theme of deception and betrayal apply to today's world?
8. How do you understand the concept of God's punishment and discipline in Jeremiah 9? How does this shape your view of God's character?
9. In what ways can you apply the lessons from this chapter to promote truth and honesty in your community?
10. How can the deep sorrow and grief expressed by Jeremiah motivate us to uphold righteousness?
11. How do you reconcile the reality of a loving God with the expressions of wrath seen in Jeremiah 9?
12. How can this chapter influence your understanding of the consequences of straying from God's commands?
13. What actions can you take in your life to deepen your understanding and knowledge of God?
14. How can the lessons from Jeremiah 9 shape your perspective on worldly achievements?
15. What steps can you take to ensure that your faith is not just outward, but also inward and sincere?
16. How can Jeremiah's lament inspire you to pray for your nation and community?
17. What can we learn from the response of the people of Judah to God's warnings?
18. How can we prevent spiritual decay within ourselves and our communities?
19. How can this chapter shape your prayers for people who don't know God?
20. How can the book of Jeremiah inform your understanding of other prophetic books of the Bible, such as Isaiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel?
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