Jeremiah 6:6
Jeremiah 6:6 in Multiple Translations
For this is what the LORD of Hosts says: “Cut down the trees and raise a siege ramp against Jerusalem. This city must be punished; there is nothing but oppression in her midst.
¶ For thus hath the LORD of hosts said, Hew ye down trees, and cast a mount against Jerusalem: this is the city to be visited; she is wholly oppression in the midst of her.
For thus hath Jehovah of hosts said, Hew ye down trees, and cast up a mound against Jerusalem: this is the city to be visited; she is wholly oppression in the midst of her.
For this is what the Lord of armies has said: Let trees be cut down and an earthwork be placed against Jerusalem: sorrow on the false town! inside her there is nothing but cruel ways.
This is what the Lord Almighty says: Cut down the trees and make a siege ramp to use against Jerusalem. This city needs to be punished because it's full of people mistreating one another.
For thus hath the Lord of hostes said, Hewe downe wood, and cast a mounte against Ierusalem: this citie must be visited: all oppression is in the middes of it.
For thus said Jehovah of Hosts: Cut down her wood, And pour out against Jerusalem a mount, She [is] the city to be inspected, Wholly — she is oppression in her midst.
For the LORD of Armies said, “Cut down trees, and cast up a mound against Jerusalem. This is the city to be visited. She is filled with oppression within herself.
For thus hath the LORD of hosts said, Hew ye down trees, and cast a mount against Jerusalem: this is the city to be visited; she is wholly oppression in the midst of her.
For thus saith the Lord of hosts: Hew down her trees, cast up a trench about Jerusalem: this is the city to be visited, all oppression is in the midst of her.
Yahweh, the Commander of the armies of angels in heaven, says this: “I will command those soldiers to cut down the trees outside Jerusalem and to build dirt ramps up to the top of the city walls in order that they can enter the city. This city must be punished because everyone there continually oppresses others.
Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 6:6
BAB
Word Study
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Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Jeremiah 6:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּ֣י
כֹ֤ה
אָמַר֙
יְהוָ֣ה
צְבָא֔וֹת
כִּרְת֣וּ
עֵצָ֔ה
וְ/שִׁפְכ֥וּ
עַל
יְרוּשָׁלִַ֖ם
סֹלְלָ֑ה
הִ֚יא
הָ/עִ֣יר
הָפְקַ֔ד
כֻּלָּ֖/הּ
עֹ֥שֶׁק
בְּ/קִרְבָּֽ/הּ
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
כֹ֤ה
kôh
H3541
thus
Adv
אָמַר֙
ʼâmar
H559
to say
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
יְהוָ֣ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
צְבָא֔וֹת
tsâbâʼ
H6635
army
N-cp
כִּרְת֣וּ
kârath
H3772
to cut
V-Qal-Impv-2mp
עֵצָ֔ה
ʻêtsâh
H6097
tree
N-fs
וְ/שִׁפְכ֥וּ
shâphak
H8210
to pour
Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2mp
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
יְרוּשָׁלִַ֖ם
Yᵉrûwshâlaim
H3389
Jerusalem
N-proper
סֹלְלָ֑ה
çôlᵉlâh
H5550
mound
N-fs
הִ֚יא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
הָ/עִ֣יר
ʻîyr
H5892
excitement
Art | N-fs
הָפְקַ֔ד
pâqad
H6485
to reckon
V-Hophal-Perf-3ms
כֻּלָּ֖/הּ
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms | Suff
עֹ֥שֶׁק
ʻôsheq
H6233
oppression
N-ms
בְּ/קִרְבָּֽ/הּ
qereb
H7130
entrails
Prep | N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Jeremiah 6:6
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
כֹ֤ה
kôh
H3541
"thus"
Adv
This Hebrew word means thus or in this manner. It can also indicate a location or time, such as here or now. The KJV translates it in various ways, including also, here, and so.
Definition: 1) thus, here, in this manner 1a) thus, so 1b) here, here and there 1c) until now, until now...until then, meanwhile Aramaic equivalent: kah (כָּה "thus" H3542)
Usage: Occurs in 541 OT verses. KJV: also, here, + hitherto, like, on the other side, so (and much), such, on that manner, (on) this (manner, side, way, way and that way), + mean while, yonder. See also: Genesis 15:5; 1 Kings 22:20; Isaiah 7:7.
אָמַר֙
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
יְהוָ֣ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
צְבָא֔וֹת
tsâbâʼ
H6635
"army"
N-cp
This Hebrew word means a large group of people or things, often referring to an army or a campaign, and is also used to describe the Lord's hosts. It appears in the Bible as a name for God, emphasizing His power and authority. In the KJV, it's translated as 'host' or 'army'.
Definition: : army 1) that which goes forth, army, war, warfare, host 1a) army, host 1a1) host (of organised army) 1a2) host (of angels) 1a3) of sun, moon, and stars 1a4) of whole creation 1b) war, warfare, service, go out to war 1c) service
Usage: Occurs in 463 OT verses. KJV: appointed time, ([phrase]) army, ([phrase]) battle, company, host, service, soldiers, waiting upon, war(-fare). See also: Genesis 2:1; 1 Samuel 17:55; Psalms 24:10.
כִּרְת֣וּ
kârath
H3772
"to cut"
V-Qal-Impv-2mp
This Hebrew word means to cut or destroy something, but it also has a special meaning related to making a covenant or agreement. In Genesis 15:18, God makes a covenant with Abram, symbolized by cutting animals in half, showing the seriousness of the promise. This word is used to describe important agreements and alliances.
Definition: : cut/fell 1) to cut, cut off, cut down, cut off a body part, cut out, eliminate, kill, cut a covenant 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to cut off 1a1a) to cut off a body part, behead 1a2) to cut down 1a3) to hew 1a4) to cut or make a covenant 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be cut off 1b2) to be cut down 1b3) to be chewed 1b4) to be cut off, fail 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be cut off 1c2) to be cut down 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cut off 1d2) to cut off, destroy 1d3) to cut down, destroy 1d4) to take away 1d5) to permit to perish 1e) (Hophal) cut off
Usage: Occurs in 280 OT verses. KJV: be chewed, be con-(feder-) ate, covenant, cut (down, off), destroy, fail, feller, be freed, hew (down), make a league (covenant), [idiom] lose, perish, [idiom] utterly, [idiom] want. See also: Genesis 9:11; 1 Samuel 24:6; Psalms 12:4.
עֵצָ֔ה
ʻêtsâh
H6097
"tree"
N-fs
This word means tree or timber, referring to wood or trees in general. It is used in the Bible to describe natural surroundings.
Definition: trees, wood
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: trees. See also: Jeremiah 6:6.
וְ/שִׁפְכ֥וּ
shâphak
H8210
"to pour"
Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2mp
To pour or spill something out, like blood or a liquid. In the Bible, it can mean to shed blood or to pour out one's heart in prayer or complaint. For example, in Psalm 42:4, the writer pours out his soul to God.
Definition: : pour 1) to pour, pour out, spill 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pour, pour out 1a2) to shed (blood) 1a3) to pour out (anger or heart) (fig) 1b) (Niphal) to be poured out, be shed 1c) (Pual) to be poured out, be shed 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to be poured out 1d2) to pour out oneself
Usage: Occurs in 111 OT verses. KJV: cast (up), gush out, pour (out), shed(-der, out), slip. See also: Genesis 9:6; Jeremiah 6:6; Psalms 22:15.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
יְרוּשָׁלִַ֖ם
Yᵉrûwshâlaim
H3389
"Jerusalem"
N-proper
Jerusalem is the capital city of Palestine, also known as the city of peace. It was the chief city of the united kingdom and the nation of Judah after the split.
Definition: § Jerusalem = "teaching of peace" the chief city of Palestine and capital of the united kingdom and the nation of Judah after the split
Usage: Occurs in 600 OT verses. KJV: Jerusalem. See also: Joshua 10:1; 2 Kings 22:14; 2 Chronicles 24:6.
סֹלְלָ֑ה
çôlᵉlâh
H5550
"mound"
N-fs
This Hebrew word means a military mound or rampart, like a bank or mount, often used by besiegers in battle.
Definition: mound
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: bank, mount. See also: 2 Samuel 20:15; Jeremiah 33:4; Isaiah 37:33.
הִ֚יא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
הָ/עִ֣יר
ʻîyr
H5892
"excitement"
Art | N-fs
In the Bible, this word refers to a city or town, often a place with a wall or a watchman. It is used to describe a settlement or encampment, like the city of Ai, which is mentioned in the book of Joshua. The word is used to identify specific locations in the Bible.
Definition: 1) excitement, anguish 1a) of terror
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town. See also: Genesis 4:17; Deuteronomy 3:6; Joshua 14:12.
הָפְקַ֔ד
pâqad
H6485
"to reckon"
V-Hophal-Perf-3ms
This word means to visit or oversee, and can imply a range of actions, from friendly to hostile. It is used in various contexts, including appointing, avenging, or delivering something into someone's care. The KJV translates it in many ways, including appoint, avenge, or commit.
Definition: : list/count 1) to attend to, muster, number, reckon, visit, punish, appoint, look after, care for 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pay attention to, observe 1a2) to attend to 1a3) to seek, look about for 1a4) to seek in vain, need, miss, lack 1a5) to visit 1a6) to visit upon, punish 1a7) to pass in review, muster, number 1a8) to appoint, assign, lay upon as a charge, deposit 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be sought, be needed, be missed, be lacking 1b2) to be visited 1b3) to be visited upon 1b4) to be appointed 1b5) to be watched over 1c) (Piel) to muster, call up 1d) (Pual) to be passed in review, be caused to miss, be called, be called to account 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to set over, make overseer, appoint an overseer 1e2) to commit, entrust, commit for care, deposit 1f) (Hophal) 1f1) to be visited 1f2) to be deposited 1f3) to be made overseer, be entrusted 1g) (Hithpael) numbered 1h) (Hothpael) numbered
Usage: Occurs in 269 OT verses. KJV: appoint, [idiom] at all, avenge, bestow, (appoint to have the, give a) charge, commit, count, deliver to keep, be empty, enjoin, go see, hurt, do judgment, lack, lay up, look, make, [idiom] by any means, miss, number, officer, (make) overseer, have (the) oversight, punish, reckon, (call to) remember(-brance), set (over), sum, [idiom] surely, visit, want. See also: Genesis 21:1; Numbers 26:47; Psalms 8:5.
כֻּלָּ֖/הּ
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
עֹ֥שֶׁק
ʻôsheq
H6233
"oppression"
N-ms
Oppression refers to injury or fraud, often resulting in unjust gain. It is described in the Bible as a form of distress or extortion, such as in the book of Exodus.
Definition: 1) oppression, extortion, injury 1a) oppression 1b) extortion 1c) gain by extortion
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: cruelly, extortion, oppression, thing (deceitfully gotten). See also: Leviticus 5:23; Isaiah 54:14; Psalms 62:11.
בְּ/קִרְבָּֽ/הּ
qereb
H7130
"entrails"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means the inner part or midst of something, whether physical or emotional, and can refer to the entrails of an animal or the seat of thought and emotion. In 1 Kings 17:21, it describes Elijah's emotional plea to God.
Definition: : among/within 1) midst, among, inner part, middle 1a) inward part 1a1) physical sense 1a2) as seat of thought and emotion 1a3) as faculty of thought and emotion 1b) in the midst, among, from among (of a number of persons) 1c) entrails (of sacrificial animals) Also means: qe.rev (קֶ֫רֶב ": inner_parts" H7130H)
Usage: Occurs in 220 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] among, [idiom] before, bowels, [idiom] unto charge, [phrase] eat (up), [idiom] heart, [idiom] him, [idiom] in, inward ([idiom] -ly, part, -s, thought), midst, [phrase] out of, purtenance, [idiom] therein, [idiom] through, [idiom] within self. See also: Genesis 18:12; Joshua 7:12; Psalms 5:10.
Study Notes — Jeremiah 6:6
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Jeremiah 6:6 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 6:6
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 6:6
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 6:6
- Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 6:6
- Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 6:6
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 6:6
- Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 6:6
- Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 6:6
- Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 6:6
- Sermons on Jeremiah 6:6
Context — Jerusalem’s Final Warning
4‘Prepare for battle against her; rise up, let us attack at noon. Woe to us, for the daylight is fading; the evening shadows grow long.
5Rise up, let us attack by night and destroy her fortresses!’”
6For this is what the LORD of Hosts says: “Cut down the trees and raise a siege ramp against Jerusalem. This city must be punished; there is nothing but oppression in her midst.
7As a well gushes its water, so she pours out her evil. Violence and destruction resound in her; sickness and wounds are ever before Me. 8Be forewarned, O Jerusalem, or I will turn away from you; I will make you a desolation, a land without inhabitant.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deuteronomy 20:19–20 | When you lay siege to a city for an extended time while fighting against it to capture it, you must not destroy its trees by putting an axe to them, because you can eat their fruit. You must not cut them down. Are the trees of the field human, that you should besiege them? But you may destroy the trees that you know do not produce fruit. Use them to build siege works against the city that is waging war against you, until it falls. |
| 2 | Jeremiah 32:24 | See how the siege ramps are mounted against the city to capture it. And by sword and famine and plague, the city has been given into the hands of the Chaldeans who are fighting against it. What You have spoken has happened, as You now see! |
Jeremiah 6:6 Summary
[Jeremiah 6:6 is a call to attention, as God commands the cutting down of trees and raising a siege ramp against Jerusalem, symbolizing His judgment against the city's oppression and sin. This verse reminds us that God is serious about justice and righteousness, and we should strive to live according to His standards, as seen in Micah 6:8. Just as God desires to restore and redeem His people, He also desires to do the same for us, if we humble ourselves and seek His mercy, as promised in 2 Chronicles 7:14. By reflecting on this verse, we can learn valuable lessons about the importance of living a life that honors God and promotes justice and righteousness.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does God command the cutting down of trees and raising a siege ramp against Jerusalem in Jeremiah 6:6?
This command is a symbol of God's judgment against Jerusalem for her sins, as the city has become a place of oppression, reminiscent of the warnings in Deuteronomy 28:49-50 and Isaiah 29:1-4.
What is the significance of the phrase 'there is nothing but oppression in her midst' in Jeremiah 6:6?
This phrase highlights the pervasive nature of sin and injustice in Jerusalem, which is a stark contrast to God's desire for justice and righteousness, as seen in Micah 6:8 and Isaiah 1:17.
How does Jeremiah 6:6 relate to the idea of God's love and mercy?
While God's judgment may seem severe, it is actually a demonstration of His love and mercy, as He seeks to correct and restore His people, much like a loving father disciplines his children, as seen in Hebrews 12:6 and Proverbs 3:12.
What can we learn from Jerusalem's situation in Jeremiah 6:6 about our own lives and communities?
We can learn the importance of humility, repentance, and seeking God's justice and righteousness, lest we face similar judgment, as warned in 2 Chronicles 7:14 and Revelation 2:5.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my own life where I may be perpetuating or tolerating oppression, and how can I seek God's guidance to make things right?
- How can I balance the idea of God's judgment with His love and mercy, and what does this mean for my relationship with Him?
- In what ways can I be an agent of justice and righteousness in my community, and what role can I play in promoting God's values?
- What are some signs in my own life or community that may indicate we are heading down a path of destruction, and how can I seek God's intervention and guidance?
Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 6:6
For thus hath the Lord of hosts said,.... To the Chaldeans; for as it was the Lord that brought them out of their own country, and directed them to Jerusalem, and ordered them to prepare war against
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 6:6
For thus hath the LORD of hosts said, Hew ye down trees, and cast a mount against Jerusalem: this is the city to be visited; she is wholly oppression in the midst of her.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 6:6
Said, viz. to the Chaldeans. Here God declares whence they have their commission: q.d. They come not up on their own heads: see ,15. God would have the Jews to know that they have not so much to do with the Chaldeans as with him; that they are his rod to scourge them for their sins, ,16. See . And thus God is said to hiss for such whom he will employ in such work, 7:18. And he styles himself the Lord of hosts, to show that it is in vain to contend in battle with them, whom he sends forth, and will be, as it were, the captain of their hosts. Hew ye down trees, Heb. a tree, collectively taken: q.d. Cut them down all as one tree, not sparing their very fruit trees, which indeed were to be spared in such a case, ; either such as lie in the way of your march, or all round about Jerusalem; or such as you may have need of there or elsewhere for your use, either to raise up works against the strong places, , or to make other instruments of war. Cast a mount; throw up one continued trench, as a mount round about it.
See on . Heb. pour out the engine; of that see . To be visited; God is said to visit sometimes in mercy, Genesis 1 24 Zephaniah 2:7, and sometimes in judgment, as here, and 23:2. They are ripe for it, ; see ; and it is decreed against them, and ready to come upon them, chap, 23:12 . All attempts have failed, and now there is no remedy. She is wholly oppression; in the abstract, she doth nothing but oppress; there are found in her all kinds of oppression and injustice; a synecdoche for all other cruelties, ,4 Ezekiel 7:23; even in that city which was once full of judgment, and righteousness lodged in it, , swallowed up with oppression.
Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 6:6
Jeremiah 6:6 For thus hath the LORD of hosts said, Hew ye down trees, and cast a mount against Jerusalem: this [is] the city to be visited; she [is] wholly oppression in the midst of her.Ver. 6. For thus hath the Lord of hosts said,] q.d., It is he who setteth these Chaldean warriors to work, and giveth them these words of command. So Totilas, Gensericus, and others, were the scourge in God’ s hand, as now also the Turks are. She is wholly oppression.] She was full of judgment, righteousness lodged in her; but now nothing less. “ Nomen Alexandri ne te fortasse moretur, Hospes, abi: iacet hic et scelus et vitium. ” De Alex. VI, Papa. Pasquil.
Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 6:6
(6) Hew ye down trees, and cast a mount.—The words describe graphically the process of an Eastern siege as seen in the Assyrian bas-reliefs (Layard, Mon. of Nineveh, i. 73-76). Compare 2 Samuel 20:15; Job 19:12; Isaiah 29:3; Ezekiel 4:2. First the neighbouring country is cleared by cutting down the trees; next, either by piling earth on these as a timber framework, or using the earth alone, a “mount” (or, in later English, a mound) was raised till it reached the level of the wall of the besieged city; and then the assault was made. The law of Israel forbade, it may be noted, this destruction, but apparently only in the case of fruit-trees (Deuteronomy 20:19-20). There is no adequate ground for the marginal rendering, “pour out the engine of shot.” Is . . . to be visited.—Literally, is visited, in the sense of “punished,” but Hebrew usage gives to the verb so employed a gerundive force. The words admit, however, of the rendering, this is the city; it is proved that wholly oppression is in the midst of her.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 6:6
Verse 6. Hew ye down trees] To form machines. And cast a mount] That may overlook the city, on which to place our engines. This is the city to be visited] We are sure of success, for their God will deliver it into our hands, for it is full of oppression, and he has consigned it to destruction.
Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 6:6
6–8. The Scythians would not make their approaches to the city in this fashion, while the absence of metre makes us hesitate to take the passage as inserted by the prophet in Jehoiakim’s time, when the Chaldaeans were the enemy expected. Hence it may be of later date.
Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 6:6
Hew ye down trees - Rather, her trees: for the simple purpose of clearing the approaches.
Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 6:6
THE SIEGE, Jeremiah 6:6-8. 6. Hew ye down trees — In Deuteronomy 20:19, the Israelites were forbidden to cut down fruit trees in the siege, but here the enemies of Jerusalem are commanded to hew down
Sermons on Jeremiah 6:6
| Sermon | Description | |
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Slightly Healed by Paris Reidhead | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the disappointment of God with His chosen people, using the analogy of a vineyard. Despite God's efforts to cultivate and protect His people, |
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Care for God's Fruit-Trees by Harry Ironside | Harry Ironside emphasizes the importance of caring for God's 'fruit-trees,' which symbolize His servants, while being vigilant against false teachings and harmful influences. He dr |