Jeremiah 6:23

An Invasion from the North · Jeremiah 6:22–30
Read Jeremiah 6

Translations

Modern
They grasp the bow and spear; they are cruel and merciless. Their voice roars like the sea, and they ride upon horses, lined up like men in formation against you, O Daughter of Zion.”
Traditional
They shall lay hold on bow and spear; they are cruel, and have no mercy; their voice roareth like the sea; and they ride upon horses, set in array as men for war against thee, O daughter of Zion.
Literal
Bow and spear they hold firmly—they are cruel, and they do not have compassion; their voice roars like the sea, and they ride on horses, arrayed as men for the battle, against you, O daughter of Zion!”
Latin
Sagittam et scutum arripiet: crudelis est et non miserebitur. Vox ejus quasi mare sonabit: et super equos ascendent, præparati quasi vir ad prælium adversum te, filia Sion.

Original

Hebrew
English
They grasp the bow and spear; they are cruel and merciless. Their voice roars like the sea, and they ride upon horses, lined up like men in formation against you, O Daughter of Zion.”

Notes

  • The Lord reminded the people that the coming invasion was real. The soldiers had actual bows and spears (Isaiah 13:18).

  • roars like the sea: The noise from thousands of soldiers with horses and chariots must have been terrifying (Isaiah 5:27–30).

This conversation between Jeremiah and the Lord likely occurred at the start of the Babylonian invasion in 605 BC. In these three poems, Jeremiah shares the Lord’s message (Jeremiah 6:22–23), connects with his people's fear, and urges them to repent quickly (6:24–26). He then receives a heartfelt message from the Lord (Jeremiah 6:27–30).

Theme notes and profiles

Invasion

Events

Places

Jerusalem: The capital of Israel, a holy city for three religions

Glossary

Book of Jeremiah Jeremiah (Person)

Topics

China The Sea: (Roaring) Hostile Armies