King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 5:9 Mean?

“Shall I not visit for these things? saith the LORD: and shall not my soul be avenged on such a nation as this?”

Context

How shall I pardon thee for this? thy children have forsaken me, and sworn by them that are no gods: when I had fed them to the full, they then committed adultery, and assembled themselves by troops in the harlots' houses.

They were as fed horses in the morning: every one neighed after his neighbour's wife.

Shall I not visit for these things? saith the LORD: and shall not my soul be avenged on such a nation as this?

Go ye up upon her walls, and destroy; but make not a full end: take away her battlements; for they are not the LORD'S.

For the house of Israel and the house of Judah have dealt very treacherously against me, saith the LORD.

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Commentary

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**8. highway--**such a causeway (raised way, from a Hebrew root, "to cast up") as was used for the march of armies; valleys being filled up, hills and other obstructions removed (Is 62:10; compare Is 40:3, 4). **way of holiness--**Hebraism for "the holy way." Horsley translates, "the way of the Holy One;" but the words that follow, and Is 35:10, show it is the way leading the redeemed back to Jerusalem, both the literal and the heavenly (Is 52:1; Joe 3:17; Re 21:27); still Christ at His coming again shall be the Leader on the way, for which reason it is called, "The way of the Lord" (Is 40:3; Mal 3:1). **it shall be for those: the wayfaring men--**rather, "He (the Holy One) shall be with them, walking in the way" [Horsley]. **though fools--**rather, "And (even) fools," that is, the simple shall not go astray, namely, because "He shall be with them" (Mt 11:25; 1Co 1:26-28).

Robert Jamieson, A.R. Fausset, David Brown. Public Domain.

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Jeremiah. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Jeremiah 5:9 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.