King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 6:27 Mean?

“I have set thee for a tower and a fortress among my people, that thou mayest know and try their way.”

Context

Go not forth into the field, nor walk by the way; for the sword of the enemy and fear is on every side.

O daughter of my people, gird thee with sackcloth, and wallow thyself in ashes: make thee mourning, as for an only son, most bitter lamentation: for the spoiler shall suddenly come upon us.

I have set thee for a tower and a fortress among my people, that thou mayest know and try their way.

They are all grievous revolters, walking with slanders: they are brass and iron; they are all corrupters.

The bellows are burned, the lead is consumed of the fire ; the founder melteth in vain: for the wicked are not plucked away.

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(27) **I have set thee . . .**—The verse is difficult, as containing words in the Hebrew which are not found elsewhere, and have therefore to be guessed at. The following rendering is given on the authority of the most recent commentators, and has the merit of being in harmony with the metallurgic imagery of the following verses. *As a prover of ore I have set thee among my people, and thou shalt know and try their way. *The words are spoken by Jehovah to the prophet, and describe his work. By others, the first part of the sentence is rendered as follows: *As a prover of ore I have set thee like a fortress, *as if with a reference to Jeremiah 1:18, where the same word is used.

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). 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 6:27 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.