Jeremiah 9:9

9 Shouldn't I punish them for this? declares the LORD; shouldn't I avenge such a nation?

Jeremiah 9:9 Meaning and Commentary

Jeremiah 9:9

Shall I not visit them for these things? saith the Lord
The Targum adds,

``to bring evil upon them.''

Shall not my soul be avenged on such a nation as this?
the Targum is,

``or of a people whose works are such, shall I not take vengeance according to my pleasure?''

(See Gill on Jeremiah 5:9).

Jeremiah 9:9 In-Context

7 Therefore, the LORD of heavenly forces proclaims: I'm going to refine and test them, for what else can I do with my people?

8 Their tongue is a lethal arrow; their words are deceitful. They wish their neighbors well, but in their hearts plot their ruin.

9 Shouldn't I punish them for this? declares the LORD; shouldn't I avenge such a nation?

10 I will weep and wail for the mountains, and lament for the grazing lands in the wilderness. They are dried up and deserted; no sound of the flocks is heard; no sign of birds or animals is seen; all have vanished.

11 I will reduce Jerusalem to ruins, a den for wild dogs. I will make the towns of Judah a wasteland, without inhabitant.