Jeremiah 21:5

5 I'm joining their side and fighting against you, fighting all-out, holding nothing back. And in fierce anger.

Jeremiah 21:5 Meaning and Commentary

Jeremiah 21:5

And myself will fight against you
So far from being entreated to do for them according to his wondrous works in times past, as their friend; that he will set himself against them as their enemy; and sad it is to have God for an enemy: if God be for a people, none can be against them to do them any hurt; but if he is against them, it signifies nothing who is for them: this must be much more terrible to them than the whole Chaldean army, and the king of Babylon at the head of them: with an outstretched hand, and with a strong arm;
such as he had used formerly in delivering Israel out of Egypt, but now in delivering them into the hands of their enemies; and out of the reach of such a hand there is no getting; and under the weight of such an arm there is no supporting; see ( Exodus 6:6 ) ( 13:9 ) ; even in anger, and in fury, and in great wrath;
because of their sins and iniquities. This heap of words is used to show the greatness of his indignation: this was not the chastisement of a father, but the rebuke of an enemy; not a correction in love, but in hot displeasure; a punishment inflicted in vindictive wrath by a righteous Judge, appearing in a warlike manner.

Jeremiah 21:5 In-Context

3 But Jeremiah said, "Tell Zedekiah:
4 'This is the God of Israel's Message to you: You can say good-bye to your army, watch morale and weapons flushed down the drain. I'm going to personally lead the king of Babylon and the Chaldeans, against whom you're fighting so hard, right into the city itself.
5 I'm joining their side and fighting against you, fighting all-out, holding nothing back. And in fierce anger.
6 I'm prepared to wipe out the population of this city, people and animals alike, in a raging epidemic.
7 And then I will personally deliver Zedekiah king of Judah, his princes, and any survivors left in the city who haven't died from disease, been killed, or starved. I'll deliver them to Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon - yes, hand them over to their enemies, who have come to kill them. He'll kill them ruthlessly, showing no mercy.'
Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.