Jeremiah 5:9

9 Shouldn't I punish them for that?" announces the Lord. "Shouldn't I pay back the nation that does those things?

Jeremiah 5:9 Meaning and Commentary

Jeremiah 5:9

Shall I not visit for these things? saith the Lord
For such adulteries and lasciviousness, and that in a way of punishment. The Targum adds,

``to bring evil upon them;''

the evil of punishment for the evil of sin: and shall not my soul be avenged upon such a nation as this?
which cannot delight in sin, but hates it; and therefore must punish for it; vindictive and punitive justice is essential to God; as sin is contrary to his nature, it is agreeable to it to punish for it; he cannot but do it; and he does avenge all sin, either on the sinner himself, or on his surety.

Jeremiah 5:9 In-Context

7 The LORD says, "Jerusalem, why should I forgive you? Your people have deserted me. They have taken their oaths in the names of gods that are not really gods at all. I supplied everything they needed. But they committed adultery. Large crowds went to the houses of prostitutes.

8 Your people are like stallions that have plenty to eat. Their sinful longings are out of control. Each of them goes after another man's wife.

9 Shouldn't I punish them for that?" announces the Lord. "Shouldn't I pay back the nation that does those things?

10 "Armies of Babylonia, go through their vineyards and destroy them. But do not destroy them completely. Strip off their branches. Those people do not belong to me.

11 The people of Israel and Judah have not been faithful to me at all," announces the Lord.