Jeremiah 33:5

5 You expect to fight the Babylonians, but the men of this city are already as good as dead, for I have determined to destroy them in my terrible anger. I have abandoned them because of all their wickedness.

Jeremiah 33:5 Meaning and Commentary

Jeremiah 33:5

They come to fight with the Chaldeans
Either the Jews out of the country, or their auxiliaries, their neighbours, to oblige them to break up the siege; but all to no purpose: or rather the Jews within; who, from the mounts erected, fight with the Chaldeans; or by sallying out upon them: but [it is] to fill them with the dead bodies of men;
the mounts, made of their houses, or their houses themselves; it is only to make them graves, and fill them with these carcasses: whom I have slain in mine anger, and in my fury;
that is, suffered to be slain, being wroth and angry with them, for their sins, as follows: and for all whose wickedness I have hid my face from the city;
had no pity for it, showed no mercy to it, gave it no help and assistance, or protection, having withdrawn his presence from it. So the Targum,

``I have caused my Shechinah to depart from this city, because of their wickedness.''

Jeremiah 33:5 In-Context

3 Ask me and I will tell you remarkable secrets you do not know about things to come.

4 For this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: You have torn down the houses of this city and even the king’s palace to get materials to strengthen the walls against the siege ramps and swords of the enemy.

5 You expect to fight the Babylonians, but the men of this city are already as good as dead, for I have determined to destroy them in my terrible anger. I have abandoned them because of all their wickedness.

6 “Nevertheless, the time will come when I will heal Jerusalem’s wounds and give it prosperity and true peace.

7 I will restore the fortunes of Judah and Israel and rebuild their towns.

Footnotes

• [a] Or Chaldeans.