Jeremiah 24:9
I will make them a horror to all the kingdoms of the earth, to be a reproach, a byword, a taunt, and a curse in all the places where I shall drive them.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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{ "themes": [ "Divine judgment enacted", "Consequences of disobedience", "Scattered among nations", "A lasting reproach" ] }
Just before this, Jeremiah received a vision of two baskets of figs – one good, representing the faithful exiles in Babylon, and one bad, representing those left behind in Jerusalem. This verse delivers God's harsh judgment specifically upon the "bad figs," those who will be scattered and suffer immense shame and disgrace wherever they are driven. It echoes the curses Moses pronounced upon Israel for disobedience, confirming that their impending doom is a direct consequence of their turning away from God and will serve as a stark warning to all nations.
Why does Jeremiah sound so much like Moses when describing Judah's fate?
Jeremiah wasn't just speaking his own words; he was echoing God's ancient warnings. This verse deliberately pulls phrases and concepts directly from Moses' law, especially from Deuteronomy chapter 28.
Jeremiah describes scattering into exile, but this time it's different. What makes this exile so severe?
The verse contrasts two types of exile. The first group, taken by Nebuchadnezzar to Babylon (like King Jehoiachin), were sent away with a hope for eventual restoration and spiritual renewal. However, the second group, represented by the 'bad figs' in chapter 24, are destined for a far harsher fate.
Understand the original words
zeva'ah · Hebrew Noun
A term used for divine judgment where the people become an object of public shame and warning to others, demonstrating the consequences of covenant unfaithfulness.
This verse powerfully echoes the curses in Deuteronomy 28, highlighting that the exiles of 597 BC and those left behind in Jerusalem would experience a national shame and dispersion, a fate fulfilled through successive judgments culminating in the Roman destruction of Jerusalem.
c. 605 BC
First Babylonian Deportation
Nebuchadnezzar deports some of Jerusalem's elite, including King Jehoiakim and Daniel, to Babylon. This marks the beginning of Judah's subjugation.
c. 597 BC— this verse
Second Babylonian Deportation
Nebuchadnezzar deports King Jehoiachin (Jeconiah) and thousands more Judeans to Babylon, including Ezekiel. This event is directly referenced in Jeremiah 24.
c. 587/586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem and Third Deportation
Jerusalem is destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar, and the remaining population, except for the poorest, are deported to Babylon. This event fully ushers in the judgment described.
c. 539 BC
Persian Conquest of Babylon
Cyrus the Great conquers Babylon, paving the way for the return of Jewish exiles.
This passage from Moses directly parallels Jeremiah's warning, stating that the Israelites would become 'a proverb, a byword, and a curse' among all nations if they disobeyed God's commands.
Psalm 44:13-14The Psalmist laments a similar fate, describing his people as 'a reproach to our neighbors, a scorn and derision to those around us,' highlighting the historical reality of God's people suffering such shame and mockery.
Jeremiah 29:18In a message to the exiles in Babylon, Jeremiah reiterates God's judgment, stating they will be 'an object of horror, a byword, an exaction, and a curse' in all nations where they are scattered, echoing the severity of this prophecy.
Lamentations 1:1-7This book vividly describes the desolation and shame of Jerusalem after its destruction, illustrating the 'reproach' and 'abasement' that befall God's people when they face His judgment.
gillJeremiah 24:9: "And I will deliver them to be removed into all the kingdoms of the earth for their hurt, to be a reproach and a proverb, a taunt and a curse, in all places whither I shall drive them."
And I will deliver them to be removed into all the kingdoms of the earth for their hurt,.... Jeconiah and the captives with him were only carried into Babylon; but these should be scattered one from another into the several parts of the world. The former were carried captive for their good, and it…
calvinJeremiah 24:9: "And I will deliver them to be removed into all the kingdoms of the earth for their hurt, to be a reproach and a proverb, a taunt and a curse, in all places whither I shall drive them."
- Et ponam eos in commotionem (vel, strepitum, vel, perturbationem, alii concussionem vertunt) in malum omnibus regnis terrae, in probrum, et parabolam, et proverbium, et execrationem in omnibus locis quo ejecero ipsos (vel, expulero.)
Here the Prophet borrows his words from Moses, in order to s…
{ "themes": [ "Divine judgment enacted", "Consequences of disobedience", "Scattered among nations", "A lasting reproach" ] }
Just before this, Jeremiah received a vision of two baskets of figs – one good, representing the faithful exiles in Babylon, and one bad, representing those left behind in Jerusalem. This verse delivers God's harsh judgment specifically upon the "bad figs," those who will be scattered and suffer immense shame and disgrace wherever they are driven. It echoes the curses Moses pronounced upon Israel for disobedience, confirming that their impending doom is a direct consequence of their turning away from God and will serve as a stark warning to all nations.
Just before this, Jeremiah received a vision of two baskets of figs – one good, representing the faithful exiles in Babylon, and one bad, representing those left behind in Jerusalem. This verse delivers God's harsh judgment specifically upon the "bad figs," those who will be scattered and suffer immense shame and disgrace wherever they are driven. It echoes the curses Moses pronounced upon Israel for disobedience, confirming that their impending doom is a direct consequence of their turning away from God and will serve as a stark warning to all nations.
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Being called a 'reproach, a byword, a taunt, and a curse' sounds like the worst possible fate. What does this mean practically?
This verse paints a picture of utter public shame and condemnation. It's not just about being disliked; it's about becoming a universally recognized example of divine judgment.
c. 538 BC
Edict of Cyrus
Cyrus issues a decree allowing the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple. Many, but not all, return.
c. AD 70
Destruction of Jerusalem by Rome
The Roman Empire destroys Jerusalem and its Temple, leading to a final, widespread scattering of the Jewish people.
"I will make them a horror to all the kingdoms of the earth, to be a reproach, a byword, a taunt, and a curse in all the places where I shall drive them." — { "themes": [ "Divine judgment enacted", "Consequences of disobedience", "Scattered among nations", "A lasting reproach" ] }
