I will make Jerusalem a heap of ruins, a lair of jackals, and I will make the cities of Judah a desolation, without inhabitant.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
God’s judgment transforms Jerusalem from a vibrant city into a desolate wasteland, not just filled with rubble, but become a "lair of jackals"—wild, scavenging creatures signaling utter abandonment and the absence of humanity. This imagery powerfully conveys that the destruction will be so complete, even the wild animals will find their home in what was once God's chosen city.
I will make Jerusalem a heap of ruins, a lair of jackals, and I will make the cities of Judah a desolation, without inhabitant.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jeremiah has just expressed his deep sorrow over the people's sin and the coming judgment. God then speaks directly, declaring that Jerusalem and the cities of Judah will be utterly destroyed, becoming heaps of rubble and a desolate wasteland inhabited only by wild jackals. This stark pronouncement follows God's accusation that the people are deceitful and have rejected His law, setting the stage for the severe consequences of their disobedience.
Imagine your city, once bustling with life and worship, reduced to rubble. This verse paints a stark, almost unbelievable picture of destruction. What does it truly mean for a city to become a 'lair of jackals'?
Jeremiah declares God's judgment: Jerusalem will become mere 'heaps of ruins' and a dwelling place for wild jackals.
The City's Fate
Why would God bring such devastating judgment upon His chosen city and people? This verse is more than just a prediction of destruction; it’s a consequence of broken promises.
Jeremiah's prophecy wasn't a random act of violence from God. It was the direct result of Judah's deep-seated rebellion and unfaithfulness to their covenant with Him.
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Covenant Consequences
Understand the original words
Yeru-shalaim · Hebrew Proper Noun
A holy city, chosen by God as the location for the temple and the seat of the Davidic throne, serving as a symbol of God's presence and covenant with His people.
shemamah · Hebrew Noun
A state of total destruction or emptiness resulting from divine judgment, often characterized by the absence of human life and productivity.
Jeremiah's prophecy describes the utter devastation of Jerusalem and the cities of Judah, fulfilling God's judgment through the Babylonian conquest and exile.
Late 8th century BC
Assyrian Empire's Height
The powerful Assyrian Empire dominated the Near East, exerting influence and control over the region, including Judah.
605 BC
First Babylonian Deportation
Nebuchadnezzar's forces conquer Judah, deporting some of its elite citizens, including the prophet Daniel, to Babylon. This marks the beginning of Judah's subjugation.
597 BC
Second Babylonian Deportation
Following a rebellion, Nebuchadnezzar deports more of Judah's population and treasures, including King Jehoiachin and the prophet Ezekiel, to Babylon.
c. 587-586 BC— this verse
Destruction of Jerusalem and Temple
Nebuchadnezzar's army destroys Jerusalem, razes its walls, burns the Temple, and deports the remaining significant population to Babylon, effectively ending the kingdom of Judah.
586 BC
Exile in Babylon Continues
The majority of the Judean population remains in exile in Babylon, living in communities and awaiting a future restoration promised by prophets like Jeremiah.
This passage echoes Jeremiah 9:11, again describing the desolation and wildness that will overtake the land with the phrase 'howlers' which is understood to mean jackals.
Isaiah 13:20-22Similar to Jeremiah's prophecy, Isaiah describes the utter destruction of Babylon, foretelling that it will become a dwelling place for wild animals like jackals, with no human inhabitants left.
Zephaniah 2:13-15This passage from Zephaniah also predicts the judgment of cities, specifically Nineveh, turning them into desolate places where jackals will prowl and wild animals will rest among the ruins.
Lamentations 1:1This verse captures the profound sorrow and devastation described in Jeremiah 9:11, beginning the book of Lamentations with the mournful cry about a once-great city now sitting alone and in ruins.
barnesJeremiah 9:11: "And I will make Jerusalem heaps, and a den of dragons; and I will make the cities of Judah desolate, without an inhabitant."
Dragons - Rather, jackals.
pulpitJeremiah 9:11: "And I will make Jerusalem heaps, and a den of dragons; and I will make the cities of Judah desolate, without an inhabitant."
Verse 11. - I will make, etc. Notice how the utterances of the prophets stand side by side with those of Jehovah. A true prophet has no personal views; so that whether his revelations are expressed in the one form or the other makes no difference. Dragons; rather, jackals.
God’s judgment transforms Jerusalem from a vibrant city into a desolate wasteland, not just filled with rubble, but become a "lair of jackals"—wild, scavenging creatures signaling utter abandonment and the absence of humanity. This imagery powerfully conveys that the destruction will be so complete, even the wild animals will find their home in what was once God's chosen city.
Jeremiah has just expressed his deep sorrow over the people's sin and the coming judgment. God then speaks directly, declaring that Jerusalem and the cities of Judah will be utterly destroyed, becoming heaps of rubble and a desolate wasteland inhabited only by wild jackals. This stark pronouncement follows God's accusation that the people are deceitful and have rejected His law, setting the stage for the severe consequences of their disobedience.
Jeremiah has just expressed his deep sorrow over the people's sin and the coming judgment. God then speaks directly, declaring that Jerusalem and the cities of Judah will be utterly destroyed, becoming heaps of rubble and a desolate wasteland inhabited only by wild jackals. This stark pronouncement follows God's accusation that the people are deceitful and have rejected His law, setting the stage for the severe consequences of their disobedience.
"I will make Jerusalem a heap of ruins, a lair of jackals, and I will make the cities of Judah a desolation, without inhabitant.”" — God’s judgment transforms Jerusalem from a vibrant city into a desolate wasteland, not just filled with rubble, but become a "lair of jackals"—wild, scavenging creatures signaling utter abandonment a…
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Last reviewed October 2026