Book of Jeremiah - Chapter 20 - Verse 16

The verse "And let that man be as the cities which the LORD overthrew, and repented not: and let him hear the cry in the morning, and the shouting at noontide;" serves as a warning of the consequences of disobedience and sin. It illustrates the severity of God's judgment against those who refuse to repent and turn away from their wicked ways. The mention of the cities that the Lord overthrew emphasizes the destructive power of God's wrath when provoked by unrepentant sinners. The imagery of hearing the cry in the morning and the shouting at noontide suggests a continuous and relentless reminder of the consequences of one's actions. It is a vivid portrayal of the despair and anguish that will accompany those who choose to ignore God's commands. This verse serves as a solemn reminder that the consequences of disobedience are severe and irreversible unless one chooses to repent and seek God's forgiveness.

From a theological perspective, this verse from Jeremiah 20:16 speaks to the consequences of sin and disobedience. The comparison of the man to the cities that the Lord overthrew without repentance highlights the severity of the punishment that awaits those who turn their backs on God. The imagery of the man hearing cries in the morning and shouting at noontide serves as a vivid depiction of the anguish and despair that comes with facing the wrath of God. This verse serves as a warning to individuals to heed God's commandments and turn to Him in repentance, lest they suffer the same fate as those who have faced divine judgment in the past. It shows the importance of recognizing the consequences of one's actions and the need for sincere repentance to avoid the ultimate destruction that comes from disobeying God.