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Book of Jeremiah - Chapter 23 - Verse 29

23:29
Is not my word like as a fire? saith the LORD; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces?

Meaning

The verse "Is not my word like as a fire? saith the LORD; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces?" is a powerful metaphor used by God to emphasize the effectiveness and impact of His word. Just as fire consumes everything in its path and hammer breaks solid rock into pieces, God's word has the power to transform and reshape lives. The comparison to fire highlights the purifying and refining nature of God's word, which burns away impurities and cleanses the soul. The image of a hammer breaking rock symbolizes the strength and forcefulness of God's word, capable of breaking down the barriers of resistance and hardness in the human heart. When we meditate on this verse, we are reminded of the transformative power of God's word, which has the ability to penetrate deeply into our lives and bring about lasting change.

Theological Overview

When the Lord declares that His word is like a fire and a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces, it signifies the powerful and transformative nature of His word. The metaphor of fire suggests the purifying and consuming quality of God's word, which has the ability to refine and cleanse the hearts of His people. Just as fire can spread rapidly and bring warmth and light, so too can the word of the Lord ignite passion and illuminate truth in the lives of believers. The image of a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces conveys the strength and impact of God's word in shattering the hardened hearts and strongholds of sin. This verse underscores the potency and efficacy of the scriptures in shaping, molding, and reshaping the lives of those who heed its message. As we engage with the word of the Lord, may we be open to its refining fire and allow it to break down the barriers that hinder our relationship with Him.

American Standard Version

Is not my word like fire? saith Jehovah; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces?
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