Book of Jeremiah - Chapter 29 - Verse 17

The verse "Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Behold, I will send upon them the sword, the famine, and the pestilence, and will make them like vile figs, that cannot be eaten, they are so evil." is a warning from the Lord to the people of Judah about the consequences of their disobedience and sin. The sword, famine, and pestilence mentioned in the verse are symbolic of the judgment and punishment that God will bring upon the people for their actions. The comparison to vile figs that cannot be eaten emphasizes the severity of their wickedness and the extent of their corruption. By using these vivid images, God is illustrating the harsh reality of the punishment that will be inflicted upon the people if they continue on their sinful path. It serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of obedience and the consequences of straying from God's will. This verse serves as a call to repentance and a plea for the people to turn back to God before it is too late.

In this verse, the prophet Jeremiah conveys the message of judgment from the LORD of hosts. The use of the sword, famine, and pestilence as instruments of punishment reflects a common motif in the Old Testament, where these calamities are seen as signs of divine wrath. The theological interpretation of this verse emphasizes the overarching theme of God's justice and punishment for disobedience. The mention of vile figs, which cannot be eaten due to their evil nature, serves as a metaphor for the people of Judah who have turned away from God's ways and become corrupt. This imagery underscores the severity of their actions and the consequences they will face. Through word studies, we can delve deeper into the meaning of each element mentioned in the verse and uncover the layers of symbolism that enrich the message of God's judgment.