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Book of Jeremiah - Chapter 30 - Verse 16

30:16
Therefore all they that devour thee shall be devoured; and all thine adversaries, every one of them, shall go into captivity; and they that spoil thee shall be a spoil, and all that prey upon thee will I give for a prey.

Meaning

This verse from the book of Jeremiah speaks of the consequences that will befall those who harm or oppress the people of Israel. It is a declaration of divine justice, stating that those who devour or harm the Israelites will themselves be devoured, their adversaries will be taken captive, and those who spoil or prey upon the Israelites will themselves become spoil and prey. This verse is a reminder that God sees and judges those who mistreat His chosen people, and that ultimately, justice will be served. It serves as a warning to those who would seek to harm the Israelites, promising that their actions will not go unpunished. Overall, this verse highlights the protective and vindicating nature of God towards His people, demonstrating His commitment to defending and avenging them against their enemies.

Theological Overview

In this verse, the phrase "all they that devour thee shall be devoured" emphasizes the principle of divine retribution. This concept is a recurring theme in the Bible, emphasizing that those who harm God's chosen people will themselves face punishment. The parallel structure of the verse reinforces this idea, with each action of the adversaries being met with a corresponding consequence. The words "devour", "captivity", "spoil", and "prey" all signify acts of aggression and harm, demonstrating that God will not tolerate such mistreatment of His people. The use of repetition in this verse serves to emphasize the certainty of these consequences, leaving no room for doubt. Ultimately, this verse serves as a reminder of God's protection and justice for those who belong to Him, offering comfort to believers facing persecution or hardship.

American Standard Version

Therefore all they that devour thee shall be devoured; and all thine adversaries, every one of them, shall go into captivity; and they that despoil thee shall be a spoil, and all that prey upon thee will I give for a prey.
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