Book of Jeremiah - Chapter 46 - Verse 21

This verse from the book of Jeremiah describes the downfall of a city or nation when calamity strikes. The comparison to fatted bullocks, fat and complacent, highlights the prosperity and self-assuredness of the people who are suddenly faced with a crisis. The hired men, who should be helping in times of trouble, are depicted as fleeing in fear, abandoning their posts. This verse serves as a warning about the consequences of turning away from God and relying on material wealth or human strength. It teaches us that when the time of reckoning comes, those who have strayed from the path of righteousness will not find support or refuge in their worldly possessions. It emphasizes the importance of remaining steadfast in faith and prepared for the day of judgment, lest we too find ourselves fleeing in fear when facing our own time of calamity.

When looking at the theological interpretation of this verse, it speaks to the idea of impending judgment and the consequences of turning away from God. The hired men, likened to fatted bullocks, represent the people living in luxury and excess, who have strayed from the path of righteousness. The imagery of them fleeing in the face of calamity emphasizes the fleeting nature of worldly pleasures and the ultimate futility of relying on material wealth. The verse conveys the message that no matter how powerful or prosperous someone may seem, they are ultimately subject to the divine judgment and the consequences of their actions. The time of visitation mentioned highlights the idea that all actions have repercussions, whether positive or negative, and serves as a reminder of the importance of staying faithful to God's will.