Jeremiah 5:22 - Don’t you fear me?’ says Yahweh ‘Won’t you tremble at my presence, who have placed the sand for the bound of the sea, by a perpetual decree, that it can’t pass it? Though its waves toss themselves, yet they can’t prevail. Though they roar, they still can’t pass over it.’
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What does "Jeremiah 5:22" mean?
This verse, Jeremiah 5:22, is a powerful rhetorical question from God, Yahweh, to the people of Judah, emphasizing his immense power and their lack of reverence for him. Let's break down the meaning:
"Don’t you fear me?’ says Yahweh ‘Won’t you tremble at my presence...": This is the core of the verse. God is expressing disappointment and, perhaps, anger. He is asking why his people don't fear him, why they don't feel awe and respect in his presence. Fear in this context isn't just terror, but profound reverence and obedience due to understanding his power and authority.
"...who have placed the sand for the bound of the sea, by a perpetual decree, that it can’t pass it?": This is the key argument for why they should fear him. God is reminding them of his control over nature, specifically the sea. He created the barrier of the sand, establishing a boundary that the sea cannot permanently overcome. The "perpetual decree" highlights the enduring, unchanging nature of his law and power.
"Though its waves toss themselves, yet they can’t prevail. Though they roar, they still can’t pass over it.’": This further emphasizes the futility of the sea's attempts to break the boundary. The waves may crash and "roar," suggesting great force and potential chaos, but they are ultimately limited by God's decree. It illustrates God's ability to control even the most powerful natural forces.
In essence, the verse is arguing the following:
1. God's Power is Undeniable: He points to the sea as a concrete example of his power and control over creation.
2. Their Lack of Reverence is Unjustified: Knowing this power, the people should fear/revere him. Their failure to do so is a sign of their disobedience and lack of understanding.
3. Implied Threat: While not explicitly stated, there's an implied threat. If God can control the chaotic sea, he can certainly control their fate as well. Their disobedience makes them vulnerable to his judgment.
The larger context of Jeremiah is crucial. Jeremiah was a prophet called to warn the people of Judah about their sins, particularly their idolatry and social injustice. He prophesied the coming destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians as a consequence of their disobedience.
Therefore, in the context of Jeremiah, this verse serves to:
Highlight Judah's misplaced priorities: They were not fearing and obeying the one true God who had demonstrated his power.
Foreshadow God's judgment: Just as the sea is restrained by God's decree, so too would God's judgment be unleashed upon them for their wickedness. Their attempts to resist or ignore his warnings would be as futile as the waves trying to overcome the sand.
Call for Repentance: The verse serves as a warning and a call to repentance. They needed to turn back to God, acknowledge his power, and obey his commands to avoid the coming disaster.
In conclusion, Jeremiah 5:22 is a powerful verse that uses a vivid image of nature to illustrate God's immense power and the foolishness of his people's lack of reverence for him. It is a call to acknowledge God's authority and return to obedience before it is too late.
Jeremiah 5:22 - Don’t you fear me?’ says Yahweh ‘Won’t you tremble at my presence, who have placed the sand for the bound of the sea, by a perpetual decree, that it can’t pass it? Though its waves toss themselves, yet they can’t prevail. Though they roar, they still can’t pass over it.’
What does "Jeremiah 5:22" mean?
This verse, Jeremiah 5:22, is a powerful rhetorical question from God, Yahweh, to the people of Judah, emphasizing his immense power and their lack of reverence for him. Let's break down the meaning:
"Don’t you fear me?’ says Yahweh ‘Won’t you tremble at my presence...": This is the core of the verse. God is expressing disappointment and, perhaps, anger. He is asking why his people don't fear him, why they don't feel awe and respect in his presence. Fear in this context isn't just terror, but profound reverence and obedience due to understanding his power and authority.
"...who have placed the sand for the bound of the sea, by a perpetual decree, that it can’t pass it?": This is the key argument for why they should fear him. God is reminding them of his control over nature, specifically the sea. He created the barrier of the sand, establishing a boundary that the sea cannot permanently overcome. The "perpetual decree" highlights the enduring, unchanging nature of his law and power.
"Though its waves toss themselves, yet they can’t prevail. Though they roar, they still can’t pass over it.’": This further emphasizes the futility of the sea's attempts to break the boundary. The waves may crash and "roar," suggesting great force and potential chaos, but they are ultimately limited by God's decree. It illustrates God's ability to control even the most powerful natural forces.
In essence, the verse is arguing the following:
1. God's Power is Undeniable: He points to the sea as a concrete example of his power and control over creation.
2. Their Lack of Reverence is Unjustified: Knowing this power, the people should fear/revere him. Their failure to do so is a sign of their disobedience and lack of understanding.
3. Implied Threat: While not explicitly stated, there's an implied threat. If God can control the chaotic sea, he can certainly control their fate as well. Their disobedience makes them vulnerable to his judgment.
The larger context of Jeremiah is crucial. Jeremiah was a prophet called to warn the people of Judah about their sins, particularly their idolatry and social injustice. He prophesied the coming destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians as a consequence of their disobedience.
Therefore, in the context of Jeremiah, this verse serves to:
Highlight Judah's misplaced priorities: They were not fearing and obeying the one true God who had demonstrated his power.
Foreshadow God's judgment: Just as the sea is restrained by God's decree, so too would God's judgment be unleashed upon them for their wickedness. Their attempts to resist or ignore his warnings would be as futile as the waves trying to overcome the sand.
Call for Repentance: The verse serves as a warning and a call to repentance. They needed to turn back to God, acknowledge his power, and obey his commands to avoid the coming disaster.
In conclusion, Jeremiah 5:22 is a powerful verse that uses a vivid image of nature to illustrate God's immense power and the foolishness of his people's lack of reverence for him. It is a call to acknowledge God's authority and return to obedience before it is too late.