Jeremiah 6:7 is a powerful and condemning verse that uses vivid imagery to describe the moral depravity and resulting suffering of Jerusalem. Let's break it down:
"As a well produces its waters...": This sets up an analogy. A well naturally and consistently produces water; it's its nature to do so.
"...so she produces her wickedness.": Jerusalem, in this context, is likened to the well. The city is constantly generating wickedness. It's not an occasional lapse, but a continuous outflow. Wickedness has become ingrained in its very being.
"Violence and destruction is heard in her.": This describes the immediate consequences of the city's wickedness. The sounds of violence and the results of destruction (ruin, devastation) are prevalent within Jerusalem. It's a chaotic and dangerous place.
"Sickness and wounds are continually before me.": This line conveys God's perspective. He sees the constant suffering of the people. "Sickness and wounds" likely refers to both physical ailments (caused by violence, poor living conditions, famine, etc.) and spiritual/emotional suffering. The phrase "continually before me" emphasizes the never-ending nature of this suffering and God's constant awareness of it. He is not ignoring their plight.
In essence, the verse means:
Jerusalem is inherently wicked, constantly generating evil like a well producing water. This wickedness leads to widespread violence, destruction, suffering, and spiritual sickness that God witnesses continually. It's a powerful indictment of the city's deep-seated moral corruption and the dire consequences that follow.
Key themes:
Moral corruption: The primary focus is on the city's wickedness and its pervasive nature.
Consequences of sin: The verse highlights the tangible results of sin: violence, destruction, and suffering.
God's awareness and judgment: God is not oblivious to the situation. He sees the suffering and, implicitly, will hold the people accountable for their actions.
Imagery: The use of the well analogy is particularly effective in conveying the continuous and inherent nature of the wickedness.
The prophet Jeremiah is warning the people of Jerusalem of impending judgment if they do not repent from their wickedness. This verse highlights the severity of their situation and the urgent need for change.
Jeremiah 6:7 is a powerful and condemning verse that uses vivid imagery to describe the moral depravity and resulting suffering of Jerusalem. Let's break it down:
"As a well produces its waters...": This sets up an analogy. A well naturally and consistently produces water; it's its nature to do so.
"...so she produces her wickedness.": Jerusalem, in this context, is likened to the well. The city is constantly generating wickedness. It's not an occasional lapse, but a continuous outflow. Wickedness has become ingrained in its very being.
"Violence and destruction is heard in her.": This describes the immediate consequences of the city's wickedness. The sounds of violence and the results of destruction (ruin, devastation) are prevalent within Jerusalem. It's a chaotic and dangerous place.
"Sickness and wounds are continually before me.": This line conveys God's perspective. He sees the constant suffering of the people. "Sickness and wounds" likely refers to both physical ailments (caused by violence, poor living conditions, famine, etc.) and spiritual/emotional suffering. The phrase "continually before me" emphasizes the never-ending nature of this suffering and God's constant awareness of it. He is not ignoring their plight.
In essence, the verse means:
Jerusalem is inherently wicked, constantly generating evil like a well producing water. This wickedness leads to widespread violence, destruction, suffering, and spiritual sickness that God witnesses continually. It's a powerful indictment of the city's deep-seated moral corruption and the dire consequences that follow.
Key themes:
Moral corruption: The primary focus is on the city's wickedness and its pervasive nature.
Consequences of sin: The verse highlights the tangible results of sin: violence, destruction, and suffering.
God's awareness and judgment: God is not oblivious to the situation. He sees the suffering and, implicitly, will hold the people accountable for their actions.
Imagery: The use of the well analogy is particularly effective in conveying the continuous and inherent nature of the wickedness.
The prophet Jeremiah is warning the people of Jerusalem of impending judgment if they do not repent from their wickedness. This verse highlights the severity of their situation and the urgent need for change.