Jeremiah 26:18
Micah the Morasthite prophesied in the days of Hezekiah king of Judah, and spake to all the people of Judah, saying, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Zion shall be plowed like a field, and Jerusalem shall become heaps, and the mountain of the house as the high places of a forest.
Jeremiah 26:18 · King James Version
Meaning
In this verse, we see the prophet Micah delivering a message from the Lord to the people of Judah during the reign of King Hezekiah. The prophecy foretells the destruction of Jerusalem and the desolation of Zion as a consequence of the people's sin and disobedience. The image of Zion being plowed like a field and Jerusalem becoming heaps of ruins conveys the severity of the impending judgment that will befall the land. The mention of the mountain of the house (referring to the temple) becoming like the high places of a forest further emphasizes the devastation that will occur. This prophecy serves as a warning to the people of Judah to turn from their wicked ways and return to the Lord, lest they face the consequences of their actions. It is a reminder that God's judgment is just and inevitable for those who stray from His ways.
Theological Overview
Micah, the Morasthite, was a prophet who delivered a message to the people of Judah during the reign of King Hezekiah. The prophecy he spoke was a warning from the Lord of hosts that Zion would be plowed like a field, Jerusalem would become heaps, and the mountain of the house would be as high places in a forest. This imagery of destruction and desolation was meant to serve as a powerful reminder to the people of Judah of the consequences of turning away from God and His commandments. The word "plowed" suggests a complete devastation and transformation of the land, while the mention of Zion and Jerusalem emphasizes the sacredness and significance of these places in the eyes of the Lord. The prophecy of Micah serves as a sobering reflection of the importance of obedience and faithfulness to God in order to avoid the coming judgment and destruction.
Jeremiah 26:18 in other translations
American Standard Version
Micah the Morashtite prophesied in the days of Hezekiah king of Judah; and he spake to all the people of Judah, saying, Thus saith Jehovah of hosts: Zion shall be plowed as a field, and Jerusalem shall become heaps, and the mountain of the house as the high places of a forest.
World English Bible
Micah the Morashtite prophesied in the days of Hezekiah king of Judah; and he spoke to all the people of Judah, saying, Thus says Yahweh of Armies: Zion shall be plowed as a field, and Jerusalem shall become heaps, and the mountain of the house as the high places of a forest.
Douay-Rheims
Micheas of Morasthi was a prophet in the days of Ezechias king of Juda, and he spoke to all the people of Juda, saying: Thus saith the Lord of hosts: Sion shall be ploughed like a field, and Jerusalem shall be a heap of stones: and the mountain of the house the high places of woods.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Michah the Morashite prophecied in the dayes of Hezekiah king of Iudah, and spake to al the people of Iudah, saying, Thus saith the Lord of hostes, Zion shall be plowed like a fielde, and Ierusalem shalbe an heape, and the mountaine of the House shalbe as the hie places of the forest.