Jeremiah 33:5
They come to fight with the Chaldeans, but it is to fill them with the dead bodies of men, whom I have slain in mine anger and in my fury, and for all whose wickedness I have hid my face from this city.
Jeremiah 33:5 · King James Version
Meaning
The verse "They come to fight with the Chaldeans, but it is to fill them with the dead bodies of men" speaks to the destructive consequences of engaging in battles driven by anger and wickedness. The Chaldeans, representing the enemy forces, are used as instruments of divine punishment for the wrongdoings of the people in the city. God's anger and fury are expressed through the slain bodies of men, emphasizing the severity of the consequences for turning away from Him. The act of hiding His face from the city symbolizes the withdrawal of divine protection and favor, leading to its downfall and destruction. This verse serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of straying from righteousness and the importance of seeking forgiveness and redemption to avoid facing the wrath of God.
Theological Overview
This verse from the book of Jeremiah illustrates the consequences of wickedness and disobedience towards God. The people who come to fight with the Chaldeans, also known as the Babylonians, are ultimately used by God as instruments of his judgment. The verse emphasizes the divine wrath and anger towards those who have turned away from Him. The use of the phrase "fill them with the dead bodies of men" signifies the severity of God's punishment for their sins. The mention of God slaying people in his anger and fury highlights his righteous judgment against those who have angered him. The verse serves as a warning to the inhabitants of the city who have been blinded by their own wickedness, causing God to hide his face from them. This passage underscores God's sovereignty and the repercussions of turning away from his commandments.
Jeremiah 33:5 in other translations
American Standard Version
while [men] come to fight with the Chaldeans, and to fill them with the dead bodies of men, whom I have slain in mine anger and in my wrath, and for all whose wickedness I have hid my face from this city:
World English Bible
while men come to fight with the Chaldeans, and to fill them with the dead bodies of men, whom I have killed in my anger and in my wrath, and for all whose wickedness I have hidden my face from this city:
Douay-Rheims
Of them that come to fight with the Chaldeans, and to fill them with the dead bodies of the men whom I have slain in my wrath, and in my indignation, hiding my face from this city because of all their wickedness.
Geneva Bible (1599)
They come to fight with the Caldeans, but it is to fill themselues with the dead bodies of men, whome I haue slaine in mine anger and in my wrath: for I haue hid my face from this citie, because of all their wickednes.