Jeremiah 6:9
Thus saith the LORD of hosts, They shall thoroughly glean the remnant of Israel as a vine: turn back thine hand as a grapegatherer into the baskets.
Jeremiah 6:9 · King James Version
Meaning
When we delve into the meaning of the verse "Thus saith the LORD of hosts, They shall thoroughly glean the remnant of Israel as a vine: turn back thine hand as a grapegatherer into the baskets," we find a powerful metaphorical imagery that reveals God's plan for the nation of Israel. The act of gleaning the remnant of Israel as a vine signifies the meticulous care and attention that God will give to His chosen people. Just as a grapegatherer carefully selects and gathers ripe grapes into baskets, God will gather His people, the remnant of Israel, with precision and purpose. This verse emphasizes God's sovereignty and His commitment to preserving and restoring His people, even in times of trial and tribulation. It serves as a reminder of God's unfailing love and faithfulness towards His chosen ones.
Theological Overview
Within this verse, the image of gleaning the remnant of Israel as a vine is used to convey the idea of God's meticulous care and attention to His chosen people. The act of gleaning involves carefully picking and gathering the leftover grapes from the vine after the initial harvest. This imagery emphasizes God's thoroughness in ensuring that none of His people are overlooked or forgotten. The comparison of God to a grapegatherer highlights His role as a loving and protective caretaker, gently gathering His people back to Himself. The phrase "turn back thine hand" implies a deliberate and purposeful action, emphasizing God's sovereignty and intentionality in the process of gathering His people. This verse serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness to His covenant with Israel and His commitment to preserving and protecting His chosen people.
Jeremiah 6:9 in other translations
American Standard Version
Thus saith Jehovah of hosts, They shall thoroughly glean the remnant of Israel as a vine: turn again thy hand as a grape-gatherer into the baskets.
World English Bible
Thus says Yahweh of Armies, “They shall thoroughly glean the remnant of Israel like a vine. Turn again your hand as a grape gatherer into the baskets.”
Douay-Rheims
Thus saith the Lord of hosts: They shall gather the remains of Israel, as in a vine, even to one cluster: turn back thy hand, as a grapegatherer into the basket.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Thus sayeth the Lord of hostes, They shall gather as a vine, the residue of Israel: turne backe thine hande as the grape gatherer into the baskets.