Jeremiah 6:7

As a fountaine casteth out her waters, so she casteth out her wickednesse: violence and spoile is heard in her, before me continually is griefe and wounds. Jeremiah 6:7 (KJV)

Jeremiah 6:7 is part of a larger passage where the prophet Jeremiah delivers a message of warning and judgment against Jerusalem. In this verse the prophet vividly describes the wickedness and violence that pervades the city. The verse begins with the comparison of Jerusalem to a fountain that casteth forth her water, a fountain that “troubleth not” and continually casts out water. This imagery conveys the notion that the wickedness of the people has become ingrained and inherent to their way of life.

Jerusalem casts out her wickedness, along with violence and spoil. This implies that the city is actively engaged in promoting and participating in sinful actions, instead of striving for righteousness and holiness. Violence and spoil are heard in Jerusalem, highlighting the prevalence of aggression, injustice, and the taking of property by force. The city has become a hub of wrongdoing, where acts of violence and robbery are commonplace.

The concluding part of the verse states that before God, grief and wounds are continually present, suggesting that God is aware of the wickedness and suffering that occurs in Jerusalem. The people’s actions have brought about distress and pain, causing them to be separated from God’s favour and protection.

In this somber picture Jeremiah emphasizes the city’s persistent wickedness, violence, and corruption. It serves as a call to repentance, urging the people to turn away from their sinful ways and seek God’s forgiveness and guidance. Jeremiah’s message reminds the inhabitants of Jerusalem that their actions have consequences and that God sees and judges the wickedness in their midst.