Jeremiah 18:17

“I will scatter them as with an east wind before the enemy; I will shew them the back, and not the face, in the day of their calamity.”

Jeremiah 18:17 (KJV) says:

This verse is part of the prophecy given by the prophet Jeremiah, who was called by God to deliver His messages to the people of Judah during a time of great rebellion and idolatry. Jeremiah’s prophecies often contained warnings of impending judgment and exile if the people did not repent and turn back to God.

Let’s break down the verse to understand its context and meaning:

“I will scatter them as with an east wind before the enemy”:Here, God is speaking about the judgment that He will bring upon the people of Judah. The phrase “scatter them as with an east wind” suggests a forceful and swift dispersion, like the strong wind coming from the east. It signifies the destructive power of God’s judgment that will scatter His people before their enemies.

“I will shew them the back, and not the face, in the day of their calamity”:This phrase speaks of God’s rejection and abandonment of the people during their time of calamity. In ancient culture, showing someone the back rather than the face was a sign of contempt and rejection. God is declaring that He will turn away from His people and withhold His favour and protection from them due to their persistent disobedience.

Overall, Jeremiah 18:17 is a sobering message of impending judgment and exile for the people of Judah. It serves as a warning of the consequences of their rebellion and refusal to turn back to God. However, it is important to note that throughout Jeremiah’s prophecies, there is also a message of hope and restoration, as God promises to eventually gather His people back and renew His covenant with them.

This verse reminds us of the importance of heeding God’s warnings, repenting from our sins, and seeking His face, so that we may experience His mercy and avoid the calamity that comes from living in disobedience.