Jeremiah 6:24

We haue heard the fame thereof, our hands waxe feeble, anguish hath taken hold of vs, and paine as of a woman in trauaile. Jeremiah 6:24 (KJV)

Jeremiah 6:24 belongs to a solemn prophecy delivered by the prophet Jeremiah, whom God appointed to proclaim His messages to the nation of Judah. In this passage the prophet pronounces judgment on Judah for its disobedience and unfaithfulness. The opening words, “We have heard the fame thereof,” refer to the news of an imminent invasion and destruction that Jeremiah had described in the preceding verses. The people had heard the warning, yet they failed to respond.

The phrase “our hands wax feeble” conveys a profound sense of weakness and helplessness, indicating that the nation’s ability to defend itself has been stripped away, leaving them vulnerable and defenseless. The subsequent imagery—“anguish hath taken hold of us, and pain as of a woman in travail”—paints a vivid picture of intense suffering, likening the nation’s distress to the unavoidable, agonizing pains of a woman in labor. Draft 3 adds that the verse concludes with “we are faint,” underscoring the exhaustion and collapse that accompany the looming judgment.

These descriptions serve as a stark depiction of the consequences of persistent sin and the refusal to repent. They highlight the seriousness of Judah’s sin, the urgency of turning back to God, and the inevitable devastation that follows continued rebellion. Throughout the book of Jeremiah, God repeatedly pleads for repentance, warning that judgment will come if the people do not change their ways. Their continued disobedience led to the fulfillment of Jeremiah’s prophecies.

For contemporary readers, Jeremiah 6:24 remains a warning that God desires repentance and obedience. It calls us to recognize our own vulnerabilities, to seek God’s forgiveness, and to align our lives with His will, lest we experience the same anguish and helplessness. May this verse prompt personal examination and a renewed commitment to follow God’s guidance.