Old Testament
Jeremiah 26:18
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Micah of Moresheth prophesied during the reign of King Hezekiah of Judah. He told all the people of Judah, 'The LORD of hosts says: Zion will be plowed like a field, Jerusalem will become heaps, and the mountain of the house will be like the high places of a forest.'
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Micah the Morasthite prophesied in the days of Hezekiah king of Judah, and spake to all the people of Judah, saying, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Zion shall be plowed like a field, and Jerusalem shall become heaps, and the mountain of the house as the high places of a forest.
What Jeremiah 26:18 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the prophet Micah delivers a dire message from God during the reign of King Hezekiah. He warns the people of Judah that their beloved city, Zion, will face destruction. The imagery of Zion being plowed like a field suggests total devastation, while Jerusalem becoming heaps indicates that the city will be reduced to ruins. The mountain of the house, referring to the temple, will be treated like the high places of a forest, implying that it will be overgrown and neglected. This prophecy serves as a warning about the consequences of turning away from God and highlights the seriousness of their actions. Micah's message emphasizes the need for repentance and a return to faithfulness to avoid such calamity. It reflects the broader theme of judgment and the hope for restoration if the people heed God's warnings.
How to apply Jeremiah 26:18 to your life
This verse reminds us of the importance of staying faithful to God and the consequences of straying from His path. It encourages us to reflect on our actions and seek repentance, ensuring we remain aligned with God's will to avoid spiritual ruin.
Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary
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Illustrated scene from Jeremiah's story: Jeremiah on Trial (Jeremiah 26:1–24)
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Jeremiah
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Keep studying Jeremiah 26:18
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At a Glance — the Book of Jeremiah
- Author
- Jeremiah the prophet, with Baruch
- Written
- Around 600 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah before and during the Babylonian exile
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Jeremiah 26:18 mean?
Jeremiah 26:18 references the prophecy of Micah, who warned that Zion and Jerusalem would face destruction due to the people's disobedience to God. It emphasizes the consequences of turning away from faithfulness and serves as a call for repentance.
What is the significance of Zion being plowed like a field in Jeremiah 26:18?
The imagery of Zion being plowed like a field signifies total destruction and devastation. It illustrates the seriousness of the impending judgment on Jerusalem for its unfaithfulness to God.
What does the phrase 'mountain of the house' refer to in Jeremiah 26:18?
The 'mountain of the house' refers to the temple in Jerusalem, which is central to Jewish worship. Micah's prophecy indicates that it will become neglected and overgrown, symbolizing the loss of its significance due to the people's actions.
What is the overall message of Jeremiah 26:18?
The overall message of Jeremiah 26:18 is a warning about the consequences of disobedience to God. It highlights the need for repentance and faithfulness to avoid destruction and emphasizes the hope for restoration if the people return to God.
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