Commentary on Jeremiah 6:7

Verse: “As a fountain casteth out her waters, so she casteth out her wickedness: violence and spoil is heard in her; before me continually is grief and wounds.” (Jeremiah 6:7, KJV)

Introduction

This verse serves as a profound reminder of the state of Jerusalem during the time of the prophet Jeremiah. It encapsulates the moral and spiritual decay of the city, which is metaphorically likened to a fountain that continuously emits unclean waters. This commentary synthesizes insights from several public domain sources, including Matthew Henry, Albert Barnes, and Adam Clarke, to provide a comprehensive understanding of Jeremiah 6:7.

Theological Themes

• The Nature of Wickedness: The comparison of a fountain casting out waters symbolizes the relentless nature of Jerusalem's wickedness. As Albert Barnes notes, this image conveys that just as a fountain naturally produces water, so too does the city generate evil.
• Violence and Spoil: The mention of violence and spoil indicates the pervasive corruption and injustices that had taken root in the society. Matthew Henry elaborates on this, stating that the city was steeped in bloodshed and plundering.
• Divine Grief: The phrase “before me continually is grief and wounds” reflects God’s profound sorrow over the state of His people. Adam Clarke highlights this divine perspective, emphasizing that God is not indifferent but is keenly aware of the suffering and sinfulness present in His creation.

Literary Analysis

Jeremiah’s use of vivid imagery is striking. The “fountain” is a powerful metaphor that serves several purposes:

• Continuity of Sin: As a fountain continuously flows, so does the sin and wickedness among the people, suggesting a lack of cleansing or repentance.
• Public Nature of Sin: Just as water from a fountain can be readily seen, so too are the actions of the people on public display, signifying a communal culpability in the face of rampant moral decay.
• Imminent Judgment: The imagery serves as a foreshadowing of impending divine judgment as God's patience reaches its limit due to the obstinate hearts of His people.

Contextual Considerations

Understanding the historical context in which Jeremiah prophesied is crucial. The nation of Judah was experiencing a period of spiritual decline marked by idolatry and injustice. Matthew Henry points out that Judah's leaders and people had forsaken true worship, leading to a societal structure that favored corruption and evil.

The Role of the Prophet

Jeremiah, often called the “weeping prophet,” bore the weight of this message with profound sorrow. His prophetic ministry was characterized by a passionate plea for repentance. Albert Barnes observes that Jeremiah’s voice was a call to recognize the gravity of their iniquities and turn back to God.

Spiritual Applications

• Self-Examination: This verse calls for introspection among believers and communities. Are we, like Jerusalem, allowing wickedness to flow unchecked in our lives? It is essential to regularly assess the state of our hearts and communities.
• God’s Grief Over Sin: Understanding God’s deep sorrow over sin encourages a connection with the divine nature. We should strive to align our hearts with God’s, lamenting sin and seeking restoration.
• The Need for Repentance: Just as Jerusalem needed to turn back to God, so too must we recognize and respond to areas of our lives that are inconsistent with God's holiness. Repentance is a transformative act that leads to healing.

Conclusion

Jeremiah 6:7 serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of unchecked wickedness within a community. By examining the depth of meaning in this verse and reflecting on the broader message of the book of Jeremiah, we can gain profound insights into the seriousness of sin and the necessity of repentance. As we engage with the text, may we be inspired to champion righteousness, grieve over injustice, and seek a profound relationship with God.

References to Consider

• Henry, Matthew. Commentary on the Whole Bible.
• Barnes, Albert. Notes on the Old Testament.
• Clarke, Adam. Commentary on the Bible.