Jeremiah 18:17 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →God will scatter Israel before their enemies and turn away His face in their time of crisis.
The Context of Jeremiah 18:17
God will scatter Israel and hide His face.
What Does Jeremiah 18:17 Mean?
God describes the execution of judgment in vivid terms: 'I will scatter them as with an east wind before the enemy.' The east wind is violent and destructive; just as it drives everything before it, Israel will be driven before their enemies, dispersed and unable to maintain cohesion or defense.
'I will shew them the back, and not the face'—God will withdraw His protection and favor. To see someone's face is to experience their attention and care; to see only their back is to be abandoned. In their day of calamity, Israel will find God absent, having turned away because of their persistent rejection of His will.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jeremiah 18:17
What does Jeremiah 18:17 mean?
God will scatter Israel before their enemies and turn away His face in their time of crisis.
What is the context of Jeremiah 18:17?
God will scatter Israel and hide His face.