Jeremiah 26:18 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The elders cite Micah's similar prophecy of destruction, showing that such prophecies existed before.
The Context of Jeremiah 26:18
Historical precedent: Micah delivered similar hard prophecies a century before.
What Does Jeremiah 26:18 Mean?
Micah prophesied about 100 years earlier during Hezekiah's reign, delivering a message of devastation as harsh as Jeremiah's. Zion plowed like a field and the temple mountain overgrown—images of total desolation. The elders demonstrate that hard words from prophets are part of Israel's tradition.
By invoking Micah by name and quoting his exact words, the elders establish credibility and precedent. Jeremiah is not inventing a new, reckless style of prophecy; he stands in a line of legitimate messengers that God had previously sent and the people had accepted.
Jeremiah 26:18 in the Original Language
מַיִם (mayim, plural water), contrast with the agricultural judgment—what was fertile would become desolate.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jeremiah 26:18
What does Jeremiah 26:18 mean?
The elders cite Micah's similar prophecy of destruction, showing that such prophecies existed before.
What is the context of Jeremiah 26:18?
Historical precedent: Micah delivered similar hard prophecies a century before.