Thomas Aquinas Commentary Jeremiah 4:23-28

"I beheld the earth, and, lo, it was waste and void; and the heavens, and they had no light. I beheld the mountains, and, lo, they trembled, and all the hills moved to and fro. I beheld, and, lo, there was no man, and all the birds of the heavens were fled. I beheld, and, lo, the fruitful field was a wilderness, and all the cities thereof were broken down at the presence of Jehovah, [and] before his fierce anger. For thus saith Jehovah, The whole land shall be a desolation; yet will I not make a full end. For this shall the earth mourn, and the heavens above be black; because I have spoken it, I have purposed it, and I have not repented, neither will I turn back from it." — Jeremiah 4:23-28 (ASV)

1. Here, the prophet shows the effect of the destruction.

   • First, on the country.
   • Second, on the people, where he says, from the voice of the horseman (Jeremiah 4:29).

   Regarding the first point, on the country, there are two things to consider.

   1. First, he predicts the coming desolation. He describes it collectively regarding the fields: empty of inhabitants and void of fruits and buildings. There was no light, as it appeared to the afflicted, for whom everything seemed dark. And the land will be left deserted, and the Lord will send everyone far away (Isaiah 6:11).

      He also predicts it regarding the mountainous regions: I saw the mountains, and behold, they were moved. This is stated hyperbolically, because, if it were possible, even the mountains would be moved by such a great time of trouble. Or perhaps by mountains he means those who dwell in the mountains. The mountains are troubled by his strength (Psalms 45:4).

      He predicts it regarding living things: I looked, and behold there was no man; and every bird of heaven had fled away, because they left when the inhabitants of the land left. I came, and there was no man; I called and there was none to hear (Isaiah 50:2).

      And especially regarding the fertile regions, which are least likely to be empty: I looked, and behold, Carmel was deserted. Your land is deserted, your cities are destroyed (Isaiah 1:7).

   2. Second, he confirms this prediction with the Lord's judgment.

      • First, he discusses the mixture of mercy: thus says the Lord . . . I will not make an end, meaning, that not all should die, as he had said regarding the ten tribes. The Lord of Hosts will make an end and a cutting off in the midst of all the earth (Isaiah 10:23).
      • Second, he discusses the absolute nature of this judgment: the earth shall grieve. It is as if he were saying, “It will be sterile, just as a prosperous person is said to laugh”; or, hyperbolically, as if out of compassion. The earth dries up and withers, and is deprived of strength; the world withers, and the haughty people of the earth are made weak (Isaiah 24:4).
      • Third, he discusses the firmness of the divine judgment: I have purposed it. This is the counsel which I have purposed concerning the whole earth, and these hands are stretched out upon all nations. The Lord of Hosts has decreed it, and who shall be able to make it void? (Isaiah 14:26).