Jeremiah 9:8Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The dart that causes pain to the mouth. In the Hebrew scripture: annihilating. How can the mouth inflict pain? It inflicts deeper wounds than any dart: it does not harm the body but penetrates the innermost being.

Their tongue is a murderous arrow, and he has spoken deceitful words; with his mouth, he offers peace to his friend while secretly engaging in acts of homage behind his back. Shall I not bring judgment for this, says the Lord, or should not my soul exact retribution on such a people? Every heretic who wounds those who listen without understanding what is written, ‘With all keeping watch over your heart’ (Proverbs 4:23), wields a deadly arrow and speaks with treachery; with his lips, he assures his neighbor of peace, yet clandestinely he erects idols. The repeated phrases, Shall I not bring judgment for this, says the Lord, or should not my soul exact retribution on such a people? are often observed in this prophet, indicating, through references to private wrongs, that God rightly carries out His actions.

The Lord once again addresses their disdain, stating, "They did not wish to take Me away," declares the Lord. He reiterates their contempt: "They would not take Me away," saith the Lord (Jer. 9:7). Therefore, the Lord of Hosts proclaims: "Behold, I will ignite them, and I will test them" (Jer. 9:7). Here, the Lord of Hosts refers to warfare and its aftermath. Similarly, King David speaks on behalf of those held captive in Babylon, proclaiming, "As God has tested us, He has refined us, as silver is refined" (Psalm 65:10). David conveys this through the voices of the righteous, for those who were rekindled emerged as virtuous. In this context, the act of igniting signifies a trial. The Prophet details various forms of deceit, comparing the tongue to an arrow, stating that words are laden with treachery, as he asserts, “They speak peaceable things," while they conspire in secret (Jer. 9:8).