The sin of Judah is written with a pen of iron. With the point of a diamond it is engraved on the tablet of their heart, and on the horns of your altars…and I will cause you to serve your enemies in the land which you do not know; for you have kindled a fire in My anger which shall burn forever. Jeremiah 17:1-4
The LORD’s anger was kindled against His own people, who had rebelled against Him time and again. The fire of the LORD’s judgement is said to burn forever. Forever may refer to endless duration. As my great-grandfather used to say, “you know, forever is a long time”. Or it may refer to the quality of the fire itself; it is an unquenchable fire, a fire that will burn as long as it takes. Either way, the fire of the LORD’s anger is not something we want any part of. That is why we pray now, “Lord, have mercy”.
