What does Jeremiah 10:17 mean?

Jeremiah 10:17 highlights themes such as judgment, warning, destruction when read in context.

How should I apply Jeremiah 10:17 today?

Read the surrounding passage, compare related cross references, and turn the verse into a short prayer and concrete action.

Gather up thy wares out of the land, O inhabitant of the fortress.

15They are vanity, and the work of errors: in the time of their visitation they shall perish.

16The portion of Jacob is not like them: for he is the former of all things; and Israel is the rod of his inheritance: The LORD of hosts is his name.

17Gather up thy wares out of the land, O inhabitant of the fortress.

18For thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will sling out the inhabitants of the land at this once, and will distress them, that they may find it so.

19Woe is me for my hurt! my wound is grievous: but I said, Truly this is a grief, and I must bear it.

judgmentwarningdestruction

Jeremiah 51:45
Both verses emphasize the need to flee from impending destruction.
Isaiah 48:20
This verse similarly calls for the people to depart from Babylon.
Revelation 18:4
This New Testament verse echoes the call to come out of a corrupt system.