5:10
In this verse, the focus shifts from the northern kingdom of Israel to the southern kingdom of Judah.
5:10a
The princes of Judah are like those who move boundary stones: This statement is a simile. In this simile, the princes of Judah are compared to people who move a “landmark” (English Standard Version) or “boundary markers” (NET Bible). This was clearly prohibited in Deuteronomy 19:14 and Deuteronomy 27:17.
Scholars do not know specifically how Judah’s princes were similar to people who moved boundary markers. However, we do know that people did this in order to steal land from their neighbors.
Here are some ways to translate this figure of speech:
• Make explicit that moving boundary stones was illegal. For example:
Judah’s leaders are like crooks who move boundary markers (Contemporary English Version)
• Translate the significance of the action but omit the specific reference to boundary stones. For example:
The leaders of Judah are like those who steal other people’s land. (New Century Version)
-or-
The leaders of Judah have become like thieves (New Living Translation (2004))
The princes of Judah: This phrase refers to those who rule the kingdom of Judah. It includes the king, his officials, and military leaders.
Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:
The rulers of Judah (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
Those who govern/rule Judah
5:10b
I will pour out My fury upon them like water: This verse part describes the LORD’s response to the sin of the leaders of Judah. As a result of their sin, he will punish them severely. In some languages, it may be necessary to make this connection explicit. For example:
So… (Good News Translation)
-or-
that’s why… (Contemporary English Version)
The LORD’s fury is compared here to water. In this context, it implies a large quantity of water, such as in a flood. Here are some of the ways in which his anger is like water:
(a) The amount of both is great and overwhelming.
(b) Both cause great destruction.
Here are some other ways to translate this simile:
I will pour out punishment on them like a flood (Good News Translation)
-or-
I will pour out my wrath on them like a flood of water (New International Version)
-or-
I will flood them with my anger (Contemporary English Version)
In some languages, verbs like pour out cannot be used with words like “wrath” or “punishment.”
Here are some other ways to translate this simile:
I will punish them severely. It will be as if a terrible flood carries them away.
-or-
I am very angry at them. I will destroy them like a flood.
fury: This word refers here to the LORD’s fierce anger that he expresses when he judges or punishes people.
Here are some other ways to translate this word:
punishment (Good News Translation)
-or-
rage (NET Bible)
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