Go ye up upon her walls, and destroy; but make not a full end: take away her battlements; for they are not the LORD’s.
Go up on her walls and destroy them, but don't completely wipe them out. Tear down her defenses, because they don't belong to the LORD.
God is commanding the destruction of Jerusalem's defenses as judgment, but He won't allow complete annihilation because some people still belong to Him.
📚 Historical Context
In the book of Jeremiah, the prophet is warning the people of Judah about God's judgment for their widespread idolatry and moral decline during the 7th and 6th centuries BC. This verse depicts God commanding invaders to attack Jerusalem's walls and cause destruction, but not to completely wipe out the city, symbolizing His mercy in preserving a remnant despite their unfaithfulness. Historically, this prophecy aligns with the Babylonian conquest around 586 BC, when Jerusalem was besieged and partially destroyed, fulfilling God's warnings.
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