Why is the Lord’s word like fire and like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces?

The Lord continues the comparison between his true word and the dreams of false prophets by asking a rhetorical question, ’Is not my word like fire,’ declares the Lord, and like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces? The implied answer to this question is a definite yes. The Lord’s true word has a power that cannot be resisted; in the end what the Lord truly says will take place.¹ The imagery of fire that burns and a hammer that breaks make it clear that in this context the Lord’s true word is a word of judgment, but it is a judgment that will refine. It is like a fire that will burn the straw of the false prophets’ words and it is a hammer that will break hard hearted people, leaving the ore.² The false prophets were proclaiming a message of peace and safety even as the people went on sinning. Their message achieved nothing other than to confirm a sinful people in their rebellion, and to leave them facing the Lord’s judgment. The Lord’s true message, as spoken by Jeremiah, warned of the devastating judgment that was coming, a judgment that would refine and ultimately save a faithful remnant.