Jeremiah 15: A Plea for Mercy, a Promise of Judgment, and a Prophet's Struggle
Then said the Lord unto me, Though Moses and Samuel stood before me, yet my mind could not be toward this people: cast them out of my sight, and let them go forth.
And it shall come to pass, if they say unto thee, Whither shall we go forth? then thou shalt tell them, Thus saith the Lord; Such as are for death, to death; and such as are for the sword, to the sword; and such as are for the famine, to the famine; and such as are for the captivity, to the captivity.
And I will appoint over them four kinds, saith the Lord: the sword to slay, and the dogs to tear, and the fowls of the heaven, and the beasts of the earth, to devour and destroy.
And I will cause them to be removed into all kingdoms of the earth, because of Manasseh the son of Hezekiah king of Judah, for that which he did in Jerusalem.
For who shall have pity upon thee, O Jerusalem? or who shall bemoan thee? or who shall go aside to ask how thou doest?
Thou hast forsaken me, saith the Lord, thou art gone backward: therefore will I stretch out my hand against thee, and destroy thee; I am weary with repenting.
And I will fan them with a fan in the gates of the land; I will bereave them of children, I will destroy my people, since they return not from their ways.
Their widows are increased to me above the sand of the seas: I have brought upon them against the mother of the young men a spoiler at noonday: I have caused him to fall upon it suddenly, and terrors upon the city.
She that hath borne seven languisheth: she hath given up the ghost; her sun is gone down while it was yet day: she hath been ashamed and confounded: and the residue of them will I deliver to the sword before their enemies, saith the Lord.
Woe is me, my mother, that thou hast borne me a man of strife and a man of contention to the whole earth! I have neither lent on usury, nor men have lent to me on usury; yet every one of them doth curse me.
The Lord said, Verily it shall be well with thy remnant; verily I will cause the enemy to entreat thee well in the time of evil and in the time of affliction.
Shall iron break the northern iron and the steel?
Thy substance and thy treasures will I give to the spoil without price, and that for all thy sins, even in all thy borders.
And I will make thee to pass with thine enemies into a land which thou knowest not: for a fire is kindled in mine anger, which shall burn upon you.
O Lord, thou knowest: remember me, and visit me, and revenge me of my persecutors; take me not away in thy longsuffering: know that for thy sake I have suffered rebuke.
Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O Lord God of hosts.
I sat not in the assembly of the mockers, nor rejoiced; I sat alone because of thy hand: for thou hast filled me with indignation.
Why is my pain perpetual, and my wound incurable, which refuseth to be healed? wilt thou be altogether unto me as a liar, and as waters that fail?
Therefore thus saith the Lord, If thou return, then will I bring thee again, and thou shalt stand before me: and if thou take forth the precious from the vile, thou shalt be as my mouth: let them return unto thee; but return not thou unto them.
And I will make thee unto this people a fenced brasen wall: and they shall fight against thee, but they shall not prevail against thee: for I am with thee to save thee and to deliver thee, saith the Lord.
And I will deliver thee out of the hand of the wicked, and I will redeem thee out of the hand of the terrible.
Jeremiah 15 plunges us into the heart of Jeremiah's agonizing ministry. This chapter reveals the unyielding nature of God's judgment upon Judah, the prophet's personal anguish, and God's reaffirmation of Jeremiah's calling. It's a powerful exploration of divine justice, human suffering, and the cost of obedience. This chapter serves as a potent reminder of the consequences of persistent sin and the unwavering faithfulness required of those who speak truth to power.
The Impassable Gulf (15:1-4)
The Lord's response to Judah's plight is stark and unwavering. Even the intercession of giants like Moses and Samuel would be futile (15:1). Moses famously pleaded for Israel after their idolatry with the golden calf (Exodus 32-33), and Samuel interceded when the Philistines threatened them (1 Samuel 7:5-11) and when they demanded a human king (1 Samuel 12:19-25). The mention of these two figures underscores the severity of Judah's situation. If even their prayers couldn't sway God, the fate of Judah was sealed.
The people are destined for death, war, famine, and captivity (15:2). God intensifies the message with gruesome details. He declares that the corpses of those slain by the Babylonians will become food for birds and wild animals (15:3). This vivid imagery paints a picture of utter desolation and shame. The root cause of this irreversible judgment is attributed to the horrific sins of King Manasseh, whose reign plunged Judah into unimaginable depths of wickedness (2 Kings 21:1-16). Because of Manasseh's detestable acts, God would not turn back from His planned judgment(15:4).
A Nation Forsaken (15:5-9)
God poignantly asks Jerusalem: "Who will have pity on you, Jerusalem? Who will mourn for you? Who will turn aside to ask how you are?" (15:5). Historically, the Lord had been the only one who showed them sympathy and was concerned for their well-being. But they have consistently turned their backs on Him (15:6). The question highlights the nation's utter isolation. Having rejected God's compassion, they are left with no one to mourn their pain. If human beings show you no concern or pity when you’re suffering, you’ve got a problem. But if God becomes tired of showing compassion to you (15:6), you are without hope! That’s why the good news of the gospel is so good. In it, God shows his overflowing compassion. Those who repent of their sin and trust in Jesus Christ have the sure hope of forgiveness and eternal life.
God describes the devastating consequences of His judgment. Destruction is unleashed, leaving no place to hide. The number of widows will exceed the sands of the sea (15:8), a stark image of loss and devastation. Even the blessing of motherhood is turned into a curse, as a mother of seven loses all her children (15:9).
Jeremiah's Lament (15:10-18)
Jeremiah's personal anguish reaches a fever pitch. He cries out, "Woe to me, my mother, that you gave me birth! You made me the object of everyone’s strife and contention" (15:10). He laments his very existence, wishing he had never been born. He is scorned and rejected, despite his faithfulness in delivering God's message. He has not engaged in dishonest business practices (15:10), yet he faces constant opposition.
The prophet's despair deepens as he anticipates Judah's inevitable destruction and captivity (15:12-14). He feels betrayed and abandoned, crying out that he suffers disgrace for God's honor (15:15). God's words, once a delight and sustenance to him (15:16), now seem to offer no comfort. He has separated himself from the sinful revelry of the people (15:17), choosing solitude and faithfulness. Yet, God has become like a deceptive brook, an unreliable source of refreshment (15:18).
A Call to Repentance and Recommissioning (15:19-21)
God confronts Jeremiah's self-pity, calling him to repentance. Instead of sinking to the level of the people and their worthless words, Jeremiah is commanded to return to speaking God's pure words. The Lord challenges Jeremiah to separate himself from the worthless and embrace the precious (15:19).
God warns Jeremiah not to expect popular acclaim for his faithful service. If Jeremiah served God faithfully, he would inevitably be hated by those who hated God. The prophet is reminded that if he remains steadfast, he will be God's mouthpiece. The chapter closes with a powerful promise of protection and deliverance. God will make Jeremiah a fortified wall of bronze against the attacks of the people (15:20). Though suffering awaits, God will be with him to save and deliver him (15:21).
This promise serves as a reminder to all believers: The power of evil is not ultimate. It is nothing compared to the strength of God. Trust Him with all your heart and remember His words: "I am with you to save you and deliver you" (15:20).
Then said the Lord unto me, Though Moses and Samuel stood before me, yet my mind could not be toward this people: cast them out of my sight, and let them go forth.
And it shall come to pass, if they say unto thee, Whither shall we go forth? then thou shalt tell them, Thus saith the Lord; Such as are for death, to death; and such as are for the sword, to the sword; and such as are for the famine, to the famine; and such as are for the captivity, to the captivity.
And I will appoint over them four kinds, saith the Lord: the sword to slay, and the dogs to tear, and the fowls of the heaven, and the beasts of the earth, to devour and destroy.
And I will cause them to be removed into all kingdoms of the earth, because of Manasseh the son of Hezekiah king of Judah, for that which he did in Jerusalem.
For who shall have pity upon thee, O Jerusalem? or who shall bemoan thee? or who shall go aside to ask how thou doest?
Thou hast forsaken me, saith the Lord, thou art gone backward: therefore will I stretch out my hand against thee, and destroy thee; I am weary with repenting.
And I will fan them with a fan in the gates of the land; I will bereave them of children, I will destroy my people, since they return not from their ways.
Their widows are increased to me above the sand of the seas: I have brought upon them against the mother of the young men a spoiler at noonday: I have caused him to fall upon it suddenly, and terrors upon the city.
She that hath borne seven languisheth: she hath given up the ghost; her sun is gone down while it was yet day: she hath been ashamed and confounded: and the residue of them will I deliver to the sword before their enemies, saith the Lord.
Woe is me, my mother, that thou hast borne me a man of strife and a man of contention to the whole earth! I have neither lent on usury, nor men have lent to me on usury; yet every one of them doth curse me.
The Lord said, Verily it shall be well with thy remnant; verily I will cause the enemy to entreat thee well in the time of evil and in the time of affliction.
Shall iron break the northern iron and the steel?
Thy substance and thy treasures will I give to the spoil without price, and that for all thy sins, even in all thy borders.
And I will make thee to pass with thine enemies into a land which thou knowest not: for a fire is kindled in mine anger, which shall burn upon you.
O Lord, thou knowest: remember me, and visit me, and revenge me of my persecutors; take me not away in thy longsuffering: know that for thy sake I have suffered rebuke.
Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O Lord God of hosts.
I sat not in the assembly of the mockers, nor rejoiced; I sat alone because of thy hand: for thou hast filled me with indignation.
Why is my pain perpetual, and my wound incurable, which refuseth to be healed? wilt thou be altogether unto me as a liar, and as waters that fail?
Therefore thus saith the Lord, If thou return, then will I bring thee again, and thou shalt stand before me: and if thou take forth the precious from the vile, thou shalt be as my mouth: let them return unto thee; but return not thou unto them.
And I will make thee unto this people a fenced brasen wall: and they shall fight against thee, but they shall not prevail against thee: for I am with thee to save thee and to deliver thee, saith the Lord.
And I will deliver thee out of the hand of the wicked, and I will redeem thee out of the hand of the terrible.
Jeremiah 15 plunges us into the heart of Jeremiah's agonizing ministry. This chapter reveals the unyielding nature of God's judgment upon Judah, the prophet's personal anguish, and God's reaffirmation of Jeremiah's calling. It's a powerful exploration of divine justice, human suffering, and the cost of obedience. This chapter serves as a potent reminder of the consequences of persistent sin and the unwavering faithfulness required of those who speak truth to power.
The Impassable Gulf (15:1-4)
The Lord's response to Judah's plight is stark and unwavering. Even the intercession of giants like Moses and Samuel would be futile (15:1). Moses famously pleaded for Israel after their idolatry with the golden calf (Exodus 32-33), and Samuel interceded when the Philistines threatened them (1 Samuel 7:5-11) and when they demanded a human king (1 Samuel 12:19-25). The mention of these two figures underscores the severity of Judah's situation. If even their prayers couldn't sway God, the fate of Judah was sealed.
The people are destined for death, war, famine, and captivity (15:2). God intensifies the message with gruesome details. He declares that the corpses of those slain by the Babylonians will become food for birds and wild animals (15:3). This vivid imagery paints a picture of utter desolation and shame. The root cause of this irreversible judgment is attributed to the horrific sins of King Manasseh, whose reign plunged Judah into unimaginable depths of wickedness (2 Kings 21:1-16). Because of Manasseh's detestable acts, God would not turn back from His planned judgment(15:4).
A Nation Forsaken (15:5-9)
God poignantly asks Jerusalem: "Who will have pity on you, Jerusalem? Who will mourn for you? Who will turn aside to ask how you are?" (15:5). Historically, the Lord had been the only one who showed them sympathy and was concerned for their well-being. But they have consistently turned their backs on Him (15:6). The question highlights the nation's utter isolation. Having rejected God's compassion, they are left with no one to mourn their pain. If human beings show you no concern or pity when you’re suffering, you’ve got a problem. But if God becomes tired of showing compassion to you (15:6), you are without hope! That’s why the good news of the gospel is so good. In it, God shows his overflowing compassion. Those who repent of their sin and trust in Jesus Christ have the sure hope of forgiveness and eternal life.
God describes the devastating consequences of His judgment. Destruction is unleashed, leaving no place to hide. The number of widows will exceed the sands of the sea (15:8), a stark image of loss and devastation. Even the blessing of motherhood is turned into a curse, as a mother of seven loses all her children (15:9).
Jeremiah's Lament (15:10-18)
Jeremiah's personal anguish reaches a fever pitch. He cries out, "Woe to me, my mother, that you gave me birth! You made me the object of everyone’s strife and contention" (15:10). He laments his very existence, wishing he had never been born. He is scorned and rejected, despite his faithfulness in delivering God's message. He has not engaged in dishonest business practices (15:10), yet he faces constant opposition.
The prophet's despair deepens as he anticipates Judah's inevitable destruction and captivity (15:12-14). He feels betrayed and abandoned, crying out that he suffers disgrace for God's honor (15:15). God's words, once a delight and sustenance to him (15:16), now seem to offer no comfort. He has separated himself from the sinful revelry of the people (15:17), choosing solitude and faithfulness. Yet, God has become like a deceptive brook, an unreliable source of refreshment (15:18).
A Call to Repentance and Recommissioning (15:19-21)
God confronts Jeremiah's self-pity, calling him to repentance. Instead of sinking to the level of the people and their worthless words, Jeremiah is commanded to return to speaking God's pure words. The Lord challenges Jeremiah to separate himself from the worthless and embrace the precious (15:19).
God warns Jeremiah not to expect popular acclaim for his faithful service. If Jeremiah served God faithfully, he would inevitably be hated by those who hated God. The prophet is reminded that if he remains steadfast, he will be God's mouthpiece. The chapter closes with a powerful promise of protection and deliverance. God will make Jeremiah a fortified wall of bronze against the attacks of the people (15:20). Though suffering awaits, God will be with him to save and deliver him (15:21).
This promise serves as a reminder to all believers: The power of evil is not ultimate. It is nothing compared to the strength of God. Trust Him with all your heart and remember His words: "I am with you to save you and deliver you" (15:20).