Jeremiah Chapter 15 — The Lord's Inevitable Judgment
God confirms that judgment on Judah is certain despite intercession, and Jeremiah laments his difficult role as a prophet.
1Then the LORD said to me, “Though Moses and Samuel stood before me, yet my mind would not turn toward this people. Cast them out of my sight, and let them go out!
2It will happen when they ask you, ‘Where shall we go out?’ then you shall tell them, ‘The LORD says:
3“I will appoint over them four kinds,” says the LORD: “the sword to kill, the dogs to tear, the birds of the sky, and the animals of the earth, to devour and to destroy.
4I will cause them to be tossed back and forth among all the kingdoms of the earth, because of Manasseh, the son of Hezekiah, king of Judah, for that which he did in Jerusalem.
5For who will have pity on you, Jerusalem?
6You have rejected me,” says the LORD.
7I have winnowed them with a fan in the gates of the land.
8Their widows are increased more than the sand of the seas.
9She who has borne seven languishes.
10Woe is me, my mother, that you have borne me, a man of strife,
11The LORD said,
12Can one break iron,
13I will give your substance and your treasures for a plunder without price,
14I will make them to pass with your enemies into a land which you don’t know;
15LORD, you know.
16Your words were found,
17I didn’t sit in the assembly of those who make merry and rejoice.
18Why is my pain perpetual,
19Therefore the LORD says,
20I will make you to this people a fortified bronze wall.
21“I will deliver you out of the hand of the wicked,
WEB Translation
Notable Verses
Jeremiah 15:1
“Then the LORD said to me, “Though Moses and Samuel stood before me, yet my mind would not turn toward this people."”
It highlights the severity of Judah's situation by noting that even the greatest historical intercessors could not change God's mind.
Jeremiah 15:16
“Your words were found, and I ate them; and your words were to me a joy and the rejoicing of my heart."”
This verse expresses the prophet's deep devotion to God's message despite the personal trials it brings.
Jeremiah 15:20
“I will make you to this people a fortified bronze wall... for I am with you to save you and to deliver you."”
This is God's promise of protection and strength for Jeremiah to endure his difficult ministry.
Chapter Summary
Jeremiah 15 begins with God stating that even if Moses and Samuel—great intercessors from Israel's history—stood before Him, His heart would not turn toward Judah. He decrees four types of destruction for the people: the sword, dogs, birds, and wild animals. This judgment is specifically linked to the sins committed by King Manasseh in Jerusalem. The chapter then shifts to Jeremiah's personal lament. He feels like a man of strife and contention, suffering for the sake of God's word while his enemies curse him. Jeremiah complains that his pain is perpetual and his wound incurable, even questioning God's reliability. In response, God calls Jeremiah to repentance, promising that if he speaks what is precious instead of what is worthless, he will remain God's spokesman. God reassures him that he will be like a fortified bronze wall against the people; though they fight him, they will not prevail because God is with him to deliver him from the hand of the wicked.
Frequently Asked Questions
Moses and Samuel were known in Israel's history for their successful intercession for the people during times of crisis. By mentioning them, God emphasizes that the sins of Judah have reached a point where even the most righteous mediators could no longer avert the coming judgment.
Manasseh was a king of Judah who introduced extensive idolatry and pagan practices to Jerusalem. In this chapter, God identifies the spiritual corruption introduced during Manasseh's reign as a primary cause for the impending exile.
Jeremiah expresses deep emotional and spiritual suffering because of the isolation and rejection he faces from his own people. He feels burdened by the weight of the prophecy he must deliver and the perceived silence of God during his personal trials.
Study Note
The metaphor of 'eating' God's words in verse 16 represents the complete internalization of divine revelation, a theme also found in the commissioning of the prophet Ezekiel.
Related Chapters
Exodus 32
This chapter describes Moses' successful intercession for Israel after the golden calf incident, providing context for verse 1.
1 Samuel 7
Shows Samuel interceding for Israel at Mizpah, which contrasts with the current state of Judah.
2 Kings 21
Provides the historical record of King Manasseh's sins which are cited as the cause for judgment in Jeremiah 15.
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