Bible Commentaries
Jeremiah 15

Verses 1-21

Jeremiah’s Eighth Prophecy (Reign of Jehoiakim?). The Impending Drought and other Woes

Dialogue between the prophet and God. He intercedes; but in vain, for the nation persists in sin. In this section we probably see the state of matters in the early part of Jehoiakim’s reign. There is no historical allusion to the drought which formed the occasion of the prophecy.

Verses 1-21

1-9. The coming woes described.

1. Moses (Exodus 17:11; Exodus 32:11; Numbers 14:13-20) and Samuel (1 Samuel 7:9; 1 Samuel 12:23) were successful pleaders with God in time past: cp. Psalms 99:6.

2. To death] meaning, by pestilence.

4. To be removed into] RV ’to be tossed to and fro among.’ For Manasseh’s wickedness see 2 Kings 21:3.

7. They shall be dispersed and driven forth from the land by every way of exit.

8. Even the mothers of warriors in the prime of youth shall have none to protect them. At noonday] taking them by surprise: see Jeremiah 6:4. I have caused him, etc.] RV ’I have caused anguish and terrors to fall upon her’ (the mother) ’suddenly.’

10-21. Jeremiah’s lament and appeal. God’s reply.

10. I have neither lent, etc.] The Jews were forbidden to take interest from one another (Deuteronomy 23:20), and the money-lender accordingly was held in extreme disfavour. Jeremiah laments that his mission is constantly one of strife with his people.

11. It shall be well with thy remnant] RV ’I will strengthen thee for good.’ His enemies shall not only spare Jeremiah, but invoke his aid. This took place more than once: see Jeremiah 21:1.; Jeremiah 37:3; Jeremiah 42:2.

12. Judæa is not tough enough to withstand the Chaldean power. For northern, cp, Jeremiah 6:1.

14. I will make thee to pass with] Some authorities read, ’I will make thee to serve.’ So it runs in the parallel passage, Jeremiah 17:4.

16. He describes the joyful acceptance with which he first received the divine commission.

17. The mockers] RV ’them that make merry.’ There is no suggestion of wrong doing in the original word. Because of thy hand] meaning God’s guidance, His inspiration. For this sense of ’hand’ cp. Isaiah 8:11 and Ezekiel 1:3; Ezekiel 37:1.

18. Liar] RV ’deceitful brook.’ As waters that fail] The figure is that of a watercourse, which being dried up belies the anticipations of the thirsty traveller: cp. Job 6:15. Jeremiah laments that his message seems to have no effect.

19. Return] i.e. repent öf his murmuring.

Stand before me] as my servant: cp. for the phrase, 1 Kings 18:15; 2 Kings 3:14. Take forth the precious from the vile] i.e. purge himself of his distrust. Let them return, etc.] Deliver your message, regardless of the people’s favour. They must turn to God.

20. See Jeremiah 1:18, Jeremiah 1:19.