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Jeremiah 15

21 verses

TL;DR

Jeremiah declares that the LORD will cast out Jerusalem and bring judgment upon it, yet he also pleads for mercy and hints at future deliverance.

Summary

In Jeremiah 15 the prophet receives a solemn message from the LORD: Jerusalem must be cast out because of its stubbornness and the sins of its king, Manasseh. The LORD describes the impending judgment—death, sword, famine, captivity—and appoints instruments of destruction: swords, dogs, fowls, and beasts. He announces that Jerusalem will be scattered across all kingdoms, that no one will pity or mourn her, and that the LORD’s anger will be poured out like a fan across the gates. Despite the harsh pronouncement, Jeremiah expresses personal anguish, recalling his own suffering and pleading for remembrance. The passage ends with a glimmer of hope: if Jerusalem returns, the LORD will restore her, making a “fenced bronze wall” and delivering her from the wicked.

Outline
  1. Jeremiah receives a divine judgment on Jerusalem’s exile
  2. LORD details instruments of destruction and total dispersion
  3. Jerusalem’s lack of pity, mourning, and divine pity
  4. Jeremiah’s lament and plea for remembrance
  5. Promise of future restoration if Jerusalem returns
Themes
Divine judgmentHuman lamentHope of restorationThe role of leadership in sinThe futility of rebellion
Keywords
judgmentwrathexilelamentdeliveranceswordfowlbeastbronze wall
People
LORDJeremiahMosesSamuelManassehHezekiahJerusalem
Places
Jerusalemkingdoms of the earth
Things
sworddogsfowls of the heavensbeasts of the earthfanbronze wall
Key Verses
  • Jeremiah 15:1: Initiates the judgment message
  • Jeremiah 15:4: Specifies the cause—Manasseh’s sin
  • Jeremiah 15:11: Offers a glimmer of hope for the remnant
  • Jeremiah 15:20: Promises a defensive barrier
  • Jeremiah 15:21: Affirms deliverance from the wicked
Questions
  • Why does Jeremiah emphasize that no one will pity Jerusalem?
  • How does the depiction of judgment reflect Israel’s relationship with God?
  • What does the promise of a bronze wall symbolize in this context?
  • In what way does the passage balance condemnation with hope?
  • How does Jeremiah’s personal lament intersect with the communal judgment?
Sentiment

mixed
The chapter contains stark judgments and wrathful language, yet interspersed with Jeremiah’s plea for mercy and an optimistic promise of future restoration.