Jeremiah 1:15
For I am about to summon all the clans and kingdoms of the north," declares the LORD. "Their kings will come and set up their thrones at the entrance of the gates of Jerusalem. They will attack all her surrounding walls and all the other cities of Judah.
For I am about to summon
The phrase indicates God's sovereign initiative and authority. The Hebrew root for "summon" is קָרָא (qara), which means to call or proclaim. This highlights God's control over nations and history, emphasizing His power to orchestrate events according to His divine plan. It serves as a reminder of God's active role in the world, calling nations to fulfill His purposes.

all the clans and kingdoms of the north
The "north" refers to the direction from which invaders typically came to attack Israel, often associated with Babylon. Historically, Babylon was a dominant power in the ancient Near East. The mention of "clans and kingdoms" underscores the comprehensive nature of the impending threat, involving multiple groups united in their purpose against Judah. This reflects the historical alliances and coalitions that were common in ancient warfare.

declares the LORD
This phrase is a prophetic formula indicating that the message is directly from God. The Hebrew word for "declares" is נְאֻם (ne'um), often used in prophetic literature to assert the authority and authenticity of the message. It reassures the reader of the divine origin of the prophecy, emphasizing that it is not merely human speculation but a revelation from God.

Their kings will come and set up their thrones
The imagery of kings setting up thrones signifies the establishment of authority and judgment. In ancient times, city gates were places of legal and civic activity, where leaders would sit to render decisions. This phrase suggests a complete takeover and subjugation of Jerusalem, with foreign rulers asserting dominance over God's people, a fulfillment of divine judgment due to their disobedience.

at the entrance of the gates of Jerusalem
The gates of a city were crucial for defense and commerce, symbolizing strength and security. The mention of the "entrance of the gates" indicates a breach of security and the vulnerability of Jerusalem. Historically, the gates were also places of social and economic interaction, making their capture a significant blow to the city's autonomy and daily life.

they will attack all her surrounding walls
Walls were vital for a city's protection, and their destruction meant exposure to enemy forces. The Hebrew word for "attack" is נָתַן (natan), which can also mean to give or deliver, suggesting that God is delivering Jerusalem into the hands of its enemies. This reflects the historical sieges that cities like Jerusalem faced, where walls were breached as a prelude to conquest.

and all the other cities of Judah
The inclusion of "all the other cities" indicates that the judgment is not limited to Jerusalem but extends throughout the entire region of Judah. This comprehensive scope of judgment underscores the severity of the nation's sin and the thoroughness of God's disciplinary action. Historically, this aligns with the Babylonian campaigns that devastated the land of Judah, leading to exile.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jeremiah
A prophet called by God to deliver His messages to the people of Judah and Jerusalem. His ministry was marked by warnings of impending judgment due to the people's unfaithfulness.

2. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who is speaking through Jeremiah, declaring His plans and judgments.

3. Clans and Kingdoms of the North
Refers to the Babylonian empire and its allies, who were used by God as instruments of judgment against Judah.

4. Kings
The rulers of these northern kingdoms who would lead the siege against Jerusalem.

5. Jerusalem and Cities of Judah
The central locations of God's people, which were to be besieged and judged due to their disobedience and idolatry.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty in Judgment
God is in control of nations and uses them to fulfill His purposes, even in judgment. This reminds us of His ultimate authority over world events.

The Certainty of God's Word
The prophecy in Jeremiah 1:15 was fulfilled, demonstrating the reliability and truth of God's Word. We can trust His promises and warnings.

The Consequences of Disobedience
Judah's unfaithfulness led to severe consequences. This serves as a warning to us about the seriousness of sin and the importance of repentance.

God's Use of Unlikely Instruments
God used pagan nations to accomplish His purposes, showing that He can use any means to achieve His will. We should remain humble and open to how God might work in unexpected ways.

The Call to Repentance
The impending judgment was a call for Judah to repent. Similarly, we are called to examine our lives and turn back to God when we stray.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding God's sovereignty over nations impact your view of current world events?

2. In what ways can we see the reliability of God's Word in our own lives today?

3. What are some areas in your life where you need to heed God's warnings and turn back to Him?

4. How can we remain open to the ways God might work through unexpected people or circumstances in our lives?

5. Reflect on a time when you experienced the consequences of disobedience. How did it lead you to a deeper understanding of God's call to repentance?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Jeremiah 4:6
This verse also speaks of disaster coming from the north, reinforcing the theme of judgment from the northern kingdoms.

2 Kings 25:1-4
Describes the actual siege of Jerusalem by the Babylonians, fulfilling the prophecy given in Jeremiah 1:15.

Isaiah 39:6-7
Isaiah prophesies the Babylonian captivity, which aligns with Jeremiah's message of judgment.

Ezekiel 21:19-23
Ezekiel also speaks of Babylon as God's instrument of judgment, providing a parallel to Jeremiah's prophecy.
The Dread CommissionS. Conway Jeremiah 1:4-19
Jeremiah's VisionsS. Conway Jeremiah 1:11-16
Natural Objects Setting Forth Divine DispensationsJeremiah 1:11-16
Spiritual VisionJ. Parker, D. D.Jeremiah 1:11-16
The Almond Tree's MessageJ. P. Gladstone.Jeremiah 1:11-16
The Rod of the Almond Tree and the Seething PotSermons by a London MinisterJeremiah 1:11-16
Tree EmblemsProfessor Post, F. L. S.Jeremiah 1:11-16
Hastening IllsA.F. Muir Jeremiah 1:12-16
People
Amon, Anathoth, Benjamin, Hilkiah, Jehoiakim, Jeremiah, Josiah, Zedekiah
Places
Anathoth, Jerusalem
Topics
Affirmation, Behold, Calling, Cities, Declares, Entering, Entrance, Families, Gates, Jerusalem, Judah, Kingdoms, Kings, North, Northern, Opening, Peoples, Placing, Round, Says, Seat, Surrounding, Thereof, Throne, Thrones, Towns, Tribes, Walls
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Jeremiah 1:15

     5323   gate
     5581   throne

Jeremiah 1:11-16

     1431   prophecy, OT methods

Jeremiah 1:13-15

     4842   north

Jeremiah 1:13-16

     5607   warfare, examples

Jeremiah 1:14-16

     7217   exile, in Babylon

Library
May the Fifteenth God is Wide-Awake
"Jeremiah, what seest thou? And I said, I see a rod of an almond tree." --JEREMIAH i. 7-19. And through the almond tree the Lord gave the trembling young prophet the strength of assurance. The almond tree is the first to awake from its wintry sleep. When all other trees are held in frozen slumber the almond blossoms are looking out on the barren world. And God is like that, awake and vigilant. Nobody anticipates Him. Wherever Jeremiah was sent on his prophetic mission the Lord would be there before
John Henry Jowett—My Daily Meditation for the Circling Year

Jeremiah, a Lesson for the Disappointed.
"Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the Lord."--Jeremiah i. 8. The Prophets were ever ungratefully treated by the Israelites, they were resisted, their warnings neglected, their good services forgotten. But there was this difference between the earlier and the later Prophets; the earlier lived and died in honour among their people,--in outward honour; though hated and thwarted by the wicked, they were exalted to high places, and ruled in the congregation.
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VIII

The Writings of Jerome.
The following is a list of the writings arranged under various heads, and showing the date of composition and the place held by each in the Edition of Vallarsi, the eleven volumes of which will be found in Migne's Patrologia, vols. xxii. to xxx. The references are to the volumes of Jerome's works (i.-xi.) in that edition. I. Bible translations: (1) From the Hebrew.--The Vulgate of the Old Testament, written at Bethlehem, begun 391, finished 404, vol. ix. (2) From the Septuagint.--The Psalms as used
St. Jerome—The Principal Works of St. Jerome

Out of Sectarian Confusion
I was still a Methodist. The Methodist did not license women to preach; but when the preachers found out that God was using me in the salvation of souls and that I was not especially interested in building up any certain denomination, I had an abundance of calls. God had already begun talking to my brother Jeremiah about the sin of division, and he was beginning to see the evils of sectarianism. The winter after I was healed, he had attended the Jacksonville, Illinois, holiness convention, and had
Mary Cole—Trials and Triumphs of Faith

How those are to be Admonished who do not Even Begin Good Things, and those who do not Finish them when Begun.
(Admonition 35.) Differently to be admonished are they who do not even begin good things, and those who in no wise complete such as they have begun. For as to those who do not even begin good things, for them the first need is, not to build up what they may wholesomely love, but to demolish that wherein they are wrongly occupied. For they will not follow the untried things they hear of, unless they first come to feel how pernicious are the things that they have tried; since neither does one desire
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

The Servant's Inflexible Resolve
'For the Lord God will help Me; therefore shall I not be confounded: therefore have I set My face like a flint.'--ISAIAH l. 7. What a striking contrast between the tone of these words and of the preceding! There all is gentleness, docility, still communion, submission, patient endurance. Here all is energy and determination, resistance and martial vigour. It is like the contrast between a priest and a warrior. And that gentleness is the parent of this boldness. The same Will which is all submission
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Baptismal Covenant Can be Kept Unbroken. Aim and Responsibility of Parents.
We have gone "to the Law and to the Testimony" to find out what the nature and benefits of Baptism are. We have gathered out of the Word all the principal passages bearing on this subject. We have grouped them together, and studied them side by side. We have noticed that their sense is uniform, clear, and strong. Unless we are willing to throw aside all sound principles of interpretation, we can extract from the words of inspiration only one meaning, and that is that the baptized child is, by virtue
G. H. Gerberding—The Way of Salvation in the Lutheran Church

That Sometimes Some Laudably Desire the Office of Preaching, While Others, as Laudably, are Drawn to it by Compulsion.
Although sometimes some laudably desire the office of preaching, yet others are as laudably drawn to it by compulsion; as we plainly perceive, if we consider the conduct of two prophets, one of whom offered himself of his own accord to be sent to preach, yet the other in fear refused to go. For Isaiah, when the Lord asked whom He should send, offered himself of his own accord, saying, Here I am; send me (Isai. vi. 8). But Jeremiah is sent, yet humbly pleads that he should not be sent, saying, Ah,
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

A Defence of the Doctrine of Justification, by Faith in Jesus Christ;
SHEWING, TRUE GOSPEL-HOLINESS FLOWS FROM THENCE; OR, MR. FOWLER'S PRETENDED DESIGN OF CHRISTIANITY, PROVED TO BE NOTHING MORE THAN TO TRAMPLE UNDER FOOT THE BLOOD OF THE SON OF GOD; AND THE IDOLIZING OF MAN'S OWN RIGHTEOUSNESS AS ALSO, HOW WHILE HE PRETENDS TO BE A MINISTER OF THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND, HE OVERTHROWETH THE WHOLESOME DOCTRINE CONTAINED IN THE 10TH, 11TH, AND 13TH, OF THE THIRTY-NINE ARTICLES OF THE SAME, AND THAT HE FALLETH IN WITH THE QUAKER AND ROMANIST, AGAINST THEM. BY JOHN BUNYAN
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Letter Xlv (Circa A. D. 1140) to the Canons of Lyons, on the Conception of S. Mary.
To the Canons of Lyons, on the Conception of S. Mary. Bernard states that the Festival of the Conception was new; that it rested on no legitimate foundation; and that it should not have been instituted without consulting the Apostolic See, to whose opinion he submits. 1. It is well known that among all the Churches of France that of Lyons is first in importance, whether we regard the dignity of its See, its praiseworthy regulations, or its honourable zeal for learning. Where was there ever the vigour
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux

Epistle iv. To Cyriacus, Bishop.
To Cyriacus, Bishop. Gregory to Cyriacus, Bishop of Constantinople. We have received with becoming charity our common sons, George the presbyter and Theodore your deacon; and we rejoice that you have passed from the care of ecclesiastical business to the government of souls, since, according to the voice of the Truth, He that is faithful in a little will be faithful also in much (Luke xvi. 10). And to the servant who administers well it is said, Because thou hast been faithful over a few things,
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great

The Sin-Bearer.
A COMMUNION MEDITATION AT MENTONE. "Who His own self bare our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls."--1 Peter ii. 24, 25. THE SIN-BEARER. THIS wonderful passage is a part of Peter's address to servants; and in his day nearly all servants were slaves. Peter begins at the eighteenth verse: "Servants, be subject
Charles Hadden Spurgeon—Till He Come

John the Baptist's Person and Preaching.
(in the Wilderness of Judæa, and on the Banks of the Jordan, Occupying Several Months, Probably a.d. 25 or 26.) ^A Matt. III. 1-12; ^B Mark I. 1-8; ^C Luke III. 1-18. ^b 1 The beginning of the gospel [John begins his Gospel from eternity, where the Word is found coexistent with God. Matthew begins with Jesus, the humanly generated son of Abraham and David, born in the days of Herod the king. Luke begins with the birth of John the Baptist, the Messiah's herald; and Mark begins with the ministry
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Jeremiah
The interest of the book of Jeremiah is unique. On the one hand, it is our most reliable and elaborate source for the long period of history which it covers; on the other, it presents us with prophecy in its most intensely human phase, manifesting itself through a strangely attractive personality that was subject to like doubts and passions with ourselves. At his call, in 626 B.C., he was young and inexperienced, i. 6, so that he cannot have been born earlier than 650. The political and religious
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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