Jeremiah 6:1

"Run for cover, O sons of Benjamin; flee from Jerusalem! Sound the ram's horn in Tekoa; send up a signal over Beth-haccherem, for disaster looms from the north, even great destruction.

Study Bible

Run for cover, O sons of Benjamin
The phrase "Run for cover" is a call to immediate action and urgency. In Hebrew, the word used here can imply fleeing or seeking refuge, indicating a dire situation. The "sons of Benjamin" refers to the tribe of Benjamin, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. Historically, the tribe of Benjamin was located near Jerusalem, and this call to action suggests an impending threat to the city and its inhabitants. The urgency in this command reflects God's warning through Jeremiah, urging His people to heed the signs of danger and seek safety.

flee from Jerusalem
The command to "flee from Jerusalem" is significant, as Jerusalem was the spiritual and political center of Israel. The Hebrew root for "flee" suggests a rapid departure, emphasizing the seriousness of the threat. This warning is prophetic, indicating that the city, despite its significance, is not immune to judgment due to the people's disobedience. Historically, this foreshadows the Babylonian invasion and the subsequent exile, a pivotal event in Jewish history.

Sound the trumpet in Tekoa
"Sound the trumpet" is a call to alert and mobilize the people. In ancient Israel, the trumpet, or shofar, was used to signal important events, such as war or religious gatherings. Tekoa, a town in Judah, was strategically located south of Jerusalem. The mention of Tekoa highlights the spread of the warning beyond the immediate vicinity of Jerusalem, indicating that the threat is widespread and requires a collective response.

raise a signal over Beth-haccherem!
The phrase "raise a signal" involves setting up a visible sign, such as a fire or banner, to communicate a message over a distance. Beth-haccherem, meaning "house of the vineyard," was a location near Jerusalem, possibly a watchtower or high place. This action serves as a visual warning to the surrounding areas, emphasizing the need for vigilance and preparedness. The use of signals in ancient times was crucial for communication, especially in times of crisis.

For disaster looms from the north
The "disaster" mentioned here is a forewarning of the impending invasion by Babylon, which historically came from the north. The Hebrew word for "disaster" conveys calamity and destruction, underscoring the severity of the threat. The direction "from the north" is significant, as it aligns with the historical route taken by invading forces. This prophetic insight serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and the fulfillment of His warnings through His prophets.

even great destruction
The phrase "even great destruction" amplifies the magnitude of the impending judgment. The Hebrew term for "destruction" implies complete ruin and devastation. This serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of turning away from God. The emphasis on "great" highlights the unparalleled nature of the coming judgment, urging the people to repent and return to God to avert such a fate. This message is consistent with the broader themes of warning and repentance found throughout the book of Jeremiah.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Sons of Benjamin
Refers to the tribe of Benjamin, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. They were located near Jerusalem and were being warned to flee due to impending danger.

2. Jerusalem
The capital city of Judah, central to Jewish worship and identity. It was under threat of invasion and destruction.

3. Tekoa
A town in Judah, south of Jerusalem, known for its strategic location. It was a place where warnings were to be sounded.

4. Beth-haccerem
A location near Jerusalem, possibly a hill or watchtower, used for signaling and communication.

5. Disaster from the North
Refers to the impending invasion by Babylon, a recurring theme in Jeremiah's prophecies, symbolizing judgment from God.

Teaching Points

Heed God's Warnings
Just as the people of Judah were warned, we must be attentive to God's warnings in our lives, recognizing the signs of spiritual danger.

Spiritual Preparedness
The call to "run for cover" is a reminder to be spiritually prepared and vigilant, seeking refuge in God amidst life's challenges.

Sounding the Alarm
Like the ram’s horn in Tekoa, we are called to be watchmen, alerting others to spiritual truths and dangers.

Judgment and Mercy
While the passage speaks of judgment, it also implies God's mercy in providing a warning. We should seek God's mercy and repent when warned.

Community Responsibility
The collective call to the "sons of Benjamin" highlights the importance of community in responding to God's messages and supporting one another.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does the warning to the "sons of Benjamin" teach us about the importance of listening to God's prophets today?

2. How can we apply the concept of "sounding the alarm" in our own communities and personal lives?

3. In what ways does the threat from the north in Jeremiah 6:1 parallel spiritual threats we face today?

4. How does the call to flee from Jerusalem challenge us to evaluate our own spiritual environments and make necessary changes?

5. Reflect on a time when you ignored a warning, spiritual or otherwise. What were the consequences, and how can you apply this lesson to your current walk with God?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Jeremiah 4:6
This verse also warns of disaster from the north, emphasizing the consistent message of impending judgment.

Isaiah 10:28-32
Describes the approach of an enemy from the north, providing a parallel to the threat described in Jeremiah.

Amos 1:1
Mentions Tekoa, connecting the location to prophetic activity and warning.

2 Chronicles 36:15-17
Chronicles the fulfillment of Jeremiah's warnings with the Babylonian invasion, showing the consequences of ignoring God's warnings.