If they ask you, 'Where shall we go?' you are to tell them that this is what the LORD says: 'Those destined for death, to death; those destined for the sword, to the sword; those destined for famine, to famine; and those destined for captivity, to captivity.' And if they ask you, ‘Where shall we go?’This phrase captures a moment of desperation and confusion among the people of Judah. The Hebrew root for "ask" (שָׁאַל, sha'al) implies a seeking or inquiring, often used in contexts where guidance or divine insight is sought. Historically, this reflects a time when the people were facing imminent judgment and were uncertain about their future. The question "Where shall we go?" signifies a search for direction amidst impending doom, highlighting the people's awareness of their dire situation and their need for divine guidance. you are to tell them ‘This is what the LORD says Those destined for death, to death those destined for the sword, to the sword those destined for famine, to famine those destined for captivity, to captivity Persons / Places / Events 1. JeremiahA prophet called by God to deliver messages of warning and judgment to the people of Judah. His ministry was marked by deep personal struggle and opposition. 2. The LORD (Yahweh) The covenant God of Israel, who is delivering a message of judgment through His prophet, Jeremiah. 3. Judah The southern kingdom of Israel, facing impending judgment due to persistent sin and rebellion against God. 4. Babylonian Captivity The event prophesied by Jeremiah, where the people of Judah would be taken into exile by the Babylonians as a consequence of their disobedience. 5. The Sword, Famine, and Captivity Symbols of the various forms of judgment that God would bring upon the people for their unfaithfulness. Teaching Points The Certainty of God's JudgmentGod's pronouncements through Jeremiah highlight the certainty and inevitability of His judgment when His people persist in sin. This serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of disobedience. The Sovereignty of God The passage underscores God's sovereignty in determining the fate of nations and individuals. It calls believers to trust in God's ultimate plan and justice. The Call to Repentance While the message is one of judgment, it implicitly calls for repentance. Understanding the severity of God's judgment should lead us to seek His mercy and turn from sin. The Role of the Prophet Jeremiah's role as a messenger of difficult truths challenges us to be faithful in delivering God's message, even when it is unpopular or hard to hear. Hope in God's Promises Despite the harshness of the judgment, the broader context of Jeremiah includes promises of restoration and hope, reminding us that God's ultimate desire is for redemption and reconciliation. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Jeremiah 15:2 reflect the character of God as both just and merciful? Consider other scriptures that highlight these attributes.2. In what ways does the certainty of God's judgment in Jeremiah 15:2 challenge us to examine our own lives and communities today? 3. How can we, like Jeremiah, faithfully communicate God's truth in a culture that may be resistant or indifferent to it? 4. What parallels can you draw between the judgments mentioned in Jeremiah 15:2 and the warnings given in Deuteronomy 28? How do these connections deepen our understanding of God's covenant relationship with His people? 5. How does the message of judgment in Jeremiah 15:2 ultimately point us to the hope and redemption found in Jesus Christ? Consider the broader account of Scripture in your response. Connections to Other Scriptures Deuteronomy 28This chapter outlines the blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience, which include sword, famine, and captivity, similar to the judgments mentioned in Jeremiah 15:2. Ezekiel 14:21 This passage also speaks of God's four severe judgments: sword, famine, wild beasts, and plague, emphasizing the seriousness of divine judgment. Revelation 6:8 The imagery of sword, famine, and death is echoed in the apocalyptic visions, showing the continuity of God's judgment throughout Scripture.
People Hezekiah, Jeremiah, Manasseh, SamuelPlaces Jerusalem, ZionTopics Captivity, Death, Destined, Famine, Forth, Hast, Pass, Pestilence, Prisoners, Says, Starvation, Sword, Thus, WhitherDictionary of Bible Themes Jeremiah 15:1 6232 rejection of God, results Library The Northern Iron and the SteelThat being the literal meaning, we shall draw from our text a general principle. It is a proverbial expression, no doubt, and applicable to many other matters besides that of the prophet and the Jews; it is clearly meant to show, that in order to achieve a purpose, there must be a sufficient force. The weaker cannot overcome the stronger. In a general clash the firmest will win. There must be sufficient firmness in the instrument or the work cannot be done. You cannot cut granite with a pen-knife, … Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 17: 1871 Hidden Manna Ten Reasons Demonstrating the Commandment of the Sabbath to be Moral. The Sins of Communities Noted and Punished. General Notes by the American Editor How those who Fear Scourges and those who Contemn them are to be Admonished. What the Scriptures Principally Teach: the Ruin and Recovery of Man. Faith and Love Towards Christ. The Word An Analysis of Augustin's Writings against the Donatists. Jeremiah Links Jeremiah 15:2 NIVJeremiah 15:2 NLT Jeremiah 15:2 ESV Jeremiah 15:2 NASB Jeremiah 15:2 KJV Jeremiah 15:2 Commentaries Bible Hub |
    |