Jeremiah 15:13
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Jeremiah 15:13
13 Thy substance and thy treasures will I give to the spoil without price, and that for all thy sins, even in all thy borders.
Chapter Context
Jeremiah 15 is a prophetic oracle chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of prayer, holiness, hope. Written during the final years of Judah and early exile (c. 627-580 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Prophesied during Judah's final years as Babylon became the dominant power.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-21: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it provides essential context for understanding God's covenant relationship with His people. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Jeremiah and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Jeremiah 15:13
13 Thy substance and thy treasures will I give to the spoil without price, and that for all thy sins, even in all thy borders.
Analysis
The prophecy of comprehensive loss: 'Thy substance and thy treasures will I give to the spoil without price, and that for all thy sins, even in all thy borders.' Total economic devastation is prophesied: substance and treasures taken 'without price' (meaning not through fair commerce but plunder). The reason: 'for all thy sins'—comprehensive sin brings comprehensive loss. The phrase 'in all thy borders' indicates no region escapes. This fulfills covenant curses where disobedience leads to foreigners consuming what you produced (Deuteronomy 28:33). The Reformed understanding sees this as demonstrating that material blessings are covenant gifts that can be forfeited through unfaithfulness.
Historical Context
The Babylonian conquest included systematic plundering of Judah's wealth, including temple treasures. The survivors were left destitute, everything valuable taken as spoil to Babylon.
Reflection
- How does understanding material blessing as covenant gift affect our stewardship?
- What is the relationship between comprehensive sin and comprehensive loss?
- How should the threat of losing possessions 'for all thy sins' inform priorities and values?
Word Studies
- Sin: חַטָּאת (Chatta'ah) H2403 - Sin, missing the mark
Cross-References
- Sin: Jeremiah 17:3
- Parallel theme: Jeremiah 20:5, Psalms 44:12, Isaiah 52:3, 52:5