Jeremiah 15:2
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Jeremiah 15:2
2 And it shall come to pass, if they say unto thee, Whither shall we go forth? then thou shalt tell them, Thus saith the LORD; Such as are for death, to death; and such as are for the sword, to the sword; and such as are for the famine, to the famine; and such as are for the captivity, to the captivity.
Chapter Context
Jeremiah 15 is a prophetic oracle chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of truth, sacrifice, worship. 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 demonstrates God's faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. 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 15:2
2 And it shall come to pass, if they say unto thee, Whither shall we go forth? then thou shalt tell them, Thus saith the LORD; Such as are for death, to death; and such as are for the sword, to the sword; and such as are for the famine, to the famine; and such as are for the captivity, to the captivity.
Analysis
This verse specifies judgment's forms: 'And it shall come to pass, if they say unto thee, Whither shall we go forth? then thou shalt tell them, Thus saith the LORD; Such as are for death, to death; and such as are for the sword, to the sword; and such as are for the famine, to the famine; and such as are for the captivity, to the captivity.' Four destinies await: death (by disease), sword (military violence), famine (siege starvation), and captivity (exile). The rhetorical question 'where shall we go?' receives devastating answer—every direction leads to judgment. The repetitive structure emphasizes inevitability: those destined for each fate will receive it. No escape exists.
Historical Context
This fourfold judgment appears throughout Jeremiah (14:12, 21:7-9, 24:10, 27:8, 13, 29:17-18, 32:24, 36, 34:17, 38:2, 42:17, 22, 44:13). The Babylonian siege produced exactly these conditions: disease from crowded, unsanitary conditions; death in combat; starvation during the siege; and exile for survivors. Archaeological and ancient Near Eastern records confirm these as standard siege warfare outcomes.
Reflection
- What does the comprehensive listing of judgment forms (death, sword, famine, captivity) indicate about escape possibilities?
- How does this verse's certainty contrast with false prophets' promises of peace?
Word Studies
- Lord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai) H3068 - The LORD / Lord
Cross-References
- Word: Jeremiah 14:12, 43:11, Ezekiel 5:2, 5:12, Daniel 9:12, Revelation 13:10
- Parallel theme: Isaiah 24:18, Amos 5:19, Zechariah 11:9