Jeremiah 15:4
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Jeremiah 15:4
4 And I will cause them to be removed into all kingdoms of the earth, because of Manasseh the son of Hezekiah king of Judah, for that which he did in Jerusalem.
Chapter Context
Jeremiah 15 is a prophetic oracle chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of love, fellowship, salvation. 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 15:4
4 And I will cause them to be removed into all kingdoms of the earth, because of Manasseh the son of Hezekiah king of Judah, for that which he did in Jerusalem.
Analysis
This verse identifies the cause: 'And I will cause them to be removed into all kingdoms of the earth, because of Manasseh the son of Hezekiah king of Judah, for that which he did in Jerusalem.' The Hebrew za'avah (זַעֲוָה, horror, trembling object) describes Israel becoming something that horrifies observers. 'Because of Manasseh' names the specific king whose sins sealed Judah's fate. 2 Kings 21:1-18 catalogs Manasseh's abominations: rebuilding high places, Baal altars, Asherah poles, astral worship, child sacrifice in Hinnom Valley, sorcery, and filling Jerusalem with innocent blood. His fifty-five-year reign institutionalized apostasy beyond reversal.
Historical Context
Manasseh's reign (697-642 BC) was Judah's longest and most evil. 2 Kings 21:10-15 and 23:26-27 explicitly cite his sins as the reason for Jerusalem's destruction, despite Josiah's subsequent reforms. The theology is clear: generational sin accumulates, and even good kings (Josiah) cannot reverse the consequences of deeply entrenched wickedness. Manasseh's legacy made judgment inevitable.
Reflection
- How can one king's sins have consequences for subsequent generations?
- What does Manasseh's example teach about the long-term effects of institutionalized apostasy?
Word Studies
- Kingdom: מַלְכוּת (Malkhut) H4467 - Kingdom, reign, royal power
Cross-References
- Kingdom: Jeremiah 24:9, 29:18, 34:17, Deuteronomy 28:25
- Parallel theme: Leviticus 26:33, 2 Kings 21:2, Ezekiel 23:46