Jeremiah 15:7
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Jeremiah 15:7
7 And I will fan them with a fan in the gates of the land; I will bereave them of children, I will destroy my people, since they return not from their ways.
Chapter Context
Jeremiah 15 is a prophetic oracle chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of judgment, redemption, prayer. 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 guidance for worship and spiritual devotion. 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 15:7
7 And I will fan them with a fan in the gates of the land; I will bereave them of children, I will destroy my people, since they return not from their ways.
Analysis
This verse describes comprehensive judgment: 'And I will fan them with a fan in the gates of the land; I will bereave them of children, I will destroy my people, since they return not from their ways.' 'Fan with a fan' (zaritim bemizreh) uses winnowing imagery—separating chaff from grain, scattering the worthless. 'In the gates of the land' suggests border locations where enemies enter. 'Bereave of children' (shakkaltim) describes loss of the next generation—the future eliminated. 'They return not from their ways' reiterates the persistent refusal to repent (shuv) that justifies judgment.
Historical Context
Winnowing was agricultural judgment—wind separated valuable grain from worthless chaff. Applied to population, it describes exile's scattering. 'Bereaving of children' occurred through siege conditions, military casualties, and deportation that separated families. The exile would indeed eliminate a generation from the land. 'Not returning from their ways' summarizes the fundamental problem—refusal to repent despite repeated warning.
Reflection
- How does winnowing imagery picture judgment's separation of people for different fates?
- What makes bereavement of children such a devastating element of judgment?
Word Studies
- Repent: שׁוּב / נָחַם (Shuv / Nacham) H7725 - To turn back, relent
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Jeremiah 5:3, 18:21, 51:2, Deuteronomy 28:41, Psalms 1:4, Isaiah 9:13