Jeremiah 9:15
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Jeremiah 9:15
15 Therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Behold, I will feed them, even this people, with wormwood, and give them water of gall to drink.
Chapter Context
Jeremiah 9 is a prophetic oracle chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of truth, holiness, creation. 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 21-26: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it contributes to the biblical metanarrative of redemption. 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 9:15
15 Therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Behold, I will feed them, even this people, with wormwood, and give them water of gall to drink.
Analysis
This verse announces specific judgment: 'Therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Behold, I will feed them, even this people, with wormwood.' The Hebrew la'anah (לַעֲנָה, wormwood) is a bitter plant, possibly poisonous, representing bitterness and judgment. 'And give them water of gall to drink' (mei-rosh) indicates poisoned water. The imagery suggests forced consumption of bitter, deadly substances—the taste of judgment matching the bitterness of their sin. God as the One 'feeding' them indicates divine agency in judgment. The phrase 'LORD of hosts, the God of Israel' combines military might (hosts) with covenant relationship (Israel)—the covenant God commands armies to execute judgment on His own people.
Historical Context
Wormwood (Artemisia) grows throughout Palestine; its extreme bitterness made it proverbial for hardship and sorrow. 'Gall' may refer to poisonous hemlock. Both substances appear in judgment contexts throughout Scripture (Deuteronomy 29:18, Lamentations 3:15, 19, Amos 5:7, 6:12). The exile's bitter experiences—deportation, slavery, humiliation—fulfilled this prophecy literally.
Reflection
- How does the forced consumption of bitter judgment reflect the principle that we taste the consequences of our choices?
- What does God's personal agency in judgment ('I will feed them') reveal about His active involvement in human history?
Word Studies
- Lord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai) H3068 - The LORD / Lord
Cross-References
- References God: Jeremiah 8:14
- References Lord: Jeremiah 23:15
- Parallel theme: Psalms 80:5, Lamentations 3:15