Matthew Henry’s Modern English CommentaryJeremiah 15

Sentence against Judah Confirmed; Destruction of Judah.This section shows the seriousness of God’s anger against Judah. Even though Jeremiah and some others prayed for the people, God says that the judgment is final and cannot be changed. The sin of the people is very great, both because of what their ancestors did and because they continue to turn away from God. The coming punishment will be total, and no one will be able to help or even pity them.v. 1: God tells Jeremiah that even if Moses and Samuel stood before Him to pray for the people, He would not change His decision. Though Moses and Samuel stood before me, yet my mind could not be toward this people. This means that not even the prayers of the most faithful leaders from Israel’s history could save Judah now. God alone is the Mediator in heaven; even the greatest saints cannot intercede for people who refuse to listen.

v. 2: God says that when the people are driven out, they will not find safety anywhere. 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. Each person will face judgment in the way that God has decided. There is no escape.

v. 3: God will send four kinds of destroyers: the sword, the dogs to tear, the birds of the air, and the wild animals of the earth. I will appoint over them four kinds...to devour and destroy. Whatever way people try to escape, they will meet destruction. Even after death, their bodies will not be honored but will be left out for animals to consume.

v. 4: The people will be scattered into all kingdoms of the earth, becoming an example of God’s judgment, just like Cain who became a fugitive and a vagabond. This punishment comes because of the sins of Manasseh, who did great evil in Jerusalem, especially shedding innocent blood (2 Kings 24:3-4 ). Even though many years have passed since Manasseh, his sin is still remembered because it was so serious.

v. 5: God says that no one will have pity on Jerusalem. For who shall have pity on thee, O Jerusalem? or who shall bemoan thee?. When God turns away, even friends and neighbors will not care. Everyone sees that the people brought this trouble on themselves by refusing to repent.

v. 6: God says, Thou hast forsaken me...thou art gone backward. The people left God and returned to sinful ways. God says, I am weary with repenting—He has shown patience many times, but now His patience is finished. Now, God’s judgment will be final.

v. 7: God says He will scatter the people as with a fan at the gates of the land. I will fan them with a fan in the gates of the land. The people do not return from their evil ways, so God will destroy them and leave their land empty and desolate.

v. 8–9: The destruction will be terrible. Their widows are increased above the sand of the seas—so many men will die in battle that there will be countless widows. The enemy will come like a spoiler at noon-day, attacking openly and without fear. Mothers who had many children will now lose them all, and their sun will go down while it is still day, meaning they will lose hope suddenly (Jeremiah 15:8-9 ). The rest who survive will also be delivered to the sword. This is the righteous judgment of the Lord

The Prophet's Complaint; The Prophet Assured of His Safety.These verses show Jeremiah’s personal struggles as a prophet. After facing rejection and opposition from the people, he pours out his heart to God in prayer. Jeremiah feels alone and misunderstood, but God answers him with encouragement. God promises to protect Jeremiah and assures him that, even if others turn against him, God will be faithful. God also reminds Jeremiah that the coming judgment is because of the people’s sins, not because of the prophet.v. 10: Jeremiah complains to God about the difficulties he faces. He says, Woe is me, my mother, that thou hast borne me a man of strife and a man of contention to the whole earth!. Jeremiah feels surrounded by opposition and trouble. He has not done anything wrong—he has not borrowed or lent money—yet everyone curses him. Even though he is peaceful and honest, people hate him for telling the truth.

v. 11: God answers Jeremiah and promises to take care of him. God says that it will go well with the rest of Jeremiah’s life. Verily it shall be well with thy remnant. God assures Jeremiah that even in times of trouble, the enemy will treat him kindly. When disaster comes, God will make sure Jeremiah is protected. God can turn even enemies into friends for His servant’s sake.

v. 12: God compares Jeremiah to strong metal. Shall iron break the northern iron and the steel?. Just as northern iron and steel are very strong, so God will make Jeremiah strong against his enemies. No matter how hard people fight against him, they will not win because God gives Jeremiah strength and courage (Jeremiah 1:18 ).

v. 13–14: God then speaks to the people. He warns that their treasures and wealth will be taken by enemies, and they will be given as spoil without price—they will lose everything easily. This will happen because of all their sins everywhere in the land. God says, I will make thee to pass with thy enemies into a land that thou knowest not(Jeremiah 15:14 ). They will be taken into captivity, and it will be the result of God’s anger burning against them.

The Prophet's Humble Appeal to God; God's Answer to Jeremiah's Address.In this passage, Jeremiah turns to God in prayer, sharing his struggles and pain. He reminds God that he has been faithful and suffered because of his obedience. Jeremiah is honest about his feelings of loneliness, discouragement, and even doubts. God responds kindly to Jeremiah, calling him to stay faithful in his ministry and promising to protect and strengthen him. This section teaches us that it is okay to bring our deepest feelings to God and trust Him to answer with mercy and guidance.v. 15: Jeremiah prays, O Lord

v. 16: Jeremiah says, Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of my heart. He loved God’s words and made them part of his life. Even when his message was hard, Jeremiah found joy and strength from God’s promises. He knows he belongs to the Lord

v. 17: Jeremiah explains that he has lived a serious and careful life. He says, I sat not in the assembly of the mockers, nor rejoiced; I sat alone because of thy hand. He stayed away from foolish or sinful company. He often felt alone and sad because God gave him messages of judgment that made him unpopular with others.

v. 18: Jeremiah asks God why his pain never ends and why his wounds do not heal. He wonders if God will be to him as a liar, and as waters that fail. Jeremiah is honest about his fears that God might not keep His promises, but deep down, he still trusts in God’s mercy.

v. 19: God answers Jeremiah, If thou return, then will I bring thee again, and thou shalt stand before me. God asks Jeremiah to trust Him and stay faithful. Jeremiah must separate the precious from the vile—he must encourage the righteous and warn the wicked, without changing God’s message to please people. God tells Jeremiah not to follow the people but to lead them back to God’s truth.

v. 20: God promises to make Jeremiah strong. I will make thee unto this people a fenced brazen wall: and they shall fight against thee, but they shall not prevail against thee. Jeremiah will face opposition, but God will protect him and give him courage.

v. 21: God concludes with a promise: I am with thee to save thee and deliver thee...I will deliver thee out of the hand of the wicked(Jeremiah 15:21 ). Even if others try to hurt Jeremiah, God will rescue him. God’s presence and protection are enough for every servant who trusts Him.