Jeremiah 15:1

ยถ Then said the LORD unto me, Though Moses and Samuel stood before me, [yet] my mind [could] not [be] toward this people: cast [them] out of my sight, and let them go forth.

Then said {H559} the LORD {H3068} unto me, Though Moses {H4872} and Samuel {H8050} stood {H5975} before {H6440} me, yet my mind {H5315} could not be toward this people {H5971}: cast them out {H7971} of my sight {H6440}, and let them go forth {H3318}.

Then ADONAI said to me, "Even if Moshe and Sh'mu'el were standing in front of me, my heart would not turn toward this people! Drive them out of my sight, get them out of here!

Then the LORD said to me: โ€œEven if Moses and Samuel should stand before Me, My heart would not go out to this people. Send them from My presence, and let them go.

Then said Jehovah unto me, Though Moses and Samuel stood before me, yet my mind would not be toward this people: cast them out of my sight, and let them go forth.

Commentary

Jeremiah 15:1 delivers a stark and sobering message from the LORD to His prophet Jeremiah, emphasizing the irreversible nature of the divine judgment decreed upon Judah. This verse highlights the depth of the people's sin and God's resolute decision to withdraw His favor and protection, even in the face of desperate intercession.

Context

This verse comes at a critical juncture in the book of Jeremiah, as the prophet continues to deliver God's pronouncements of judgment against the unrepentant kingdom of Judah. Despite Jeremiah's own deep anguish and intercessory prayers for his people (see Jeremiah 14), God declares that the time for mercy has passed. Judah's persistent idolatry, social injustice, and rejection of prophetic warnings had reached a point where divine patience was exhausted. The impending Babylonian exile was not merely a threat but a settled decree, a direct consequence of their sustained rebellion against the covenant.

Key Themes

  • Irreversible Divine Judgment: The most striking theme is God's unwavering decision to bring judgment. The mention of Moses and Samuel, two of Israel's most revered intercessors, underscores the finality of this decree. Even their combined spiritual authority would not sway God's mind from the path of judgment for Judah's deep-seated sin. This illustrates God's unwavering justice and holiness.
  • The Limits of Intercession: While intercession is powerful and often effective (as seen in the lives of Moses and Samuel), this verse reveals that there is a point where persistent sin and unrepentance make even the most fervent prayers for reprieve ineffective. God's righteous character demands accountability for sin.
  • Consequences of Persistent Rebellion: The command to "cast them out of my sight, and let them go forth" signifies a complete removal of God's presence, protection, and blessing. It foretells the coming exile, where Judah would be driven from their land and face immense suffering, a direct result of their long history of covenant breaking.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "my mind could not be toward this people" in the KJV reflects the Hebrew lo-nafshi el-ha'am ha'zeh (ืœึนื ื ึทืคึฐืฉึดืื™ ืึถืœึพื”ึธืขึธื ื”ึทื–ึถึผื”). This is a strong declaration, conveying God's resolute turning away, His soul or being no longer inclined towards them with favor or mercy. It's not a whimsical change of heart, but a decisive and just response to their deep-rooted spiritual defection. The command to "cast them out" (Hebrew: shalchei - ืฉึทืืœึฐึผื—ึตื™) is an imperative, emphasizing the divine decree for expulsion and banishment.

Practical Application

Jeremiah 15:1 serves as a profound warning regarding the seriousness of persistent sin and the limits of divine patience. It reminds us that while God is abundant in mercy and slow to anger, His justice is also absolute. For believers today, this verse underscores the importance of:

  • Genuine Repentance: It highlights the critical need for true repentance and turning away from sin, rather than presuming upon God's grace.
  • Reverence for God's Holiness: It calls us to take God's holiness and His declarations seriously, understanding that there are consequences for rebellion.
  • Intercession with Wisdom: While we are called to pray for others, this verse also teaches that effective intercession is often tied to the willingness of the subjects of prayer to respond to God's call.

Ultimately, this verse points to God's ultimate decision to bring judgment upon a people whose hearts had become hardened, a decision rooted in His perfect justice and sovereignty, as seen in other historical accounts of divine action like 2 Kings 23:27 regarding the removal of Judah from His sight.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Ezekiel 14:14

    Though these three men, Noah, Daniel, and Job, were in it, they should deliver [but] their own souls by their righteousness, saith the Lord GOD.

  • Ezekiel 14:20

    Though Noah, Daniel, and Job, [were] in it, [as] I live, saith the Lord GOD, they shall deliver neither son nor daughter; they shall [but] deliver their own souls by their righteousness.

  • Ezekiel 14:21

    For thus saith the Lord GOD; How much more when I send my four sore judgments upon Jerusalem, the sword, and the famine, and the noisome beast, and the pestilence, to cut off from it man and beast?

  • Jeremiah 14:11

    Then said the LORD unto me, Pray not for this people for [their] good.

  • Jeremiah 11:14

    Therefore pray not thou for this people, neither lift up a cry or prayer for them: for I will not hear [them] in the time that they cry unto me for their trouble.

  • Psalms 106:23

    Therefore he said that he would destroy them, had not Moses his chosen stood before him in the breach, to turn away his wrath, lest he should destroy [them].

  • Jeremiah 7:15

    And I will cast you out of my sight, as I have cast out all your brethren, [even] the whole seed of Ephraim.