Jeremiah 15:17

KJV

I sat not in the assembly of the mockers, nor rejoiced; I sat alone because of thy hand: for thou hast filled me with indignation.

KJV (with Strong's)

I sat {H3427} not in the assembly {H5475} of the mockers {H7832}, nor rejoiced {H5937}; I sat {H3427} alone {H910} because {H6440} of thy hand {H3027}: for thou hast filled {H4390} me with indignation {H2195}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I have never kept company with merrymakers, I could not celebrate; with your hand on me I sat by myself, for you filled me with indignation.

Berean Standard Bible

I never sat with the band of revelers, nor did I celebrate with them. Because Your hand was on me, I sat alone, for You have filled me with indignation.

American Standard Version

I sat not in the assembly of them that make merry, nor rejoiced; I sat alone because of thy hand; for thou hast filled me with indignation.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 15:17 profoundly articulates the prophet's divinely ordained isolation and profound sorrow, stemming not from misanthropy but from the overwhelming burden of God's righteous indignation against Judah's sin. Jeremiah declares his deliberate separation from the frivolous and mocking society around him, unable to partake in their revelry because he was saturated with the weight of God's judgment that he was compelled to proclaim, highlighting the deep personal cost of his prophetic calling.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 15:17 is situated within a deeply personal lament (Jeremiah 15:10-18), a poignant cry from the prophet often referred to as the "weeping prophet." This lament follows a severe divine pronouncement of judgment against Judah (Jeremiah 15:1-9), where God declares His unwavering resolve to punish the nation for its persistent idolatry and sin. Jeremiah's personal anguish in this verse underscores the heavy emotional and spiritual toll of delivering such a grim message to his own people. His chosen solitude is a direct consequence of the divine burden, contrasting sharply with the societal norms of communal life, and setting the stage for his subsequent plea for understanding and vindication from God in [Jeremiah 15:19-21](/jeremiah/15-19 "Jeremiah 15:19-21 - God's Response to Jeremiah's Lament").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jeremiah prophesied during a tumultuous period in Judah's history, spanning the reigns of several kings from Josiah to Zedekiah, leading up to the Babylonian exile. The nation was steeped in idolatry, social injustice, and spiritual apathy, despite repeated warnings from prophets like Jeremiah. His message of impending judgment and exile was deeply unpopular, often met with scorn, persecution, and rejection by the very people he sought to warn. In this cultural milieu, communal gatherings and celebrations were central to social life. Jeremiah's refusal to participate in the "assembly of the mockers" was a radical act of separation, signifying his profound alienation from the prevailing moral and spiritual decay, and his unwavering commitment to God's truth amidst widespread apostasy.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within the book of Jeremiah and broader biblical theology. It highlights the **prophetic isolation and suffering** inherent in faithfully delivering God's unpopular word, a theme echoed in the lives of many prophets (e.g., [Amos 7:10-13](/amos/7-10 "Amos 7:10-13 - Amos's Rejection")). Jeremiah's separation from the "mockers" underscores the theme of **holiness and distinctiveness**, emphasizing the need for God's people to be set apart from the world's corrupting influences. Furthermore, the phrase "thou hast filled me with indignation" reveals the theme of **bearing God's burden and righteous wrath**, where the prophet internalizes and embodies the divine displeasure against sin, making his ministry not merely an intellectual exercise but a deeply felt, consuming experience. This divine burden made casual fellowship and worldly joy impossible for him, underscoring the gravity of God's judgment and the prophet's profound empathy with God's heart.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **sat (Hebrew, _yâshab'_):** This word, beyond mere physical posture, implies a settled state, to dwell, or to remain. Jeremiah's declaration "I sat not... I sat alone" indicates a deliberate, settled non-participation and a chosen, sustained state of solitude. It's not a fleeting moment but a fundamental stance of his life, a reflection of his enduring separation from the prevailing societal norms and spiritual decay.
* **assembly (Hebrew, _çôwd'_):** This term refers to a session, a company of persons in close deliberation, or by implication, intimacy or secret counsel. Jeremiah's refusal to sit in the "assembly" of mockers means he did not share their intimate circle, their mindset, their counsel, or their secret plans. He was not privy to, nor did he desire to partake in, their inner fellowship or their contemptuous discussions.
* **indignation (Hebrew, _zaʻam'_):** Derived from a root meaning "froth at the mouth," this word signifies fury, especially God's displeasure with sin, rage, or wrath. When Jeremiah states, "thou hast filled me with indignation," it is not merely his personal anger, but a profound, overwhelming sense of God's righteous wrath against the sin of His people that has consumed him. This divine burden made merriment impossible and compelled his solitary existence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I sat not in the assembly of the mockers, nor rejoiced":** This clause highlights Jeremiah's deliberate and conscious separation from those who scoffed at God's word, His warnings, or righteous living. His refusal to "sit" implies a rejection of their company, their counsel, and their way of life. The accompanying "nor rejoiced" underscores his inability to find joy or pleasure in their frivolous or sinful gatherings, as his spirit was burdened by a far greater reality.
* **"I sat alone because of thy hand":** This phrase reveals the source and nature of Jeremiah's isolation. His solitude was not self-imposed out of misanthropy but was a direct consequence of God's powerful "hand" – His sovereign will, divine calling, and the heavy burden He had placed upon the prophet. It signifies a divinely ordained separation for the purpose of his unique ministry.
* **"for thou hast filled me with indignation":** This final clause provides the profound reason for Jeremiah's solitary and sorrowful state. He was not merely sad or angry; he was "filled" – completely saturated and overwhelmed – with God's righteous wrath against the pervasive sin of Judah. This divine indignation, a consuming fire within him, made it impossible for him to partake in the lightheartedness or wickedness of his contemporaries, compelling him to a life of profound burden and isolation.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 15:17 makes powerful use of **Contrast**, juxtaposing Jeremiah's solitary, burdened state with the "assembly of the mockers" and their implied revelry. This highlights the prophet's unique calling and the spiritual chasm between him and the ungodly society. The phrase "thou hast filled me with indignation" employs **Metaphor** and **Hyperbole**, presenting indignation as a tangible substance that can fill a person, emphasizing the overwhelming and consuming nature of the divine burden. This **Intensification** underscores the depth of Jeremiah's internal experience and the profound impact of God's message on his very being, making his isolation not a choice of preference but a spiritual necessity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah's experience in this verse resonates deeply with the biblical theme of prophetic suffering and the cost of faithfulness. It illustrates that a genuine commitment to God's truth, especially when it involves confronting sin and declaring judgment, often necessitates a counter-cultural stance and a willingness to embrace isolation from those who reject divine wisdom. The prophet's being "filled with indignation" speaks to the profound spiritual empathy required of God's messengers, who must not only articulate God's heart but also, in a measure, feel the weight of His righteous anger against unrighteousness. This burden, while painful, is a testament to the authenticity of the prophetic call and the seriousness of God's judgment, compelling the prophet to a life set apart for divine purposes.

* [Psalm 1:1](/psalms/1-1 "Psalm 1:1 - The Blessed Man's Separation")
* [2 Corinthians 6:17](/2_corinthians/6-17 "2 Corinthians 6:17 - Call to Separation")
* [Amos 3:8](/amos/3-8 "Amos 3:8 - The Roar of the Lion")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 15:17 offers a profound mirror for believers today, challenging us to examine our own associations and the degree to which we are willing to be set apart for God's purposes. In a world increasingly characterized by scoffing at spiritual truth and a casual approach to sin, Jeremiah's deliberate separation from the "assembly of the mockers" calls us to evaluate our friendships, entertainment, and cultural engagements. True faithfulness to Christ may necessitate a conscious distancing from environments or attitudes that mock God, trivialize holiness, or promote unrighteousness, even if it leads to a sense of solitude or being misunderstood. Furthermore, Jeremiah's experience of being "filled with indignation" reminds us that carrying God's heart for a broken world, and for His justice, can be a heavy burden. It's a call to cultivate a holy indignation against injustice and sin, not merely personal anger, but a divine sorrow that propels us to prayer, intercession, and faithful witness, even when it means walking a lonely path. In such moments of divinely ordained solitude, like Jeremiah, we find our strength and solace in the presence of the One whose hand has placed the burden upon us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "assemblies of mockers" might I be inadvertently sitting in today, either physically or digitally?**
* **How does Jeremiah's experience of "indignation" differ from personal anger, and how can I cultivate a righteous, God-centered indignation against sin and injustice in the world?**
* **In what ways might God be calling me to a greater degree of separation or solitude for the sake of His kingdom, and how can I embrace that calling with grace?**
* **How do I find strength and solace when bearing a spiritual burden feels isolating or overwhelming, as Jeremiah experienced?**

### FAQ
**What does "the assembly of the mockers" refer to in Jeremiah's time and for us today?**

Answer: In Jeremiah's time, "the assembly of the mockers" (Hebrew: _çôwd_ _sâchaq_) referred to gatherings of people who scorned, derided, or treated God's word, His warnings, and righteous living with contempt. These were individuals who found humor or disdain in spiritual matters, perhaps engaging in revelry, idolatry, or social injustice without remorse. For Jeremiah, participating in such a group would have compromised his prophetic integrity and contradicted the solemn message of judgment he was called to deliver. Today, this can refer to any group, physical or virtual, that actively scoffs at God, biblical truth, or the pursuit of holiness. It includes environments where sin is celebrated, righteousness is ridiculed, or God's warnings are dismissed, and engaging with them would dilute a believer's commitment or compromise their witness. Believers are called to discern and distance themselves from such influences, as seen in [Psalm 1:1](/psalms/1 "Psalm 1 - The Way of the Righteous and the Ungodly").

**What is the significance of Jeremiah being "filled... with indignation"?**

Answer: The phrase "filled me with indignation" (Hebrew: _mâlêʼ_ _zaʻam_) signifies that Jeremiah was not merely experiencing personal anger or frustration, but was profoundly and overwhelmingly saturated with God's righteous wrath and displeasure against the pervasive sin of Judah. This "indignation" is often used in the Old Testament to describe God's fierce displeasure with sin and rebellion (e.g., [Isaiah 10:5](/isaiah/10-5 "Isaiah 10:5 - God's Indignation Against Israel")). Jeremiah, as God's prophet, was made to feel and embody this divine emotion, making him a living testament to the gravity of God's judgment. This burden consumed him, explaining his profound isolation and sorrow, as he could not rejoice or participate in the lightheartedness of a people facing such severe divine displeasure. It underscores the deep empathy and spiritual burden that true prophetic ministry entails.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah's profound isolation and the burden of divine indignation he carried in [Jeremiah 15:17](/jeremiah/15-17 "Jeremiah 15:17 - Jeremiah's Isolation") find their ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While Jeremiah was filled with God's indignation *against* sin, Jesus, the perfect Lamb of God, was *made* to bear the full weight of God's indignation *for* sin. He "sat not in the assembly of mockers" in the sense that He consistently separated Himself from the world's values and sinful ways, though He ministered among sinners. His solitude, particularly in Gethsemane ([Matthew 26:36-46](/matthew/26-36 "Matthew 26:36-46 - Jesus in Gethsemane")), was a deep, agonizing communion with the Father, where He wrestled with the immense burden of the cross. On the cross, Jesus was truly "alone," forsaken by His disciples and even feeling the Father's abandonment as He became sin for us ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Made Sin for Us")). He was "filled with indignation" not in feeling it towards others, but in absorbing the full, righteous wrath of God against humanity's sin, becoming the propitiation for our transgressions ([Romans 3:25](/romans/3-25 "Romans 3:25 - Christ Our Propitiation")). Jeremiah's suffering foreshadows the infinitely greater suffering of Christ, who, by bearing God's indignation on our behalf, opened the way for us to be reconciled to God and to find true joy and fellowship, even amidst a mocking world.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Lamentations 3:28

He sitteth alone and keepeth silence, because he hath borne [it] upon him.

Psalms 1:1

¶ Blessed [is] the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.

Psalms 26:4

I have not sat with vain persons, neither will I go in with dissemblers.

Psalms 26:5

I have hated the congregation of evil doers; and will not sit with the wicked.

Psalms 102:7

I watch, and am as a sparrow alone upon the house top.

Jeremiah 13:17

But if ye will not hear it, my soul shall weep in secret places for [your] pride; and mine eye shall weep sore, and run down with tears, because the LORD'S flock is carried away captive.

Ezekiel 3:24

Then the spirit entered into me, and set me upon my feet, and spake with me, and said unto me, Go, shut thyself within thine house.