Jeremiah 2:15

KJV

The young lions roared upon him, [and] yelled, and they made his land waste: his cities are burned without inhabitant.

KJV (with Strong's)

The young lions {H3715} roared {H7580} upon him, and yelled {H5414}{H6963}, and they made {H7896} his land {H776} waste {H8047}: his cities {H5892} are burned {H3341} without inhabitant {H3427}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The young lions are roaring at him - how loudly they are roaring! They desolate his country, demolishing and depopulating his cities.

Berean Standard Bible

The young lions have roared at him; they have growled with a loud voice. They have laid waste his land; his cities lie in ruins, without inhabitant.

American Standard Version

The young lions have roared upon him, and yelled; and they have made his land waste: his cities are burned up, without inhabitant.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 2:15 serves as a stark prophetic declaration, vividly illustrating the devastating consequences of Judah's spiritual apostasy and unfaithfulness to Yahweh. This verse depicts the nation's land and cities being laid waste by invading forces, powerfully symbolized as "young lions," underscoring the direct and inevitable link between forsaking the Lord and experiencing divine judgment, manifesting as profound physical destruction and depopulation. It is a potent warning that abandoning God's covenant results in national ruin and desolation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 2 initiates the prophet's indictment against Judah, beginning with a poignant recollection of Israel's initial devotion to Yahweh, likened to a newlywed's love for her husband, establishing the foundation of their covenant relationship. However, the chapter swiftly transitions to a severe condemnation of Judah's profound apostasy, detailing their foolish pursuit of foreign deities and their abandonment of the Lord, whom they had forsaken as the "[fountain of living waters](/jeremiah/2-13 "Jeremiah 2:13 - Forsaking the Fountain of Living Waters")" for "broken cisterns that can hold no water." Verses preceding [Jeremiah 2:15](/jeremiah/2-15 "Jeremiah 2:15 - The Desolation of Judah") elaborate on their spiritual harlotry and the futility of their ill-advised alliances with Egypt and Assyria. Consequently, verse 15 functions as the immediate and brutal consequence of this spiritual infidelity, presenting graphic imagery of invasion and utter desolation as the direct outcome of their covenant breaking and the forfeiture of divine protection.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophet Jeremiah ministered during a tumultuous period in Judah's history, spanning the late 7th and early 6th centuries BCE. This era was characterized by the decline of the Neo-Assyrian Empire, the ascendance of the Neo-Babylonian Empire, and Judah's precarious geopolitical position, caught between these dominant regional powers and Egypt. Culturally, Judah had increasingly adopted the idolatrous practices of surrounding nations, engaging in Baal worship, Asherah veneration, and even child sacrifice, despite repeated warnings from prophets. The imagery of "young lions" was a potent and recognizable symbol in the ancient Near East, frequently representing powerful, predatory nations or rulers, such as the Assyrians or Babylonians, renowned for their military might and destructive campaigns. The desolation described in [Jeremiah 2:15](/jeremiah/2-15 "Jeremiah 2:15 - Devastation by Foreign Powers") would have resonated deeply with a people intimately familiar with the brutal realities of ancient warfare and conquest, where defeated cities were routinely burned, plundered, and depopulated.
* **Key Themes:** [Jeremiah 2:15](/jeremiah/2-15 "Jeremiah 2:15 - Consequences of Apostasy") contributes significantly to several major theological and narrative themes within the book of Jeremiah and the broader prophetic literature. It vividly portrays the theme of **Divine Judgment**, where God, in His unwavering justice, sovereignly uses foreign nations as instruments of His wrath to bring about the inevitable consequences of Judah's persistent sin and rebellion against His covenant. This highlights the severe **Consequences of Apostasy**, demonstrating that spiritual infidelity and the forsaking of the one true God directly lead to national ruin, loss of security, and widespread suffering. The verse also underscores the **Loss of Divine Protection**; by abandoning Yahweh, Judah forfeited the divine safeguarding that had historically preserved them, leaving them vulnerable to the "young lions" of foreign invasion. Finally, the phrases "made his land waste" and "cities are burned without inhabitant" emphasize the theme of **Utter Desolation**, painting a picture of complete and devastating ruin that signifies the profound loss of national identity, prosperity, and the very fabric of their society, as prophesied in covenant curses like those found in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses for Disobedience").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **young lions (Hebrew, _kᵉphîyr'_):** (H3715) From a root meaning "to cover," this term can refer to a village (as covered by walls) but also specifically to a young lion, perhaps alluding to its developing mane or its predatory nature as it begins to hunt independently. In this context, it powerfully symbolizes fierce, aggressive, and powerful foreign nations or armies, eager for conquest and destruction, emphasizing their predatory nature and the overwhelming force they represent.
* **roared (Hebrew, _shâʼag'_):** (H7580) A primitive root meaning "to rumble or moan," specifically referring to the deep, guttural sound made by a lion. Here, it conveys the terrifying, triumphant, and intimidating sound of the invading armies, signifying their overwhelming presence and the fear they instill in their victims. It evokes the image of a predator asserting its dominance over its prey.
* **waste (Hebrew, _shammâh'_):** (H8047) Derived from the root "to be desolate," this noun signifies ruin, desolation, or devastation. It also carries the implication of consternation or astonishment, reflecting the shock and horror associated with such widespread destruction. In [Jeremiah 2:15](/jeremiah/2-15 "Jeremiah 2:15 - The Desolation of the Land"), it describes the physical state of the land after the invasion, emphasizing its utter destruction and uninhabitable condition.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The young lions roared upon him, [and] yelled":** This clause introduces the agents of divine judgment—powerful foreign invaders, metaphorically depicted as "young lions." Their "roaring" and "yelling" convey their ferocity, triumphant advance, and the terrifying sound of their attack, signifying an overwhelming and predatory assault on Judah. This imagery emphasizes the brutal, animalistic nature of the conquest, highlighting the overwhelming force and terror brought upon the nation.
* **"and they made his land waste":** This phrase describes the immediate and devastating outcome of the invasion. The land, once fertile and inhabited, is reduced to a state of ruin and desolation. This signifies not just military defeat but a comprehensive destruction that renders the territory unproductive and uninhabitable, highlighting the profound impact on the nation's agricultural, economic, and social foundations. It speaks to a complete disruption of life and order.
* **"his cities are burned without inhabitant":** This final clause underscores the completeness and finality of the destruction. The urban centers, which were symbols of civilization, security, and population, are not merely conquered but utterly destroyed by fire. The phrase "without inhabitant" emphasizes the depopulation—either through death, exile, or flight—leaving the cities desolate, empty, and devoid of communal life. This paints a picture of total national collapse and the obliteration of the very fabric of their society.

#### Literary Devices
[Jeremiah 2:15](/jeremiah/2-15 "Jeremiah 2:15 - Poetic Imagery of Judgment") is rich in **Imagery**, painting a vivid and terrifying picture of destruction through the actions of the "young lions." The primary literary device employed is **Metaphor**, where "young lions" serve as a powerful representation of the foreign invading armies (historically, likely the Assyrians or Babylonians) that God permits to bring judgment upon Judah. This metaphor effectively conveys their ferocity, predatory nature, and overwhelming strength. The actions of "roaring" and "yelling" further enhance this animalistic imagery, while also hinting at **Personification**, as these sounds convey a triumphant, almost human-like, cry of conquest, asserting dominance. The phrase "burned without inhabitant" functions as **Hyperbole** or **Exaggeration** to emphasize the absolute and total nature of the desolation, signifying not just defeat but the complete obliteration of national life and population. This combination of devices creates a stark, memorable, and emotionally impactful depiction of divine judgment, designed to convey the severity of God's wrath against Judah's unfaithfulness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 2:15 stands as a profound theological statement on the consequences of covenant infidelity and the unwavering justice of God. It reveals that God's covenant with Israel, while gracious and redemptive, also contained clear stipulations for obedience and stern warnings of severe judgment for disobedience, as outlined in the Mosaic Law (e.g., [Leviticus 26](/leviticus/26 "Leviticus 26 - Blessings and Curses for Obedience and Disobedience") and [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses for Obedience and Disobedience")). When Judah persistently turned away from Yahweh to pursue idolatry and foreign alliances, they effectively forfeited His divine protection, leaving themselves vulnerable to the very forces they sought to align with or appease. The "young lions" are thus not merely historical enemies but instruments in God's sovereign hand, executing His righteous judgment. This verse underscores the timeless principle that true security and national well-being are rooted in steadfast faithfulness to God, not in human strength, political maneuvering, or the worship of false gods.

* [Deuteronomy 28:49-52](/deuteronomy/28-49-52 "Deuteronomy 28:49-52 - Prophecy of Foreign Invasion and Siege")
* [Leviticus 26:31-33](/leviticus/26-31-33 "Leviticus 26:31-33 - Desolation for Disobedience")
* [Isaiah 5:26-30](/isaiah/5-26-30 "Isaiah 5:26-30 - God Summons Foreign Nations as Judgment")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 2:15 serves as a timeless and sobering warning for all generations, reminding us that there are profound and often devastating consequences for spiritual drifting, apathy, and outright rebellion against God. Just as ancient Judah faced physical desolation for their idolatry and unfaithfulness, we too can experience various forms of "waste" and "burning" in our lives when we forsake the "fountain of living waters" and pursue broken cisterns—whether they be material possessions, worldly ambitions, fleeting pleasures, self-reliance, or any pursuit that displaces God from His rightful place. This verse challenges us to examine our own allegiances: What are the "young lions" that threaten to devour our peace, joy, and spiritual vitality when we neglect our relationship with the Lord? It calls us to recognize that true security and flourishing, both individually and corporately, are found solely in steadfast faithfulness to God and His covenant, not in human strategies or fleeting earthly comforts. The judgment on Judah underscores God's unwavering justice and His commitment to His own holiness, urging us to humble ourselves, repent, and return to Him wholeheartedly before the consequences of our spiritual compromise become overwhelming.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "idols" or "broken cisterns" in my own life might be leading to spiritual "waste" or "desolation"?**
* **How does my daily life demonstrate my reliance on God's protection versus my own strength or worldly alliances?**
* **In what ways might I be neglecting my covenant relationship with God, and what steps can I take to return to Him wholeheartedly?**
* **How can the severity of God's judgment in Jeremiah 2:15 deepen my appreciation for His mercy and grace in Christ?**

### FAQ

**Who are the "young lions" mentioned in Jeremiah 2:15?**

Answer: The "young lions" are a powerful metaphor for the foreign invading armies that God allowed to conquer and devastate Judah. While not explicitly named in this verse, historical context points primarily to the Neo-Babylonian Empire, which would eventually conquer Judah and destroy Jerusalem, and secondarily to the Assyrians, who had previously ravaged the northern kingdom of Israel and posed a constant threat. These nations were characterized by their ferocity, strength, and predatory nature, acting as instruments of God's judgment against His unfaithful people, much like a lion preys on its victim.

**What does "his cities are burned without inhabitant" signify?**

Answer: This phrase signifies the utter and complete desolation of Judah. It means that the cities were not just captured or plundered, but systematically destroyed by fire, and their populations were either killed, exiled, or fled, leaving the urban centers completely empty and uninhabited. This imagery conveys the most extreme form of national ruin, indicating the profound loss of life, livelihood, national identity, and the very fabric of society, fulfilling the covenant curses for disobedience found in passages like [Deuteronomy 28:52](/deuteronomy/28-52 "Deuteronomy 28:52 - Siege and Destruction of Cities"). It speaks to a complete obliteration of communal life.

**Is the message of Jeremiah 2:15 relevant for believers today?**

Answer: Absolutely. While the immediate context is God's judgment on ancient Judah for their specific covenant unfaithfulness and idolatry, the underlying principles are timeless. The verse serves as a universal warning that turning away from God, whether through overt rebellion, spiritual apathy, or prioritizing worldly pursuits over Him, leads to destructive consequences. It reminds us that God is just and holy, and while His New Covenant in Christ offers grace and forgiveness, the principle that abandoning the "fountain of living waters" for "broken cisterns" (as seen in [Jeremiah 2:13](/jeremiah/2-13 "Jeremiah 2:13 - Forsaking the Fountain of Living Waters")) ultimately leads to spiritual barrenness and a loss of true flourishing remains profoundly relevant for individual believers and communities today. It calls us to constant vigilance and faithfulness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 2:15, with its stark depiction of judgment and desolation, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment not in a repetition of national destruction, but in the profound theological reality of Christ's perfect obedience and His atoning sacrifice. The "young lions" of judgment roared upon Judah because of their covenant breaking, but Christ, the true Israel and the perfect Son, perfectly fulfilled the covenant, taking upon Himself the full wrath and judgment for humanity's sin. He became the "land waste" and the "cities burned without inhabitant" on the cross, enduring the ultimate desolation, separation from God, and the full curse of sin (as foreshadowed in [Isaiah 53:4-6](/isaiah/53-4-6 "Isaiah 53:4-6 - Christ Bears Our Sins")), so that those who believe in Him might never face such spiritual ruin. The curse of being "burned without inhabitant" points to the spiritual death and separation from God that sin brings, a condition from which Christ delivers us by His resurrection. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus inaugurated a new covenant (as prophesied in [Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31-34 "Jeremiah 31:31-34 - The New Covenant")), where God's law is written on hearts, and sins are remembered no more. Believers in Christ are no longer subject to the "roaring" judgment of God for their unfaithfulness, for Jesus has borne that judgment and made peace through His blood (as stated in [Colossians 1:20](/colossians/1-20 "Colossians 1:20 - Reconciliation Through Christ's Blood")). Instead of desolate cities and a wasted land, Christ promises a secure and eternal dwelling place in the New Jerusalem (foreshadowed in [Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1-4 "Revelation 21:1-4 - The New Heaven and New Earth")), where God Himself dwells with His people, and there is no more curse, sorrow, or desolation. Thus, the terrifying judgment of Jeremiah 2:15 ultimately magnifies the glorious grace and redemptive power of Christ, who transforms the desolate into the eternally inhabited and brings life out of death.

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

Jeremiah 4:7

The lion is come up from his thicket, and the destroyer of the Gentiles is on his way; he is gone forth from his place to make thy land desolate; [and] thy cities shall be laid waste, without an inhabitant.

Jeremiah 50:17

Israel [is] a scattered sheep; the lions have driven [him] away: first the king of Assyria hath devoured him; and last this Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon hath broken his bones.

Isaiah 1:7

Your country [is] desolate, your cities [are] burned with fire: your land, strangers devour it in your presence, and [it is] desolate, as overthrown by strangers.

Jeremiah 9:11

And I will make Jerusalem heaps, [and] a den of dragons; and I will make the cities of Judah desolate, without an inhabitant.

Isaiah 5:29

Their roaring [shall be] like a lion, they shall roar like young lions: yea, they shall roar, and lay hold of the prey, and shall carry [it] away safe, and none shall deliver [it].

Amos 3:4

Will a lion roar in the forest, when he hath no prey? will a young lion cry out of his den, if he have taken nothing?

Isaiah 24:1

¶ Behold, the LORD maketh the earth empty, and maketh it waste, and turneth it upside down, and scattereth abroad the inhabitants thereof.