TRV
Translation
King James Version
The young lions roared upon him, and yelled, and they made his land waste: his cities are burned without inhabitant.
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.
World English Bible Messianic
The young lions have roared at him, and yelled. They have made his land waste. His cities are burned up, without inhabitant.
Geneva Bible (1599)
The lions roared vpon him and yelled, and they haue made his land waste: his cities are burnt without an inhabitant.
Young's Literal Translation
Against him roar do young lions, They have given forth their voice, And make his land become a desolation, His cities have been burnt without inhabitant.
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Commentary on Jeremiah 2 verses 14–19
14 ¶ Is Israel a servant? is he a homeborn slave? why is he spoiled?
15 The young lions roared upon him, and yelled, and they made his land waste: his cities are burned without inhabitant.
16 Also the children of Noph and Tahapanes have broken the crown of thy head.
17 Hast thou not procured this unto thyself, in that thou hast forsaken the LORD thy God, when he led thee by the way?
18 And now what hast thou to do in the way of Egypt, to drink the waters of Sihor? or what hast thou to do in the way of Assyria, to drink the waters of the river?
19 Thine own wickedness shall correct thee, and thy backslidings shall reprove thee: know therefore and see that it is an evil thing and bitter, that thou hast forsaken the LORD thy God, and that my fear is not in thee, saith the Lord GOD of hosts.
The prophet, further to evince the folly of their forsaking God, shows them what mischiefs they had already brought upon themselves by so doing; it had already cost them dear, for to this were owing all the calamities their country was now groaning under, which were but an earnest of more and greater if they repented not. See how they smarted for their folly.
I. Their neighbours, who were their professed enemies, prevailed against them, and this was owing to their sin. 1. They were enslaved and lost their liberty (Jer 2:14): Is Israel a servant? No; Israel is my son, my first-born, Exo 4:22. They are children; they are heirs. Nay, their extraction is noble; they are the seed of Abraham, God's friend, and of Jacob his chosen. Is he a home-born slave? No; he is not the son of the bond-woman, but of the free. They were designed for dominion, not for servitude. Every thing in their constitution carried about it the marks of freedom and honour. Why then is he spoiled of his liberty? Why is he used as a servant, as a home-born slave? Why does he make himself a slave to his lusts, to his idols, to that which does not profit? Jer 2:11. What a thing is this, that such a birthright should be sold for a mess of pottage, such a crown profaned and laid in the dust! Why is he made a slave to the oppressor? God provided that a Hebrew servant should be free the seventh year, and that their slaves should be of the heathen, not of their brethren, Lev 25:44, Lev 25:46. But, notwithstanding this, the princes made slaves of their subjects, and masters made slaves of their servants (Jer 34:11), and so made their country mean and miserable, which God had made happy and honourable. The neighbouring princes and powers broke in upon them, and made some of them slaves even in their own country, and perhaps sold others for slaves into foreign countries. And how came they thus to lose their liberties? For their iniquities they sold themselves, Isa 50:1. We may apply this spiritually. Is the soul of man a servant? Is it a home-born slave? No, it is not. Why then is it spoiled? It is because it has sold its own liberty and enslaved itself to divers lusts and passions, which is a lamentation, and should be for a lamentation. 2. They were impoverished and had lost their wealth. God brought them into a plentiful country (Jer 2:7), but all their neighbours made a prey of it (Jer 2:15): Young lions roar aloud over him and yell; they are a continual terror to him. Sometimes one potent enemy, and sometimes another, and sometimes many in confederacy, fall upon him, and triumph over him. They carry off the fruits of his land, and make that waste, and burn his cities, when first they have plundered them, so that they remain without inhabitant, either because there are no houses to dwell in or because those that should dwell in them are carried into captivity. 3. They were abused, and insulted over, and beaten by every body (Jer 2:16): "Even the children of Noph and Tahapanes, despicable people, not famed for military courage nor strength, have broken the crown of thy head, or fed upon it. In all their struggles with thee they have been too hard for thee, and thou hast always come off with a broken head. The principal part of thy country, that which lay next Jerusalem, has been and is a prey to them." How calamitous the condition of Judah had been of late in the reign of Manasseh we find, Ch2 33:11, and perhaps it had not now much recovered itself. 4. All this was owing to their sin (Jer 2:17): Hast thou not procured this unto thyself? By their sinful confederacies with the nations, and especially their conformity to them in their idolatrous customs and usages, they had made themselves very mean and contemptible, as all those do that have made a profession of religion and afterwards throw it off. Nothing now appeared of that which, by their constitution, made them both honourable and formidable, and therefore nobody either respected them or feared them. But this was not all; they had provoked God to give them up into the hands of their enemies, and to make them a scourge to them and give them success against them; and "thus thou hast procured it to thyself, in that thou hast forsaken the Lord thy God, revolted from thy allegiance to him and so thrown thyself out of his protection; for protection and allegiance go together." Whatever trouble we are in at any time we may thank ourselves for it; for we bring it upon our own head by our forsaking God: "Thou hast forsaken thy God at the time that he was leading thee by the way" (so it should be read); "Then when he was leading thee on to a happy peace and settlement, and thou wast within a step of it, then thou forsookest him, and so didst put a bar in thy own door."
II. Their neighbours, that were their pretended friends, deceived them, distressed them, and helped them not, and this also was owing to their sin. 1. They did in vain seek to Egypt and Assyria for help (Jer 2:18): "What hast thou to do in the way of Egypt? When thou art under apprehensions of danger thou art running to Egypt for help, Isa 30:1, Isa 30:2; Isa 31:1. Thou art for drinking the waters of Sihor," that is, Nilus. "Thou reliest upon their multitude, and refreshest thy self with the fair promises they make thee. At other times thou art in the way of Assyria, sending or going with all speed to fetch recruits thence, and thinkest to satisfy thyself with the waters of the river Euphrates; what hast thou to do there? What wilt thou get by applying to them? They shall help in vain, shall be broken reeds to thee, and what thou thoughtest would be to thee as a river will be but a broken cistern." 2. This also was because of their sin. The judgment shall unavoidably come upon them which their sin has deserved; and then to what purpose is it to call in help against it? Jer 2:19. "Thy own wickedness shall correct thee, and then it is impossible for them to save thee; know and see therefore, upon the whole matter, that it is an evil thing that thou hast forsaken God, for it is that which makes thy enemies enemies indeed, and thy friends friends in vain." Observe here, (1.) The nature of sin; it is forsaking the Lord as our God; it is the soul's alienation from him and aversion to him. Cleaving to sin is leaving God. (2.) The cause of sin; it is because his fear is not in us. It is for want of a good principle in us, particularly for want of the fear of God; this is at the bottom of our apostasy from him; men forsake their duty to God because they stand in no awe of him nor have any dread of his displeasure. (3.) The malignity of sin; it is an evil thing and a bitter. Sin is an evil thing, only evil, an evil that has no good in it, an evil that is the root and cause of all other evil; it is evil indeed, for it is not only the greatest contrariety to the divine nature, but the greatest corruption of the human nature. It is bitter; a state of sin is the gall of bitterness, and every sinful way will be bitterness in the latter end; the wages of it is death, and death is bitter. (4.) The fatal consequences of sin; as it is in itself evil and bitter, so it has a direct tendency to make us miserable: "Thy own wickedness shall correct thee, and thy backslidings shall reprove thee, not only destroy and ruin thee hereafter, but correct and reprove thee now; they will certainly bring trouble upon thee; and punishment will so inevitably follow the sin that the sin shall itself be said to punish thee. Nay, the punishment, in its kind and circumstances, shall so directly answer to the sin, that thou mayest read the sin in the punishment; and the justice of the punishment shall be so plain that thou shalt not have a word to say for thyself; thy own wickedness shall convince thee and stop thy mouth for ever and thou shalt be forced to own that the Lord is righteous." (5.) The use and application of all this: "Know therefore, and see it, and repent of thy sin, that so the iniquity which is thy correction may not be thy ruin."
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 14–19. Public domain.
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JeromeAD 420
Commentary on Jeremiah
(v. 15) So why did he become prey? The lions roared against him and gave forth their voice. They made his land a desolation; his cities are burned and no one lives in them. The divine speech asks a question in order to answer it. But indeed, the lions can be understood as the princes of Babylon, who made their land a desolation and destroyed their cities with fire. Or certainly, by way of anagoge, we can understand the lions as adversarial powers or the leaders of heretics, who devastate the land of the Church and lay waste to all her cities with heretical fire, the fire about which it is written: "All of them are adulterers, their hearts are like an oven" (Hosea 7:4). For they truly give their voice, and in this same prophet under the figure of the partridge they cry out: They gather what they have not brought forth: they make riches, but not with judgment (Jerem. XVII, 17). Therefore, her cities have been devastated and destroyed: because they do not have God as an inhabitant, as the Scripture says: And there is no one who dwells in them (Ibid., 4).
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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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
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Jeremiah 2:15 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 and Deuteronomy 28). 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.
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
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. 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) 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), 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), 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). 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), 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.