Jeremiah 4:15

KJV

For a voice declareth from Dan, and publisheth affliction from mount Ephraim.

KJV (with Strong's)

For a voice {H6963} declareth {H5046} from Dan {H1835}, and publisheth {H8085} affliction {H205} from mount {H2022} Ephraim {H669}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For a voice is announcing the news from Dan, proclaiming disaster from the hills of Efrayim:

Berean Standard Bible

For a voice resounds from Dan, proclaiming disaster from the hills of Ephraim.

American Standard Version

For a voice declareth from Dan, and publisheth evil from the hills of Ephraim.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 4:15 vividly portrays the rapid and pervasive spread of news concerning an impending invasion of Judah, signaling God's imminent judgment. The "voice" declaring from Dan, the northernmost point of Israel, and "publishing affliction" from Mount Ephraim, located in the central hill country, graphically illustrates the speed and comprehensive nature of the approaching catastrophe. This prophetic announcement serves as a dire warning, emphasizing that the calamity originating from the north will sweep through the entire land, leaving no region untouched by its devastating impact.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within Jeremiah's early prophecies (chapters 4-6), which are dominated by themes of Judah's apostasy and God's impending judgment, primarily through an unnamed, formidable enemy from the north. Chapter 4 specifically shifts from a call to repentance (e.g., [Jeremiah 4:1-2](/jeremiah/4-1 "Jeremiah 4:1-2 - Call to Repentance")) to a graphic depiction of the coming invasion. Verses immediately preceding and following [Jeremiah 4:15](/jeremiah/4-15 "Jeremiah 4:15 - The Voice of Invasion") describe the enemy's swift approach, the terror it inspires, and the futility of resistance, culminating in a lament over the desolation of the land. The "voice" here is not merely a messenger but the very sound of the unfolding disaster, echoing the urgency and inevitability of the judgment that God is bringing upon His unfaithful people.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The mention of "Dan" and "Mount Ephraim" is geographically and historically significant. Dan was the traditional northern boundary of Israel (from "Dan to Beersheba"), making it the first point of contact for any invasion from the north, such as by the Assyrians or Babylonians. Mount Ephraim, or the hill country of Ephraim, represented the heartland of the former northern kingdom of Israel, now largely part of Judah's sphere of influence or a key route to Jerusalem. The news spreading from these points signifies that the invasion is not a localized skirmish but a comprehensive assault moving southward, threatening the very core of Judah. Culturally, such news would have spread rapidly through word of mouth, watchmen on city walls, and messengers, creating widespread panic and a sense of inescapable doom, as seen in the calls to flee to fortified cities in [Jeremiah 4:5-6](/jeremiah/4-5 "Jeremiah 4:5-6 - Sound the Alarm!").
* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully contributes to several key themes in Jeremiah. Firstly, it underscores the **Imminent and Inescapable Judgment** of God, portraying the invasion as a divinely orchestrated consequence of Judah's persistent sin and idolatry. The speed and geographical scope of the news emphasize that no corner of the land will be spared. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Warning**, as the "voice" serves not just to report but to announce the coming "affliction," giving Judah one final, albeit unheeded, opportunity to turn back to God. This warning is a consistent motif throughout Jeremiah, often met with stubborn refusal, leading to the [inevitable consequences](/jeremiah/5-29 "Jeremiah 5:29 - Consequences of Disobedience") of their rebellion. Thirdly, the verse reinforces the **Sovereignty of God** over nations and events, even over the destructive actions of foreign armies, which are ultimately instruments in His hand to execute His righteous judgment.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **voice (Hebrew, _qôwl'_):** From an unused root meaning "to call aloud," this word denotes a sound, voice, or noise. In this context, it is more than just a human utterance; it carries the weight of a powerful, alarming sound—the very sound of impending disaster, the clamor of war, or the urgent cries of watchmen. It signifies a clear, undeniable announcement of calamity.
* **declareth (Hebrew, _nâgad'_):** A primitive root meaning "to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to one present)." This term emphasizes the direct, public, and undeniable nature of the announcement. It's not a whisper but a bold declaration, ensuring the message of impending doom is heard clearly across the land.
* **affliction (Hebrew, _ʼâven'_):** From an unused root perhaps meaning "to pant," this word strictly means "nothingness," but also encompasses trouble, vanity, wickedness, and specifically, an idol. In Jeremiah 4:15, it refers to the severe trouble, calamity, and sorrow brought by the invading army, a direct consequence of the "wickedness" (also a meaning of _ʼâven_) of the people. It highlights the destructive and painful nature of the coming judgment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For a voice declareth from Dan":** This clause establishes the origin point of the alarming news. "Dan," located at the northernmost border of Israel, signifies the initial point of contact for the invading army, likely the Babylonians, who would approach from the north. The "voice" is personified, acting as a herald of doom, making a public and undeniable declaration of the approaching danger. This immediate announcement from the frontier underscores the swiftness and proximity of the threat.
* **"and publisheth affliction from mount Ephraim":** This second clause indicates the rapid progression and widespread impact of the news. "Mount Ephraim," representing the central hill country, signifies that the message of "affliction" (calamity, trouble) is not confined to the border but has quickly penetrated deep into the heartland of the territory. The act of "publishing" implies a broad dissemination, ensuring that the news of the impending disaster is known throughout the land, creating a pervasive sense of dread and urgency.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 4:15 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its urgent message. **Personification** is evident in the "voice" that "declareth" and "publisheth affliction," giving an abstract sound the active qualities of a messenger, thereby intensifying the sense of a living, breathing threat. This voice is not merely a human report but the very sound of the unfolding catastrophe. **Metonymy** is also at play, where "Dan" and "Mount Ephraim" stand in for the entire geographical expanse of the land, from its northern frontier to its central core, signifying that no region will be untouched by the coming judgment. Furthermore, the verse uses **Hyperbole** to emphasize the speed and totality of the news's spread, suggesting an almost instantaneous transmission of alarm across vast distances, underscoring the overwhelming nature of the impending invasion. The vivid **Imagery** of a voice shouting from distant peaks creates a powerful auditory and spatial impression of an inescapable and rapidly approaching doom.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 4:15 serves as a stark reminder of God's justice and His unwavering commitment to hold His people accountable for their covenant unfaithfulness. The rapid spread of the news of impending "affliction" is not merely a report of military movements but a divine announcement of judgment. It highlights that God's warnings are not idle threats; when His people persistently rebel and refuse to repent, the consequences are certain and comprehensive. This verse underscores the principle that divine judgment, while often delayed by God's patience, will inevitably come to pass if His calls for repentance are ignored. It speaks to the seriousness of sin and the reality of a holy God who will not indefinitely tolerate disobedience.

* [Isaiah 5:26-30](/isaiah/5-26 "Isaiah 5:26-30 - God Summons the Nations for Judgment")
* [Hosea 8:1](/hosea/8-1 "Hosea 8:1 - The Trumpet Blast of Judgment")
* [Amos 3:6](/amos/3-6 "Amos 3:6 - God's Hand in Calamity")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 4:15 challenges us to consider our responsiveness to divine warnings in our own lives. Just as the ancient Judahites were faced with undeniable signs of impending judgment, we too are often confronted with the consequences of sin, both individually and corporately. This verse calls us to spiritual vigilance, urging us to "hear" God's voice, whether it comes through His Word, the conviction of the Holy Spirit, or the unfolding events of the world around us. It reminds us that turning a deaf ear to divine counsel can lead to widespread "affliction." True wisdom lies in heeding warnings, repenting of sin, and aligning our lives with God's will before the full weight of consequences is felt. It encourages us to cultivate a posture of humility and readiness, recognizing that God's justice is as certain as His mercy.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "voices" or warnings might God be speaking in my life or in the world today that I might be ignoring?**
* **How does my response to spiritual warnings reflect my trust in God's character and His Word?**
* **In what areas of my life do I need to cultivate greater spiritual vigilance and readiness to repent?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of "Dan" and "Mount Ephraim" in this verse?**

Answer: The mention of "Dan" and "Mount Ephraim" is highly significant geographically and symbolically. Dan was the northernmost city of ancient Israel, making it the traditional entry point for invaders from the north. Mount Ephraim (or the hill country of Ephraim) was located in the central part of the land, representing the heartland. By declaring from Dan and publishing from Mount Ephraim, the prophet emphasizes the rapid, pervasive, and inescapable nature of the coming judgment. The news of the invasion would spread quickly from the farthest northern border, sweeping through the entire land, signaling that no region would be spared from the impending "affliction." This imagery underscores the comprehensive scope of God's judgment upon Judah.

**Who is the "voice" in Jeremiah 4:15?**

Answer: The "voice" in Jeremiah 4:15 is not explicitly identified as a specific person or entity, but it functions as a powerful, personified announcement of impending doom. It can be understood as the collective sound of alarm—perhaps the shouts of watchmen, the cries of fleeing refugees, or even the metaphorical roar of the approaching enemy. The prophet uses this imagery to convey the undeniable and widespread nature of the news concerning the invasion. Ultimately, this "voice" is a divinely ordained messenger, serving God's purpose to warn Judah of the judgment that is already in motion due to their sin, as God is sovereign over all events, including the actions of invading armies ([Isaiah 10:5-6](/isaiah/10-5 "Isaiah 10:5-6 - Assyria as God's Rod")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Jeremiah 4:15 directly speaks of the historical judgment upon Judah through the Babylonian invasion, its underlying theological principles find profound Christ-centered fulfillment. The "voice" declaring "affliction" from the north foreshadows the ultimate divine judgment against sin, which culminates in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Just as the news of impending doom spread across Judah, so too has the gospel—the good news of salvation and the warning of future judgment—been declared to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem and spreading to the ends of the earth ([Luke 24:47](/luke/24-47 "Luke 24:47 - Repentance and Forgiveness Proclaimed")). Jesus, the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), bore the "affliction" and judgment for humanity's sin on the cross, offering a way of escape from the ultimate wrath to come ([Romans 5:9](/romans/5-9 "Romans 5:9 - Saved from God's Wrath")). Furthermore, the "voice" of warning in Jeremiah anticipates the prophetic voice of Christ Himself, who warned of impending judgment for those who reject Him ([Matthew 24:36-44](/matthew/24-36 "Matthew 24:36-44 - The Day and Hour Unknown")) and who will return as the righteous judge, bringing final judgment upon all unrighteousness ([Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11 "Revelation 19:11-16 - The Rider on the White Horse")). Thus, the "affliction" announced in Jeremiah finds its ultimate resolution and warning in the person of Christ—both in His atoning sacrifice that delivers from affliction and in His future return as the one who will execute perfect justice.

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 8:16

The snorting of his horses was heard from Dan: the whole land trembled at the sound of the neighing of his strong ones; for they are come, and have devoured the land, and all that is in it; the city, and those that dwell therein.

Joshua 20:7

¶ And they appointed Kedesh in Galilee in mount Naphtali, and Shechem in mount Ephraim, and Kirjatharba, which [is] Hebron, in the mountain of Judah.

Judges 20:1

¶ Then all the children of Israel went out, and the congregation was gathered together as one man, from Dan even to Beersheba, with the land of Gilead, unto the LORD in Mizpeh.

Jeremiah 6:1

¶ O ye children of Benjamin, gather yourselves to flee out of the midst of Jerusalem, and blow the trumpet in Tekoa, and set up a sign of fire in Bethhaccerem: for evil appeareth out of the north, and great destruction.

Joshua 17:15

And Joshua answered them, If thou [be] a great people, [then] get thee up to the wood [country], and cut down for thyself there in the land of the Perizzites and of the giants, if mount Ephraim be too narrow for thee.

Judges 18:29

And they called the name of the city Dan, after the name of Dan their father, who was born unto Israel: howbeit the name of the city [was] Laish at the first.