Jeremiah 4:15

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

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

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

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

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

Jeremiah 4:15 describes the rapid spread of news regarding an impending invasion of Judah, emphasizing its geographical scope.

Context

This verse is situated within a series of prophecies in Jeremiah chapters 4-6, where the prophet graphically depicts God's impending judgment upon Judah. The "voice" declaring from Dan and publishing affliction from Mount Ephraim refers to the alarming news of the advancing enemy—likely the Babylonians—who are coming from the north. Dan was the northernmost city of Israel, and Mount Ephraim (or the hill country of Ephraim) was located in the central part of the land. The declaration signifies that the news of the invasion would spread quickly from the northern frontier, moving southward, indicating the unstoppable and widespread nature of the coming calamity. This continues the theme of alarm and warning established earlier in the chapter, such as the call to flee from the sword (Jeremiah 4:6).

Key Themes

  • Imminent Judgment and Invasion: The primary message is the swift and unavoidable approach of God's judgment against Judah, personified by a powerful invading army. The "voice" is not just a messenger but the very sound of the approaching disaster. This invasion is often linked to "a great nation from the north" (Jeremiah 6:22).
  • Geographical Spread of Calamity: The mention of Dan and Mount Ephraim highlights that no part of the land would be untouched by the coming "affliction." It underscores the comprehensive nature of the impending doom, spreading from the farthest north to the heartland.
  • Divine Warning: Despite the severity of the prophecy, the declaration itself serves as a stark warning, urging Judah to repent. However, the consistent theme in Jeremiah is Judah's failure to heed these divine warnings, leading to the inevitable consequences of their persistent disobedience.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "declareth" is nāgad (נגד), meaning "to tell, report, announce." "Publisheth" comes from shāmaʿ (שמע), which means "to hear, listen, proclaim, announce." The repetition of the idea of announcing or proclaiming emphasizes the clarity and certainty of the message. The word "affliction" is ’āwen (און), which can mean trouble, sorrow, wickedness, or calamity. In this context, it refers to the severe disaster and trouble brought by the invading army.

Practical Application

Jeremiah 4:15 serves as a powerful reminder of the reality of divine warnings and the consequences of ignoring them. Just as the news of the Babylonian invasion spread rapidly, so too can the repercussions of spiritual negligence or disobedience. This verse encourages believers to be attentive to God's voice, whether it comes as a warning, a call to repentance, or a directive for life. It underscores the principle that God's judgments, while often delayed, are certain if His people continue in rebellion. It also highlights the importance of spiritual watchfulness, recognizing the signs of the times and responding with humility and repentance before calamity strikes.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

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