Jeremiah 4:16

KJV

Make ye mention to the nations; behold, publish against Jerusalem, [that] watchers come from a far country, and give out their voice against the cities of Judah.

KJV (with Strong's)

Make ye mention {H2142} to the nations {H1471}; behold, publish {H8085} against Jerusalem {H3389}, that watchers {H5341} come {H935} from a far {H4801} country {H776}, and give out {H5414} their voice {H6963} against the cities {H5892} of Judah {H3063}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Report it to the nations, proclaim about Yerushalayim: '[Enemies] are coming from a distant country, watching and shouting their war cry against the cities of Y'hudah.'

Berean Standard Bible

Warn the nations now! Proclaim to Jerusalem: “A besieging army comes from a distant land; they raise their voices against the cities of Judah.

American Standard Version

Make ye mention to the nations; behold, publish against Jerusalem, that watchers come from a far country, and give out their voice against the cities of Judah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 4:16 delivers a stark and urgent prophetic warning to the people of Judah and Jerusalem, announcing the imminent arrival of an invading force. This foreign army, described as "watchers from a far country," is commissioned by God to bring severe judgment and destruction upon the land and its cities due to widespread idolatry, covenant unfaithfulness, and persistent disobedience. The command to "make ye mention to the nations" and "publish against Jerusalem" underscores the public and undeniable nature of this divine decree, serving as a solemn declaration of impending doom.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 4:16 is situated within a series of intense prophecies (Jeremiah 4:5-31) that vividly describe the impending invasion of Judah by an unnamed, yet clearly identifiable, "enemy from the north." This particular verse functions as a direct prophetic announcement, detailing the specific role of the invaders as "watchers" or besiegers. It follows Jeremiah's fervent pleas for repentance in the opening verses of chapter 4, highlighting the tragic consequence of Judah's refusal to turn back to God. The imagery in this section intensifies, moving from general warnings to graphic descriptions of an approaching army, their war cries, and the terror they will inflict, setting the stage for the prophet's profound lament over the destruction of his people (e.g., [Jeremiah 4:19-21](/jeremiah/4-19 "Jeremiah 4:19-21 - Jeremiah's Anguish")). The public declaration to "the nations" (gôwy) also ties into the broader theme of God's universal sovereignty, where even foreign powers are instruments in His divine plan.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The "watchers from a far country" are widely understood to refer to the Neo-Babylonian Empire (Chaldeans), which was rapidly rising to prominence in the late 7th and early 6th centuries BCE. Judah, under the reign of kings like Jehoiakim and Zedekiah, found itself caught between the waning power of Egypt and the burgeoning might of Babylon. Jeremiah's prophecies consistently identified Babylon as the divinely appointed instrument of judgment against Judah for its persistent idolatry, social injustice, and abandonment of the Mosaic covenant. The term "watchers" (nâtsar) in a military context refers to scouts, besiegers, or those who keep watch over a city during a siege, a common military tactic in the ancient Near East. Their "voice" would be the clamor of war, the shouts of command, and the cries of conquest, signaling the beginning of the end for the cities of Judah. This historical reality underscores the urgency and gravity of Jeremiah's message to a people who had become complacent in their sin.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 4:16 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Jeremiah and the prophetic tradition. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Judgment and Consequences**, demonstrating that God's righteous character demands a response to sin, and persistent disobedience inevitably leads to severe consequences. Judah's covenant unfaithfulness, despite repeated warnings, brings about this catastrophic outcome, illustrating the principle found in [Galatians 6:7](/galatians/6-7 "Galatians 6:7 - Sowing and Reaping"). Secondly, the verse emphasizes **God's Sovereignty in History**, revealing that even hostile foreign nations are not outside of God's control but are rather instruments He uses to accomplish His purposes, whether for discipline or judgment, as seen in [Isaiah 10:5-7](/isaiah/10-5 "Isaiah 10:5-7 - Assyria as God's Rod"). Thirdly, it underscores the **Imminence of Threat and Prophetic Warning**, as Jeremiah's role is to deliver God's message, however unpopular, about the unavoidable reality of the impending invasion, a theme introduced early in his ministry with the imagery of the "enemy from the north" ([Jeremiah 1:14-15](/jeremiah/1-14 "Jeremiah 1:14-15 - The Enemy from the North")). Finally, the command to "publish against Jerusalem" highlights the **Public Nature of God's Justice**, making Judah's downfall a visible testimony to God's faithfulness to His covenant, both in blessing and in judgment.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **nations (Hebrew, _gôwy'_):** This term (H1471) typically refers to a foreign nation, often used in contrast to Israel as God's chosen people. In this context, the command to "make ye mention to the nations" implies that Judah's impending judgment is not a private affair but a public spectacle, a demonstration of God's justice that even the surrounding Gentile peoples will witness and understand. It underscores the universal scope of God's sovereignty and His intention for His actions to serve as a testimony.
* **publish (Hebrew, _shâmaʻ'_):** The root (H8085) means "to hear intelligently," "to discern," or "to proclaim." Here, it carries the sense of making a public declaration or proclamation. The imperative "publish against Jerusalem" signifies a formal, undeniable announcement of impending doom. It is a divine decree that is to be made known, leaving no room for ignorance or denial regarding the source and certainty of the coming judgment.
* **watchers (Hebrew, _nâtsar'_):** This word (H5341) primarily means "to guard," "to observe," or "to preserve." While it can refer to angelic beings in other contexts (e.g., Daniel 4), in Jeremiah 4:16, it denotes human military personnel—scouts, besiegers, or those who keep a vigilant watch over a city. They are the vanguard of the invading army, meticulously observing and preparing for the siege of Jerusalem and the cities of Judah. Their presence signifies the immediate and inescapable nature of the threat.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Make ye mention to the nations; behold, publish against Jerusalem":** This opening clause emphasizes the public and undeniable nature of the impending judgment. God commands that the news of Jerusalem's downfall be declared not only within Judah but also to surrounding foreign nations. This serves multiple purposes: it vindicates God's justice before the world, demonstrates His sovereignty over all peoples, and perhaps acts as a final, desperate warning to Judah that their fate will be a public spectacle. The "behold" adds a sense of urgency and immediacy to the proclamation.
* **"that watchers come from a far country":** This identifies the agents of God's judgment. The "watchers" are the military scouts and besieging forces of the Neo-Babylonian Empire. The phrase "from a far country" (H4801, H776) highlights their foreignness and the vast distance they have traveled, emphasizing the power and reach of this formidable enemy, divinely appointed to execute judgment. It also implies that this is not a local skirmish but a major, overwhelming invasion.
* **"and give out their voice against the cities of Judah."** The "voice" (H6963) here is the sound of the invading army—their war cries, the clamor of their advance, the shouts of command, and the general din of a military force preparing for conquest and destruction. This "voice" is directed specifically "against the cities of Judah," indicating that the judgment will not be confined to Jerusalem alone but will encompass the entire territory, reflecting the widespread nature of Judah's apostasy.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 4:16 employs several potent literary devices to convey its urgent message. The use of **Imperative Mood** in "Make ye mention" and "publish" creates a sense of immediate command and undeniable authority, emphasizing that this is a divine decree. **Imagery** is powerfully utilized with phrases like "watchers come from a far country" and "give out their voice," painting a vivid picture of an approaching, formidable enemy whose presence is both seen and heard. This creates a palpable sense of dread and impending doom. The "voice" of the invaders can be seen as a form of **Metonymy**, where the sound represents the entire hostile force and their destructive intent. Furthermore, there is an element of **Irony** in the command to "publish against Jerusalem to the nations." Judah, which was meant to be a light and a testimony to the nations of God's faithfulness, is now becoming a public spectacle of His judgment due to its unfaithfulness, serving as a warning to others rather than an example of blessing.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 4:16 is a profound statement on God's unwavering justice and His sovereign control over human history. It underscores the biblical truth that sin, especially persistent covenant unfaithfulness, inevitably leads to divine judgment. This judgment is not arbitrary but is a righteous response to a people who have repeatedly rejected God's warnings and calls to repentance. The use of a foreign nation as an instrument of divine wrath highlights God's absolute authority over all peoples and empires, demonstrating that even the actions of seemingly autonomous earthly powers ultimately serve His overarching purposes. This passage serves as a stark reminder that God takes His covenant seriously, and while He is merciful and patient, His justice will ultimately prevail.

* [Deuteronomy 28:49-50](/deuteronomy/28-49 "Prophecy of a Fierce Nation")
* [Isaiah 5:26-30](/isaiah/5-26 "God Summons the Nations")
* [Habakkuk 1:6-10](/habakkuk/1-6 "The Rise of the Chaldeans")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 4:16 serves as a timeless and sobering reminder of the gravity of spiritual disobedience and the certainty of God's justice. For ancient Judah, it was an urgent call to repentance in the face of imminent destruction. For us today, this verse highlights that God's character remains consistent: He is holy and just, and sin has consequences. It compels us to consider the seriousness with which God views our faithfulness to His covenant, whether individually or corporately. The "publication" of this warning emphasizes that God's warnings are not hidden but are clearly proclaimed, often through His Word and faithful messengers. We are called to heed these warnings, to examine our lives for areas of compromise or disobedience, and to respond with genuine repentance. Furthermore, recognizing God's sovereignty even in the midst of judgment can provide a paradoxical comfort, knowing that He remains in control, working all things, even difficult circumstances, to accomplish His ultimate purposes for His people.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jeremiah 4:16 challenge my understanding of God's justice and sovereignty over nations?**
* **In what ways might I be ignoring or downplaying spiritual warnings in my own life or in the church today?**
* **What does this passage teach me about the consequences of corporate and individual disobedience, and how should I respond?**

### FAQ
**Who are the "watchers" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: In Jeremiah 4:16, the "watchers" (Hebrew: *nâtsar*) refer not to angelic beings, but to the invading military forces of the Neo-Babylonian (Chaldean) Empire. They are the scouts, besiegers, and vigilant soldiers who would encamp around cities, observing and preparing for an attack. God used this powerful foreign nation as His instrument of judgment against Judah for their persistent unfaithfulness and idolatry, as prophesied throughout Jeremiah and other prophetic books (e.g., [Habakkuk 1:6](/habakkuk/1-6 "Habakkuk 1:6 - The Chaldeans, a Bitter and Hasty Nation")).

**Why is the warning "published against Jerusalem" and "to the nations"?**

Answer: The command to "publish against Jerusalem" and "make ye mention to the nations" emphasizes the public and undeniable nature of God's impending judgment. It serves several purposes: firstly, it is a final, urgent warning to Judah, leaving no room for ignorance about their impending fate. Secondly, it demonstrates God's righteousness and justice to the surrounding nations, showing that He holds His own people accountable to His covenant. This public declaration vindicates God's character and serves as a powerful testimony to His sovereignty over all of creation, including the rise and fall of empires, as seen in passages like [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God Changes Times and Seasons").

**Does God still use foreign nations or external forces to bring judgment or discipline upon His people today?**

Answer: While the unique covenant relationship between God and ancient Israel is distinct, the principle of God's sovereignty over all nations and His use of various means to accomplish His purposes remains timeless. In the New Covenant, God's discipline for His children is primarily spiritual and relational, aimed at purification and growth (e.g., [Hebrews 12:5-11](/hebrews/12-5 "Hebrews 12:5-11 - God's Discipline of His Children")). However, the Bible also teaches that all earthly authorities are established by God ([Romans 13:1](/romans/13-1 "Romans 13:1 - Submission to Governing Authorities")), and the consequences of societal sin can manifest through various external pressures, political instability, or even natural disasters, which can serve as calls to repentance and a reminder of God's ultimate authority.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 4:16, with its stark announcement of judgment from a "far country" and the "voice" of destruction, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While Judah faced physical invasion and exile for its covenant unfaithfulness, humanity as a whole faced a far greater threat: the spiritual judgment for sin, a "far country" of alienation from God. The "watchers" bringing destruction foreshadow the spiritual forces of darkness that held humanity captive, whose "voice" was one of accusation and condemnation ([Revelation 12:10](/revelation/12-10 "Revelation 12:10 - The Accuser of the Brethren")). However, Jesus Christ, the true Lamb of God, came not to bring judgment but to bear it on our behalf. He silenced the voice of condemnation by His atoning sacrifice on the cross, disarming the spiritual powers and authorities that sought to destroy humanity ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). Through His death and resurrection, He offers a path to true peace and restoration, delivering us from the "far country" of sin's dominion and bringing us into His glorious kingdom. Thus, the ultimate "watcher" is not an enemy bringing destruction, but Christ Himself, who watches over His flock, securing their eternal salvation and offering abundant life to all who hear and obey His voice ([John 10:27-28](/john/10-27 "John 10:27-28 - Jesus' Sheep Hear His Voice")).

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 5:15

Lo, I will bring a nation upon you from far, O house of Israel, saith the LORD: it [is] a mighty nation, it [is] an ancient nation, a nation whose language thou knowest not, neither understandest what they say.

Ezekiel 21:22

At his right hand was the divination for Jerusalem, to appoint captains, to open the mouth in the slaughter, to lift up the voice with shouting, to appoint [battering] rams against the gates, to cast a mount, [and] to build a fort.

Isaiah 39:3

Then came Isaiah the prophet unto king Hezekiah, and said unto him, What said these men? and from whence came they unto thee? And Hezekiah said, They are come from a far country unto me, [even] from Babylon.

Jeremiah 50:2

Declare ye among the nations, and publish, and set up a standard; publish, [and] conceal not: say, Babylon is taken, Bel is confounded, Merodach is broken in pieces; her idols are confounded, her images are broken in pieces.

Deuteronomy 28:49

The LORD shall bring a nation against thee from far, from the end of the earth, [as swift] as the eagle flieth; a nation whose tongue thou shalt not understand;

Deuteronomy 28:52

And he shall besiege thee in all thy gates, until thy high and fenced walls come down, wherein thou trustedst, throughout all thy land: and he shall besiege thee in all thy gates throughout all thy land, which the LORD thy God hath given thee.

Jeremiah 39:1

¶ In the ninth year of Zedekiah king of Judah, in the tenth month, came Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon and all his army against Jerusalem, and they besieged it.