Jeremiah 4:28

For this shall the earth mourn, and the heavens above be black: because I have spoken [it], I have purposed [it], and will not repent, neither will I turn back from it.

For this shall the earth {H776} mourn {H56}, and the heavens {H8064} above {H4605} be black {H6937}: because I have spoken {H1696} it, I have purposed {H2161} it, and will not repent {H5162}, neither will I turn back {H7725} from it.

Because of this, the land will mourn and the sky above be black; for I have spoken, I have decided, I will not change my mind, I will not turn back."

Therefore the earth will mourn and the heavens above will grow dark. I have spoken, I have planned, and I will not relent or turn back.”

For this shall the earth mourn, and the heavens above be black; because I have spoken it, I have purposed it, and I have not repented, neither will I turn back from it.

Commentary

Jeremiah 4:28 KJV delivers a powerful declaration of God's unwavering judgment against Judah due to their persistent sin and refusal to repent. This verse is part of a larger prophetic message in Jeremiah, warning of impending devastation from a northern enemy, often understood to be Babylon, which God would use as an instrument of His wrath.

Context of Jeremiah 4:28

Chapter 4 of Jeremiah vividly describes the impending desolation of the land. God calls for Judah to return to Him, promising restoration if they would genuinely repent (Jeremiah 4:1). However, their continued idolatry and spiritual adultery lead to a stern pronouncement of judgment. The imagery of the earth mourning and heavens turning black paints a picture of cosmic distress and profound sorrow over the coming destruction. This verse follows descriptions of the land being made waste and desolate, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of the judgment that would befall the unrepentant nation.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Judgment and Consequences of Sin: The verse highlights the severe and inescapable consequences of a nation's rebellion against God. The "earth mourn[ing]" and "heavens above be[ing] black" are poetic expressions of extreme lamentation and the profound impact of divine wrath on creation itself. This imagery emphasizes the utter desolation and despair that would accompany God's righteous decree.
  • The Irrevocability of God's Word: A central message here is the absolute certainty of God's decree. The phrases "I have spoken it, I have purposed it, and will not repent, neither will I turn back from it" underscore God's steadfastness. Unlike human beings, God does not change His mind concerning His righteous judgments once declared, especially when patience has been exhausted and repentance rejected. This echoes the truth found in Numbers 23:19, which states God is not a man that He should lie or repent.
  • Sovereignty of God: This passage powerfully asserts God's ultimate control over history and nations. His purposes are fixed, and His word will accomplish what He intends, demonstrating His omnipotence and faithfulness to His own character (Isaiah 55:11).

Linguistic Insights

The KJV word "repent" in "will not repent" comes from the Hebrew root nacham (נָחַם). While nacham can mean to feel sorrow or regret, in the context of God, it often refers to a change of plan or purpose. Here, it emphasizes that God's decision for judgment is firm and will not be altered. The word "purposed" translates the Hebrew ya'ats (Χ™ΦΈΧ’Φ·Χ₯), meaning to counsel, advise, or plan. It signifies a deliberate and settled decision, leaving no room for reversal of the divine sentence.

Practical Application

Jeremiah 4:28 serves as a stark reminder of the seriousness of sin and the certainty of God's word. For individuals and nations, it teaches that prolonged disobedience and unrepentance will inevitably lead to consequences. While God is abundant in mercy and slow to anger (Psalm 103:8), there comes a point where His righteous judgment is enacted. This verse encourages a humble and swift response to God's warnings, recognizing the unwavering nature of His divine decrees and His absolute authority in all matters of justice and salvation.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated β€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Numbers 23:19

    God [is] not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do [it]? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?

  • Isaiah 50:3

    I clothe the heavens with blackness, and I make sackcloth their covering.

  • Jeremiah 12:4

    How long shall the land mourn, and the herbs of every field wither, for the wickedness of them that dwell therein? the beasts are consumed, and the birds; because they said, He shall not see our last end.

  • Hosea 4:3

    Therefore shall the land mourn, and every one that dwelleth therein shall languish, with the beasts of the field, and with the fowls of heaven; yea, the fishes of the sea also shall be taken away.

  • Isaiah 5:30

    And in that day they shall roar against them like the roaring of the sea: and if [one] look unto the land, behold darkness [and] sorrow, and the light is darkened in the heavens thereof.

  • Joel 2:30

    And I will shew wonders in the heavens and in the earth, blood, and fire, and pillars of smoke.

  • Joel 2:31

    The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and the terrible day of the LORD come.
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