Jeremiah 4:28

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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.

Complete Jewish Bible

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."

Berean Standard Bible

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.”

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 4:28 declares the unyielding and irreversible nature of God's judgment upon Judah for its persistent rebellion and unrepentance. The verse graphically portrays the cosmic impact of this divine decree, with the earth mourning and the heavens turning black, signifying a profound, universal lamentation over the impending desolation. It underscores the absolute certainty of God's spoken word and purposed will, emphasizing that His righteous judgment, once determined, will not be revoked or turned back from.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 4:28 is situated within a series of prophetic pronouncements concerning the impending invasion and devastation of Judah by an unnamed northern enemy, widely understood to be Babylon. The preceding verses (Jeremiah 4:23-27) describe a return to primordial chaos, a vivid picture of the land made desolate, stripped of its inhabitants, and devoid of life. This verse serves as a divine explanation for such cataclysmic destruction, grounding the cosmic mourning and desolation in God's sovereign and unchangeable decree. It follows a call for repentance in [Jeremiah 4:1-4](/jeremiah/4 "Jeremiah 4 - Call to Repentance and Warning of Judgment"), which Judah failed to heed, thus leading to the severe judgment described here. The imagery of cosmic grief reinforces the profound tragedy of Judah's spiritual adultery and the severity of God's response.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy of Jeremiah was delivered during a tumultuous period in Judah's history, spanning the reigns of several kings from Josiah to Zedekiah (c. 627-586 BCE). This era was marked by political instability, shifting alliances with regional powers like Egypt and Assyria, and a pervasive spiritual decline characterized by widespread idolatry, social injustice, and a superficial adherence to the Mosaic covenant. Despite repeated warnings from prophets like Jeremiah, the people of Judah largely refused to abandon their syncretistic practices and return wholeheartedly to Yahweh. The "mourning" of the earth and "blackness" of the heavens would have resonated with ancient Near Eastern lament traditions, where natural phenomena were often seen as mirroring divine displeasure or human sorrow, emphasizing the catastrophic scale of the impending judgment. The threat from the "north" was a recurring motif, pointing to the rising Babylonian empire, which God would use as His instrument of judgment against His unfaithful people.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Jeremiah. Firstly, it highlights the **Divine Judgment and Consequences of Sin**, demonstrating that prolonged rebellion against God inevitably leads to severe and inescapable consequences. The cosmic mourning underscores the profound impact of divine wrath on creation itself, reflecting the gravity of Judah's unfaithfulness. Secondly, it emphasizes the **Irrevocability of God's Word**. The phrases "I have spoken it, I have purposed it, and will not repent, neither will I turn back from it" are a stark declaration of God's unchanging resolve. Unlike human beings, God does not vacillate or change His mind regarding His righteous judgments once patience has been exhausted and repentance rejected, echoing the truth found in [Numbers 23:19](/numbers/23-19 "Numbers 23:19 - God is Not a Man That He Should Lie"). Thirdly, the verse asserts the **Sovereignty of God** 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, as also affirmed in [Isaiah 55:11](/isaiah/55-11 "God's Word Accomplishes Its Purpose"). These themes collectively paint a picture of a just and holy God who holds His covenant people accountable for their actions.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **mourn (Hebrew, _ʼâbal'_):** A primitive root meaning "to bewail" or "lament." In this context, it describes the earth's profound sorrow and lamentation, personifying creation's reaction to the impending divine judgment. It signifies a deep, heartfelt expression of grief, underscoring the severity of the desolation.
* **purposed (Hebrew, _zâmam'_):** A primitive root meaning "to plan," often "in a bad sense," but also "to consider," "devise," or "think (evil)." Here, applied to God, it indicates a deliberate, settled, and unchangeable divine intention or decree. It conveys the idea that God's decision is not a rash reaction but a carefully considered and firm resolve, leaving no room for reversal of the divine sentence.
* **repent (Hebrew, _nâcham'_):** A primitive root meaning "to sigh," "breathe strongly," and by implication, "to be sorry," "pity," "console," or "rue." When used of God, as here, it refers not to regret or a change of mind based on error, but rather to a change of plan or purpose in response to human actions (e.g., if Israel had repented, God might have "relented" from judgment). In Jeremiah 4:28, the negation "will not repent" signifies the absolute finality and immutability of God's decision for judgment, as the opportunity for Judah's repentance has passed.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For this shall the earth mourn":** This clause introduces the consequence of God's decree. The "earth" (Hebrew, _ʼerets'_) is personified, depicted as experiencing deep sorrow and lamentation. This imagery conveys the universal and profound impact of the impending judgment, suggesting that the very fabric of creation grieves over the desolation that will befall Judah due to its sin.
* **"and the heavens above be black":** Continuing the cosmic imagery, the "heavens above" (Hebrew, _shâmayim maʻal'_) are described as turning "black" (Hebrew, _qâdar'_). This signifies a darkening, a loss of light and joy, and often symbolizes mourning, distress, or impending disaster. It reinforces the idea that the judgment is not merely earthly but has cosmic implications, affecting the entire created order as a testament to God's righteous wrath.
* **"because I have spoken [it], I have purposed [it]":** This is the divine explanation for the cosmic lament. God explicitly states that the desolation is a direct result of His sovereign word and deliberate plan. "Spoken" (Hebrew, _dâbar'_) emphasizes the authoritative decree, while "purposed" (Hebrew, _zâmam'_) highlights the intentional, fixed, and well-considered nature of His decision. This asserts God's absolute control and intentionality behind the unfolding events.
* **"and will not repent, neither will I turn back from it":** This climactic declaration underscores the irrevocability of God's judgment. "Will not repent" (Hebrew, _lōʼ nâcham'_) signifies that God will not change His mind or relent from the announced punishment. "Neither will I turn back" (Hebrew, _lōʼ shûwb'_) further reinforces this immutability, meaning God will not deviate from His course of action. This conveys the finality of the divine sentence, indicating that Judah's opportunity for averting judgment through repentance has passed.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 4:28 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message of impending, irreversible judgment. **Personification** is prominently used, as the "earth" is depicted as "mourning" and the "heavens" as becoming "black." This imbues the natural world with human emotions of grief and despair, emphasizing the profound and universal impact of God's judgment. It suggests that the very creation groans under the weight of human sin and divine wrath. **Hyperbole** is also present in this cosmic imagery, as the scale of mourning extends beyond humanity to the entire natural order, underscoring the extreme severity and comprehensive nature of the impending desolation. The language creates a vivid, almost apocalyptic scene. Furthermore, the declarative statements "I have spoken [it], I have purposed [it], and will not repent, neither will I turn back from it" exemplify **Divine Fiat** or a divine decree. This rhetorical device emphasizes the absolute authority, unchangeable will, and sovereign power of God, leaving no doubt about the certainty and finality of His pronouncements.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 4:28 profoundly reveals God's justice, holiness, and the unwavering nature of His word. It teaches that while God is patient and merciful, there is a limit to His forbearance when His covenant people persist in rebellion and reject repeated calls to repentance. The cosmic imagery of mourning and darkness underscores the universal impact of sin and the gravity of divine judgment, demonstrating that God's righteous anger has implications that extend beyond human experience to the very fabric of creation. This verse serves as a solemn reminder that God's purposes are fixed, and His decrees, once established in response to unrepentant sin, are irreversible, highlighting His faithfulness to His own character and justice.

* [Numbers 23:19](/numbers/23-19 "Numbers 23:19 - God is Not a Man That He Should Lie")
* [Isaiah 55:11](/isaiah/55-11 "Isaiah 55:11 - God's Word Accomplishes Its Purpose")
* [Romans 1:18](/romans/1-18 "Romans 1:18 - God's Wrath Against Ungodliness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 4:28 stands as a stark and sobering reminder of the seriousness of sin and the certainty of God's word. For individuals and nations alike, it teaches that prolonged disobedience and unrepentance will inevitably lead to consequences. While God is abundant in mercy and slow to anger, as seen in [Psalm 103:8](/psalm/103-8 "Psalm 103:8 - The Lord is Merciful"), there comes a point where His righteous judgment is enacted. This verse calls us to 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. It challenges us to examine our own lives and communities for areas of spiritual complacency or rebellion, urging us to turn wholeheartedly to the Lord before the window of opportunity for repentance closes. The cosmic lamentation should impress upon us the profound weight of sin and the comprehensive scope of God's holiness and justice.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does the "earth mourning" and "heavens being black" reveal about the impact of human sin on creation and God's perspective on it?**
* **How does God's declaration, "I have spoken it, I have purposed it, and will not repent, neither will I turn back from it," shape your understanding of His character and trustworthiness?**
* **In what areas of your life might you be resisting God's call to repentance, and what might this verse prompt you to do differently?**

### FAQ
**Does God ever change His mind or "repent" in the Bible?**

Answer: The concept of God "repenting" (Hebrew: _nâcham_) in the Bible can be nuanced. While [Numbers 23:19](/numbers/23-19 "Numbers 23:19 - God is Not a Man That He Should Lie") states that God is "not a man, that He should lie; nor a son of man, that He should repent," other passages, like [Exodus 32:14](/exodus/32-14 "Exodus 32:14 - God Relents from Disaster"), describe God relenting from a threatened judgment. This is not a change in God's eternal character or moral will, but rather a change in His declared course of action in response to human repentance or intercession. In Jeremiah 4:28, "will not repent" signifies that the time for Judah's repentance has passed, and God's judgment is now irrevocably set because the conditions for His relenting (i.e., genuine repentance) have not been met. It emphasizes the finality of His decision in this specific context, not a general inability to respond to sincere turning.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Jeremiah 4:28 speaks of a judgment that will not be turned back, the New Testament reveals the ultimate fulfillment of God's unwavering purpose in Christ, who is both the righteous Judge and the merciful Savior. The cosmic mourning and blackness described in Jeremiah foreshadow the darkness that covered the land at Christ's crucifixion ([Matthew 27:45](/matthew/27-45 "Matthew 27:45 - Darkness at the Crucifixion")), a moment when the judgment for the sins of the world was poured out upon the innocent Son of God. In this sense, God's "purpose" to deal decisively with sin was fulfilled not by destroying His people outright, but by providing a substitute. For those who repent and believe in Jesus, God's "not repenting" on His word of judgment is satisfied through Christ's sacrifice, allowing Him to be both just and the justifier of those who have faith in Jesus ([Romans 3:26](/romans/3-26 "Romans 3:26 - God's Righteousness Through Christ")). Ultimately, the finality of God's word will culminate in the return of Christ, when He will execute ultimate justice, and the heavens will be rolled up like a scroll ([Revelation 6:14](/revelation/6-14 "Revelation 6:14 - The Sky Vanishes")), ushering in a new heaven and a new earth where righteousness dwells ([2 Peter 3:13](/2_peter/3-13 "2 Peter 3:13 - New Heavens and New Earth")). Thus, the unchangeable purpose of God, declared in Jeremiah, finds its ultimate and redemptive resolution in the person and work of Jesus Christ.

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

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.