Jeremiah 4:5

KJV

¶ Declare ye in Judah, and publish in Jerusalem; and say, Blow ye the trumpet in the land: cry, gather together, and say, Assemble yourselves, and let us go into the defenced cities.

KJV (with Strong's)

Declare {H5046} ye in Judah {H3063}, and publish {H8085} in Jerusalem {H3389}; and say {H559}, Blow {H8628} ye the trumpet {H7782} in the land {H776}: cry {H7121}, gather together {H4390}, and say {H559}, Assemble {H622} yourselves, and let us go {H935} into the defenced {H4013} cities {H5892}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Announce in Y'hudah, proclaim in Yerushalayim; say: 'Blow the shofar in the land!' Shout the message aloud: 'Assemble! Let us go to the fortified cities!'

Berean Standard Bible

Announce in Judah, proclaim in Jerusalem, and say: “Blow the ram’s horn throughout the land. Cry aloud and say, ‘Assemble yourselves and let us flee to the fortified cities.’

American Standard Version

Declare ye in Judah, and publish in Jerusalem; and say, Blow ye the trumpet in the land: cry aloud and say, Assemble yourselves, and let us go into the fortified cities.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 4:5 delivers an urgent, divinely mandated call to the people of Judah and Jerusalem, commanding them to sound a widespread alarm and prepare for an imminent and devastating invasion. This verse serves as a stark and immediate summons to action, urging the populace to mobilize, gather into their fortified cities, and brace themselves against the rapidly approaching threat, thereby underscoring the severity of God's impending judgment upon a disobedient nation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within Jeremiah's early prophecies to Judah, specifically initiating a section (Jeremiah 4:5-31) that vividly describes the coming judgment from the "enemy from the north." Following a poignant call for repentance and spiritual circumcision of the heart in [Jeremiah 4:1-4](/jeremiah/4-1-4 "Jeremiah 4:1-4 - A Call to Repentance and Circumcision of the Heart"), the prophetic tone abruptly shifts from hopeful restoration to a dire warning of impending destruction. The commands in [Jeremiah 4:5](/jeremiah/4-5 "Jeremiah 4:5 - The Call to Alarm") are not merely suggestions but urgent, repeated imperatives, signaling that the window for national repentance is rapidly closing, and the dire consequences of Judah's persistent unfaithfulness are at the nation's doorstep. The subsequent verses continue to detail the enemy's relentless advance and the widespread devastation it will bring upon the land.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jeremiah prophesied during a tumultuous and pivotal period in Judah's history, spanning the reigns of several kings from Josiah to Zedekiah (late 7th to early 6th century BCE). The primary historical threat during this era was the burgeoning Neo-Babylonian Empire, consistently referred to as the "enemy from the north" (e.g., [Jeremiah 1:14](/jeremiah/1-14 "Jeremiah 1:14 - The Northern Threat of Invasion")). In ancient Near Eastern warfare, the sounding of a trumpet (specifically the _shofar_) was a universally recognized signal for alarm, military assembly, or the commencement of battle. Fortified or "defenced cities" were critical for survival during invasions, offering a measure of protection against siege and direct assault. Therefore, the divine command to retreat into them was a standard and necessary military and defensive strategy, reflecting a society accustomed to such signals and defensive measures in times of war.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 4:5 powerfully articulates several key themes pervasive throughout Jeremiah's prophecy and the broader biblical narrative. First, it highlights the **Urgency of Divine Warning and Imminent Danger**, emphasizing that God's judgment is not a distant possibility but an approaching reality that demands immediate and decisive response. Second, it conveys a pragmatic **Call to Assembly and Defense**, illustrating the practical, albeit temporary, steps the people are commanded to take for physical preservation. This includes the strategic use of the trumpet as a critical instrument for mobilization and the necessary retreat to fortified locations. Finally, underlying these urgent warnings is the pervasive theme of **Divine Judgment as a Consequence of Disobedience**. While not explicitly stated in this single verse, the broader prophetic context of Judah's persistent idolatry, covenant breaking, and refusal to heed God's repeated calls for repentance (as seen in [Jeremiah 2](/jeremiah/2 "Jeremiah 2 - Judah's Spiritual Adultery") and [Jeremiah 7](/jeremiah/7 "Jeremiah 7 - The Temple Sermon")) makes it unequivocally clear that this impending invasion is a direct and just consequence of their rebellion against the Lord.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Declare (Hebrew, _nâgad'_):** (H5046) This primitive root means "to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to one present)." In this context, it conveys a direct, public, and authoritative proclamation, emphasizing that the message is not to be whispered but openly declared throughout the land. The urgency of the situation demands a clear, unmistakable, and bold announcement, leaving no room for misunderstanding or complacency.
* **Trumpet (Hebrew, _shôwphâr'_):** (H7782) This refers to a "cornet or curved horn," specifically the ram's horn, which produced a clear, piercing, and often shrill sound. Coupled with the verb "blow" (Hebrew, _tâqaʻ'_ - H8628, meaning "to clatter, clang, strike"), the phrase "blow ye the trumpet" signifies a universally understood signal of alarm, war, or urgent assembly in ancient Israel. It is a sound designed to cut through the ordinary rhythms of life, demanding immediate attention and action from every inhabitant.
* **Defenced cities (Hebrew, _mibtsâr'_ and _ʻîyr'_):** (H4013, H5892) `Mibtsâr` denotes "a fortification, castle, or fortified city," implying inherent strength, security, and protection. `ʻîyr` simply means "a city" or "town." Together, "defenced cities" refers to urban centers specifically designed and equipped with robust walls, towers, and other defenses to withstand siege and attack. The command to enter these cities indicates a strategic and necessary move for physical preservation in the face of an overwhelming external threat, highlighting the immediate and practical nature of the warning.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Declare ye in Judah, and publish in Jerusalem;":** This opening command establishes the geographical scope and the absolute urgency of the message. The divine instruction is for a widespread, public proclamation throughout the entire kingdom of Judah, with a specific and emphatic focus on Jerusalem, its capital, spiritual center, and most populous city. The repetition of "declare" and "publish" (which comes from the Hebrew root for "hear" or "proclaim") underscores the absolute necessity of the message being heard by every single person, leaving no one ignorant of the impending crisis.
* **"and say, Blow ye the trumpet in the land:":** This clause specifies the nature of the declaration – a signal of alarm that would be unmistakable to all. The trumpet, or _shofar_, was not merely a musical instrument but a vital communication tool in ancient Israel, used to summon armies, warn of danger, or call for assembly for sacred or secular purposes. Its sounding signifies an immediate and grave threat, demanding attention and action across the entire land, breaking through any illusion of peace or security.
* **"cry, gather together, and say, Assemble yourselves, and let us go into the defenced cities.":** This final sequence of commands details the required response to the alarm, moving from a general call to specific instructions. "Cry" implies a loud, urgent, and potentially desperate call for attention. "Gather together" and "assemble yourselves" are direct summons for the scattered populace to converge from their fields and villages. The ultimate instruction, "let us go into the defenced cities," provides the strategic objective: to seek refuge within the fortified strongholds, acknowledging the overwhelming and imminent danger and the desperate need for physical protection against the invading forces.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 4:5 is a masterclass in prophetic rhetoric, primarily employing the **Imperative Mood**, with a rapid succession of direct commands ("Declare," "publish," "say," "Blow," "cry," "gather," "Assemble," "go"). This grammatical choice creates an overwhelming sense of urgency, immediacy, and divine authority, reflecting the absolute imperative for the people to act swiftly and decisively. The **Repetition** of "say" and the synonymous commands to "gather together" and "assemble yourselves" further amplify the urgency and underscore the critical nature of the message, ensuring it resonates deeply with the audience and leaves no room for hesitation. The "trumpet" serves as a powerful **Metonymy**, where the instrument stands for the warning itself, evoking the piercing sound of alarm and the impending conflict without explicitly stating "war." This creates vivid **Imagery** of a nation suddenly roused from complacency, hearing the blare of the shofar, and scrambling for safety within their walled cities, painting a clear and terrifying picture of the coming crisis.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 4:5 is a profound theological statement on God's nature and His interaction with His covenant people. It reveals a God who, even in the midst of impending judgment, provides clear, urgent warning and an opportunity for response. The intensity and immediacy of the command reflect God's unwavering righteousness in holding His people accountable for their persistent covenant unfaithfulness, but also His enduring mercy in providing a means of physical preservation, even if it is a temporary refuge from the full force of His judgment. The verse highlights the biblical principle that disobedience has tangible and severe consequences, and that God's patience, while vast, is not infinite. It underscores the biblical theme of vigilance and preparedness, not just for physical threats but for spiritual realities, reminding believers of the critical need to heed divine warnings and seek refuge in God's truth and provision.

* [Joel 2:1](/joel/2-1 "Joel 2:1 - Sound the Alarm in Zion")
* [Psalm 91:2](/psalms/91-2 "Psalm 91:2 - God My Refuge and My Fortress")
* [Ezekiel 33:4-5](/ezekiel/33-4-5 "Ezekiel 33:4-5 - The Watchman's Responsibility")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 4:5 serves as a timeless and potent reminder for believers today about the profound importance of spiritual vigilance and immediate responsiveness to God's warnings. Just as ancient Judah was called to a physical assembly and retreat into fortified cities in the face of an external, tangible threat, we are called to spiritual preparedness against the subtle and overt schemes of the enemy and the insidious dangers of spiritual complacency. This verse challenges us to honestly consider whether we are actively "declaring" and "publishing" God's truth and the urgency of the gospel in our spheres of influence, and whether we are truly heeding the "trumpet calls" that God sounds in our lives – through His authoritative Word, through the wise counsel of His Spirit-filled people, or through the challenging circumstances He allows. It emphasizes the critical need to "gather together" into the spiritual "defenced cities" of robust Christian community, sound biblical doctrine, and a deep, abiding reliance on God's protective presence, rather than trusting in our own fleeting strength or the deceptive defenses of the world. The consequences of ignoring divine warnings, both then and now, are severe, urging us to cultivate a heart of immediate obedience and genuine repentance when confronted with God's truth.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "trumpet calls" or urgent warnings might God be sounding in my life, through His Word or circumstances, that I need to heed more diligently and immediately?**
* **In what ways am I actively "declaring" and "publishing" God's truth and the urgency of the gospel to those around me, and how can I do so with greater clarity, boldness, and compassion?**
* **What are my spiritual "defenced cities" – the disciplines, communities, or foundational truths of faith that I retreat to for refuge and strength when facing spiritual attack, temptation, or worldly pressures? Am I actively utilizing them?**
* **How does the intense urgency of Jeremiah's message motivate me to examine my own spiritual preparedness, responsiveness to God's will, and reliance on His divine protection?**

### FAQ
**What is the primary message of Jeremiah 4:5?**

Answer: The primary message of Jeremiah 4:5 is an urgent divine command for the people of Judah and Jerusalem to prepare for an imminent and devastating invasion. It calls for a public declaration of alarm, the sounding of a trumpet, and the assembly of the populace to seek refuge in their fortified cities, signaling that God's judgment is at hand. This severe warning is a direct consequence of Judah's persistent idolatry and unfaithfulness to God, as detailed throughout the early chapters of Jeremiah, particularly in [Jeremiah 2-3](/jeremiah/2 "Jeremiah 2-3 - Judah's Spiritual Adultery and Unfaithfulness").

**Why is the "trumpet" so significant in this verse?**

Answer: The "trumpet" (Hebrew: _shofar_) is highly significant because it was the primary and most effective means of signaling alarm, war, or urgent assembly in ancient Israel. Its sound was unmistakable and demanded immediate attention and action from everyone within earshot. In Jeremiah 4:5, the command to "blow ye the trumpet" is not merely a suggestion but a desperate, life-or-death warning, emphasizing the extreme urgency and gravity of the approaching threat. It's a call to abandon complacency and mobilize for survival, much like the prophetic trumpet calls found in [Joel 2:1](/joel/2-1 "Joel 2:1 - The Trumpet of Alarm in Zion").

**What does "defenced cities" imply for the people of Judah?**

Answer: "Defenced cities" refers to fortified, walled urban centers that served as strategic strongholds and places of refuge during times of war in the ancient world. These cities were equipped with robust walls and defenses designed to withstand siege and attack. The command to "go into the defenced cities" implies a necessary and practical retreat for physical protection against the invading enemy, widely understood to be the powerful Babylonian army. It highlights the immediate physical danger and the need for the people to seek the best available human means of defense. However, the broader context of Jeremiah suggests that even these human defenses would ultimately prove insufficient against God's determined judgment, as tragically seen later in the fall of Jerusalem (e.g., [Jeremiah 39](/jeremiah/39 "Jeremiah 39 - The Fall of Jerusalem and Zedekiah's Capture")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Jeremiah 4:5 issues a dire warning of physical judgment and a call to earthly refuge, it profoundly foreshadows the ultimate spiritual realities found in Christ. The urgent "trumpet call" for Judah to gather into "defenced cities" points to the greater, more profound alarm sounded by God through the gospel, calling all humanity to flee from the impending judgment of sin and find true, eternal refuge. Jesus Christ is the ultimate "defenced city," the impenetrable fortress and secure dwelling place for all who believe, as [Psalm 91:2](/psalms/91-2 "Psalm 91:2 - God as My Refuge and My Fortress") declares of God Himself. He is the sacrificial [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), offering a salvation that no earthly wall or army could ever provide. The call to "gather together" and "assemble yourselves" finds its glorious fulfillment in the church, the body of Christ, where believers are called out of the world and gathered into His spiritual kingdom, finding safety, community, and eternal life in Him. Ultimately, the judgment warned of in Jeremiah points to the final, universal judgment from which only Christ can deliver, and the true "trumpet" that will sound the ultimate assembly is the one that calls God's elect to Himself at His glorious return ([Matthew 24:31](/matthew/24-31 "Matthew 24:31 - The Gathering of the Elect") and [1 Thessalonians 4:16](/1_thessalonians/4-16 "1 Thessalonians 4:16 - The Lord's Return and Resurrection")).

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 8:14

Why do we sit still? assemble yourselves, and let us enter into the defenced cities, and let us be silent there: for the LORD our God hath put us to silence, and given us water of gall to drink, because we have sinned against the LORD.

Joshua 10:20

And it came to pass, when Joshua and the children of Israel had made an end of slaying them with a very great slaughter, till they were consumed, that the rest [which] remained of them entered into fenced cities.

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.

Hosea 8:1

¶ [Set] the trumpet to thy mouth. [He shall come] as an eagle against the house of the LORD, because they have transgressed my covenant, and trespassed against my law.

Amos 3:6

Shall a trumpet be blown in the city, and the people not be afraid? shall there be evil in a city, and the LORD hath not done [it]?

Amos 3:8

The lion hath roared, who will not fear? the Lord GOD hath spoken, who can but prophesy?

Jeremiah 11:2

Hear ye the words of this covenant, and speak unto the men of Judah, and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem;