Jeremiah 4:6

KJV

Set up the standard toward Zion: retire, stay not: for I will bring evil from the north, and a great destruction.

KJV (with Strong's)

Set up {H5375} the standard {H5251} toward Zion {H6726}: retire {H5756}, stay {H5975} not: for I will bring {H935} evil {H7451} from the north {H6828}, and a great {H1419} destruction {H7667}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Set up a signal toward Tziyon, head for cover without delay. For I will bring disaster from the north, yes, dire destruction.

Berean Standard Bible

Raise a signal flag toward Zion. Seek refuge! Do not delay! For I am bringing disaster from the north, and terrible destruction.

American Standard Version

Set up a standard toward Zion: flee for safety, stay not; for I will bring evil from the north, and a great destruction.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 4:6 delivers an urgent divine imperative to the people of Judah, commanding them to raise a signal for immediate flight towards Zion and to flee without delay. This stark summons is issued because God Himself declares His intention to bring a devastating "evil" – a profound calamity and great destruction – from the north, signifying an imminent and comprehensive judgment upon the nation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within Jeremiah's early prophecies (chapters 2-6), which form a powerful indictment against Judah for its spiritual apostasy and idolatry. Following a passionate divine appeal for repentance and genuine return to the Lord in [Jeremiah 3](/jeremiah/3 "Jeremiah 3 - Judah's Unfaithfulness and God's Call to Return"), chapter 4 shifts from pleading to stern warning. The preceding verses (Jeremiah 4:3-5) call for a radical transformation of the heart, metaphorically termed "circumcision of the heart" and "breaking up your fallow ground," emphasizing the need for true spiritual renewal. Jeremiah 4:6 then presents the dire, immediate consequence of failing to heed these calls: the swift arrival of a destructive force from the north, necessitating urgent flight. The imagery of setting up a "standard" or "banner" here is not for rallying troops to battle, but rather a desperate signal for retreat and escape, highlighting the overwhelming nature of the impending judgment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jeremiah's prophetic ministry unfolded during a tumultuous period in the late 7th century BCE, a time marked by significant geopolitical shifts in the ancient Near East. The once-dominant Assyrian Empire was in decline, paving the way for the rise of new regional powers. The most formidable emerging threat to Judah was the Neo-Babylonian Empire, which, under King Nebuchadnezzar, would eventually conquer Judah. While Babylon was geographically to the east, its typical invasion route into the Levant involved moving north along the Euphrates River, then west through Syria, and finally south into Judah. This made "the north" the strategic direction from which invaders would appear, a consistent motif in Jeremiah's prophecies. Culturally, the practice of raising standards or banners was a common military signal, used either to rally armies for battle or to signal retreat, assembly, or a change of position. Jeremiah powerfully appropriates this familiar imagery, transforming it into a divine warning to the people, urging them to recognize the unmistakable sign of impending doom and to take immediate, life-saving evasive action.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 4:6 is a pivotal verse that contributes significantly to several major themes woven throughout the book of Jeremiah. Firstly, it profoundly underscores the theme of **Divine Judgment and Sovereignty**. The declaration "I will bring evil from the north" unequivocally portrays God as the active, sovereign agent orchestrating the impending calamity. This is not a random misfortune but a just and deliberate consequence of Judah's persistent rebellion and idolatry, showcasing God's righteous governance over nations, as also powerfully articulated in [Jeremiah 25:9](/jeremiah/25-9 "Jeremiah 25:9 - God's Instrument of Judgment"). Secondly, the verse highlights the **Urgency of Repentance and Flight** through its series of imperative commands: "Set up the standard," "retire," and "stay not." These commands convey that the time for deliberation or procrastination has passed; immediate and decisive action is required to escape the overwhelming devastation. Finally, the explicit mention of "the north" reinforces the pervasive and ominous motif of the **Northern Invader**, a recurring prophetic warning throughout Jeremiah's message (e.g., [Jeremiah 1:14-15](/jeremiah/1-14 "Jeremiah 1:14-15 - The Boiling Pot from the North") and [Jeremiah 6:22-23](/jeremiah/6-22-23 "Jeremiah 6:22-23 - The Cruel Northern People")). This motif consistently points to the Neo-Babylonian Empire as God's chosen instrument of judgment against His unfaithful covenant people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **standard (Hebrew, _nêç'_):** From H5251, this noun refers to a flag, a sail, a flagstaff, or more broadly, a signal. In the context of Jeremiah 4:6, it functions as an urgent warning signal or an ensign raised on a prominent place, not to rally for military engagement, but to alert the populace to an immediate and desperate need for flight or assembly for escape. It is a visible, unmistakable sign of imminent danger and the necessity of withdrawal.
* **retire (Hebrew, _ʻûwz'_):** From H5756, this primitive root means "to be strong," or causatively, "to strengthen." However, in a figurative sense, it means "to save (by flight)." It conveys the idea of gathering oneself to flee, seeking refuge, or withdrawing from an impending threat. Here, it is an urgent command to escape, implying that remaining in place would lead to certain peril.
* **evil (Hebrew, _raʻ'_):** From H7451, this term can denote moral badness or wickedness. However, in this context, it primarily signifies calamity, disaster, affliction, or misfortune. It refers to the destructive consequences of God's judgment, emphasizing the severe, harmful, and calamitous nature of the impending invasion and its aftermath from the north.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Set up the standard toward Zion:"** This is a direct, imperative command, urging the people to raise a signal or banner that would be clearly visible from Zion (Jerusalem) and its environs. This "standard" is not a call to arms for defense, but rather a desperate warning, a signal for the inhabitants of the city and surrounding areas to prepare for immediate and urgent flight. It conveys a situation of extreme peril where the only viable response is to escape.
* **"retire, stay not:"** These are two successive, emphatic imperatives that intensify the urgency of the command. "Retire" (or "flee") instructs them to withdraw or seek refuge, while "stay not" (or "do not delay") underscores that there is absolutely no time for hesitation, lingering, or resistance. The impending danger is so overwhelming and immediate that any delay will prove fatal.
* **"for I will bring evil from the north, and a great destruction."** This clause provides the divine rationale and the terrifying certainty behind the urgent commands. It reveals that the "evil" (calamity, disaster, affliction) is not a random occurrence but is divinely orchestrated and initiated ("I will bring"). The source of this calamity is explicitly identified as "from the north," a consistent prophetic motif in Jeremiah for the Neo-Babylonian invasion. The phrase "a great destruction" (Hebrew, _gâdôwl sheber'_) signifies a comprehensive, overwhelming, and utterly devastating ruin, a shattering of the nation, its structures, and its people, leaving no doubt about the severity and totality of the impending judgment.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 4:6 masterfully employs several potent literary devices to convey its urgent and dire message. The most prominent device is the **Imperative Mood**, evident in the commands "Set up," "retire," and "stay not." This direct, commanding tone creates an immediate sense of urgency, directly addressing the audience and demanding a swift, decisive response. **Symbolism** is powerfully utilized with the "standard" (Hebrew, _nêç'_), which, while literally a flag or banner, here functions as a symbol of a warning signal for flight rather than a rallying point for battle. This subversion of its usual military connotation emphasizes the overwhelming nature of the threat and the necessity of escape. The phrase "evil from the north" serves as potent **Foreshadowing**, clearly hinting at the specific, devastating invasion by the Neo-Babylonian Empire, which is a recurring and central motif throughout Jeremiah's prophetic messages. Finally, the use of "great destruction" (Hebrew, _gâdôwl sheber'_) employs **Hyperbole** to underscore the overwhelming, comprehensive, and utterly ruinous nature of the impending catastrophe, thereby intensifying the severity of God's righteous judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 4:6 profoundly articulates the theological truth of God's active and sovereign involvement in human history, particularly His righteous judgment against sin. It demonstrates that divine warnings are not empty threats but sincere calls to repentance, and when unheeded, they inevitably lead to devastating consequences. The "evil" (calamity) that God brings from the north is not a moral failing on His part, but a just and holy recompense for Judah's persistent rebellion, idolatry, and covenant unfaithfulness. This highlights that God's character encompasses both boundless love and unwavering justice. This verse serves as a stark reminder that God, in His sovereignty, uses even pagan empires as instruments of His will to bring about His purposes, whether in judgment or in the eventual restoration of His people.

* [Isaiah 45:7](/isaiah/45-7 "Isaiah 45:7 - God Creates Good and Evil")
* [Amos 3:6](/amos/3-6 "Amos 3:6 - Calamity in the City")
* [Deuteronomy 28:49-50](/deuteronomy/28-49-50 "Deuteronomy 28:49-50 - A Nation from Afar")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 4:6, though deeply rooted in a specific historical context, offers profound spiritual and practical applications for believers today. It calls us to cultivate a posture of keen spiritual discernment, to recognize and heed the "standards" God sets up in our lives—whether through the clear teaching of His Word, the convicting whispers of the Holy Spirit, or the challenging circumstances of life—that warn us of impending spiritual danger or call us to a deeper level of repentance and obedience. Just as Judah was urgently commanded to "retire, stay not," we are likewise called to respond with immediate and decisive action to God's warnings against sin, spiritual complacency, or compromise. Procrastination in repentance or obedience can lead to greater spiritual "destruction" or consequences in our lives. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that God's warnings are ultimately expressions of His mercy, providing an opportunity to turn from destructive paths before the consequences become unavoidable. It challenges us to honestly examine our own lives for areas of unfaithfulness or disobedience and to respond with immediate, trusting obedience to God's promptings, even when they involve difficult truths or require significant change.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "standards" or warning signals might God be setting up in my life or in the broader world today that I need to heed with greater urgency and discernment?**
* **In what specific areas of my life might I be "staying" or delaying when God is clearly calling me to "retire" from a certain path or move in a different direction?**
* **How does understanding God's righteous justice in bringing "evil" (calamity) against sin deepen my appreciation for His boundless grace and mercy offered through Christ?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a heart of immediate obedience to God's promptings, particularly concerning repentance and spiritual growth?**

### FAQ
**Was the "evil from the north" a literal invasion or a symbolic warning?**

Answer: The "evil from the north" was unequivocally a literal and devastating invasion. While prophetic language often incorporates rich symbolism, in the context of Jeremiah's message, the consistent threat from the north referred directly to the Neo-Babylonian Empire. This direction represented the established invasion route for Mesopotamian armies entering Judah. Jeremiah's prophecies, including those found in [Jeremiah 1:14-15](/jeremiah/1-14-15 "Jeremiah 1:14-15 - The Boiling Pot from the North") and [Jeremiah 6:22-23](/jeremiah/6-22-23 "Jeremiah 6:22-23 - The Cruel Northern People"), repeatedly and explicitly identify this northern threat as God's chosen instrument of judgment against Judah for their unfaithfulness, ultimately culminating in the destruction of Jerusalem and the exile of its people.

**Why would God "bring evil" upon His own people?**

Answer: The term "evil" (Hebrew, _raʻ_) in this prophetic context refers to calamity, disaster, or affliction, not a moral failing on God's part. God, as a righteous, holy, and sovereign Lord, brings about these destructive consequences as a just and necessary response to the persistent, unrepentant sin and idolatry of His covenant people. His actions are not arbitrary or capricious but are a faithful fulfillment of the covenant curses outlined in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses") for disobedience. This divine judgment is a profound demonstration of His justice and His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant, even when it necessitates bringing severe discipline upon those He loves. The ultimate purpose of such discipline, though painful, is often to lead His people to genuine repentance, spiritual purification, and eventual restoration, as beautifully promised in passages like [Jeremiah 29:10-14](/jeremiah/29-10-14 "Jeremiah 29:10-14 - Plans for Hope and a Future").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Jeremiah 4:6 directly addresses Judah's impending judgment, its underlying themes of divine warning, the urgency of repentance, and the coming of a destructive force find profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the New Testament. Jesus Christ Himself is the ultimate "standard" or banner raised for the nations (cf. [Isaiah 11:10](/isaiah/11-10 "Isaiah 11:10 - The Root of Jesse as a Banner")), not primarily to bring immediate judgment, but to offer salvation and a way of escape from the ultimate "destruction" of sin and spiritual death. His first coming was a gracious call to "retire" from the kingdom of darkness and "stay not" in the self-destructive ways of the world, but rather to enter His kingdom through genuine repentance and faith ([Mark 1:15](/mark/1-15 "Mark 1:15 - Repent and Believe the Gospel")). However, just as God brought "evil from the north" upon unrepentant Judah, so too will Christ return, not as the gentle Lamb of God, but as the righteous Judge, bringing a final and "great destruction" upon all who have persistently rejected His call to salvation and refused to acknowledge His Lordship ([Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11-16 "Revelation 19:11-16 - The Rider on the White Horse")). Jeremiah 4:6 thus serves as a powerful foreshadowing of the two comings of Christ: the first as a merciful warning and offer of refuge to all who believe, and the second as the inevitable culmination of divine judgment for those who refuse to heed the "standard" of the cross and flee to Him for eternal salvation ([John 3:18-19](/john/3-18-19 "John 3:18-19 - Judgment for Unbelief")).

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 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.

Jeremiah 1:13

And the word of the LORD came unto me the second time, saying, What seest thou? And I said, I see a seething pot; and the face thereof [is] toward the north.

Jeremiah 1:15

For, lo, I will call all the families of the kingdoms of the north, saith the LORD; and they shall come, and they shall set every one his throne at the entering of the gates of Jerusalem, and against all the walls thereof round about, and against all the cities of Judah.

Jeremiah 51:27

Set ye up a standard in the land, blow the trumpet among the nations, prepare the nations against her, call together against her the kingdoms of Ararat, Minni, and Ashchenaz; appoint a captain against her; cause the horses to come up as the rough caterpillers.

Jeremiah 4:21

How long shall I see the standard, [and] hear the sound of the trumpet?

Isaiah 62:10

¶ Go through, go through the gates; prepare ye the way of the people; cast up, cast up the highway; gather out the stones; lift up a standard for the people.

Jeremiah 25:9

Behold, I will send and take all the families of the north, saith the LORD, and Nebuchadrezzar the king of Babylon, my servant, and will bring them against this land, and against the inhabitants thereof, and against all these nations round about, and will utterly destroy them, and make them an astonishment, and an hissing, and perpetual desolations.