Jeremiah 6:1

KJV

¶ 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

O ye children {H1121} of Benjamin {H1144}, gather yourselves to flee {H5756} out of the midst {H7130} of Jerusalem {H3389}, and blow {H8628} the trumpet {H7782} in Tekoa {H8620}, and set up {H5375} a sign {H4864} of fire in Bethhaccerem {H1021}: for evil {H7451} appeareth {H8259} out of the north {H6828}, and great {H1419} destruction {H7667}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Head for cover, people of Binyamin, get out of Yerushalayim! Blow the shofar in T'koa, light the beacon on Beit-Hakerem. For disaster threatens from the north, with great destruction.

Berean Standard Bible

“Run for cover, O sons of Benjamin; flee from Jerusalem! Sound the ram’s horn in Tekoa; send up a signal over Beth-haccherem, for disaster looms from the north, even great destruction.

American Standard Version

Flee for safety, ye children of Benjamin, out of the midst of Jerusalem, and blow the trumpet in Tekoa, and raise up a signal on Beth-haccherem; for evil looketh forth from the north, and a great destruction.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 6:1 delivers an urgent prophetic summons to the people of Judah, specifically the tribe of Benjamin residing in and around Jerusalem, to flee in the face of an imminent and devastating invasion. Through vivid imagery of ancient warning signals—blowing the trumpet in Tekoa and setting up a fire beacon in Bethhaccerem—the prophet Jeremiah underscores the extreme peril approaching from the north, signaling a great destruction that demands immediate and decisive action.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 6 stands as a stark warning within a broader prophetic indictment against Judah's persistent sin and rebellion against God. Preceding chapters detail Judah's spiritual adultery and idolatry, their rejection of God's covenant, and the prophet's lament over their stubbornness (e.g., [Judah's Unfaithfulness](/jeremiah/2 "Jeremiah 2 - Judah's Unfaithfulness") and [God's Call to Repentance](/jeremiah/3 "Jeremiah 3 - God's Call to Repentance")). Chapter 5 explicitly states that God will bring a nation from afar to punish them, setting the stage for the specific warning in chapter 6, as seen in [Jeremiah 5:15](/jeremiah/5-15 "Jeremiah 5:15 - A Nation from Afar"). Following this urgent call to flee, Jeremiah 6 continues to describe the relentless nature of the coming enemy, the futility of Judah's defense, and the pervasive corruption that has led to this judgment, culminating in God's declaration of an impending refining process ([The Refining Process](/jeremiah/6-27-30 "Jeremiah 6:27-30 - The Refining Process")). The verse functions as a critical pivot, moving from general warnings to a concrete, immediate command for self-preservation in light of the now-visible threat.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** This prophecy is situated in the late 7th or early 6th century BC, a period of significant geopolitical upheaval. The Neo-Babylonian Empire, under Nebuchadnezzar, was rapidly rising to prominence, having already defeated Assyria and Egypt. For Judah, the "north" was the traditional invasion route for powerful Mesopotamian empires (Assyria, Babylon), as the desert to the east and south made direct approaches difficult. The command to the "children of Benjamin" is significant because Jerusalem, the capital, lay within Benjamin's tribal territory, making them the immediate inhabitants of the threatened region. Tekoa and Bethhaccerem were elevated towns south of Jerusalem, strategically chosen for their visibility. Tekoa, about 10 miles south of Jerusalem, was the hometown of the prophet Amos ([Amos from Tekoa](/amos/1-1 "Amos 1:1 - Amos from Tekoa")). Bethhaccerem, often identified with Ramat Rachel, was a high point just south of Jerusalem. Blowing a *shofar* (trumpet) and setting up a fire signal were ancient, well-understood methods of rapid communication and alarm in a pre-technological society, used to alert scattered populations to an approaching enemy, similar to the watchman's role described in [The Watchman's Warning](/ezekiel/33-1-6 "Ezekiel 33:1-6 - The Watchman's Warning"). This highlights the cultural reliance on visual and auditory signals for communal defense and survival.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 6:1 powerfully articulates several key themes central to the book of Jeremiah and biblical prophecy. Firstly, it emphasizes **Imminent Judgment**, portraying the "evil" and "great destruction" as an appearing, present reality rather than a distant threat. Secondly, it underscores **Divine Warning and Mercy**, demonstrating God's faithfulness in providing a clear, urgent warning and an opportunity for His people to flee the coming calamity, even in the face of their persistent disobedience. This reflects God's character as one who desires to warn before judgment falls, offering a chance for repentance and escape, as seen in the warnings given to Noah before the flood ([God's Warning to Noah](/genesis/6-13-14 "Genesis 6:13-14 - God's Warning to Noah")) or to Lot before Sodom's destruction ([Lot's Escape from Sodom](/genesis/19-12-17 "Genesis 19:12-17 - Lot's Escape from Sodom")). Lastly, the verse implicitly points to the **Consequences of Disobedience**, as the "evil" and "destruction" are the direct result of Judah's sustained rebellion against God's covenant and their embrace of idolatry, a theme pervasive throughout Jeremiah's prophecies (e.g., [Judah's Sins Cause Calamity](/jeremiah/5-25 "Jeremiah 5:25 - Judah's Sins Cause Calamity")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Benjamin (Hebrew, _Binyâmîyn'_):** From *bên* (son) and *yâmîn* (right hand), meaning "son of (the) right hand." This refers to the youngest son of Jacob and the tribe descended from him. In this context, it specifically addresses the inhabitants of the tribal territory that included Jerusalem and its immediate surroundings, making them the primary recipients of this urgent warning. The command is localized and direct, targeting those most immediately in the path of the northern invasion.
* **Flee (Hebrew, _ʻûwz'_):** A primitive root meaning "to be strong," but causatively, "to strengthen, i.e., to save (by flight)." The imperative "gather yourselves to flee" conveys not just a suggestion but a desperate, urgent command for self-preservation. It implies a need for immediate, decisive action to escape impending doom, highlighting the severity of the threat.
* **Destruction (Hebrew, _sheber'_):** From *shâbar* (to break), meaning "a fracture," "ruin," or "breaking." This word vividly describes the comprehensive and devastating nature of the coming judgment. It implies a shattering, a complete ruin, emphasizing the severity and totality of the impending calamity that will be brought by the northern enemy.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"O ye children of Benjamin, gather yourselves to flee out of the midst of Jerusalem":** This is a direct, urgent address and command. The "children of Benjamin" are the specific audience, as Jerusalem and its environs fell within their tribal inheritance. The command to "gather yourselves to flee" emphasizes the need for collective, immediate evacuation from the capital, signaling that Jerusalem itself is no longer a safe haven but a target of the impending "evil."
* **"and blow the trumpet in Tekoa, and set up a sign of fire in Bethhaccerem":** These are specific, practical instructions for warning and alarm. Tekoa and Bethhaccerem, being elevated positions south of Jerusalem, were ideal for broadcasting signals across the Judean landscape. The "trumpet" (shofar) served as an auditory alarm, heard across valleys, while the "sign of fire" (beacon) served as a visual alarm, seen from afar. This dual warning system underscores the extreme urgency and the need for widespread alert.
* **"for evil appeareth out of the north, and great destruction.":** This clause provides the rationale for the urgent commands. The "evil" is not abstract but a concrete, visible threat that "appeareth" or "looks out" from the north. This refers to the Babylonian army, which would invade from the north. The phrase "great destruction" further clarifies the nature of this "evil," emphasizing its overwhelming and devastating impact, leaving no doubt about the severity of the impending judgment.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 6:1 is rich in **Imperative Mood**, with direct commands like "gather yourselves to flee," "blow," and "set up." This grammatical choice immediately conveys the urgency and non-negotiable nature of God's warning. The verse also employs powerful **Imagery**, painting a vivid picture of a society in peril: the sound of the trumpet piercing the air, the rising smoke of a fire signal against the sky, and the ominous "evil" appearing from the north. These sensory details heighten the dramatic tension. The geographical specificity of **Tekoa** and **Bethhaccerem** serves as a form of **Symbolism**, representing strategic watchpoints and traditional warning posts, grounding the abstract threat in concrete, recognizable locations for the original audience. Furthermore, the phrase "evil appeareth out of the north" functions as **Anticipation** or **Foreshadowing**, clearly indicating the source and nature of the impending calamity, which the audience would have understood as the Babylonian threat, even if not explicitly named. The "great destruction" is a form of **Hyperbole** or **Emphasis**, stressing the complete and devastating nature of the judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully illustrates God's character as both righteous judge and merciful Father. While Judah's persistent sin necessitates divine judgment, God, in His compassion, provides clear and urgent warnings, offering an opportunity for escape. This act of warning underscores the principle that God takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked but desires their repentance and life. The call to flee is not an invitation to defy God's judgment but an act of grace to those who would heed His voice. It highlights the biblical pattern of God providing a way out before calamity, emphasizing the importance of spiritual discernment and immediate response to divine revelation. The "evil from the north" serves as a tangible manifestation of God's righteous wrath against sin, a theme echoed throughout prophetic literature where foreign nations are often instruments of divine judgment against disobedient Israel.

* [Ezekiel 33:4-5](/ezekiel/33-4-5 "Hearing and Heeding the Warning")
* [Proverbs 27:12](/proverbs/27-12 "The Prudent See Danger")
* [Luke 21:20-21](/luke/21-20-21 "Warning to Flee Jerusalem")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 6:1 serves as a timeless reminder of the urgency of heeding God's warnings, both individually and corporately. Just as the ancient Israelites faced a tangible threat requiring immediate action, believers today are called to spiritual alertness in a world often hostile to God's truth. This verse compels us to consider whether we are listening for God's "trumpet" and "fire signal" in our own lives, discerning the "evil" that may be approaching—whether it be the subtle erosion of spiritual vitality, the deceptive allure of worldly values, or the consequences of unconfessed sin. The command to "flee" is a call to decisive repentance, to turn away from anything that separates us from God and to seek refuge in His unfailing grace. It underscores that God's warnings are not meant to condemn but to save, providing an opportunity for reconciliation and escape from spiritual or temporal disaster.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "warnings" might God be sounding in my life or in our society today, and how am I responding to them?**
* **In what areas of my life do I need to "flee" from "evil" or "destruction" by making a decisive break with sin or unhealthy patterns?**
* **How can I cultivate greater spiritual alertness to discern God's voice and the signs of the times?**
* **What practical steps can I take to "gather myself" and act on divine warnings, rather than delaying or ignoring them?**

### FAQ
**Why is the warning specifically directed to the "children of Benjamin" and to flee "out of the midst of Jerusalem"?**

Answer: The warning is directed to the "children of Benjamin" because Jerusalem, the capital city and primary target of the impending invasion, lay within the tribal territory of Benjamin. Therefore, the inhabitants of this region were in the most immediate danger. The command to flee "out of the midst of Jerusalem" signifies that the city itself, typically a place of refuge and strength, would become a place of extreme peril. It highlights the severity of the coming judgment, implying that even the fortified capital would not offer safety, necessitating evacuation to the surrounding countryside or further south. This specific instruction underscores the comprehensiveness of the impending "great destruction."

**What is the significance of blowing the trumpet in Tekoa and setting up a sign of fire in Bethhaccerem?**

Answer: Tekoa and Bethhaccerem were elevated geographical points south of Jerusalem, making them ideal locations for signaling across a wide area. Blowing the trumpet (a *shofar*) was a traditional method for sounding an alarm, assembling people for battle, or signaling impending danger, as seen in [Trumpets for Alarm](/numbers/10-9 "Numbers for Alarm"). Setting up a "sign of fire" (a beacon or smoke signal) was another ancient, effective way to communicate urgent messages visually over long distances, often used to warn of approaching enemies. These specific instructions illustrate the prophet's concrete and desperate call for immediate, widespread alert and evacuation. They were well-understood cultural practices for warning the populace in times of war, emphasizing the dire nature of the "evil" appearing from the north.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 6:1, with its urgent call to flee impending judgment, finds its ultimate fulfillment and transformation in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While Jeremiah warned of a physical destruction by an earthly army, the New Testament reveals a far greater "evil" and "destruction"—the spiritual judgment against sin and the eternal consequences of rejecting God. Jesus, the true prophet, issues an even more profound call to "flee" not from a physical city, but from the wrath to come, as John the Baptist warned in [Matthew 3:7](/matthew/3-7 "John the Baptist's Warning"). He is the ultimate "sign" and "trumpet call" to humanity, announcing the kingdom of God and offering refuge from spiritual death. Just as the people of Benjamin were called to escape the northern invasion, all humanity is called to escape the dominion of sin and death by turning to Christ, who is the only way, the truth, and the life ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "Jesus is the Way")). His sacrifice on the cross became the ultimate "sign of fire" and "trumpet blast," signaling victory over sin and providing the path to eternal salvation for all who believe, fulfilling the deepest longing for escape from spiritual destruction ([Romans 5:9](/romans/5-9 "Saved from Wrath Through Christ")). In Christ, the "great destruction" of sin's power is overcome, and a new life of peace and reconciliation with God is offered to all who heed His gracious invitation to flee to Him ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "New Creation in 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

Nehemiah 3:14

But the dung gate repaired Malchiah the son of Rechab, the ruler of part of Bethhaccerem; he built it, and set up the doors thereof, the locks thereof, and the bars thereof.

Joshua 18:21

Now the cities of the tribe of the children of Benjamin according to their families were Jericho, and Bethhoglah, and the valley of Keziz,

Joshua 18:28

And Zelah, Eleph, and Jebusi, which [is] Jerusalem, Gibeath, [and] Kirjath; fourteen cities with their villages. This [is] the inheritance of the children of Benjamin according to their families.

2 Chronicles 11:6

He built even Bethlehem, and Etam, and Tekoa,

2 Samuel 14:2

And Joab sent to Tekoah, and fetched thence a wise woman, and said unto her, I pray thee, feign thyself to be a mourner, and put on now mourning apparel, and anoint not thyself with oil, but be as a woman that had a long time mourned for the dead:

Jeremiah 4:5

¶ 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.

Jeremiah 4:6

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