Jeremiah 7:15

KJV

And I will cast you out of my sight, as I have cast out all your brethren, [even] the whole seed of Ephraim.

KJV (with Strong's)

And I will cast you out {H7993} of my sight {H6440}, as I have cast out {H7993} all your brethren {H251}, even the whole seed {H2233} of Ephraim {H669}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and I will drive you out of my presence, just as I drove out all your kinsmen, all the descendants of Efrayim."'

Berean Standard Bible

And I will cast you out of My presence, just as I have cast out all your brothers, all the descendants of Ephraim.

American Standard Version

And I will cast you out of my sight, as I have cast out all your brethren, even the whole seed of Ephraim.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 7:15 delivers a stark prophetic warning to the people of Judah, declaring God's impending judgment and their expulsion from His presence. This divine act of casting them out is explicitly paralleled with the historical fate of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, identified by the dominant tribe of Ephraim, which had previously suffered exile at the hands of Assyria due to their persistent idolatry and unfaithfulness. The verse underscores God's consistent justice and the severe consequences of covenant disobedience, serving as a dire admonition that Judah's privileged status and the presence of the Temple would not exempt them from similar divine retribution if they continued in their rebellion.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 7:15 is a pivotal statement within Jeremiah's "Temple Sermon," a powerful prophetic address delivered at the gate of the Lord's house in Jerusalem (cf. [Jeremiah 7:2](/jeremiah/7-2 "Jeremiah 7:2 - The Temple Gate Sermon")). The preceding verses reveal Judah's false sense of security, as they chanted, "The temple of the LORD, The temple of the LORD, The temple of the LORD, are these" ([Jeremiah 7:4](/jeremiah/7-4 "Jeremiah 7:4 - False Security in the Temple")), believing the mere presence of the sanctuary guaranteed their safety despite their rampant idolatry, injustice, and moral corruption (cf. [Jeremiah 7:5-11](/jeremiah/7-5 "Jeremiah 7:5-11 - Conditions for Dwelling in the Land")). Jeremiah systematically dismantles this delusion, warning that their religious rituals are meaningless without genuine repentance and ethical living. Verse 15 serves as the culmination of this warning, directly linking their impending judgment to a past divine act against their "brethren," thus emphasizing the consistency of God's justice.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy in Jeremiah 7 was delivered during a tumultuous period in Judah's history, likely during the reign of King Jehoiakim (609-598 BC), a time when the Babylonian threat loomed large. Judah, the Southern Kingdom, had witnessed the devastating fall and exile of the Northern Kingdom of Israel (often referred to as Ephraim or Samaria) to the Assyrians over a century earlier (722 BC, cf. [2 Kings 17:6](/2_kings/17-6 "2 Kings 17:6 - The Assyrian Exile of Israel")). Despite this clear historical precedent of divine judgment for covenant unfaithfulness, Judah continued to engage in syncretistic worship, child sacrifice, and social injustice, believing their unique status as God's chosen people and the presence of the Temple in Jerusalem provided an impenetrable shield. Jeremiah's message directly challenges this cultural complacency, reminding them that God's covenant demands obedience, not just ritualistic adherence or geographical proximity to sacred sites.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Jeremiah and the broader prophetic corpus. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Judgment and Exile**, emphasizing that God's patience has limits and persistent sin leads to severe consequences, including removal from the promised land and His immediate presence. It also highlights the theme of **Covenant Faithfulness and Consequences**, reinforcing the Deuteronomic principle that blessings are contingent upon obedience, and curses follow disobedience (cf. [Deuteronomy 28:15-68](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses")). The reference to Ephraim introduces the theme of **Historical Precedent and Warning**, demonstrating God's consistent character in dealing with His people's unfaithfulness across generations. Finally, it underscores the theme of **False Security in Religious Rituals**, challenging the notion that outward religious acts can substitute for genuine repentance and a transformed heart, a message echoed throughout the prophets (e.g., [Isaiah 1:10-17](/isaiah/1-10 "Isaiah 1:10-17 - True Worship vs. Empty Rituals")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **cast out (Hebrew, _shâlak'_):** From the primitive root H7993, meaning "to throw out, down or away (literally or figuratively)." This verb conveys a forceful, decisive action of expulsion. It implies a complete rejection and removal from a place or state of favor. In this context, it signifies God's active role in Judah's impending exile, not merely a passive withdrawal, but a deliberate act of judgment.
* **sight (Hebrew, _pânîym'_):** From H6440, plural of an unused noun meaning "the face (as the part that turns)." While literally "face," it is used broadly to denote presence, countenance, or immediate vicinity. "Out of my sight" thus means "out of my presence" or "away from my favor and protection." It signifies a profound separation from God's benevolent oversight and a loss of the privileges associated with being in His covenant presence.
* **Ephraim (Hebrew, _ʼEphrayim'_):** From H669, meaning "double fruit." Ephraim was a prominent tribe, a son of Joseph, and later became the dominant tribe of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. In prophetic literature, "Ephraim" frequently serves as a metonymy for the entire Northern Kingdom. Its inclusion here explicitly draws a parallel to the Assyrian exile of Israel, emphasizing that Judah's fate will mirror that of their "brethren" who had previously experienced God's judgment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I will cast you out of my sight,"**: This clause declares God's direct, active judgment upon Judah. The phrase "cast you out" (using _shâlak'_) signifies a forceful expulsion, while "out of my sight" (from _pânîym_) denotes removal from God's protective presence and favor. This is not merely a physical displacement from the land but a spiritual and relational rupture, a consequence of their persistent unfaithfulness.
* **"as I have cast out all your brethren,"**: This segment establishes a direct historical and theological parallel. God's impending action against Judah is not unprecedented but consistent with His past dealings. The term "brethren" refers to the other tribes of Israel, specifically those who comprised the Northern Kingdom. This comparison highlights God's impartiality and His consistent standard for covenant obedience.
* **"even the whole seed of Ephraim."**: This final phrase specifies and reinforces the identity of the "brethren." "Ephraim," as the dominant tribe, stands for the entire Northern Kingdom of Israel, which had been exiled by Assyria over a century before Judah's impending Babylonian captivity. "The whole seed" (from _zeraʻ_, meaning posterity) emphasizes the comprehensive nature of that past judgment, indicating that Judah's expulsion will be equally thorough and complete, affecting their entire lineage and future.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 7:15 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. The most prominent is **Analogy** or **Parallelism**, where Judah's impending judgment is directly compared to the historical fate of the Northern Kingdom of Israel (represented by Ephraim). This analogy serves as a powerful warning, leveraging past divine action as a precedent for future judgment. Furthermore, **Metonymy** is evident in the use of "Ephraim" to represent the entire Northern Kingdom. This specific tribal name stands in for the larger entity, making the historical reference more pointed and culturally resonant. The phrase "cast you out of my sight" utilizes **Anthropomorphism**, attributing human characteristics (having "sight" or presence from which one can be cast out) to God, making His judgment more comprehensible and impactful to the human audience. This vivid imagery underscores the profound separation and loss of divine favor that Judah would experience.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 7:15 profoundly articulates the principle of divine justice and the consistency of God's covenant dealings. It reveals that God's relationship with His people is not based on automatic protection due to lineage or ritual, but on genuine obedience and faithfulness to His covenant. The historical precedent of Ephraim's exile serves as a stark reminder that God is impartial in His judgment; He will not tolerate persistent rebellion, even from His chosen people. This verse underscores the severity of breaking covenant and the ultimate consequence of being removed from God's protective presence and the promised land. It highlights that God's character includes both immense patience and unwavering righteousness, which necessitates judgment when His grace is continually spurned.

* [Deuteronomy 28:15](/deuteronomy/28-15 "Deuteronomy 28:15 - Curses for Disobedience")
* [2 Kings 17:18-23](/2_kings/17-18 "2 Kings 17:18-23 - The Lord's Anger and Israel's Exile")
* [Hosea 9:3](/hosea/9-3 "Hosea 9:3 - Israel's Exile from the Lord's Land")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 7:15 offers a sobering yet vital lesson for believers today: authentic faith demands more than outward religious observance or inherited spiritual privilege. Just as Judah's reliance on the Temple proved futile without genuine repentance, so too can modern believers fall into the trap of spiritual complacency, assuming God's favor based on church attendance, Christian heritage, or superficial adherence to rituals. This verse challenges us to examine the depth of our commitment to God, prompting us to ask if our lives truly reflect obedience to His commands and a heart devoted to Him. It reminds us that God's justice is consistent across generations, and while His grace is boundless, persistent rebellion and a disregard for His truth will inevitably lead to spiritual consequences. We are called to learn from the past, recognizing that God's standards for righteousness and faithfulness remain unchanged. This should cultivate a healthy reverence for God, motivating us to pursue genuine repentance, live in accordance with His Word, and prioritize a living relationship with Him over mere religious forms.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I be relying on outward religious practices or my Christian heritage instead of a genuine, obedient relationship with God?**
* **What historical or biblical warnings am I tempted to ignore in my own life or in the life of the church today?**
* **How does the consistency of God's justice, as seen in His dealings with both Ephraim and Judah, shape my understanding of His character?**

### FAQ
**What does "cast you out of my sight" truly mean in this context?**

Answer: "Cast you out of my sight" (Hebrew: _shâlak_... _pânîym_) signifies a forceful expulsion from God's immediate presence, favor, and protective oversight. It is not merely a physical removal from the land of Judah but a profound spiritual and relational separation. For a people whose identity and security were intrinsically linked to God's presence among them (symbolized by the Temple), being cast out of His "sight" meant losing His blessing, protection, and the unique covenant relationship they enjoyed. It points directly to the impending Babylonian exile, where they would be removed from the promised land and the place where God's presence was manifested. This judgment was a direct consequence of their persistent idolatry and unfaithfulness, as detailed in [Jeremiah 7:9-11](/jeremiah/7-9 "Jeremiah 7:9-11 - Judah's Sins").

**Why is Ephraim specifically mentioned, and what is its significance?**

Answer: Ephraim was the most prominent tribe of the Northern Kingdom of Israel after the kingdom split from Judah. Over time, "Ephraim" became a prophetic shorthand or metonymy for the entire Northern Kingdom. Its mention in [Jeremiah 7:15](/jeremiah/7-15 "Jeremiah 7:15 - Judah's Fate Like Ephraim's") is highly significant because it draws a direct, chilling parallel between Judah's impending fate and the historical judgment already experienced by their "brethren" in the north. The Northern Kingdom had been conquered and exiled by Assyria over a century before Jeremiah's prophecy (cf. [2 Kings 17:6](/2_kings/17-6 "2 Kings 17:6 - Assyrian Exile of Israel")). By referencing Ephraim, Jeremiah reminds Judah that their lineage, their possession of the Temple, or their status as the Southern Kingdom would not exempt them from the same divine consequences if they continued in the same sins of idolatry and covenant unfaithfulness that led to Ephraim's downfall. It underscores God's consistency and impartiality in judgment.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Jeremiah 7:15 speaks of a physical and spiritual exile due to covenant unfaithfulness, its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment is found in the new covenant established by Jesus Christ. The very "sight" or presence of God, from which Judah was cast out, is perfectly embodied in Christ, who is "the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being" ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - Christ, the Radiance of God's Glory")). The Old Covenant's judgment for sin, symbolized by exile from the land and God's presence, foreshadows the spiritual separation from God that all humanity experiences due to sin. However, Jesus, the true Temple ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus, the True Temple")), through His obedient life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection, offers a way back into God's presence. He bore the ultimate "casting out" on the cross, experiencing separation from the Father so that those who believe in Him might never be cast out, but rather be brought near through His blood ([Ephesians 2:13](/ephesians/2-13 "Ephesians 2:13 - Brought Near by Christ's Blood")). The promise of a new heart and a new spirit ([Ezekiel 36:26-27](/ezekiel/36-26 "Ezekiel 36:26-27 - A New Heart and Spirit")) finds its reality in Christ, enabling true obedience and an enduring dwelling in God's presence, not based on human merit or ritual, but on His perfect sacrifice and the indwelling Spirit. Thus, what was a warning of judgment in Jeremiah becomes a promise of reconciliation and eternal belonging in Christ, the one who gathers all the scattered "seed" of God's people into His new, eternal kingdom ([John 11:52](/john/11-52 "John 11:52 - Gathering God's Scattered Children")).

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 15:1

¶ Then said the LORD unto me, Though Moses and Samuel stood before me, [yet] my mind [could] not [be] toward this people: cast [them] out of my sight, and let them go forth.

2 Kings 17:23

Until the LORD removed Israel out of his sight, as he had said by all his servants the prophets. So was Israel carried away out of their own land to Assyria unto this day.

Jeremiah 52:3

For through the anger of the LORD it came to pass in Jerusalem and Judah, till he had cast them out from his presence, that Zedekiah rebelled against the king of Babylon.

Hosea 13:16

Samaria shall become desolate; for she hath rebelled against her God: they shall fall by the sword: their infants shall be dashed in pieces, and their women with child shall be ripped up.

Hosea 9:16

Ephraim is smitten, their root is dried up, they shall bear no fruit: yea, though they bring forth, yet will I slay [even] the beloved [fruit] of their womb.

Hosea 9:17

My God will cast them away, because they did not hearken unto him: and they shall be wanderers among the nations.

Hosea 12:1

¶ Ephraim feedeth on wind, and followeth after the east wind: he daily increaseth lies and desolation; and they do make a covenant with the Assyrians, and oil is carried into Egypt.