Jeremiah 8:15

KJV

We looked for peace, but no good [came; and] for a time of health, and behold trouble!

KJV (with Strong's)

We looked {H6960} for peace {H7965}, but no good {H2896} came; and for a time {H6256} of health {H4832}, and behold trouble {H1205}!

Complete Jewish Bible

When we look for peace, nothing good comes; when we seek a time of healing, instead there is terror."

Berean Standard Bible

We hoped for peace, but no good has come, for a time of healing, but there was only terror.

American Standard Version

We looked for peace, but no good came; and for a time of healing, and, behold, dismay!

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 8:15 encapsulates the profound disillusionment of the people of Judah as they faced the devastating consequences of their persistent disobedience to God. Despite their fervent longing and expectation for peace and restoration, the nation was met with overwhelming calamity and terror, a direct result of their spiritual apostasy and rejection of divine warnings. This verse starkly contrasts human desire with divine judgment, highlighting the inevitable outcome when a people turn away from the true source of their well-being.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 8:15 is situated within a series of prophetic laments and pronouncements of judgment against Judah, particularly chapters 7-10. Jeremiah has been consistently delivering God's message of impending doom due to the nation's rampant idolatry, moral corruption, and reliance on false prophets who proclaimed "peace, peace" when there was no peace ([Jeremiah 6:14](/jeremiah/6-14 "Jeremiah 6:14 - False Peace Proclaimed")). The preceding verses in chapter 8 detail the extent of Judah's spiritual sickness, comparing them to a sick patient whose wound is incurable ([Jeremiah 8:21-22](/jeremiah/8-21 "Jeremiah 8:21-22 - The Incurable Wound of My People")). The people's cry in verse 15, "We looked for peace, but no good [came; and] for a time of health, and behold trouble!", serves as a bitter realization of the futility of their false hopes and the inescapable reality of God's righteous judgment, which is about to be executed through the Babylonian invasion.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The late 7th and early 6th centuries BCE were a tumultuous period for the Kingdom of Judah. The Assyrian Empire, which had long dominated the region, was in decline, giving way to the rising power of Babylon. Judah, caught between these superpowers, often sought alliances with Egypt, defying God's command to trust Him alone. Spiritually, the nation was steeped in syncretism, blending the worship of Yahweh with pagan practices, including child sacrifice and idol worship in the very Temple of Jerusalem ([Jeremiah 7:30-31](/jeremiah/7-30 "Jeremiah 7:30-31 - Abominations in the Temple")). Culturally, there was a pervasive sense of self-deception, fueled by false prophets and priests who assured the people of divine protection despite their flagrant covenant violations. This created a cultural expectation of peace and prosperity, even as the drums of war beat louder on their borders, leading to the profound shock and terror expressed in this verse when the promised "peace" failed to materialize.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 8:15 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Jeremiah. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Shattered Expectations** – the stark contrast between human desires and divine reality. The people's longing for "peace" and "health" was a natural human aspiration, but their means of pursuing it (through idolatry and false security) were fundamentally flawed, leading to the opposite outcome. Secondly, it highlights the **Consequences of Disobedience**, a central tenet of the Mosaic Covenant ([Deuteronomy 28:15-68](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses")). Jeremiah consistently warned that covenant infidelity would lead to judgment, and this verse is a vivid illustration of that principle. Thirdly, the verse exposes the danger of **False Security** and the destructive influence of false prophets who proclaimed "peace, peace; when there is no peace" ([Jeremiah 6:14](/jeremiah/6-14 "Jeremiah 6:14 - The Deceptive Words of False Prophets")). The "trouble" that arrived was the painful truth breaking through the comforting lies. Finally, it speaks to the theme of **Divine Judgment**, demonstrating that God's justice is not arbitrary but a righteous response to persistent rebellion, intended to bring about repentance or, failing that, to uphold His holy character.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **looked (Hebrew, _qâvâh'_):** From H6960, meaning "to bind together (perhaps by twisting), i.e. collect; (figuratively) to expect; gather (together), look, patiently, tarry, wait (for, on, upon)." This word implies an earnest, often patient, waiting or hoping. The people of Judah were not passively wishing; they were actively "looking" or "waiting" with expectation for peace, perhaps clinging to the false assurances of their leaders.
* **peace (Hebrew, _shâlôwm'_):** From H7965, meaning "safe, i.e. (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e. health, prosperity, peace." _Shâlôwm_ is a comprehensive term, signifying not merely the absence of conflict but a state of wholeness, well-being, prosperity, and completeness in all aspects of life—physical, spiritual, and communal. The people yearned for this holistic restoration.
* **health (Hebrew, _marpêʼ'_):** From H4832, meaning "properly, curative, i.e. literally (concretely) a medicine, or (abstractly) a cure; figuratively (concretely) deliverance, or (abstractly) placidity." This word speaks to healing, restoration, or soundness. The desire for "health" extended beyond physical well-being to national and spiritual recovery from the deep-seated societal ills and spiritual sickness plaguing Judah.
* **trouble (Hebrew, _bᵉʻâthâh'_):** From H1205, meaning "fear; trouble." This word conveys a sense of sudden terror, alarm, or calamity. It describes an abrupt and devastating experience, a stark and terrifying contrast to the peace and health they desperately sought.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"We looked for peace,"**: This clause expresses the deep longing and expectation of the people of Judah. They were actively hoping for a return to national stability, security, and the comprehensive well-being implied by _shalom_. This expectation was likely fueled by a combination of genuine human desire for tranquility and the deceptive assurances of false prophets.
* **"but no good [came;"**: This segment introduces the crushing disappointment. Despite their earnest looking and waiting, the anticipated "good" (_ṭôwb_ - prosperity, welfare, pleasantness) did not materialize. Instead, their hopes were utterly dashed, indicating a severe disconnect between their expectations and the unfolding reality.
* **"and for a time of health,"**: This phrase reiterates their yearning for restoration and healing. They desired a period of recovery from the spiritual, social, and political maladies that afflicted their nation. This points to a recognition, perhaps subconscious, of their broken state and a desire for things to be made right.
* **"and behold trouble!"**: This final, emphatic declaration delivers the shocking and painful reality. The "behold" (Hebrew _hinneh_) serves as an interjection, drawing immediate attention to the unexpected and terrifying outcome. Instead of the longed-for peace and health, they were confronted with sudden, overwhelming "trouble" or terror, signifying the arrival of divine judgment in the form of invasion and destruction.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 8:15 is rich in literary devices that amplify its poignant message. The most prominent is **Antithesis** or **Juxtaposition**, where the verse sets up a stark contrast between what was desired ("peace," "good," "health") and what was received ("trouble"). This creates a powerful sense of disillusionment and highlights the tragic irony of their situation. The phrase "We looked for peace, but no good came... and behold trouble!" is a prime example of this, emphasizing the complete reversal of their expectations. There is also a strong element of **Pathos**, as the verse evokes deep sympathy for the people's shattered hopes, even as it underscores the justice of their predicament. The lament-like tone captures the collective cry of a nation realizing the devastating consequences of its folly. Furthermore, the use of the interjection "behold" (KJV "and behold trouble!") serves as a dramatic **Exclamation**, drawing the reader's attention to the sudden and shocking nature of the calamity that befell them, transforming a hopeful expectation into a fearful reality.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 8:15 serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of divine justice and the futility of seeking peace apart from God. It teaches that true peace (_shalom_) and genuine well-being are not merely the absence of external threats but are rooted in a right relationship with the sovereign Lord. When a people persistently rejects God's covenant and embraces idolatry and moral corruption, their human desires for prosperity will inevitably be thwarted by divine judgment. This verse underscores the principle that God is faithful to His warnings as much as to His promises, and that consequences for sin are real and unavoidable. It challenges any notion of cheap grace or a superficial peace that ignores the demands of righteousness.

* [Deuteronomy 28:15](/deuteronomy/28-15 "Deuteronomy 28:15 - Curses for Disobedience")
* [Isaiah 48:22](/isaiah/48-22 "Isaiah 48:22 - No Peace for the Wicked")
* [Jeremiah 6:14](/jeremiah/6-14 "Jeremiah 6:14 - False Prophets and Superficial Peace")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 8:15 offers a timeless warning and a crucial lesson for individuals and communities today. It compels us to examine the sources of our hope and the foundations upon which we build our expectations for peace and well-being. Are we seeking true peace that comes from reconciliation with God and obedience to His Word, or are we clinging to false assurances, superficial solutions, or worldly comforts that promise peace but cannot deliver? This verse reminds us that genuine flourishing—spiritual, emotional, and relational—is inextricably linked to our alignment with God's will. When we persist in patterns of disobedience, neglect spiritual disciplines, or embrace a compromised faith, we set ourselves up for disillusionment and "trouble," even if our intentions are to find "good" or "health." The path to true peace is not found in ignoring spiritual sickness but in humbly seeking divine healing and restoration.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "peace" or "health" am I currently looking for in my life, and what are the foundations of those expectations?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be experiencing "trouble" because I have sought solutions apart from God's wisdom or ignored His warnings?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper reliance on God as the true source of peace, rather than seeking it in fleeting circumstances or human assurances?**
* **What role do "false prophets"—whether external voices or internal self-deception—play in shaping my expectations for life, and how can I discern truth from falsehood?**

### FAQ

**Why did the people of Judah "look for peace" when Jeremiah was clearly prophesying judgment?**

Answer: The people of Judah, particularly their leaders and false prophets, were steeped in a dangerous delusion. They clung to a distorted understanding of God's covenant, believing that because they were God's chosen people and had the Temple in Jerusalem, God would never allow them to be utterly destroyed, regardless of their sin. This false security was actively promoted by prophets who cried "Peace, peace; when there is no peace" ([Jeremiah 6:14](/jeremiah/6-14 "Jeremiah 6:14 - The Deceptive Words of False Prophets")). They desired comfort and prosperity, and they found voices that affirmed those desires, leading them to reject Jeremiah's harsh but true warnings. Their "looking for peace" was not necessarily a sign of repentance, but often a clinging to a superficial hope that ignored the deep spiritual sickness within the nation, as described throughout [Jeremiah 7](/jeremiah/7 "Jeremiah 7 - Jeremiah's Temple Sermon").

**What was the nature of the "trouble" that came upon Judah instead of peace?**

Answer: The "trouble" (Hebrew _bᵉʻâthâh_, meaning "fear" or "calamity") refers primarily to the devastating Babylonian invasion and subsequent exile. This was not merely a minor inconvenience but a cataclysmic national disaster that resulted in widespread death, famine, disease, the destruction of Jerusalem and its Temple, and the forced deportation of the majority of the population to Babylon ([Jeremiah 25:11](/jeremiah/25-11 "Jeremiah 25:11 - Seventy Years of Babylonian Captivity")). It was a sudden, terrifying, and overwhelming judgment that completely shattered their national identity and their false sense of security, fulfilling the warnings that Jeremiah had tirelessly proclaimed for decades.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 8:15, with its lament over shattered expectations of peace and health, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus. The people of Judah sought a temporal, national peace and healing that their sin made impossible. However, Jesus Christ is the true "Prince of Peace" ([Isaiah 9:6](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - The Prince of Peace")), who brings a peace far surpassing any earthly understanding. He offers not merely the absence of conflict, but a profound spiritual _shalom_—wholeness, reconciliation with God, and inner tranquility—that the world cannot give ([John 14:27](/john/14-27 "John 14:27 - Jesus Gives His Peace")). Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, Jesus became the ultimate "Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), bearing the "trouble" (judgment) that humanity deserved. By His stripes, we are healed ([Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - By His Wounds We Are Healed")), receiving spiritual "health" and restoration from the sickness of sin. The "good" that Judah desperately looked for, but never found in their own efforts, is fully realized in Christ, who is the source of all true blessing and prosperity for those who believe in Him ([Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Blessed in Christ")). In Him, the yearning for peace and health is not met with trouble, but with eternal life and an unshakeable hope ([Romans 5:1](/romans/5-1 "Romans 5:1 - Peace with God Through Faith")).

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 14:19

Hast thou utterly rejected Judah? hath thy soul lothed Zion? why hast thou smitten us, and [there is] no healing for us? we looked for peace, and [there is] no good; and for the time of healing, and behold trouble!

Jeremiah 4:10

Then said I, Ah, Lord GOD! surely thou hast greatly deceived this people and Jerusalem, saying, Ye shall have peace; whereas the sword reacheth unto the soul.

1 Thessalonians 5:3

For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.

Jeremiah 8:11

For they have healed the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when [there is] no peace.

Micah 1:12

For the inhabitant of Maroth waited carefully for good: but evil came down from the LORD unto the gate of Jerusalem.