Warn the nations now! Proclaim to Jerusalem: "A besieging army comes from a distant land; they raise their voices against the cities of Judah. Announce to the nationsThis phrase calls for a proclamation beyond the borders of Israel, indicating the universal scope of God's message. The Hebrew root for "announce" is "נָגַד" (nagad), which means to declare or make known. This suggests an imperative for God's people to communicate His warnings and truths to all nations, emphasizing the global responsibility of believers to share God's word. Historically, this reflects the role of Israel as a light to the nations, a theme that resonates throughout the Old Testament. Proclaim to Jerusalem
Here, the focus shifts to the heart of God's chosen people, Jerusalem. The Hebrew word for "proclaim" is "שָׁמַע" (shama), which means to hear or listen. This implies not just a verbal announcement but an urgent call for the inhabitants of Jerusalem to heed the message. Jerusalem, as the spiritual center, is often the focal point of prophetic messages, symbolizing the need for repentance and return to God. A besieging army is coming
This phrase is a direct warning of impending judgment. The Hebrew word for "besieging" is "צָרָה" (tsarah), which denotes distress or trouble. Historically, this refers to the Babylonian army that would come against Jerusalem, fulfilling God's judgment due to the people's persistent disobedience. It serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of turning away from God. from a distant land
The phrase highlights the origin of the threat, emphasizing its foreign nature. The Hebrew "מֵאֶרֶץ רָחוֹק" (me'eretz rachoq) indicates a land far away, underscoring the reach of God's sovereignty over all nations. This also serves to remind the Israelites that no distance can shield them from God's righteous judgment. They raise their voices
This imagery of raised voices suggests a loud and clear warning. The Hebrew "קוֹל" (qol) means voice or sound, often used in the context of a cry or proclamation. It signifies the urgency and seriousness of the message being delivered, urging the people to pay attention and respond appropriately. against the cities of Judah
The focus here is on the specific target of the impending judgment. Judah, representing the southern kingdom, is often highlighted in prophetic literature due to its spiritual significance and the presence of Jerusalem. This phrase serves as a direct call to the people of Judah to recognize their perilous state and turn back to God. Persons / Places / Events 1. JeremiahA prophet called by God to deliver messages of warning and hope to the people of Judah. His ministry was marked by his deep emotional connection to his people and his unwavering commitment to God's truth. 2. NationsRefers to the surrounding nations that are being warned about the impending judgment and the role they might play in it. This highlights the universal scope of God's sovereignty and judgment. 3. JerusalemThe capital city of Judah, representing the spiritual and political heart of the nation. It is often a focal point in prophetic warnings due to its significance. 4. JudahThe southern kingdom of Israel, which is the primary audience of Jeremiah's prophecies. Judah's persistent idolatry and disobedience to God are central themes in Jeremiah's messages. 5. Besieging ArmyRepresents the impending threat from foreign invaders, likely the Babylonians, who would eventually conquer Judah and lead its people into exile. This serves as a tangible expression of God's judgment. Teaching Points The Urgency of God's WarningsGod's warnings through His prophets are urgent and require immediate attention. Just as Jeremiah was called to warn the nations and Jerusalem, believers today are called to heed God's warnings in Scripture and respond with repentance and obedience. The Sovereignty of God Over NationsThe prophecy against Judah and the nations underscores God's sovereignty over all nations. Believers can find comfort in knowing that God is in control, even amidst political and social turmoil. The Consequences of DisobedienceJudah's impending judgment serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of persistent disobedience to God. Christians are encouraged to examine their lives and turn away from sin to avoid similar consequences. The Role of Prophets and MessengersJeremiah's role as a prophet highlights the importance of faithful messengers who deliver God's truth, even when it is unpopular. Believers are called to be bold in sharing God's message of salvation and warning. Hope Amidst JudgmentWhile Jeremiah's message is one of impending judgment, it also points to the hope of restoration. Christians can find hope in God's promises of redemption and restoration through Christ, even in times of discipline. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the role of a prophet like Jeremiah inform our understanding of God's communication with His people today? 2. In what ways can we see God's sovereignty over nations in our current world events, and how should this influence our prayers and actions? 3. Reflect on a time when you experienced the consequences of disobedience. How did that experience shape your relationship with God? 4. How can we, as modern-day believers, act as faithful messengers of God's truth in our communities? 5. What are some practical ways we can hold onto hope and trust in God's promises during times of personal or communal judgment? Connections to Other Scriptures Isaiah 39This chapter provides a backdrop to the events in Jeremiah, where the prophet Isaiah warns King Hezekiah about the future Babylonian captivity, showing the continuity of prophetic warnings. 2 Kings 25Describes the fall of Jerusalem to the Babylonians, fulfilling the warnings given by prophets like Jeremiah, and illustrating the consequences of disobedience to God. Ezekiel 33Emphasizes the role of a watchman, similar to Jeremiah's role, in warning the people of impending danger, highlighting the responsibility of God's messengers. People Dan, JeremiahPlaces Dan, Jerusalem, Mount Ephraim, ZionTopics Afar, Announce, Army, Attackers, Behold, Besiegers, Besieging, Cities, Cry, Distant, Forth, Inform, Jerusalem, Judah, Lift, Loud, Mention, Minds, Nations, Openly, Proclaim, Publish, Raise, Raising, Report, Shout, Statement, Towns, Voice, Voices, War, Warn, WatchersDictionary of Bible Themes Jeremiah 4:16 5196 voice Jeremiah 4:13-18 9250 woe Jeremiah 4:14-18 5606 warfare, nature of Library The Wailing of Risca
You all know the story; it scarce needs that I should tell it to you. Last Saturday week some two hundred or more miners descended in health and strength to their usual work in the bowels of the earth. They had not been working long, their wives and their children had risen, and their little ones had gone to their schools, when suddenly there was heard a noise at the mouth of the pit;--it was an explosion,--all knew what it meant. Men's hearts failed them, for well they prophesied the horror which …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 7: 1861How those are to be Admonished who Sin from Sudden Impulse and those who Sin Deliberately.
(Admonition 33.). Differently to be admonished are those who are overcome by sudden passion and those who are bound in guilt of set purpose. For those whom sudden passion overcomes are to be admonished to regard themselves as daily set in the warfare of the present life, and to protect the heart, which cannot foresee wounds, with the shield of anxious fear; to dread the hidden darts of the ambushed foe, and, in so dark a contest, to guard with continual attention the inward camp of the soul. For, …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great Prevailing Prayer.
Text.--The effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.--James v. 16. THE last lecture referred principally to the confession of sin. To-night my remarks will be chiefly confined to the subject of intercession, or prayer. There are two kinds of means requisite to promote a revival; one to influence men, the other to influence God. The truth is employed to influence men, and prayer to move God. When I speak of moving God, I do not mean that God's mind is changed by prayer, or that his …
Charles Grandison Finney—Lectures on Revivals of Religion How to Make Use of Christ for Cleansing of us from Our Daily Spots.
Having spoken of the way of making use of Christ for removing the guilt of our daily transgressions, we come to speak of the way of making use of Christ, for taking away the guilt that cleaveth to the soul, through daily transgressions; "for every sin defileth the man," Matt. xv. 20; and the best are said to have their spots, and to need washing, which presupposeth filthiness and defilement, Eph. v. 27. John xiii. 8-10. Hence we are so oft called to this duty of washing and making us clean. Isa. …
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life "For they that are after the Flesh do Mind the Things of the Flesh,",
Rom. viii. 5.--"For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh,", &c. Though sin hath taken up the principal and inmost cabinet of the heart of man--though it hath fixed its imperial throne in the spirit of man, and makes use of all the powers and faculties in the soul to accomplish its accursed desires and fulfil its boundless lusts, yet it is not without good reason expressed in scripture, ordinarily under the name of "flesh," and a "body of death," and men dead in sins, are …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning "Who Walk not after the Flesh, but after the Spirit. For they that are after the Flesh,"
Rom. viii. 4, 5.--"Who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For they that are after the flesh," &c. If there were nothing else to engage our hearts to religion, I think this might do it, that there is so much reason in it. Truly it is the most rational thing in the world, except some revealed mysteries of faith, which are far above reason, but not contrary to it. There is nothing besides in it, but that which is the purest reason. Even that part of it which is most difficult to man, …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning "If So be that the Spirit of God Dwell in You. Now if any Man have not the Spirit of Christ, He is None of His. "
Rom. viii. 9.--"If so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his." "But will God in very deed dwell with men on the earth?" 2 Chron. vi. 18. It was the wonder of one of the wisest of men, and indeed, considering his infinite highness above the height of heavens, his immense and incomprehensible greatness, that the heaven of heavens cannot contain him, and then the baseness, emptiness, and worthlessness of man, it may be a wonder to the …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning The Acceptable Sacrifice;
OR, THE EXCELLENCY OF A BROKEN HEART: SHOWING THE NATURE, SIGNS, AND PROPER EFFECTS OF A CONTRITE SPIRIT. BEING THE LAST WORKS OF THAT EMINENT PREACHER AND FAITHFUL MINISTER OF JESUS CHRIST, MR. JOHN BUNYAN, OF BEDFORD. WITH A PREFACE PREFIXED THEREUNTO BY AN EMINENT MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL IN LONDON. London: Sold by George Larkin, at the Two Swans without Bishopgates, 1692. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. The very excellent preface to this treatise, written by George Cokayn, will inform the reader of …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 Original Sin
Q-16: DID ALL MANKIND FALL IN ADAM'S FIRST TRANSGRESSION? A: The covenant being made with Adam, not only for himself, but for his posterity, all mankind descending from him, by ordinary generation, sinned in him, and fell with him in his first transgression. 'By one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin,' &c. Rom 5:12. Adam being a representative person, while he stood, we stood; when he fell, we fell, We sinned in Adam; so it is in the text, In whom all have sinned.' Adam was the head …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity Repentance
Then has God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.' Acts 11: 18. Repentance seems to be a bitter pill to take, but it is to purge out the bad humour of sin. By some Antinomian spirits it is cried down as a legal doctrine; but Christ himself preached it. From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent,' &c. Matt 4: 17. In his last farewell, when he was ascending to heaven, he commanded that Repentance should be preached in his name.' Luke 24: 47. Repentance is a pure gospel grace. …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments Directions to Awakened Sinners.
Acts ix. 6. Acts ix. 6. And he, trembling and astonished, said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do. THESE are the words of Saul, who also is called Paul, (Acts xiii. 9,) when he was stricken to the ground as he was going to Damascus; and any one who had looked upon him in his present circumstances and knew nothing more of him than that view, in comparison with his past life, could have given, would have imagined him one of the most miserable creatures that ever lived upon earth, and would have expected …
Philip Doddridge—Practical Discourses on Regeneration The Quotation in Matt. Ii. 6.
Several interpreters, Paulus especially, have asserted that the interpretation of Micah which is here given, was that of the Sanhedrim only, and not of the Evangelist, who merely recorded what happened and was said. But this assertion is at once refuted when we consider the object which Matthew has in view in his entire representation of the early life of Jesus. His object in recording the early life of Jesus is not like that of Luke, viz., to communicate historical information to his readers. …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament Jesus Attends the First Passover of his Ministry.
(Jerusalem, April 9, a.d. 27.) Subdivision B. Jesus Talks with Nicodemus. ^D John III. 1-21. ^d 1 Now there was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. [Nicodemus is mentioned only by John. His character is marked by a prudence amounting almost to timidity. At John vii. 50-52 he defends Jesus, but without committing himself as in any way interested in him: at John xix. 38, 39 he brought spices for the body of Jesus, but only after Joseph of Arimathæa had secured the body. …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel Jeremiah
The interest of the book of Jeremiah is unique. On the one hand, it is our most reliable and elaborate source for the long period of history which it covers; on the other, it presents us with prophecy in its most intensely human phase, manifesting itself through a strangely attractive personality that was subject to like doubts and passions with ourselves. At his call, in 626 B.C., he was young and inexperienced, i. 6, so that he cannot have been born earlier than 650. The political and religious …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Jeremiah 4:16 NIVJeremiah 4:16 NLTJeremiah 4:16 ESVJeremiah 4:16 NASBJeremiah 4:16 KJV
Jeremiah 4:16 Commentaries
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