Jeremiah 4 16

Jeremiah 4:16 kjv

Make ye mention to the nations; behold, publish against Jerusalem, that watchers come from a far country, and give out their voice against the cities of Judah.

Jeremiah 4:16 nkjv

"Make mention to the nations, Yes, proclaim against Jerusalem, That watchers come from a far country And raise their voice against the cities of Judah.

Jeremiah 4:16 niv

"Tell this to the nations, proclaim concerning Jerusalem: 'A besieging army is coming from a distant land, raising a war cry against the cities of Judah.

Jeremiah 4:16 esv

Warn the nations that he is coming; announce to Jerusalem, "Besiegers come from a distant land; they shout against the cities of Judah.

Jeremiah 4:16 nlt

"Warn the surrounding nations
and announce this to Jerusalem:
The enemy is coming from a distant land,
raising a battle cry against the towns of Judah.

Jeremiah 4 verses

Jeremiah 4 16 Meaning

The verse depicts the lament of Judah and Jerusalem upon hearing the approaching sounds of war. It signifies their terror and acknowledgment that the danger is real and unavoidable, attributing it to the divine decree for their sin.

Jeremiah 4 16 Context

Jeremiah 4:16 describes the reaction of Judah and Jerusalem to the imminent invasion of a powerful enemy, likely the Babylonians. This chapter is part of a larger prophetic oracle concerning impending judgment. Jeremiah has been tasked with warning Judah about their sins, particularly idolatry and spiritual unfaithfulness, which have incurred God's wrath. The people have grown accustomed to the warnings but are now witnessing the tangible evidence of their consequence in the form of an approaching army. This verse captures their sudden, albeit late, realization of the gravity of their situation and the source of the danger.

Jeremiah 4 16 Word analysis

• “Make your preparation”: This refers to preparing for the onslaught, likely meaning to strengthen defenses or flee. It's an urgent call to action in the face of imminent doom.
• “against her”: Refers to Jerusalem. The preparation is for defense against the enemy advancing on the city.
• “round about”: Suggests the enemy's encirclement and comprehensive approach, leaving no escape.
• “For the voice”: This signifies that the reason for their preparation is heard. It is the "voice" of the approaching enemy.
• “declares from far”: The sound or report of the approaching enemy is already being heard, indicating their significant distance but also their undeniable advance.
• “and the announcer”: This could refer to a scout, a herald, or even God's prophetic proclamation itself, signifying the declaration of war or judgment.
• “from the lands of the enemy”: The origin of the threat is clearly identified as foreign territories.
• “that I”: Emphasizes God's active role in this unfolding judgment.
• “have put my hands against her”: This is a potent idiom for God's direct intervention and opposition against Jerusalem, indicating His decree for their punishment. It signifies divine sovereignty in the historical events.
• “The Lord of hosts”: This title of God emphasizes His supreme authority and power over all the armies of heaven and earth. It underscores that no earthly power can stand against Him or His determined judgment.
• “My heart is greatly disturbed”: This expresses intense divine sorrow and anguish over the coming destruction, not because God is weak, but because His love and desire for repentance are being rejected.
• “My compassions”: This refers to God's tender mercies and affections, which are deeply stirred by the people's rebellion and its consequences.
• “are kindled together”: The English word "kindled" can refer to the stirring of emotions. In the original Hebrew, "nāhärû" (נהרו) signifies flowing together, like a flood. This imagery conveys an overwhelming surge of God's compassionate concern for His people, which is evoked by their distress and the inevitable consequence of their sin. It highlights God’s deeply pained emotional response to their plight.
• “I have no peace”: This refers to God's restless disposition due to the sin and rebellion of His people, and the judgment that must follow. It shows God's internal state reflecting the external circumstances.
• “though I heard them”: The understanding is that God has heard their cries, but it's too late for this to prevent the judgment they have brought upon themselves.

Group analysis:

• "Make your preparation... against her, round about": This phrase sets the scene of immediate danger and siege, with the enemy poised to attack from all sides. It underscores the totality of the impending doom.
• "For the voice declares from far... the announcer from the lands of the enemy": This signifies that the signs of judgment are undeniable and coming from a foreign source, highlighting the foreign invasion.
• "that I have put my hands against her": This is a crucial phrase showing God's sovereign hand in orchestrating or allowing the invasion as a disciplinary measure.
• "The Lord of hosts... My heart is greatly disturbed, My compassions are kindled together": This section reveals the paradox of God's justice and His deep emotional sorrow. He is the all-powerful Lord of Hosts, yet He is deeply pained by the suffering He must permit due to sin. The "kindling" of compassions is an outpouring of divine love and grief, emphasizing that judgment is not God's first desire but a consequence of His faithfulness to His covenant and His desire for holiness.
• "I have no peace, though I heard them": This indicates that God, despite being fully aware of their situation and their impending cries for help, cannot avert the predetermined judgment because their iniquity is too great.

Jeremiah 4 16 Bonus section

The Hebrew phrase "my compassions are kindled together" (לִבִּי נִסְעָה עָלַי - libbi nisyʿāh ʿalāy as interpreted by some scholars) or variations of the concept are often translated as "my bowels are moved." This "bowels" in ancient Near Eastern thought referred to the seat of deep emotions, particularly empathy, compassion, and distress. This imagery conveys a profound, visceral reaction of sorrow and concern within God’s very being, emphasizing His personal anguish over their suffering, which stems directly from His love and their rebellion. This mirrors Jesus' weeping over Jerusalem in Luke 19:41, showcasing God's enduring love and grief for His people, even as He executes judgment.

Jeremiah 4 16 Commentary

Jeremiah 4:16 encapsulates the turning point where a nation, facing external invasion, can no longer deny the reality of impending judgment. The verse is striking for revealing God's profound distress. Despite His omnipotence ("Lord of hosts") and His active role in bringing the enemy ("I have put my hands against her"), His "compassions are kindled." This is not a wavering of resolve, but an expression of His anguish that His people’s rebellion necessitates such severe measures. It shows that God's judgment, while righteous, is not cold or indifferent. It carries the sorrow of a parent whose child’s persistent disobedience leads to unavoidable pain. The inability to find "peace" highlights God's inner turmoil in dealing with sin, mirroring the turmoil that sin brings to humanity and creation itself. It’s a plea from God’s heart that they had recognized His hand and His grief earlier, but now the consequences are set in motion.