Isaiah 15
Jeremiah 15 describes how, while Jeremiah delivers God’s message of judgment, themes of the people’s stubbornness and the resulting judgment intersect with Jeremiah’s own suffering and prayers and God’s response. This chapter can be divided into: 1) an unavoidable declaration of God’s judgment (verses 1–9), 2) the suffering and appeals of the prophet Jeremiah (verses 10–18), and 3) the renewed promise God gives (verses 19–21).
1verseThe burden of Moab. For in a night, Ar of Moab is laid waste, and brought to nothing. For in a night Kir of Moab is laid waste, and brought to nothing.
2verseThey have gone up to Bayith, and to Dibon, to the high places, to weep. Moab wails over Nebo and over Medeba. Baldness is on all of their heads. Every beard is cut off.
3verseIn their streets, they clothe themselves in sackcloth. In their streets and on their housetops, everyone wails, weeping abundantly.
4verseHeshbon cries out with Elealeh. Their voice is heard even to Jahaz. Therefore the armed men of Moab cry aloud. Their souls tremble within them.
5verseMy heart cries out for Moab! Her nobles flee to Zoar, to Eglath Shelishiyah; for they go up by the ascent of Luhith with weeping; for on the way to Horonaim, they raise up a cry of destruction.
6verseFor the waters of Nimrim will be desolate; for the grass has withered away, the tender grass fails, there is no green thing.
7verseTherefore they will carry away the abundance they have gotten, and that which they have stored up, over the brook of the willows.
8verseFor the cry has gone around the borders of Moab, its wailing to Eglaim, and its wailing to Beer Elim.
9verseFor the waters of Dimon are full of blood; for I will bring yet more on Dimon, a lion on those of Moab who escape, and on the remnant of the land.
Key Flow and Message
- Verses 1–9: God reveals that the people’s sin is so serious that even intercessors like Moses and Samuel cannot defend Israel. He warns that judgment will come through various and great disasters (such as the sword, famine, and disease).
- Verses 10–18: Jeremiah appeals to God because of the people’s accusations and persecution toward him, as well as his suffering. In this process, he honestly lays bare the loneliness and pain he faces, along with his lament over his own life.
- Verses 19–21: God answers Jeremiah’s concerns and promises to strengthen him. He urges him again to firmly hold onto his mission as a prophet and to faithfully deliver God’s word among the people.
Points for Reflection
- Because God must judge the continued stubbornness of individuals and the community, yet He still treasures intercessors and a heart that turns in repentance.
- Even those who faithfully proclaim God’s will may sometimes experience loneliness and suffering, but God is the one who stays with His people amid their suffering and raises them up again.
Applying It to My Life
- If there is stubbornness and repeated wrongdoing in my life, I can use this chapter as an opportunity to take God’s warnings seriously.
- On the lonely path of faith, when I am different from others, I can realize that I need an attitude like Jeremiah’s—openly confessing to God and seeking strength.
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