Chapter 15: Hashem’s Final Verdict and the Prophet’s Cry

Overview

In this chapter, Hashem declares that the people of Yehudah have reached a point of no return. Their sins are so grave that even the intercession of the greatest prophets—Moshe and Shmuel—would not sway His judgment. The chapter paints a grim picture of divine punishment, national collapse, and personal suffering. Yermiyahu, burdened by his role, pleads for mercy and justice, expressing deep emotional pain. Hashem responds with both rebuke and reassurance, promising protection if Yermiyahu remains steadfast.

1. No More Intercession—Judgment Is Set

• Hashem tells Yermiyahu that even if Moshe and Shmuel were to plead on behalf of the people, He would not listen. The nation has exhausted divine patience and must be sent away.
• When the people ask, “Where should we go?” Yermiyahu is instructed to answer with Hashem’s decree: those destined for death will die, those marked for war will fall by the sword, others will starve, and some will be taken into captivity.
• Hashem appoints four agents of destruction: war, scavenging dogs, birds of prey, and wild beasts—all to bring ruin. The nation will become a symbol of horror to all other kingdoms, a consequence of the sins committed by Menashe, son of Chizkiyahu, in Yerushalayim.

2. Yerushalayim Abandoned and Hashem’s Weariness

• Hashem asks rhetorically: Who will feel compassion for Yerushalayim? Who will mourn her or even inquire about her wellbeing? The answer is clear—no one.
• The people have turned their backs on Hashem, and now He will turn His hand against them. He declares that He is tired of constantly relenting. He has scattered them like grain in a sieve across the cities, stripped them of what they had, and still they refuse to change their ways.
• Widows are now as numerous as grains of sand. In broad daylight, terror strikes, and cities fall. A mother who once had seven children is left bereft, her spirit crushed, her day ending prematurely. Shame and confusion overwhelm her, and the few who remain will fall by the sword.

3. Yermiyahu’s Personal Anguish

• Yermiyahu laments his birth, regretting that he was born into a life of conflict. Though he has not wronged anyone financially or otherwise, he is cursed by everyone.
• Hashem responds with a promise: Yermiyahu will be spared for a good purpose. In times of famine and distress, even his enemies will come seeking his help.
• Hashem then poses a metaphorical question: Can iron from the north break iron and bronze? This likely refers to the unstoppable force of Babylon.

4. Loss of Wealth and Exile

• Hashem declares that Yermiyahu’s people will lose their treasures and possessions—not through trade or sale, but as punishment for their sins. Everything across their territory will be taken.
• They will be exiled to a foreign land they do not know, driven by Hashem’s burning anger, which will not be extinguished.

5. Yermiyahu’s Plea and Spiritual Crisis

• Yermiyahu turns to Hashem in prayer, asking to be remembered and defended against those who persecute him. He reminds Hashem that he has suffered disgrace for His sake.
• He recalls how he eagerly embraced Hashem’s words—they were his joy and the delight of his heart. He bore Hashem’s name with honor.
• Yermiyahu describes his isolation: he did not join in celebrations or sit with those who rejoice. Instead, he sat alone, overwhelmed by Hashem’s hand and filled with righteous anger.
• But now, he questions: Why does his pain never end? Why is his wound incurable? He feels as though Hashem has become like a dry spring—unreliable and failing.

6. Hashem’s Response and Reaffirmation

• Hashem replies with a conditional promise: If Yermiyahu returns to a place of trust and purity, He will restore him. If Yermiyahu can discern and speak what is valuable and true, he will serve as Hashem’s voice.
• Hashem warns that Yermiyahu must not conform to the people—they must come to him, not the other way around.
• He then reassures Yermiyahu: He will make him like a fortified wall of bronze. Though the people will oppose him, they will not overcome him, because Hashem will be with him to rescue and protect.
• Finally, Hashem promises to deliver Yermiyahu from the hands of the wicked and redeem him from those who terrify.

1. Takeaway

Chapter 15 of Sefer Yermiyahu is a profound reflection on divine justice and prophetic suffering. It teaches:

• That Hashem’s patience has limits, and persistent sin leads to irreversible consequences.
• That faithful service to Hashem can bring isolation and pain, but also divine favor.
• That even in moments of despair, Hashem remains a source of strength and redemption for those who remain true.

Hashem’s final words to Yermiyahu offer enduring hope:

“I am with you to redeem you and to save you.”