King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 2:15 Mean?

“The young lions roared upon him, and yelled , and they made his land waste: his cities are burned without inhabitant. yelled: Heb. gave out their voice”

Context

For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water.

Is Israel a servant? is he a homeborn slave? why is he spoiled? spoiled: Heb. become a spoil?

The young lions roared upon him, and yelled , and they made his land waste: his cities are burned without inhabitant. yelled: Heb. gave out their voice

Also the children of Noph and Tahapanes have broken the crown of thy head. have: or, feed on thy crown

Hast thou not procured this unto thyself, in that thou hast forsaken the LORD thy God, when he led thee by the way?

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(15) **The young lions roared . . .**—The real answer to the question, that Israel had forsaken its true master, is given in Jeremiah 2:17. Here it is implied in the description of what the runaway slave had suffered. Lions had attacked him; not figuratively only, as symbolising invaders, but in the most literal sense, they had made his land waste (2Kings 17:25). **Are burned.**—Better, *levelled with the ground.*

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Jeremiah. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Jeremiah 2:15 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.