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Jeremiah 4:6
Set up the standard toward Zion: retire, stay not: for I will bring evil from the north, and a great destruction.

Jeremiah 6:1,22
O ye children of Benjamin, gather yourselves to flee out of the midst of Jerusalem, and blow the trumpet in Tekoa, and set up a sign of fire in Bethhaccerem: for evil appeareth out of the north, and great destruction…

Jeremiah 10:22
Behold, the noise of the bruit is come, and a great commotion out of the north country, to make the cities of Judah desolate,and a den of dragons.

break forth.

Disaster from the north
The "north" refers to the direction from which invading armies historically entered Israel and Judah. In the context of Jeremiah, this is a reference to the Babylonian Empire, which would eventually conquer Judah. The north is often associated with danger and judgment in biblical texts, as seen inIsaiah 41:25 andJeremiah 4:6. This geographical reference is significant because it aligns with historical events where Babylon, located to the northeast of Judah, became a dominant power.

will be poured out
The imagery of being "poured out" suggests an overwhelming and unstoppable force, akin to a flood. This metaphor conveys the severity and totality of the impending judgment. It reflects the idea of divine wrath being unleashed, as seen in other prophetic warnings like those inIsaiah 24:1-3 andEzekiel 7:2-3. The use of such vivid imagery is intended to evoke a sense of urgency and seriousness about the coming judgment.

on all who live in the land
This phrase indicates the comprehensive nature of the judgment, affecting everyone in the land of Judah. It highlights the collective responsibility and consequence of the nation's sins, a common theme in prophetic literature. The judgment is not limited to a specific group but encompasses all inhabitants, similar to the judgments pronounced in other prophetic books likeZephaniah 1:2-3. This universality underscores the seriousness of turning away from God and the inevitable consequences of such actions.

The opening words remind us that Jeremiah is not crafting his own ideas; he is receiving a direct, authoritative word from the covenant-keeping God.

• Earlier in the chapter we read, “The word of the LORD came to me, saying…” (Jeremiah 1:4), underscoring the same divine source.

• Similar moments echo throughout Scripture—“The LORD said to Abram, ‘Go from your country…’” (Genesis 12:1) and “The Lord said to Ananias, ‘Go!’” (Acts 9:15).

• Each time, God speaks with perfect knowledge and flawless reliability, so Jeremiah can pass the message on without hesitation.

God pinpoints the direction of coming judgment: “from the north.” Historically, Babylon would invade from that quarter, even though Babylon itself lay east of Judah; armies traveled the fertile crescent and swept down from the north.

• Later prophecies confirm the same route: “Raise a banner toward Zion… for I am bringing disaster from the north” (Jeremiah 4:6).

• Isaiah also warns Philistia, “From the north comes smoke, and there is no straggler in his ranks” (Isaiah 14:31).

• The detail proves God’s foreknowledge; He is never vague about what He intends, and events in 605–586 BC unfolded exactly as foretold.

The imagery shifts to liquid—unstoppable, drenching, and complete.

• God’s anger “will be poured out like fire” (Zephaniah 3:8); likewise, Ezekiel records, “I will pour out My wrath upon you” (Ezekiel 7:8).

• Pouring suggests abundance and certainty. Just as water finds every crevice, judgment will reach every corner Judah assumed was safe.

• While severe, this is righteous judgment: God had pleaded for repentance (Jeremiah 3:12), yet the nation persisted in idolatry.

No neighborhood, tribe, or social class could escape.

• The scope had already been spelled out: “I am calling down a sword on all who live in the land” (Jeremiah 25:29).

• Even the prophet’s hometown would feel it—“I will uproot the people of this land” (Jeremiah 12:14).

• God’s fairness shines through: blessing and discipline both fall impartially. The only refuge is obedience and trust in the Lord, a theme echoed when Peter writes, “It is time for judgment to begin with the household of God” (1 Peter 4:17).

Jeremiah 1:14 delivers a precise, literal warning. The Lord Himself speaks; the threat comes specifically from the north; it will be poured out like an irresistible flood; and it will touch everyone residing in Judah. History records Babylon’s invasion exactly as prophesied, validating God’s inerrant Word and reminding us that His calls to repentance are never empty.