God proclaims impending judgment upon Jerusalem as foreign nations from the north will occupy its gates, revealing how Israel’s persistent disobedience brings devastating consequences.
For, behold, I am calling all the families of the kingdoms of the north,” declares the LORD; “and they will come and they will set each one his throne at the entrance of the gates of Jerusalem, and against all its walls round about and against all the cities of Judah (v.15). In this verse, the LORD tells the prophet Jeremiah that foreign invaders—here described as “families of the kingdoms of the north”—will descend upon Jerusalem. Historically, such references point to the incoming threat from Babylon, which lay primarily northeast of Judah. Jeremiah began his ministry around 627 BC under King Josiah, announcing God’s judgment on His people for forsaking His covenant. The mention of “the gates of Jerusalem” underlines the city’s central role in Judah’s identity, since Jerusalem, located on a fortified hill, was the nation’s religious and political center.
By describing that each kingdom will “set each one his throne at the entrance” of Jerusalem’s gates, the scripture conveys a complete takeover, as though these invaders will assume authority in the very place where Judah’s own rulers once governed. This scene foreshadows the Babylonian captivity that would occur under King Nebuchadnezzar (ca. 605-586 BC) when many of the Jewish population were taken into exile. In the broader context of Jeremiah’s prophecies, this somber prediction underscores the seriousness of rebellion and idolatry within God’s chosen people.
Jeremiah, often called “the weeping prophet,” stood as God’s representative to warn Judah that such devastation was a direct result of abandoning the LORD. The placement of thrones at Jerusalem’s gates symbolizes both judgment and the removal of Judah’s autonomy. Nonetheless, the book of Jeremiah also contains promises of restoration, teaching that while judgment may come as the price of disobedience, God’s desire is ultimately to redeem and renew His people.
Set to dark mode
Jeremiah 1:15 meaning
For, behold, I am calling all the families of the kingdoms of the north,” declares the LORD; “and they will come and they will set each one his throne at the entrance of the gates of Jerusalem, and against all its walls round about and against all the cities of Judah (v.15). In this verse, the LORD tells the prophet Jeremiah that foreign invaders—here described as “families of the kingdoms of the north”—will descend upon Jerusalem. Historically, such references point to the incoming threat from Babylon, which lay primarily northeast of Judah. Jeremiah began his ministry around 627 BC under King Josiah, announcing God’s judgment on His people for forsaking His covenant. The mention of “the gates of Jerusalem” underlines the city’s central role in Judah’s identity, since Jerusalem, located on a fortified hill, was the nation’s religious and political center.
By describing that each kingdom will “set each one his throne at the entrance” of Jerusalem’s gates, the scripture conveys a complete takeover, as though these invaders will assume authority in the very place where Judah’s own rulers once governed. This scene foreshadows the Babylonian captivity that would occur under King Nebuchadnezzar (ca. 605-586 BC) when many of the Jewish population were taken into exile. In the broader context of Jeremiah’s prophecies, this somber prediction underscores the seriousness of rebellion and idolatry within God’s chosen people.
Jeremiah, often called “the weeping prophet,” stood as God’s representative to warn Judah that such devastation was a direct result of abandoning the LORD. The placement of thrones at Jerusalem’s gates symbolizes both judgment and the removal of Judah’s autonomy. Nonetheless, the book of Jeremiah also contains promises of restoration, teaching that while judgment may come as the price of disobedience, God’s desire is ultimately to redeem and renew His people.