Jeremiah 15:12Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Is food recognized as iron, and is a garment of brass your stronghold? In other words, if it has iron walls and a brass covering, it won’t be obvious that it’s iron; they shall perish. I will protect you with My assistance, just as one is shielded by an iron or brass covering: the iron garment refers to well-crafted armor, while the brass garment relates to protective plates. Just as those adorned in such armor are shielded from arrows, unable to pierce their bodies, so too shall you be safe from harm. However, some refer to the people indicating that one who is thus safeguarded is not truly saved.

Can iron and iron from the north, along with copper, come together in harmony? Symmachus poses a question: Can iron harm iron when it comes from the north, alongside copper? According to the LXX and Theodotion, can iron comprehend iron and the covering of brass? The variation in phrasing is clear; the term "jare" in this context implies both camaraderie and enmity. If we interpret the letter resh (which resembles the letter dalet) as dalet, it also signifies knowledge. This saying can be understood in this way: do not lament that the people are at odds with you, for when you present bitterness, they cannot embrace you – the severe.

I will bestow all your wealth upon your adversaries, and this shall be the consequence of your transgressions. Furthermore, he includes the aspect of captivity. The prophet, having predicted this, faces threats from those who are angered by his words and seek to take his life; thus, he earnestly appeals to the Almighty, declaring: