Jeremiah 15:13Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

I will hand over your stronghold and your valuables to be taken by force. This was spoken to the people, rather than declaring that I would take them captive due to their iniquity. Yet, it is proclaimed by the prophet to the people in God's name. This alternate Greek translation, which presents the words "your stronghold" at the end of verse 12, aligns most accurately with the Hebrew text I translate from Blessed Jerome.

I will hand over your riches and treasures to be taken freely due to all your transgressions and in all your territories. I will bring forth your adversaries from a land you do not recognize; for my wrath has ignited a fire that will burn against you. He declares that all your possessions will be given to your foes without compensation, because of the wrongs you have committed throughout your regions. For this reason, I will deliver your enemies or cause you to serve in the land of the Chaldeans, for my anger, once ignited, will burn against you and will not be quenched. You have provided the fuel for your own destruction, so that my fire may consume whatever is within you—wood, hay, and stubble. Thus, the source of the burning lies not with the Lord, but with those who have contributed to the flame.

I will bestow all your wealth upon your adversaries, and this will serve as the reward for your transgressions. Additionally, he includes the aspect of captivity. The prophet, having predicted this, faces threats from those who take offense and seek to kill him; thus, he implores the Lord of all humanity, saying: