Jeremiah 15:3Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

If they ask you, “Where should we go?” respond with this declaration from the LORD: “Those destined to die will perish, those meant for the sword will fall by the sword, those fated for hunger will experience famine, and those set for captivity will be taken captive. I will bring upon them four kinds of judgment,” says the Lord: “a sword for slaughter, dogs to rip apart, birds of the air, and wild beasts of the earth to consume and devastate.” The impending calamities awaiting the people of Judah are echoed in the prophecy of Ezekiel, which identifies the sword, disease, famine, wild animals, and captivity (Ezekiel 14). Among these beasts are also included the dogs and the birds of the air, which are given the corpses to tear, consume, and obliterate. It is clear that all of creation rises against the wicked when they reject their Creator.