Jeremiah 15:7
And I will fan them with a fan in the gates of the land; I will bereave them of children, I will destroy my people, since they return not from their ways.
Jeremiah 15:7 · King James Version
Meaning
Jeremiah 15:7 serves as a warning from God to the people of Israel, explaining the consequences of their disobedience and refusal to turn from their sinful ways. The image of God fanning them with a fan in the gates of the land symbolizes a harsh punishment, akin to separating wheat from chaff. By stating that he will bereave them of children and destroy his own people, God is emphasizing the severity of the judgment that will befall them if they continue to ignore his commands. This verse underscores the importance of repentance and obedience in the eyes of God, highlighting the repercussions of straying from his path. It serves as a poignant reminder of the consequences of forsaking God and the need for his people to return to him for forgiveness and redemption.
Theological Overview
In this verse from Jeremiah 15:7, the image of fanning with a fan in the gates of the land carries a strong message of judgment. The act of fanning conveys the idea of separating the wheat from the chaff, indicating a thorough and decisive cleansing. The mention of being bereaved of children speaks to the severity of the punishment, highlighting the loss of future generations. The phrase "destroy my people" underscores the ultimate consequences of their actions, emphasizing the gravity of turning away from God. The repeated plea for the people to return from their sinful ways serves as a call to repentance, offering a glimpse of hope amidst the impending destruction. Through theological interpretation and word studies, this verse reveals the harsh reality of divine judgment for those who refuse to heed God's warnings and turn back to Him.
Jeremiah 15:7 in other translations
American Standard Version
And I have winnowed them with a fan in the gates of the land; I have bereaved [them] of children, I have destroyed my people; they returned not from their ways.
World English Bible
I have winnowed them with a fan in the gates of the land; I have bereaved them of children, I have destroyed my people; they didn’t return from their ways.
Douay-Rheims
And I will scatter them with a fan in the gates of the land: I have killed and destroyed my people, and yet they are not returned from their ways.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And I wil scatter them with the fanne in the gates of the earth I haue wasted, and destroyed my people, yet they would not returne from their wayes.