Jeremiah 6:1
O ye children of Benjamin, gather yourselves to flee out of the midst of Jerusalem, and blow the trumpet in Tekoa, and set up a sign of fire in Bethhaccerem: for evil appeareth out of the north, and great destruction.
Jeremiah 6:1 · King James Version
Meaning
In this verse from the book of Jeremiah, the prophet is warning the children of Benjamin to flee from the impending destruction coming upon Jerusalem. The reference to blowing the trumpet in Tekoa and setting up a sign of fire in Bethhaccerem serves as a call to alert and gather the people to prepare to escape the calamity that is approaching. The phrase "evil appeareth out of the north, and great destruction" signifies that the threat is imminent and coming from the north, indicating the direction from which the danger is coming. Scholars interpret this verse as a message of urgency and a call to action to the people to save themselves from the impending disaster by fleeing from Jerusalem. This warning is a recurring theme throughout the book of Jeremiah, where the prophet foretells the destruction of Jerusalem due to the people's disobedience and sin. In this context, the verse serves as a cautionary message of the consequences of turning away from God's commandments and the importance of heeding warnings and seeking refuge in times of trouble.
Theological Overview
In this verse from the book of Jeremiah, the prophet forewarns the children of Benjamin to gather and flee from the impending destruction coming from the north. The use of the trumpet, a symbol of warning and alarm, signifies the urgency of the situation. Tekoa, the place where the trumpet is to be blown, was a town in Judah known for its strategic location to warn of danger approaching from the north, emphasizing the need for swift action. Additionally, the setting up of a sign of fire in Bethhaccerem served as a visual alarm to signal the impending danger. The theological interpretation of this verse highlights the idea of God's warning to His people to be prepared for the trials and tribulations that may come their way. It serves as a reminder of the importance of being vigilant and responsive to the signs of impending danger, both physically and spiritually. The imagery of fleeing and seeking refuge from evil also echoes the overarching theme of seeking God's protection and guidance in times of trouble.
Jeremiah 6:1 in other translations
American Standard Version
Flee for safety, ye children of Benjamin, out of the midst of Jerusalem, and blow the trumpet in Tekoa, and raise up a signal on Beth-haccherem; for evil looketh forth from the north, and a great destruction.
World English Bible
“Flee for safety, you children of Benjamin, out of the midst of Jerusalem, and blow the trumpet in Tekoa, and raise up a signal on Beth Haccherem; for evil looks out from the north, and a great destruction.
Douay-Rheims
Strengthen yourselves, ye sons of Benjamin, in the midst of Jerusalem, and sound the trumpet in Thecua, and set up the standard over Bethacarem: for evil is seen out of the north, and a great destruction.
Geneva Bible (1599)
O ye children of Beniamin, prepare to flee out of the middes of Ierusalem, and blowe the trumpet in Tekoa: set vp a standart vpon Beth-haccerem: for a plague appeareth out of the North and great destruction.