11 The words “The Lord said” are not in the text, but it is obvious from v. 6 and v. 9 that he is the speaker. These words are supplied in the translation for clarity.
12 It is unclear who the addressees of the masculine plural imperatives are here. They may be the citizens of Jerusalem and Judah who are sounding the alarm to others. However, the first person reference to the Lord in v. 6 and Jeremiah’s response in v. 10 suggest that this is a word from the Lord that he is commanded to pass on to the citizens of Jerusalem and Judah. If the imperatives are not merely rhetorical plurals they may reflect the practice referred to in Jer 23:18, 22; Amos 3:7. A similar phenomenon also occurs in Jer 5:1 and also in Isa 40:1–2. This may also be the explanation for the plural imperatives in Jer 31:6. For further discussion see the translator’s note on .
13 For location see ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; .
14 Heb “ram’s horn,” but the modern equivalent is “trumpet” and is more readily understandable.
15 Heb “Raise up a signal toward Zion.”
16 Heb “out of the north, even great destruction.”
17 Heb “A lion has left its lair.” The metaphor is turned into a simile for clarification. The word translated “lair” has also been understood to refer to a hiding place. However, it appears to be cognate in meaning to the word translated “lair” in Ps 10:9; Jer 25:38, a word which also refers to the abode of the Lord in Ps 76:3.
18 Heb “his place.”

In other versions

ESVEnglish Standard Version

Declare in Judah, and proclaim in Jerusalem, and say,

“Blow the trumpet through the land;

cry aloud and say,

‘Assemble, and let us go

into the fortified cities!’

Raise a standard toward Zion,

flee for safety, stay not,

for I bring disaster from the north,

and great destruction.

A lion has gone up from his thicket,

a destroyer of nations has set out;

he has gone out from his place

to make your land a waste;

your cities will be ruins

without inhabitant.

NIVNew International Version (2011)

“Announce in Judah and proclaim in Jerusalem and say:

‘Sound the trumpet throughout the land!’

Cry aloud and say:

‘Gather together!

Let us flee to the fortified cities!’

Raise the signal to go to Zion!

Flee for safety without delay!

For I am bringing disaster from the north,

even terrible destruction.”

A lion has come out of his lair;

a destroyer of nations has set out.

He has left his place

to lay waste your land.

Your towns will lie in ruins

without inhabitant.

CSBChristian Standard Bible

Declare in Judah, proclaim in Jerusalem, and say,

Blow the trumpet throughout the land.

Cry out loudly and say,

“Assemble yourselves,

and let’s flee to the fortified cities.”

Lift up a signal flag toward Zion.

Run for cover! Don’t stand still!

For I am bringing disaster from the north—

a crushing blow.

A lion has gone up from his thicket;

a destroyer of nations has set out.

He has left his lair

to make your land a waste.

Your cities will be reduced to uninhabited ruins.

NLTNew Living Translation

“Shout to Judah, and broadcast to Jerusalem!

Tell them to sound the alarm throughout the land:

‘Run for your lives!

Flee to the fortified cities!’

Raise a signal flag as a warning for Jerusalem:

‘Flee now! Do not delay!’

For I am bringing terrible destruction upon you

from the north.”

A lion stalks from its den,

a destroyer of nations.

It has left its lair and is headed your way.

It’s going to devastate your land!

Your towns will lie in ruins,

with no one living in them anymore.

LEBThe Lexham English Bible

Declare in Judah and proclaim in Jerusalem and say,

“Blow a horn through the land,

call with a loud voice and say,

‘Be gathered and let us go into the fortified cities.’

Lift up a signal toward Zion,

bring yourselves to safety; you must not remain standing,

for I am bringing evil from the north,

and a great destruction.

A lion has gone up from his thicket,

and a destroyer of nations has set out.

He has gone out from his place to make your land as a horror,

your cities will go to ruin without inhabitant.

Declare ye in Judah, and publish in Jerusalem; and say, Blow ye the trumpet in the land: cry, gather together, and say, Assemble yourselves, and let us go into the defenced cities. Set up the standard toward Zion: retire, stay not: for I will bring evil from the north, and a great destruction. The lion is come up from his thicket, and the destroyer of the Gentiles is on his way; he is gone forth from his place to make thy land desolate; and thy cities shall be laid waste, without an inhabitant.

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Jeremiah 4:5–7

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Warning of Coming Judgment

Footnotes