Jeremiah 15:10

Woe is me, my mother, that thou hast borne me a man of strife and a man of contention to the whole earth! I have neither lent on usury, nor men have lent to me on usury; yet every one of them doth curse me.

Jeremiah 15:10 (KJV)

Context

Jeremiah prophesied during a turbulent period in Israel’s history, when the nation had turned away from God. He was called to deliver messages of judgment and warning, and this verse captures his anguish over the hardships of that calling. His lament is not an accusation against his mother but a rhetorical expression of deep distress at the conflict his prophetic role brought upon him.

Meaning

Jeremiah’s opening cry, “Woe is me,” reveals profound sorrow. He describes himself as “a man of strife and a man of contention to the whole earth,” indicating that his message of judgment provoked widespread opposition. He was not naturally quarrelsome; rather, others contended with him because he faithfully spoke God’s truth. The phrase “to the whole earth” underscores how broad and intense the hostility against him had become.

Jeremiah then protests his innocence: “I have neither lent on usury, nor men have lent to me on usury.” Usury, or charging excessive interest on loans, was prohibited in the Law of Moses (Exodus 22:25; Leviticus 25:35-37; Deuteronomy 23:19-20). By stating that he had not engaged in such practices, Jeremiah affirms that he had given no legitimate cause for the curses directed at him. His integrity was intact, yet he still faced rejection and persecution.

This verse also shows Jeremiah identifying with the nation of Israel. His personal suffering reflected the weight of the people’s rejection of God’s ways. He felt the consequences of their actions, and his lament expresses both his own pain and the sorrow of a prophet who carried God’s message to a rebellious people.

Biblical connections

Jeremiah’s experience echoes the broader biblical truth that faithful servants of God often face opposition. His complaint is honest and raw, yet it is part of a larger conversation with God. In the following verse, God responds to Jeremiah, affirming that he will be protected and that his enemies will ultimately turn to him (Jeremiah 15:11). This connection shows that lament can be a step toward renewed trust in God’s purposes.

Application

Jeremiah’s example teaches us that faithfully following God’s call does not guarantee a life free from difficulties. Serving God may bring opposition, even when we act with integrity. Like Jeremiah, we can maintain our commitment to God’s commands and pour out our sorrows to Him honestly. His lament reminds us that God sees our struggles and understands our pain, and we can find comfort in His presence even when circumstances are hard.

Reflection

Jeremiah’s words challenge us to consider the cost of discipleship. Speaking God’s truth can lead to conflict with the world, but such suffering is not meaningless. God can use our trials to accomplish His purposes, just as He did in Jeremiah’s life. When we face rejection for doing what is right, we can take heart that God is with us and that His plans will prevail.