The Broken Covenant 1This is the word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD: 2“Listen to the words of this covenant and tell them to the men of Judah and the residents of Jerusalem. 3You must tell them that this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: Cursed is the man who does not obey the words of this covenant, 4which I commanded your forefathers when I brought them out of the land of Egypt, out of the iron furnace, saying, ‘Obey Me, and do everything I command you, and you will be My people, and I will be your God.’ 5This was in order to establish the oath I swore to your forefathers, to give them a land flowing with milk and honey, as it is to this day.” 6Then the LORD said to me, “Proclaim all these words in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem, saying: Hear the words of this covenant and carry them out. 7For from the time I brought your fathers out of the land of Egypt until today, I strongly warned them again and again,a saying, ‘Obey My voice.’ 8Yet they would not obey or incline their ears, but each one followed the stubbornness of his evil heart. So I brought on them all the curses of this covenant I had commanded them to follow but they did not keep.” 9And the LORD told me, “There is a conspiracy among the men of Judah and the residents of Jerusalem. 10They have returned to the sins of their forefathers who refused to obey My words. They have followed other gods to serve them. The house of Israel and the house of Judah have broken the covenant I made with their fathers. 11Therefore this is what the LORD says: ‘I am about to bring upon them a disaster that they cannot escape. They will cry out to Me, but I will not listen to them. 12Then the cities of Judah and the residents of Jerusalem will go and cry out to the gods to which they have been burning incense, but these gods certainly will not save them in their time of disaster. 13Your gods are indeed as numerous as your cities, O Judah; the altars of shame you have set up—the altars to burn incense to Baal—are as many as the streets of Jerusalem.’ 14As for you, do not pray for these people. Do not raise up a cry or a prayer on their behalf, for I will not be listening when they call out to Me in their time of disaster. 15What right has My beloved in My house, having carried out so many evil schemes? Can consecrated meat avert your doom? When you are wicked, 16The LORD once called you a flourishing olive tree, beautiful with well-formed fruit. But with a mighty roar He will set it on fire, and its branches will be consumed. 17The LORD of Hosts, who planted you, has decreed disaster against you on account of the evil that the house of Israel and the house of Judah have brought upon themselves, provoking Me to anger by burning incense to Baal.” A Plot against Jeremiah 18And the LORD informed me, so I knew. Then You showed me their deeds. 19For I was like a gentle lamb led to slaughter; I did not know that they had plotted against me: “Let us destroy the tree with its fruit; let us cut him off from the land of the living, that his name may be remembered no more.” 20O LORD of Hosts, who judges righteously, who examines the heartb and mind, let me see Your vengeance upon them, for to You I have committed my cause. 21Therefore this is what the LORD says concerning the people of Anathoth who are seeking your life and saying, “You must not prophesy in the name of the LORD, or you will die by our hand.” 22So this is what the LORD of Hosts says: “I will punish them. Their young men will die by the sword, their sons and daughters by famine. 23There will be no remnant, for I will bring disaster on the people of Anathoth in the year of their punishment.” Footnotes: 7 a Literally I earnestly warned them, rising up early and warning (them), 20 b Hebrew the kidneys Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub  Jeremiah 11 Summary The Broken CovenantVerses 1–5 – The Rediscovered Covenant Verses 6–8 – A Loud Warning on Obedience Verses 9–13 – A Conspiracy of Idolatry Verses 14–17 – No More Intercession Verses 18–23 – Plot Against the Prophet Jeremiah 11 delves into the theme of disobedience and its consequences, highlighting the broken covenant between God and His people. As Jeremiah relays God's messages to the people of Judah and Jerusalem, a stark picture of divine wrath and impending punishment emerges due to their insubordination. Historical Background: Covenant Roots in Deuteronomy • Jeremiah 11 echoes Deuteronomy 27–30, where blessings and curses are laid out at the close of Israel’s wilderness journey. • Many scholars link this sermon to the reforms of King Josiah (2 Kings 22–23). Around 622 BC the “Book of the Law” was found in the temple, prompting renewed covenant vows. Jeremiah, a young priest-prophet at the time, likely witnessed the enthusiastic but shallow response. By chapter 11, the nation’s early zeal has cooled, and the prophet must remind them of their vows. • The expression “iron furnace” (Jeremiah 11:4) recalls Egypt’s oppressive kilnwork (Deuteronomy 4:20), stressing God’s rescuing power and His right to command loyalty. Archaeology: Covenant Documents and City Gates • Ancient Near Eastern “suzerain–vassal treaties” follow the same pattern found here: historical prologue, stipulations, blessings, curses. Hittite tablets and Assyrian records show the form. • Clay bullae stamped “Belonging to Gemariah son of Shaphan” (unearthed in Jerusalem) and “Baruch son of Neriah” (Jeremiah’s scribe) provide tangible links to the book’s era. • Ostraca from Lachish mention “watchfires” and turmoil during Babylon’s approach, matching Jeremiah’s warnings (Jeremiah 34:7). • Covenant copies were often stored at city gates or sanctuaries; Jeremiah stands at those very gates, reciting covenant terms (Jeremiah 11:6; Jeremiah 17:19). Literary Flow of Jeremiah 11 within the Book 1. Chapters 1–10 present Judah’s general sins and coming judgment. 2. Chapter 11 pivots to the specific charge of covenant breach, setting the legal basis for the impending exile. 3. The storyline narrows from national apostasy to personal persecution, preparing readers for Jeremiah’s “confessions” (Jeremiah 12; 15; 20). 4. The chapter’s closing threat to Anathoth shows judgment begins “at the house of God” (1 Peter 4:17). Key Themes: Covenant Loyalty and Personal Responsibility • God’s faithfulness: He still offers the land promise (v. 5). • Human choice: blessings or curses hinge on obedience (Deuteronomy 30:19). • Limits of intercession: even a righteous prophet cannot override entrenched rebellion (cf. 1 Samuel 15:35; 1 John 5:16). • Persecution of truth-tellers: Jesus later notes, “No prophet is accepted in his hometown” (Luke 4:24), echoing Jeremiah’s experience. Portrait of Jeremiah: Prophet in Peril • From Anathoth, a priestly village (Joshua 21:18), Jeremiah faces betrayal by kin and colleagues—mirroring Christ’s rejection by His own (John 1:11). • The prophet’s honest prayer (Jeremiah 11:20) reveals he feels no need to hide his emotions from God. • God’s answer (v. 22–23) assures divine justice, yet Jeremiah never gloats; he simply reports the verdict. Connections to Other Scriptures • Exodus 19:5 – covenant offered at Sinai; Jeremiah recalls it. • Hosea 8:1 – “They have broken My covenant.” Similar accusation. • Psalm 52:8 – the righteous are “like a green olive tree,” a metaphor Judah forfeits (Jeremiah 11:16). • Matthew 21:33-46 – parable of the tenants, warning to a nation that rejects God’s messengers. • John 15:6 – branches thrown into the fire if they do not abide; parallels the cut-down olive tree. Practical Application for Today • Words and rituals mean little without heart obedience. Judah said “Amen” yet quickly returned to idols. • God still hears earnest intercession, but obstinate rebellion eventually seals its own fate. • Standing for truth can bring opposition from unexpected quarters—family, hometown, religious peers. • The covenant rhythm—rescue, relationship, responsibility—remains God’s pattern. Believers enjoy deliverance through Christ, yet the call to faithful living endures (John 14:15). Connections to Additional Scriptures Deuteronomy 28This chapter outlines the blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience, providing a backdrop for understanding the covenant in Jeremiah 11. Hebrews 8:6-13 This passage speaks of the new covenant established through Christ, offering a contrast to the old covenant and highlighting the hope we have in Jesus. Romans 11:17-24 Paul discusses the consequences of unbelief and the importance of remaining faithful, drawing parallels to the warnings in Jeremiah. Teaching Points The Covenant ReminderJeremiah 11:2-3 states, Listen to the words of this covenant and tell them to the men of Judah and the residents of Jerusalem. Tell them that this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘Cursed is the man who does not obey the words of this covenant.' God reminds His people of the covenant made with their forefathers, emphasizing the blessings of obedience and the curses of disobedience. The Consequences of Disobedience In verses 9-11, God reveals the conspiracy among the people of Judah and Jerusalem to return to the sins of their ancestors. As a result, God declares, I will bring upon them a disaster that they cannot escape. They will cry out to Me, but I will not listen to them. This highlights the seriousness of turning away from God and the inevitable consequences that follow. The Role of the Prophet Jeremiah is instructed to proclaim these words, despite the resistance and hostility he faces. His role as a prophet is to faithfully deliver God's message, regardless of personal cost, demonstrating the importance of obedience to God's calling. The People's Rebellion The chapter underscores the persistent rebellion of the people, who have followed the stubbornness of their evil hearts (Jeremiah 11:8). This rebellion is not just a rejection of God's laws but a betrayal of the relationship established through the covenant. Practical Applications Reflect on Personal CovenantsConsider the commitments you have made to God. Are you living in a way that honors those promises, or have you strayed from them? Understand the Seriousness of Sin Recognize that disobedience to God has real consequences. Reflect on areas in your life where you may need to seek repentance and realignment with God's will. Embrace the Role of a Messenger Like Jeremiah, we are called to share God's truth with others, even when it is difficult. Pray for courage and faithfulness in fulfilling this role. Guard Against Stubbornness Examine your heart for areas of stubbornness or rebellion against God. Ask for His help in softening your heart and aligning your desires with His. People 1. The LORD (Yahweh)The central figure in the chapter, the LORD is the one who speaks to Jeremiah, conveying His covenant with the people of Judah and Israel. The Hebrew name used is יהוה (YHWH), often rendered as "the LORD" in English translations. The LORD expresses His displeasure with the people's disobedience and their breaking of the covenant. 2. Jeremiah The prophet who receives the word of the LORD. He is tasked with delivering God's message to the people of Judah and Jerusalem. Jeremiah is a key figure throughout the book, serving as God's mouthpiece and often facing opposition for his prophecies. 3. The People of Judah and Jerusalem These are the recipients of the message from the LORD through Jeremiah. They are described as having broken the covenant made with their ancestors, leading to the LORD's pronouncement of judgment upon them. 4. The Ancestors (Fathers) of Judah and Israel Referred to in the context of the covenant that the LORD made with them when He brought them out of Egypt. The Hebrew term used is אֲבוֹתֵיכֶם (avoteichem), meaning "your fathers" or "your ancestors." 5. The Men of Anathoth These are the individuals from Jeremiah's hometown who plot against him, seeking to take his life because of his prophecies. Anathoth is a town in the territory of Benjamin, and the men from there are specifically mentioned as conspirators against Jeremiah. Places 1. JudahJudah is the southern kingdom of the Israelites, consisting of the tribes of Judah and Benjamin. In Jeremiah 11, God addresses the people of Judah, warning them of the consequences of breaking the covenant. The Hebrew root for Judah is "יְהוּדָה" (Yehudah), which means "praised." 2. Jerusalem Jerusalem is the capital city of Judah and a central place of worship for the Israelites. It is significant in Jeremiah 11 as the location where the covenant was to be upheld. The Hebrew root for Jerusalem is "יְרוּשָׁלַיִם" (Yerushalayim), meaning "foundation of peace." Events 1. The Covenant CommandGod instructs Jeremiah to hear the words of the covenant and speak them to the people of Judah and Jerusalem. The Hebrew word for "covenant" is "בְּרִית" (berit), emphasizing a solemn agreement or promise (Jeremiah 11:1-2). 2. Call to Obedience God commands the people to obey the terms of the covenant, warning them of the consequences of disobedience. The emphasis is on listening and following God's law (Jeremiah 11:3-4). 3. Historical Reminder God reminds the people of the covenant made with their ancestors when He brought them out of Egypt, highlighting the continuity of His promises and expectations (Jeremiah 11:5). 4. Jeremiah's Response Jeremiah responds affirmatively to God's command, acknowledging the covenant and its importance (Jeremiah 11:5). 5. Proclamation of the Covenant God instructs Jeremiah to proclaim the covenant in the cities of Judah and the streets of Jerusalem, emphasizing the need for public acknowledgment and adherence (Jeremiah 11:6). 6. Warning of Consequences God reiterates the warning that disobedience to the covenant will lead to a curse, underscoring the seriousness of the people's commitment (Jeremiah 11:7-8). 7. Rebellion of the People Despite God's warnings, the people of Judah and Jerusalem have returned to the sins of their ancestors, breaking the covenant and following other gods (Jeremiah 11:9-10). 8. God's Judgment As a result of their disobedience, God declares that He will bring disaster upon them, from which they cannot escape, and He will not listen to their cries for help (Jeremiah 11:11). 9. Futility of Idolatry God points out the futility of the people turning to their idols for help, as these idols cannot save them in their time of trouble (Jeremiah 11:12). 10. Proliferation of Idols The people have as many gods as they have towns, and they have set up altars to Baal, highlighting the extent of their idolatry (Jeremiah 11:13). 11. Prohibition of Intercession God instructs Jeremiah not to pray for the people or intercede on their behalf, as He will not listen to them due to their persistent rebellion (Jeremiah 11:14). 12. God's Lament God expresses sorrow over the betrayal of His beloved people, comparing them to a lush olive tree that will be destroyed due to their unfaithfulness (Jeremiah 11:15-17). 13. Plot Against Jeremiah Jeremiah learns of a plot against his life by the people of Anathoth, his hometown, who seek to silence him for his prophetic messages (Jeremiah 11:18-19). 14. Jeremiah's Plea for Justice Jeremiah calls upon God to bring justice against his persecutors, trusting in God's righteousness and judgment (Jeremiah 11:20). 15. Divine Assurance God assures Jeremiah that He will punish the men of Anathoth for their conspiracy, promising disaster upon them (Jeremiah 11:21-23). Topics 1. The Covenant and Its ConditionsJeremiah 11 begins with God reminding the people of Judah about the covenant He established with their ancestors. The covenant required obedience to God's commands, as stated in verses 2-4: "Listen to the words of this covenant and tell them to the men of Judah and the residents of Jerusalem. You must tell them that this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘Cursed is the man who does not obey the words of this covenant.’" 2. The Call to Obedience God emphasizes the importance of obedience to His covenant, highlighting the blessings of compliance and the consequences of disobedience. In verse 7, it is stated: "For I solemnly warned your fathers when I brought them out of the land of Egypt, warning them again and again, saying, ‘Obey My voice.’" 3. The People's Disobedience Despite God's clear instructions, the people of Judah and Jerusalem have turned away from Him, as described in verse 8: "Yet they did not listen or incline their ear, but each one followed the stubbornness of his evil heart. So I brought upon them all the curses of the covenant I had commanded them to follow, but they did not keep." 4. The Consequences of Breaking the Covenant The chapter outlines the consequences of breaking the covenant, which include disaster and judgment. In verse 11, God declares: "Therefore this is what the LORD says: ‘I will bring upon them a disaster from which they cannot escape. They will cry out to Me, but I will not listen to them.’" 5. The Futility of Idolatry God condemns the idolatry of the people, pointing out the futility of worshiping other gods. Verse 12 states: "Then the cities of Judah and the residents of Jerusalem will go and cry out to the gods to whom they burn incense, but they will not save them at all in their time of disaster." 6. The Plot Against Jeremiah The chapter concludes with a plot against Jeremiah's life by the people of Anathoth, his hometown. In verse 19, Jeremiah laments: "But I was like a gentle lamb led to the slaughter. I did not know that they had devised plots against me, saying, ‘Let us destroy the tree with its fruit; let us cut him off from the land of the living, that his name may be remembered no more.’" Themes 1. Covenant Faithfulness and DisobedienceJeremiah 11 emphasizes the importance of adhering to the covenant established between God and the people of Israel. The chapter begins with God reminding Jeremiah of the covenant: “Listen to the words of this covenant and tell them to the men of Judah and the residents of Jerusalem” (Jeremiah 11:2). The Hebrew word for "covenant" is "בְּרִית" (berit), which signifies a solemn agreement. The theme highlights the consequences of disobedience to this divine agreement. 2. Divine Judgment The chapter warns of the impending judgment due to the people's failure to obey God's commands. God declares, “I will bring upon them all the words of this covenant that I commanded them to do, but they did not do them” (Jeremiah 11:8). This theme underscores the justice of God and the inevitable consequences of sin. 3. Idolatry and Apostasy A recurring theme in Jeremiah 11 is the people's turn to idolatry, which is seen as a breach of the covenant. God laments, “They have returned to the iniquities of their forefathers, who refused to listen to My words. They have followed other gods to serve them” (Jeremiah 11:10). The Hebrew term for "iniquities" is "עֲוֹנוֹת" (avonot), indicating moral perversity and guilt. 4. Prophetic Warning and Rejection Jeremiah is tasked with delivering God's message, yet he faces rejection and hostility. The chapter reveals the prophet's role in warning the people and the resistance he encounters: “The LORD informed me, and I knew. Then You showed me their deeds” (Jeremiah 11:18). This theme highlights the challenges faced by those who speak God's truth. 5. Divine Protection and Vengeance Despite the threats against Jeremiah, God assures him of protection and promises to deal with his adversaries: “But, O LORD of Hosts, who judges righteously, who tests the heart and mind, let me see Your vengeance upon them, for to You I have committed my cause” (Jeremiah 11:20). The Hebrew word for "vengeance" is "נָקָם" (naqam), reflecting divine retribution. 6. The Remnant and Hope Implicit in the warnings and judgments is the theme of a faithful remnant that will emerge. While not explicitly detailed in this chapter, the broader context of Jeremiah suggests that God’s ultimate plan includes restoration for those who remain faithful. This theme offers hope amidst the pronouncements of judgment. Answering Tough Questions 1. Jeremiah 11:1–5: How can an all-knowing God expect a covenant not to be broken if He already foresees human failings? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. Reflect on the covenant between God and the Israelites. What similarities do you see between this covenant and your personal relationship with God? 2. Why do you think the people of Judah and Jerusalem turned back to idolatry despite God's warnings? 3. How can the broken covenant in Jeremiah 11 relate to modern broken promises or agreements? 4. What consequences do you perceive in your life when you don't uphold your commitments? 5. How does Jeremiah's role as a prophet reflect God's desire to communicate with His people? 6. What do the repeated failures and disobedience of the people teach about human nature and the need for divine guidance? 7. Can you identify instances in your life where you've felt God's anger or consequences due to disobedience? How did you react? 8. What does the reaction of God towards the prayers of the disobedient people tell you about the nature of divine justice? 9. How can the people's reliance on false gods be compared to modern-day dependencies or addictions? 10. How do you respond when you see others around you breaking their covenant with God? 11. Despite his life being threatened, Jeremiah remains faithful. How does this inspire your personal faith in times of adversity? 12. How would you handle a situation where your message of truth was met with hostility, similar to Jeremiah's experience? 13. How do you perceive God's assurance of protection and justice in the face of Jeremiah's predicament? 14. Can you think of a time when you felt reassured by God's protection in a difficult situation? 15. How can Jeremiah's faith serve as a model for your life in both good times and challenging times? 16. What do you think the consequences would be for a society that doesn't honor its commitments, much like the people of Judah and Jerusalem? 17. What strategies can you employ to remain obedient to God's commandments in a world filled with distractions and temptations? 18. How can you ensure that you listen and act upon God's warnings in your own life? 19. How does the chapter's theme of disobedience and consequences resonate with you personally? 20. How can you encourage others to maintain their covenant with God, drawing upon the lessons from Jeremiah 11? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions |
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