What consequences are highlighted for ignoring God's word in Jeremiah 29:20? Setting the Scene Jeremiah writes from Jerusalem to the exiles already in Babylon (Jeremiah 29:1). Many refuse to heed God’s warnings, preferring the soothing words of false prophets. Into that climate comes verse 20, a sober call to “hear the word of the LORD.” The Verse in Focus “So hear the word of the LORD, all you exiles whom I have sent away from Jerusalem to Babylon.” (Jeremiah 29:20) Consequences for Ignoring God’s Word (vv. 17-19) • Sword – military defeat and death • Famine – prolonged scarcity and hunger • Plague – devastating disease • Rotten figs – total worthlessness and rejection (v. 17) • Horror to all kingdoms – public spectacle of judgment (v. 18) • Curse, scorn, reproach, disgrace – lasting shame among the nations (v. 18) • Pursuit by God Himself – no escape from His discipline (v. 18) All of this falls “because they have not listened to My words” (v. 19). Why Such Severe Measures? • God’s word is not optional; rejection is rebellion (1 Samuel 15:23). • Judgment reinforces His holiness (Leviticus 10:3). • Discipline aims at eventual restoration (Hebrews 12:5-11). • False prophecy must be unmasked so truth shines (Deuteronomy 18:20-22). Echoes Elsewhere in Scripture • Deuteronomy 28:15-68 – the same triad of sword, famine, plague foretold for covenant breach. • Proverbs 1:24-31 – wisdom laughs when calamity strikes the unheeding. • 2 Chronicles 36:15-20 – Jerusalem ultimately falls because “they mocked God’s messengers.” • Acts 3:22-23 – refusal to listen to the Prophet like Moses (Christ) brings destruction. Personal Takeaways • God still expects immediate obedience to His revealed word. • Listening involves submitting, not merely hearing (James 1:22). • Ignoring Scripture invites consequences—spiritual dryness, relational fallout, even societal collapse. • Heeding His voice secures hope, just as Jeremiah promised a future and a hope to the obedient remnant (Jeremiah 29:11-14). |
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