What does "not humbled themselves" reveal about the Israelites' spiritual condition? Text Under the Microscope Jeremiah 44:10: “To this day they have not humbled themselves or feared; they have not walked in My law or in the statutes I set before you and your fathers.” Key Observations from the Verse • The phrase “to this day” signals a long-standing problem, not a momentary lapse • “Not humbled themselves” pairs with “not feared” and “not walked,” showing pride, irreverence, and disobedience operating together • The LORD’s “law” and “statutes” have been clearly set before them, so ignorance is not the issue—willful resistance is What “Not Humbled Themselves” Reveals about Israel’s Spiritual Condition • Prideful hearts – They elevate their own wisdom above God’s (Proverbs 3:5–7) • Stiff-necked stubbornness – A repeated Old-Testament charge (Exodus 32:9; Acts 7:51) • Lack of godly fear – “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom” (Proverbs 9:10); absence of humility means wisdom has no foundation • Unrepentant attitude – Refusal to bow leads to refusal to repent (2 Chronicles 7:14 contrasts by calling for humility first) • Hardness toward the prophetic word – They “did not listen or incline their ear” (Jeremiah 17:23), proving spiritual callousness • Covenant neglect – Walking contrary to God’s statutes violates the very relationship defined in Exodus 19:4-6 Supporting Scripture Echoes • 2 Chronicles 36:12 – Zedekiah “did not humble himself before Jeremiah the prophet, who spoke from the mouth of the LORD” • Micah 6:8 – “To walk humbly with your God” is a central covenant requirement, ignored by the nation • James 4:6 – “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble,” a timeless principle explaining their lack of divine favor • Isaiah 57:15 – The LORD dwells “with the contrite and humble in spirit,” underscoring how alienated Israel has become Practical Takeaways for Today • Humility is the gateway to obedience; pride locks the door • Reverence and submission travel together; when one is absent, the other fades • Persistent hardness can become habitual, making repentance more difficult over time • God’s statutes remain clear and accessible; the core issue is the heart’s posture toward them |
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