How does Jeremiah 14:21 emphasize the importance of God's name and covenant? “For the sake of Your name, do not despise us; do not disgrace Your glorious throne. Remember Your covenant with us; do not break it.” What the verse lays out • God’s name is invoked: “For the sake of Your name” • His throne is mentioned: “do not disgrace Your glorious throne” • His covenant is pleaded: “Remember Your covenant with us; do not break it” God’s name—His reputation on display • In Scripture a name represents the very character of the person (Exodus 34:5-7). • Israel’s appeal echoes Moses’ intercession: God’s reputation among the nations is at stake (Numbers 14:13-16; Psalm 106:8). • To “despise” the people would appear to nullify His own holiness and mercy (Ezekiel 20:9). God’s throne—symbol of righteous rule • “Glorious throne” points to the temple, the visible sign of His kingship in Judah (Jeremiah 17:12). • If the throne were “disgraced,” surrounding nations could conclude that the Lord is powerless or faithless. God’s covenant—His binding promise • The cry “Remember” is not a reminder to a forgetful God but a call for Him to act on established vows (Exodus 2:24; Leviticus 26:42). • Covenant language underscores permanence: “do not break it.” God’s faithfulness is inseparable from His identity (Deuteronomy 7:9; Psalm 105:8). Why name and covenant belong together • His name guarantees His promises; His promises magnify His name (2 Samuel 7:23; Ezekiel 36:22-23). • Breaking covenant would tarnish His name; upholding covenant glorifies it. Take-home truths • We approach God on the ground of who He is, not who we are (Hebrews 4:16; 1 John 2:12). • Our lives should magnify His name just as we rely on His covenant faithfulness (Matthew 6:9; Colossians 3:17). • Because God never breaks covenant, believers can rest secure in the new covenant sealed by Christ’s blood (Jeremiah 31:31-34; Luke 22:20; Hebrews 8:6). |
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