What is the meaning of Jeremiah 11:2? Listen - God’s first demand is attentive ears. “Listen” calls every heart to stop, hush the noise, and tune in (Deuteronomy 6:4; John 10:27). - Hearing is never passive in Scripture; it is faith’s doorway (Romans 10:17). - The Lord expects Judah—and us—to give Him the same undivided attention a servant gives a master (1 Samuel 3:10). to the words - Not vague impressions but specific, spoken words. God communicates clearly, so obedience can be clear (Psalm 119:105). - His words carry authority that no tradition or opinion can rival (Matthew 24:35). - Every promise, warning, and command is intentional, binding, and life-giving (Isaiah 55:10-11). of this covenant - The covenant at Sinai was a solemn, two-sided agreement sealed with blood (Exodus 24:7-8). - Blessing hinged on trust and obedience; curse followed stubborn rebellion (Deuteronomy 28). - Jeremiah reminds the people that covenant terms have not expired; God still honors what He established (Jeremiah 11:4-5). and tell them - What reaches the ears must move the lips. Revelation leads to proclamation (2 Timothy 4:2). - God never intends His truth to stagnate in private devotion; it must spread through personal testimony (Psalm 107:2). - Prophets, parents, neighbors—every listener becomes a messenger (Acts 1:8). to the men of Judah - Accountability begins at home. Judah enjoyed temple privileges, so they faced greater responsibility (Amos 3:2). - Spiritual complacency in “religious” regions alarms God; He confronts those who assume familiarity equals faithfulness (Hosea 4:1). - National identity could not shield them from covenant consequences (Jeremiah 11:9-10). and the residents of Jerusalem - Even the city of David needed warning. Proximity to holy things is no substitute for a holy heart (Luke 13:3-5). - God’s message targets every demographic—leaders, craftsmen, widows, youth (Jeremiah 34:19). - From Jerusalem the gospel would one day launch to the nations (Luke 24:47); here, Jeremiah’s words anticipate that universal call. summary Jeremiah 11:2 unfolds a chain of divine expectations: hear, internalize, remember covenant obligations, and pass the message along to every neighbor. The verse underscores God’s earnest desire for responsive hearts, faithful obedience, and widespread proclamation. What He spoke then remains binding now, urging us to listen well and speak forth His life-giving words. |