What is the meaning of Jeremiah 13:3? Then • “Then” places the verse in the flow of the linen-belt object lesson that begins in Jeremiah 13:1-2. After Jeremiah obeys the first command, God moves the story forward. • Scripture often marks pivotal moments with this simple word—see Acts 9:18 “And immediately something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes”. A clear next step follows obedience. • In Genesis 22:11-12, “Then the Angel of the LORD called to him from heaven” comes only after Abraham stretches out the knife. God’s timing is perfect, and each “then” signals a fresh act of revelation. the word of the LORD • This phrase assures us the message originates with God Himself, not human insight (2 Peter 1:21 “men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit,”). • The same wording saturates Jeremiah’s call: Jeremiah 1:4 “The word of the LORD came to me, saying”. What God speaks is living, powerful, and completely trustworthy (Isaiah 55:11). • Throughout history, whenever the “word of the LORD” appears—Genesis 15:1 to Abram, 1 Kings 18:1 to Elijah—God is unveiling His will with absolute authority. came to me • God does not shout from a distance; He approaches His servant personally. Jeremiah’s ministry rests on this intimate encounter, just as Samuel’s did in 1 Samuel 3:21 “He revealed Himself to Samuel by His word”. • The prophet’s role is reception first, proclamation second. In Jeremiah 15:16 he testifies, “Your words were found, and I ate them”. • Today, while the canon is complete, the Spirit still brings the written Word close, guiding believers (John 14:26) and assuring that what we read is meant for us. a second time • God reaffirms His message. Repetition underscores urgency and grace. Jonah 3:1 echoes the same wording: “Then the word of the LORD came to Jonah a second time”. • A second approach reminds us God is patient, not willing that any should perish (2 Peter 3:9). Judah is being given yet another chance to heed the warning before judgment falls. • For the servant, hearing God twice confirms direction. Elijah in 1 Kings 19:9-13 receives two identical questions—“What are you doing here?”—before marching orders are clarified. God ensures His servants are certain. summary Jeremiah 13:3 reveals a God who speaks at the right moment, whose authoritative word comes personally and persistently. The single verse assures us that obedience invites further revelation, that Scripture carries divine authority, that God draws near to individuals, and that He graciously repeats His call when necessary. Listening and responding promptly keep us in step with the next “then” in His unfolding plan. |
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