What is the meaning of Jeremiah 19:3? Hear the word of the LORD “‘Hear the word of the LORD…’” (Jeremiah 19:3a) God begins with an unmistakable summons. Throughout Jeremiah the call to listen is urgent (Jeremiah 7:2; 13:15; Isaiah 55:3). Ignoring His word, not ignorance, is what places Judah under judgment. The command reminds us that revelation precedes responsibility; once God speaks, obedience is the only faithful response. O kings of Judah and residents of Jerusalem “…O kings of Judah and residents of Jerusalem.” (Jeremiah 19:3a) Judgment is not reserved for the palace or the poor alone; everyone is addressed. • Kings—those shaping policy and worship (Jeremiah 22:1-3; 2 Kings 22:16) • Residents—those following, tolerating, or encouraging sin (Jeremiah 11:9-10) Leadership does not shield from guilt; position increases accountability (Luke 12:48). This is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says “‘This is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says…’” (Jeremiah 19:3b) The double title stresses absolute authority: • “LORD of Hosts” echoes military command (Jeremiah 25:8-9) • “God of Israel” ties the warning to covenant faithfulness (Deuteronomy 29:24-26) The message carries divine weight, not prophetic opinion. God’s covenant name guarantees He will act as promised—both in blessing and in curse (Leviticus 26:14-33). I am going to bring such disaster on this place “‘…I am going to bring such disaster on this place…’” (Jeremiah 19:3c) The threatened “disaster” (raʿah) is the covenant curse unfolding. Context shows why: child sacrifice at Topheth, rampant idolatry, and hardened hearts (Jeremiah 19:4-5; cf. 7:30-31). God’s action is: • Personal—“I am going…” (2 Kings 22:16) • Local—“this place,” the valley of Ben-Hinnom and Jerusalem (Jeremiah 19:6-8) • Certain—no conditional “if” remains (Jeremiah 18:11-12). Deuteronomy 28:15-26 is coming to fruition. that the ears of all who hear of it will ring “‘…that the ears of all who hear of it will ring.’” (Jeremiah 19:3d) God’s judgment will be so shocking that mere news of it causes ears to tingle—an idiom for stunned horror (1 Samuel 3:11; 2 Kings 21:12). The point: • The catastrophe becomes a cautionary tale to surrounding nations (Jeremiah 25:9-11) • God vindicates His glory and justice before a watching world (Ezekiel 36:23). What Judah refused to learn through prophetic words, others will learn through her downfall. summary Jeremiah 19:3 is a courtroom summons, indictment, verdict, and sentence wrapped into one sentence. God calls every stratum of society to attention, anchors His warning in His own unchallengeable authority, and announces an unavoidable, history-making judgment. The verse reminds us that hearing God’s word demands obedience, that sin brings real consequences, and that God acts decisively to uphold His holiness and covenant promises. |
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