What is the meaning of Jeremiah 35:1? This is the word • Scripture identifies what follows as an authoritative, divinely preserved message, not human speculation (2 Timothy 3:16; Isaiah 55:11). • The definite article—“the word”—underscores that God’s revelation is singular and clear, just as in Exodus 20:1, where “God spoke all these words.” • The phrase sets the stage for obedience: when God speaks, His people are expected to listen (James 1:22). that came to Jeremiah • God initiates; Jeremiah receives. Similar patterns appear in Jeremiah 1:4 – “The word of the LORD came to me.” • This reminds us that true prophecy is received, not invented (2 Peter 1:21). • God’s personal approach to Jeremiah assures us He still knows His servants by name (John 10:3). from the LORD • The covenant name of God guarantees the message carries His authority (Malachi 3:6). • Because the LORD speaks, His people can rely on the promise that “He who promised is faithful” (Hebrews 10:23). • The phrase separates God’s word from mere religious opinions, echoing Deuteronomy 18:21-22 on testing genuine prophecy. in the days of Jehoiakim • Pinpoints the historical context: Jehoiakim reigned 609-598 BC (2 Kings 23:36). • His era was marked by disobedience and looming judgment; Jeremiah 22:18-19 foretells that Jehoiakim would receive “the burial of a donkey.” • Noting the timeframe helps us see that God speaks into real-world crises, not abstractions (Psalm 46:1). son of Josiah • By linking Jehoiakim to Josiah, Scripture contrasts a righteous father (2 Kings 22:2) with a wayward son. • The mention underscores personal responsibility; a godly heritage does not guarantee faithful descendants (Ezekiel 18:20). • It also highlights the rapid spiritual decline of Judah after Josiah’s reforms (2 Chronicles 34–35). king of Judah • The national leadership bears direct accountability for leading the people (Proverbs 29:2). • Even kings stand under God’s word; Jeremiah, though a prophet, speaks with higher authority (Jeremiah 1:10). • The title “king of Judah” reminds readers that God’s covenant focuses on Judah’s line and points forward to the ultimate King, Jesus (Matthew 1:1). summary Jeremiah 35:1 anchors the forthcoming narrative in divine authority, personal revelation, covenant identity, historical reality, generational accountability, and national leadership. God’s trustworthy word breaks into a specific moment—Jehoiakim’s troubled reign—calling Judah back to obedience and reminding every reader that when the LORD speaks, His message is timeless, authoritative, and demands a response. |
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