What is the meaning of Jeremiah 6:20? What use to Me is frankincense from Sheba Frankincense was one of the finest gifts in the ancient world, coming from far-off Sheba (1 Kings 10:2). Yet the Lord asks what use such treasure is to Him when the hearts of the worshipers are far away (Isaiah 1:11). • God created frankincense; He is not impressed by the rarity of the offering (Psalm 50:9-12). • True worship is “in spirit and in truth” (John 4:23-24). Lavish gifts cannot substitute for genuine devotion. • The people assumed that expensive incense guaranteed God’s favor, but He desires obedience more than fragrance (1 Samuel 15:22). or sweet cane from a distant land? Sweet cane (calamus) also came from afar (Jeremiah 6:20 footnote), symbolizing costliness. • Distance or difficulty in obtaining an item does not add spiritual value if the giver’s life contradicts God’s commands (Micah 6:6-8). • The Lord is near to the humble, not to impressive rituals (Psalm 34:18). • Religion that relies on outward show becomes empty, as Jesus warned against long prayers made “to be seen by others” (Matthew 6:5-7). Your burnt offerings are not acceptable Burnt offerings were prescribed in the Law (Leviticus 1). Yet God rejects them here. • Sinful lifestyles nullify formal worship (Amos 5:21-24). • Heartfelt repentance must precede sacrifice; otherwise the altar becomes a stage (Psalm 51:16-17). • Even correct liturgy is worthless without righteousness, “for the LORD weighs the heart” (Proverbs 21:2). your sacrifices do not please Me. The climax: God is displeased. • Pleasing God involves faith (Hebrews 11:6) and obedience (John 14:15). • Sacrifices pointed forward to Christ; ignoring their moral call empties their meaning (Hebrews 10:1-4). • The people’s refusal to listen left only judgment (Jeremiah 6:19), showing that worship without submission invites discipline (Malachi 1:10). summary Jeremiah 6:20 exposes the futility of costly, impressive worship when hearts are unrepentant. God is not swayed by exotic incense or distant spices; He seeks obedient, humble faith. Outward sacrifice without inner submission displeases Him. Genuine worship flows from a life aligned with His Word, looking ultimately to the once-for-all sacrifice of Christ, who alone makes any offering acceptable. |
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