What is the meaning of Jeremiah 7:1? This is the word • What Jeremiah is about to record is not opinion or tradition—it is “the word,” a divinely revealed message (Hebrews 4:12; John 17:17). • Scripture presents itself as complete truth; therefore, every detail that follows deserves careful attention (Psalm 119:160; 2 Timothy 3:16). that came • The phrase underscores God’s initiative. The word “came” pictures living truth moving toward its target; Jeremiah did not invent, request, or manipulate it (Jeremiah 1:4; Amos 3:7). • Revelation in Scripture is consistently presented as God condescending to speak so people can understand and obey (Deuteronomy 29:29; John 1:14). to Jeremiah • God chooses specific servants for specific times. Jeremiah’s call was established before his birth (Jeremiah 1:5). • Receiving the word requires readiness to hear; Jeremiah’s heart was tuned to God, seen later when he “found Your words and ate them” (Jeremiah 15:16). • Personal reception precedes public proclamation—an enduring principle for all who handle God’s word (1 Timothy 4:16). from the LORD • “LORD” (YHWH) is the covenant name revealed at the burning bush (Exodus 3:14–15), reminding readers that the Speaker is the eternal, self-existent, faithful God. • The authority behind this oracle rests not in the prophet’s eloquence but in the character of God Himself (Jeremiah 1:2; Isaiah 55:11). • Because it is “from the LORD,” the message is binding; to ignore it is to disregard the very God of the covenant (Deuteronomy 18:19). saying • God communicates in words, not vague impressions, ensuring clarity for obedience (Jeremiah 1:7; Ezekiel 2:7). • The verb anticipates specific content to follow—chapters 7–10 will unfold a call to repentance and a warning of judgment, all rooted in this opening affirmation of divine speech. • By recording the word “saying,” Scripture invites us to listen with the same seriousness as Jeremiah’s original audience (James 1:22–25). summary Jeremiah 7:1 opens a pivotal prophetic address by stressing five realities: the message is God’s own word, divinely initiated, entrusted to a chosen prophet, backed by the covenant-keeping LORD, and delivered in clear speech. The verse calls every reader to approach the ensuing passage with humility, confidence in Scripture’s authority, and a readiness to respond in faith and obedience. |
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