Jeremiah 11:1

This is the word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD:

Study Bible

The word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD, saying
The word
In the Hebrew text, the term used here is "דָּבָר" (dabar), which signifies not just a spoken word but a message or a matter of importance. This highlights the gravity and divine authority of the communication. In the biblical context, "dabar" often refers to God's revelation to His prophets, underscoring the sacredness and truth of the message. It is a reminder that God's word is living and active, meant to guide, correct, and inspire His people.

that came
The phrase indicates the divine origin of the message. The Hebrew verb "הָיָה" (hayah) is used, which means "to come to pass" or "to happen." This suggests that the word of God is not static but dynamic, entering into human history and experience. It emphasizes the active role of God in communicating with His people, ensuring that His will is known and understood.

to Jeremiah
Jeremiah, whose name in Hebrew is "יִרְמְיָהוּ" (Yirmeyahu), meaning "Yahweh will exalt" or "Yahweh throws," was a prophet chosen by God to deliver His messages to the people of Judah. His life and ministry were marked by challenges and opposition, yet he remained faithful to his calling. This highlights the personal nature of God's communication, as He chooses specific individuals to carry out His divine purposes.

from the LORD
The term "LORD" is translated from the Hebrew "יְהוָה" (YHWH), the sacred and covenantal name of God. This name signifies God's eternal, self-existent nature and His faithfulness to His promises. It is a reminder of the personal relationship God desires with His people and His commitment to them. The use of this name underscores the authority and reliability of the message being delivered.

saying
The Hebrew word "לֵאמֹר" (le'mor) is used here, which means "to say" or "to declare." This introduces the content of the divine message and indicates that what follows is a direct communication from God. It serves as a transition from the introduction of the message to its actual content, emphasizing the importance of listening and responding to God's word. This phrase invites the reader to pay close attention to the divine instructions and to be open to the transformative power of God's voice.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jeremiah
A major prophet in the Old Testament, called by God to deliver His messages to the people of Judah. Jeremiah is known for his prophecies of judgment and his lamentations over the spiritual state of the nation.

2. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant-keeping God of Israel, who communicates His will and purposes through His prophets. In this context, He is the one delivering a message to Jeremiah.

3. Judah
The southern kingdom of Israel, which is the primary audience of Jeremiah's prophecies. During Jeremiah's time, Judah was facing impending judgment due to its disobedience and idolatry.

4. The Word of the LORD
Refers to the divine message or revelation given to Jeremiah. This phrase emphasizes the authority and origin of the message as coming directly from God.

5. Covenant
Although not explicitly mentioned in this verse, the context of Jeremiah 11 involves the covenant between God and Israel, which is central to the message Jeremiah is to deliver.

Teaching Points

The Authority of God's Word
God's word comes with authority and demands our attention and obedience. Just as Jeremiah received the word from the LORD, we are called to listen and respond to God's revelation in Scripture.

The Role of the Prophet
Prophets like Jeremiah were chosen to deliver God's messages, often in challenging circumstances. We can learn from Jeremiah's faithfulness and courage in proclaiming God's truth, even when it was unpopular.

Covenant Faithfulness
The concept of covenant is central to our relationship with God. Just as God called Israel to be faithful to His covenant, we are called to live in obedience to His commands and uphold our commitment to Him.

The Consequences of Disobedience
Jeremiah's message serves as a warning of the consequences of turning away from God. It reminds us of the importance of repentance and aligning our lives with God's will to avoid spiritual and moral decline.

God's Persistent Call
Despite Israel's repeated failures, God continued to reach out through His prophets. This demonstrates His patience and desire for His people to return to Him, encouraging us to respond to His call with humility and repentance.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does understanding the role of a prophet like Jeremiah help us appreciate the messages in the Old Testament?

2. In what ways can we ensure that we are listening to and obeying the "word of the LORD" in our daily lives?

3. How does the concept of covenant in the Old Testament relate to our relationship with God through Jesus Christ?

4. What are some modern-day "idols" or distractions that might lead us away from covenant faithfulness, and how can we guard against them?

5. How can we apply the lessons from Jeremiah's life and ministry to our own efforts to share God's truth with others?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 28-30
These chapters outline the blessings and curses associated with the covenant, which are relevant to understanding the context of Jeremiah's message about covenant faithfulness and the consequences of disobedience.

Exodus 19-24
The giving of the Law and the establishment of the covenant at Sinai provide the foundational background for the covenantal themes in Jeremiah.

Jeremiah 7
This chapter contains a similar message of warning and judgment, emphasizing the need for genuine repentance and obedience to God's covenant.