Jeremiah 26:2

"This is what the LORD says: Stand in the courtyard of the house of the LORD and speak all the words I have commanded you to speak to all the cities of Judah who come to worship there. Do not omit a word.

Study Bible

This is what the LORD says
This phrase introduces a divine oracle, emphasizing the authority and sovereignty of God. In Hebrew, "LORD" is "YHWH," the sacred tetragrammaton, representing God's eternal and unchanging nature. This introduction underscores that the message is not Jeremiah's own but a direct communication from God, demanding attention and reverence.

Stand in the courtyard
The "courtyard" refers to the temple courtyard in Jerusalem, a central place of worship and gathering for the Israelites. This location is significant as it was a public space where people came to seek God, making it an ideal setting for delivering a prophetic message. The Hebrew word for "stand" implies a firm, resolute position, indicating Jeremiah's role as a steadfast messenger of God's word.

of the house of the LORD
The "house of the LORD" is the temple, the spiritual heart of Israel. It symbolizes God's presence among His people and serves as a reminder of the covenant relationship between God and Israel. The temple's significance in Jewish life underscores the gravity of the message Jeremiah is about to deliver.

and speak to all the cities of Judah
This phrase highlights the scope of Jeremiah's mission. "All the cities of Judah" indicates that the message is not just for Jerusalem but for the entire nation. It reflects God's concern for all His people and His desire for them to hear and respond to His word. The Hebrew root for "speak" suggests a proclamation, emphasizing the urgency and importance of the message.

who come to worship there
This phrase identifies the audience as those who are actively seeking God through worship. It implies a level of spiritual openness and responsibility among the hearers. The act of coming to worship signifies a desire for communion with God, making them accountable to heed His message.

all the words I command you to speak to them
Here, the emphasis is on complete obedience to God's instructions. Jeremiah is to deliver "all the words," indicating the fullness and integrity of the divine message. The Hebrew root for "command" conveys a sense of divine authority and obligation, underscoring Jeremiah's role as a faithful prophet who must not alter or omit any part of God's message.

Do not omit a word
This command stresses the importance of delivering God's message in its entirety. The Hebrew word for "omit" suggests leaving something out or holding back. This instruction highlights the seriousness of the prophetic task and the necessity for Jeremiah to convey God's message with precision and faithfulness. It serves as a reminder of the prophet's duty to truthfully represent God's will, regardless of personal cost or public reaction.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jeremiah
A prophet called by God to deliver His messages to the people of Judah. Known for his perseverance in the face of opposition.

2. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who communicates His will through His prophets.

3. The Courtyard of the House of the LORD
The temple in Jerusalem, a central place of worship for the people of Judah.

4. Cities of Judah
Refers to the inhabitants of the southern kingdom of Judah, who were called to worship at the temple.

5. The Command
God's directive to Jeremiah to deliver His message without alteration, emphasizing the importance of faithful communication of God's word.

Teaching Points

Faithfulness in Proclamation
Jeremiah's task underscores the importance of delivering God's message fully and accurately. As believers, we are called to share the gospel and biblical truths without compromise or alteration.

Courage in the Face of Opposition
Jeremiah's ministry was marked by resistance and hostility. We are encouraged to stand firm in our faith and witness, even when faced with opposition or indifference.

The Centrality of Worship
The setting in the temple courtyard highlights the importance of communal worship and the role of the church as a place for hearing God's word. We should prioritize gathering with other believers to worship and learn.

Responsibility to Hear and Respond
The people of Judah were called to listen to God's message. Similarly, we have a responsibility to hear God's word and respond in obedience.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Jeremiah's obedience to God's command in this passage challenge us in our own lives when it comes to sharing our faith?

2. In what ways can we ensure that we are delivering the full message of the gospel, without omission or alteration, in our personal and communal witness?

3. Reflect on a time when you faced opposition for your faith. How can Jeremiah's example encourage you to remain steadfast?

4. How does the setting of the temple courtyard as a place of proclamation relate to the role of the church today in teaching and worship?

5. Considering the connection to Deuteronomy 4:2, how can we guard against the temptation to modify God's word to fit cultural or personal preferences?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 4:2
This verse warns against adding to or taking away from God's commandments, paralleling the instruction to Jeremiah to speak all that God commands without omission.

Ezekiel 2:7
Similar to Jeremiah's commission, Ezekiel is instructed to speak God's words to the people, regardless of their response.

Acts 20:27
Paul speaks of not hesitating to proclaim the whole counsel of God, reflecting the same commitment to delivering God's complete message.