Jeremiah 1:16

And I will utter my judgments against them touching all their wickedness, who have forsaken me, and have burned incense unto other gods, and worshipped the works of their own hands.

And I will utter {H1696} my judgments {H4941} against them touching {H5921} all their wickedness {H7451}, who have forsaken {H5800} me, and have burned incense {H6999} unto other {H312} gods {H430}, and worshipped {H7812} the works {H4639} of their own hands {H3027}.

I will pronounce my judgments against them for all their wickedness in abandoning me, offering incense to other gods and worshipping what their own hands made.

I will pronounce My judgments against them for all their wickedness, because they have forsaken Me to burn incense to other gods and to worship the works of their own hands.

And I will utter my judgments against them touching all their wickedness, in that they have forsaken me, and have burned incense unto other gods, and worshipped the works of their own hands.

Context

Jeremiah 1:16 is part of the prophet Jeremiah's initial calling and commission from God. Following God's declaration that He would bring judgment from the North (Jeremiah 1:14-15), this verse specifies the reasons for that impending divine wrath. At this time, the kingdom of Judah was steeped in spiritual corruption, having repeatedly turned away from the covenant God established with Israel. Jeremiah's prophetic ministry, spanning the late 7th and early 6th centuries BC, was largely a call to repentance before the final Babylonian exile, a period marked by significant national decline and moral decay.

Key Themes

  • Divine Judgment and Justice: The verse highlights God's righteous character, emphasizing that His "judgments" are not arbitrary but a just response to persistent sin and rebellion. God's holiness demands accountability for wickedness.
  • Idolatry and Spiritual Adultery: The core transgression is explicitly stated: "forsaken me, and have burned incense unto other gods, and worshipped the works of their own hands." This describes the pervasive idolatry in Judah, a direct violation of the first two commandments given at Sinai. Burning incense was an act of worship, and directing it to false gods was a profound betrayal of their covenant with the Lord.
  • Consequences of Unfaithfulness: God's declaration of judgment underscores the inevitable consequences of abandoning Him. The people's spiritual infidelity led to national devastation, demonstrating that sin has serious repercussions.

Linguistic Insights

  • The phrase "utter my judgments" comes from the Hebrew word mishpatim, which refers to legal decisions, ordinances, or acts of justice. It implies that God's pronouncements are based on His righteous laws and the covenant His people broke.
  • "Forsaken me" (Hebrew: azav) signifies a deliberate act of abandonment or desertion. It's a strong term indicating a profound break in relationship, akin to a spouse abandoning their marriage vows, as God often portrays His relationship with Israel (Jeremiah 2:13).
  • "Worshipped the works of their own hands" vividly describes idols. This phrase emphasizes the absurdity of worshipping man-made objects, which are inherently powerless and lifeless, in contrast to the living and sovereign God (Psalm 115:4-7).

Practical Application

Jeremiah 1:16 serves as a timeless warning against spiritual infidelity and the dangers of idolatry. While modern idolatry may not always involve physical statues, it manifests in anything that takes God's rightful place in our lives—be it materialism, career, relationships, self, or personal desires. God's nature as a righteous judge who holds humanity accountable for their actions remains constant. This verse calls believers to:

  • Examine Our Allegiances: Reflect on what truly holds the highest place in our hearts and lives. Are we giving ultimate devotion to God alone, or are there "other gods" competing for our worship?
  • Understand Consequences: Recognize that turning away from God has spiritual consequences, both individually and collectively. God's desire is for repentance and restoration, but persistent rebellion invites His just judgment.
  • Embrace True Worship: Affirm God as the sole object of our worship and devotion, acknowledging His sovereignty and goodness above all else.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Jeremiah 7:9

    Will ye steal, murder, and commit adultery, and swear falsely, and burn incense unto Baal, and walk after other gods whom ye know not;

  • Jeremiah 19:4

    Because they have forsaken me, and have estranged this place, and have burned incense in it unto other gods, whom neither they nor their fathers have known, nor the kings of Judah, and have filled this place with the blood of innocents;

  • Acts 7:41

    And they made a calf in those days, and offered sacrifice unto the idol, and rejoiced in the works of their own hands.

  • Deuteronomy 28:20

    The LORD shall send upon thee cursing, vexation, and rebuke, in all that thou settest thine hand unto for to do, until thou be destroyed, and until thou perish quickly; because of the wickedness of thy doings, whereby thou hast forsaken me.

  • Isaiah 2:8

    Their land also is full of idols; they worship the work of their own hands, that which their own fingers have made:

  • 2 Kings 22:17

    Because they have forsaken me, and have burned incense unto other gods, that they might provoke me to anger with all the works of their hands; therefore my wrath shall be kindled against this place, and shall not be quenched.

  • Hosea 8:6

    For from Israel [was] it also: the workman made it; therefore it [is] not God: but the calf of Samaria shall be broken in pieces.

Add TrulyRandomVerse to your Home Screen for quick access!

← Back