Jeremiah 11:15

Context of Jeremiah 11:15

Jeremiah 11:15 falls within a section where the prophet Jeremiah is delivering God's message concerning the broken covenant. God reminds the people of Judah of the solemn covenant made at Mount Sinai, which promised blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience. Despite God's faithfulness and warnings, Judah had repeatedly turned away from Him, engaging in widespread idolatry and wickedness. This verse expresses God's profound sorrow and indignation over Judah's betrayal, questioning their right to participate in His worship while living in open rebellion.

Meaning and Key Themes

• God's Heartbreak and Betrayal: The phrase "What hath my beloved to do in mine house?" reveals God's deep pain. He refers to Judah as "my beloved," highlighting the intimate, covenantal relationship He desired. Yet, this beloved has "wrought lewdness with many," a powerful metaphor for spiritual adultery and idolatry, turning to false gods and foreign alliances.
• Defiled Worship and Lost Sanctity: "And the holy flesh is passed from thee?" refers to the sacrifices and sacred offerings made in the Temple. God questions the validity and acceptance of their worship when their lives are steeped in sin. Their defiled actions have rendered their offerings meaningless, and their status as a holy nation, set apart by God, is compromised.
• Rejoicing in Evil: The chilling conclusion, "when thou doest evil, then thou rejoicest," highlights the extreme spiritual depravity of Judah. It's not just that they commit evil, but they take pleasure in it, indicating a hardened heart and a complete lack of remorse or desire for repentance. This joy in wrongdoing is a stark contrast to God's righteous character and His desire for His people to delight in His ways.

Linguistic Insights

The term "lewdness" translates from the Hebrew word mezimmah (מְזִמָּה), which often denotes wicked schemes, devices, or deliberate plotting, suggesting a calculated and intentional rebellion against God. The "holy flesh" (bəśar-qōḏeš, בְּשַׂר־קֹדֶשׁ) refers to the consecrated parts of the animal sacrifices, emphasizing the sacredness that was now profaned by their unholy lives. Its "passing" indicates a removal of divine acceptance and favor.

Practical Application

Jeremiah 11:15 serves as a timeless warning about the dangers of hypocrisy and spiritual compromise. It reminds us that:

• Authenticity in Worship Matters: God desires a genuine relationship and a transformed heart, not just outward religious rituals. Our actions outside of worship impact the integrity of our worship.
• Sin Hardens the Heart: Persistent sin can lead to a state where one takes pleasure in disobedience, losing the ability to discern right from wrong or feel remorse. This spiritual apathy is dangerous.
• God's Patience Has Limits: While God is merciful, His justice demands accountability for persistent rebellion. We are called to repentance and faithfulness, not to presume upon His grace while living in sin.
• The Consequences of Unfaithfulness: This verse underscores that breaking covenant with God has serious consequences, leading to a loss of blessings and a separation from His presence.

This passage calls believers to examine their own hearts, ensuring that their walk aligns with their worship, and to avoid the spiritual adultery of prioritizing worldly desires over devotion to God. The call to rejoice in doing evil is a profound mark of spiritual decay that we must actively guard against.