Jeremiah 11:2

Context

Jeremiah 11:2 introduces a crucial message from God to the people of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem through the prophet Jeremiah. This period, roughly the late 7th and early 6th centuries BC, was a time of significant spiritual decline and political instability for the southern kingdom of Judah, leading up to the Babylonian exile. God is reminding His people of a covenant they had made with Him, a covenant that had been largely forgotten or ignored. This prophetic word comes during a time when King Josiah had initiated significant religious reforms, including the rediscovery of the Book of the Law (2 Kings 22:8), which would have brought the Mosaic Covenant back into public consciousness. However, the reforms often lacked true heart change, and the nation continued its slide into idolatry and disobedience.

Key Themes

• Covenant Obligation: The primary theme is God's emphasis on His existing covenant with Israel, likely referring to the Mosaic Covenant established at Mount Sinai (Exodus 19:5). This covenant, built on divine grace, required obedience from the people, promising blessings for faithfulness and curses for disobedience.
• Divine Communication: God actively speaks to His people, not through a distant decree, but through His chosen prophet, Jeremiah. This highlights God's desire for communication and His commitment to warn His people before judgment.
• Call to Hear and Obey: The command "Hear ye the words of this covenant" is not merely an invitation to listen passively, but an imperative to understand, internalize, and act upon God's law. It underscores the importance of adherence to God's revealed will.
• Accountability: The verse places the responsibility on both Jeremiah to "speak" the words and on the people of Judah and Jerusalem to "hear" and respond. This sets the stage for God's indictment of their widespread disobedience.

Linguistic Insights

The key term in this verse is "covenant," from the Hebrew word bĕrît (בְּרִית). This term signifies a solemn, binding agreement or treaty, often initiated by a superior party (God) and involving mutual obligations and consequences. In the biblical context, covenants are foundational to God's relationship with humanity, outlining the terms of His interaction with His people. The phrase "Hear ye" (שִׁמְעוּ, shim'u) implies much more than just auditory perception; it denotes an active listening that leads to understanding and obedience, a recurring theme throughout prophetic literature.

Practical Application

Jeremiah 11:2 serves as a timeless reminder of the enduring importance of God's Word and our responsibility to it. For believers today, this verse underscores the significance of the New Covenant established through Jesus Christ (Jeremiah 31:31). Just as God called ancient Judah to remember and obey His covenant, He calls us to hear and live by the truths of the Gospel. It challenges us to:

• Actively Listen: Are we truly "hearing" God's Word, not just reading or listening passively, but seeking to understand and apply it?
• Embrace Our Covenant Relationship: Do we live in light of our relationship with God through Christ, acknowledging the blessings and responsibilities that come with it?
• Share God's Truth: Like Jeremiah, we are called to speak God's truth to those around us, sharing the good news of the covenant of grace.