Jeremiah 11:23

Jeremiah 11:23 is a stern prophetic declaration from God concerning the inhabitants of Anathoth, Jeremiah's hometown, who had plotted against the prophet's life.

Context

This verse concludes a passage (Jeremiah 11:18-23) where God reveals to Jeremiah a conspiracy by the men of Anathoth to kill him because of his unwavering proclamation of God's judgment against their idolatry and disobedience. Jeremiah had been delivering God's message about the broken covenant, warning Judah of impending doom if they did not repent. His own townsmen, rather than heeding the divine warning, sought to silence the messenger. This specific pronouncement of judgment against Anathoth highlights the severity of rejecting God's word, especially when delivered through His chosen prophet. The broader context of Jeremiah chapter 11 details the Lord's covenant with Israel and Judah, their failure to uphold it, and the subsequent judgment, of which Anathoth's fate is a vivid example.

Key Themes

• Divine Judgment and Retribution: The verse powerfully conveys God's absolute justice. He promises to bring "evil" (calamity) upon those who oppose His will and harm His servants. The phrase "no remnant of them" signifies a complete and devastating judgment, leaving no survivors from that specific group.
• Consequences of Rejecting God's Word: The inhabitants of Anathoth, in their hostility towards Jeremiah, effectively rejected God's direct message. This verse underscores the grave danger of refusing to listen to divine warnings and actively opposing those who deliver them.
• The "Year of Visitation": This phrase points to a specific, appointed time when God intervenes to execute judgment. It emphasizes God's precision and timeliness in bringing about His purposes. This concept of God's "visitation" for judgment is a recurring theme in prophetic literature.
• God's Protection of His Prophets: While Jeremiah faced immense personal danger, God Himself intervenes to protect His prophet and to avenge the opposition against him, demonstrating His commitment to His chosen messengers.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV word "evil" in "I will bring evil upon the men of Anathoth" translates the Hebrew word ra'ah (רָעָה). While ra'ah can mean moral evil, in this context, it refers to calamity, disaster, or misfortune brought about by God's judgment. It's not that God commits moral evil, but that He brings about severe consequences as a just punishment.

The phrase "the year of their visitation" uses the Hebrew word p'kuddah (פְּקֻדָּה), which signifies a time of reckoning, inspection, or divine intervention. Depending on the context, p'kuddah can denote either a time of blessing (e.g., God "visiting" with favor) or, as here, a time of severe judgment and punishment. In this instance, it's unequivocally a time of divine retribution.

Practical Application

Jeremiah 11:23 serves as a sobering reminder of God's unwavering justice and the serious consequences of rejecting His truth. For believers today, it highlights:

• The importance of listening to and obeying God's Word, even when it is challenging or counter-cultural.
• The solemn reality that God holds individuals and communities accountable for their actions and their response to His call.
• A reassurance that God defends His own and will ultimately deal with those who oppose His purposes or harm His messengers. This can be a source of comfort for those who face opposition for their faith, knowing that ultimate justice belongs to the Lord, as echoed in Romans 12:19.

The "year of their visitation" reminds us that there is an appointed time for every purpose under heaven, including judgment. It compels us to live in a manner that honors God, seeking His mercy and grace rather than incurring His righteous wrath.