Jeremiah 11:7

For I earnestly protested unto your fathers in the day [that] I brought them up out of the land of Egypt, [even] unto this day, rising early and protesting, saying, Obey my voice.

For I earnestly {H5749} protested {H5749} unto your fathers {H1} in the day {H3117} that I brought them up {H5927} out of the land {H776} of Egypt {H4714}, even unto this day {H3117}, rising early {H7925} and protesting {H5749}, saying {H559}, Obey {H8085} my voice {H6963}.

For I solemnly warned your ancestors at the time when I brought them out of the land of Egypt; and until this day I have frequently warned them, "Listen to my voice!"

For from the time I brought your fathers out of the land of Egypt until today, I strongly warned them again and again, saying, ‘Obey My voice.’

For I earnestly protested unto your fathers in the day that I brought them up out of the land of Egypt, even unto this day, rising early and protesting, saying, Obey my voice.

Context of Jeremiah 11:7

Jeremiah 11 falls within the prophet Jeremiah's ministry to the kingdom of Judah, primarily during the late 7th and early 6th centuries BC. This chapter specifically details the "covenant of curses" and God's judgment upon Judah for breaking the covenant made at Mount Sinai. Verse 7 emphasizes God's long-standing faithfulness and persistent warnings to His people, stretching back to their deliverance from Egyptian bondage. The people, however, had consistently failed to heed His voice, leading to the impending judgment and the eventual Babylonian exile.

Key Themes and Messages

  • God's Enduring Faithfulness: The verse highlights God's unwavering commitment to His covenant with Israel. From the moment He brought them out of Egypt, He consistently warned them and called for obedience. His protests are not against His people, but against their disobedience.
  • Persistent Warnings: The phrase "rising early and protesting" underscores God's diligent and continuous effort to call His people back to Himself through His prophets. This isn't a one-time warning but a persistent, loving appeal over centuries, showing God's patience and desire for their repentance, similar to His warnings mentioned in 2 Chronicles 36:15.
  • The Call to Obedience: The core message from God to His people has always been simple: "Obey my voice." This refers to obedience to the terms of the Mosaic Covenant, which promised blessing for obedience and curses for disobedience (Deuteronomy 28).
  • Israel's Disobedience: Though not explicitly stated in this single verse, the larger context of Jeremiah's prophecy makes it clear that Judah's failure to obey is the central issue, despite God's repeated warnings and His steadfast love.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV word "protested" translates the Hebrew verb 'ud (עוּד), which means to bear witness, warn, or admonish earnestly. It implies a solemn declaration or warning, often with consequences attached. The repetition of "protested" emphasizes the consistent nature of God's warnings. The phrase "rising early" (הַשְׁכֵּם וְהָעֵד / hashkem veha'ed) literally means "to rise early and witness/warn," signifying God's diligence, eagerness, and persistent effort in communicating His will to His people, much like a diligent master or parent attends to important matters first thing in the morning.

Practical Application

Jeremiah 11:7 serves as a powerful reminder of God's character and His ongoing relationship with humanity:

  • God's Patience and Persistence: It reveals God's immense patience and tireless pursuit of His people, desiring their obedience and well-being. He doesn't give up easily, even when faced with rebellion and spiritual apathy.
  • The Importance of Listening: Just as God called Israel to "Obey my voice," He continues to call us today to listen to His word and follow His commands. Ignoring His warnings and promptings carries significant consequences for our spiritual lives and earthly well-being.
  • Covenant Relationship: The verse highlights the reciprocal nature of a covenant relationship – God's faithfulness is met with an expectation of human obedience. This principle applies to the new covenant established through Christ, where faith is demonstrated by a willingness to obey His teachings and commands (John 14:15).

Reflection

This verse from Jeremiah underscores the divine pattern: God speaks, warns, and calls for obedience, demonstrating His steadfast love and desire for a right relationship. It challenges us to consider how diligently we are listening to His voice and responding with obedience in our own lives, recognizing His persistent grace even in the face of our imperfections.

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.

  • 2 Chronicles 36:15

    And the LORD God of their fathers sent to them by his messengers, rising up betimes, and sending; because he had compassion on his people, and on his dwelling place:

  • 1 Samuel 8:9

    Now therefore hearken unto their voice: howbeit yet protest solemnly unto them, and shew them the manner of the king that shall reign over them.

  • Exodus 15:26

    And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I [am] the LORD that healeth thee.

  • Ephesians 4:17

    ¶ This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,

  • Exodus 23:21

    Beware of him, and obey his voice, provoke him not; for he will not pardon your transgressions: for my name [is] in him.

  • Exodus 23:22

    But if thou shalt indeed obey his voice, and do all that I speak; then I will be an enemy unto thine enemies, and an adversary unto thine adversaries.

  • Jeremiah 35:15

    I have sent also unto you all my servants the prophets, rising up early and sending [them], saying, Return ye now every man from his evil way, and amend your doings, and go not after other gods to serve them, and ye shall dwell in the land which I have given to you and to your fathers: but ye have not inclined your ear, nor hearkened unto me.

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